Days passed with the regularity of the tides by the sea—calm and steady. Chen Shuang and Zhou Ma quickly adapted to life in the military family compound.
At the first hint of dawn, Zhou Ma would get up to fetch water and cook. Chen Shuang took advantage of the cool morning air to tend to the vegetable patch in the yard. The vegetable seeds given by Sister Wang had already sprouted tender green shoots. Chen Shuang also secretly took a few hardy water spinach and sweet potato vines from her space, planting them in a corner and watering them with a mix of well water and a bit of space spring water, watching them unfurl their leaves energetically.
He Yanzhi had indeed delivered on his promise. Within a couple of days, the logistics carpenter brought a sturdy, spacious two-tiered chicken coop, treated with tung oil to prevent pests. A few days later, Xiao Zhang brought back six half-grown Lu Hua chicks from a nearby village—fluffy, chirping adorably. Zhou Ma treasured them and cared for them meticulously.
Chen Shuang wasn’t idle either. Beyond tending the vegetable patch, she meticulously organized the house inside and out. She made a few cushions from fabric scraps, lined the walls with old newspapers, giving a neat impression. She also wove several small baskets and crates from thin bamboo strips, even making a tiny flower basket for Niuniu, who delightedly came over every day.
Interactions with neighbors gradually warmed. Sister Wang was warm-hearted and often dropped by, teaching Chen Shuang to identify wild vegetables and sea snails, sharing little tricks for “getting by.” Through her, Chen Shuang slowly met other military wives in the compound. At first, they were naturally curious about the new “Commander’s Wife,” who had a special background, but seeing her composed manners, efficient work, and unpretentious attitude, they gradually accepted her.
He Yanzhi didn’t come home often—sometimes returning every other day for dinner, sometimes absent for two or three days. But each time he returned, the house always showed subtle changes. He still spoke little but would carefully check the vegetable growth, ask Zhou Ma about the chickens, and occasionally glance at Chen Shuang’s newly woven bamboo baskets or the neatly lined newspapers on the wall, with a faint approving light in his eyes.
Dinner time was his rare moment of relaxation. Chen Shuang and Zhou Ma always tried to make the meals tasty. He Yanzhi never fussed over food, but Chen Shuang could tell his preferences from small signs: finishing slightly more rice than usual, taking extra helpings of a dish. He would also casually mention matters from the camp, which Chen Shuang and Zhou Ma listened to attentively.
That afternoon, Chen Shuang was watering the vegetable patch when Sister Wang came over with Niuniu, carrying some old cloth pieces to have Chen Shuang sew a small jacket for Niuniu. While taking measurements, Sister Wang lowered her voice: “In a couple of days, the camp will organize a study session for families. Be prepared—some people might say a few idle words.”
Chen Shuang’s expression remained calm. “Thank you for the reminder, Sister Wang. I understand.”
Just then, the sound of a jeep came from outside. Xiao Zhang entered with a large, bulging package. “Sister-in-law, the Commander’s family sent something!”
The package was spread out on the main room table—an array of treasures. Rare milk powder and malted milk were cushioned with soft cloth, oil-paper-wrapped cured meats smelled rich and savory. Clothing came in two bundles: He Yanzhi’s military uniform, wool Zhongshan suit, and leather shoes; Chen Shuang’s included plain cotton clothes, two fashionable skirts—a mint-green floral one and a corduroy one—and a light camel-colored double-breasted wool coat, stylish and elegant. There was also a small tin with two tubes of lipstick and a box of snowflake cream. A few pairs of shoes and a thick stack of fabric were neatly arranged nearby.
At the bottom was a kraft paper envelope. Chen Shuang opened it to find two brand-new bankbooks: one with 10,000 yuan labeled “Bride Price and Setting Up Home,” another with 3,000 yuan labeled “Grandparents’ Contribution.” There was also a thick family letter.
Sister Wang couldn’t help exclaiming, “Shuang, this thoughtfulness… it’s overwhelming!”
The letter was written jointly by He Yanzhi’s parents. His father’s handwriting was strong, asking about their well-being and reminding his son to fulfill his duties; his mother’s delicate script explained the use and care of the clothes, with every line brimming with concern and blessings.
In the evening, He Yanzhi returned home, pausing silently before the table full of packages. He first unfolded the family letter and read it by lamplight; his normally stern features softened in the warm glow. His gaze scanned the clothes, lingering briefly on Chen Shuang’s new outfits and the cosmetics, before gently sliding the bankbooks toward her. “From home. Keep them.”
That night, the table featured a plate of stir-fried garlic sprouts with cured meat—salty, fragrant meat and bright green sprouts. He Yanzhi ate with unusual focus, finishing one bowl and adding another full one. The warm light, the quiet clatter of dishes, and the subtle sound of the sea breeze through the yard filled the room with peace.
Days continued in their small routines. The vegetables in the patch changed daily; the Lu Hua chickens began laying eggs, bringing Zhou Ma great joy.
That evening, He Yanzhi returned home earlier than usual. At the table, Zhou Ma habitually called out, “Commander He!” He Yanzhi took the bowl and looked at her warmly. “Zhou Ma, at home, just call me Yanzhi.”
Zhou Ma paused, glancing at Chen Shuang. Chen Shuang nodded slightly. “Zhou Ma, listen to Yanzhi. Be more relaxed at home.”
Blushing and a little embarrassed, Zhou Ma replied, “Ah, okay… Yanzhi… Yanzhi.”
After dinner, He Yanzhi said to Chen Shuang, “Tomorrow the regiment rests. I’ll stay home. Conveniently, there’s a group activity for families in the afternoon, so you can meet others.”
The next afternoon, in the compound’s public activity room, He Yanzhi accompanied Chen Shuang. He wore civilian clothes, but his presence immediately quieted the room, with many eyes curiously observing Chen Shuang.
The study session mainly involved reading newspaper editorials. After reading, there was free discussion. Sister Wang pulled Chen Shuang aside to introduce her to the surrounding military wives. Chen Shuang greeted each politely, her demeanor composed. Most wives responded courteously, though one or two were slightly cold.
At that moment, a young woman in a brand-new floral shirt and sleek braid carried a teacup over, smiling brightly at He Yanzhi. “Commander He, what brings you here today? This must be the new sister-in-law? She’s really pretty!” She was Zhang Caifeng, the deputy battalion commander’s sister and a camp broadcaster.
“Heh,” He Yanzhi replied lightly, not looking at her, instead turning to Chen Shuang. “Thirsty? I’ll get water.”
“No need, I’ll get it myself.” Chen Shuang stood to pour water.
Zhang Caifeng’s smile stiffened for a moment but quickly returned. She tried to act friendly. “You’re new here, probably not used to things yet? Commander He is busy; if you need anything, just tell me!”
“Thank you, Comrade Zhang. Everything’s fine,” Chen Shuang said gently but distantly.
“Oh, just call me Caifeng!” Zhang Caifeng smiled, glancing at He Yanzhi. “Commander He has high standards. He never liked any of the girls introduced before. Didn’t expect he’d finally marry someone… from the city. Truly different.”
A few nearby military wives looked over.
Chen Shuang carried her cup calmly, giving a faint smile. “It was just fate. Yanzhi… he’s picky.” She naturally used the home name.
Zhang Caifeng’s expression shifted slightly. Sister Wang tactfully intervened, telling her to go prepare the broadcast script. Zhang Caifeng forced a smile and left.
On the way home after the activity, He Yanzhi remained silent for a moment. “Don’t pay attention to what Zhang Caifeng said.”
“I know,” Chen Shuang replied calmly. “She can’t affect anything.”
He Yanzhi glanced at her. The setting sun cast a soft glow on her serene profile. “In future activities like this, if you don’t want to go, you don’t have to.”
“I’ll go when I should,” Chen Shuang said. “Always avoiding things gives people something to talk about.”
That night, He Yanzhi stayed home. Zhou Ma had heated water early and tidied the master bedroom again.
The same hard bed remained, now with soft sheets and bedding. After washing up, they lay down, leaving a small distance between them. They could feel each other’s warmth and breath, but did not touch.
The darkness was quiet, only the distant sound of the sea outside.
“Today… went well,” He Yanzhi suddenly said softly.
Chen Shuang understood he meant the afternoon’s events. “It should,” she replied gently.
Silence followed.
“At home,” He Yanzhi’s voice was unusually clear and deep in the dark, “I’ll leave things to you from now on.”
“Mm,” Chen Shuang replied. It was a solemn entrustment.
“Sleep.”
“Okay.”
That night, they shared the bed without intimacy, yet with a strange sense of security. Two strangers, brought together by a marriage contract and reality, were gradually discovering a steady way forward in these quiet routines and occasional little waves.
Chen Shuang fell asleep to the rhythmic sound of his breathing. She knew this was only the beginning. Life in the compound would not always be calm, but as long as she and He Yanzhi maintained their clear understanding and tacit agreement, outside storms could not shake this newly built little nest. The silent, decisive man seemed even more trustworthy than she had expected.