Qiao Wanyue’s single sentence dispelled her hesitation.
“Auntie, Brother Yunzhou’s missions are unpredictable. If what Qiao Shanshan said really comes true, and we didn’t send anything just to save money, will you regret it later?”
Mother Lu immediately slapped fifteen yuan onto the counter. “Send a telegram—make it the fastest.”
In fact, the fastest method was a phone call.
Mother Lu had already thought of that.
She had called the military district the previous night. The one who answered was a newly assigned young soldier who knew nothing and didn’t recognize Lu Yunzhou. He said he would ask around first. Since it was late, Mother Lu went home.
Seeing the telephone at the post office now, her brows twitched.
“Wanyue, let’s try calling first.”
Qiao Wanyue didn’t stop her. Being able to clarify things in advance over the phone was naturally the best option.
Mother Lu walked over and explained the situation to the post office staff. Calls were charged by the minute, and she knew the rules. She dialed the number. After a few rings, a clear male voice answered.
“Southern Military District. May I ask who is calling?”
“Hello, comrade. I’m Lu Yunzhou’s mother. We’re holding a wedding banquet back home. He said he would return three days early half a month ago. The wedding is tomorrow—what’s going on? Why hasn’t he arrived yet?”
“Auntie, it’s you. I already inquired about Battalion Commander Lu yesterday. He did return home, but… something came up in the regiment. He was urgently called back and won’t be able to return for some time.”
Mother Lu’s heart sank.
That shameless Qiao Shanshan had been right.
Could her son really… have died?
But she couldn’t bring herself to say he shouldn’t carry out his mission. A man must serve the country before his family.
It was his responsibility.
“Comrade, can I speak to Lu Yunzhou?”
“Auntie, sorry. Battalion Commander Lu is unavailable.”
That meant no.
Mother Lu’s heart grew heavy. She beckoned Qiao Wanyue over. “Wanyue, say a few words.”
Qiao Wanyue took the phone. “Comrade, I’m Qiao Wanyue. Could you pass along a message for me?”
The young soldier glanced at the man in front of him. “Yes.”
“Please tell Lu Yunzhou: Brother Yunzhou, my name is Qiao Wanyue. I should have been your sister-in-law, but my younger sister married my fiancé and sent you my household registration.
If you are unwilling, we can divorce when you return.
If you agree, I will wait for you.
Also, take care of your health. Auntie Lu and I have sent you some medicine and food. Please stay safe, take care, and come back safely. We will all be waiting for you.”
After speaking, she handed the phone back to Mother Lu.
“Sister-in-law, you’ve sent things to Battalion Commander Lu, right?”
The young soldier’s form of address made Qiao Wanyue pause.
“Yes.”
The young soldier looked at the note in his hand, bit his lip, and said, “We happen to have a courier heading back today. If you’re ready, I can contact him. He’ll drive back to the military district overnight. Maybe Battalion Commander Lu can receive it…”
Qiao Wanyue was overjoyed.
Perfect timing.
Mother Lu had heard it too and tugged at Qiao Wanyue’s sleeve. Qiao Wanyue quickly agreed. Since someone would be delivering the items, it couldn’t just be simple apples—she planned to take more from her storage.
They agreed to call again in two hours.
Qiao Wanyue and Mother Lu went to the largest department store in the city.
To stock up.
After hanging up, the young soldier looked at the men in front of him, swallowing nervously. “Battalion Commander Lu… didn’t you already leave?”
The man’s face was cold. “I depart the day after tomorrow. If my mother or Qiao… my wife calls again, tell them I’m fine.”
The young soldier’s gaze fell on his bloodstained arm.
They were all like this—only reporting good news, never bad.
“Yes!” The young soldier saluted.
“Old Lu, what’s going on? Wasn’t the one marrying you Qiao Shanshan? Why has it become Qiao Wanyue?” the instructor beside him asked, confused. When the Lu family sent the letter, they said the woman’s name was Qiao Shanshan, a high school graduate. Many people in the military district had introduced matches to him, but no one expected him to suddenly file for marriage and take leave.
Only later did the household registration name change from Qiao Shanshan to Qiao Wanyue. He had doubts but didn’t pry.
Now it was obvious—Old Lu had been set up.
He couldn’t just sit by.
This was an insult to their military district.
Wait… what was the girl’s name just now?
Wei Jun suddenly felt it sounded familiar.
Although Lu Yunzhou didn’t know the full story, he could roughly guess. She must have assumed he was in danger and didn’t want to take the risk.
But recalling her voice just now, a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips.
“Have we registered the marriage?”
“Not yet. The military affairs office said the name on your application doesn’t match the household registration. To be cautious, they didn’t process it.”
Lu Yunzhou said, “It’s fine. Leave it for now. If I make it back alive, we’ll handle it then.” He took out a stack of money and handed it over. “Old Wei, send this to my wife. If I die… help her find a good man.”
The last sentence was spoken through gritted teeth.
Instructor Wei frowned. “What nonsense.”
Lu Yunzhou sighed. “Don’t worry. I’ll come back alive. My wife is waiting for me.”
“Oh, and bring all the things my wife sent with me.”
After taking a few steps, he paused.
Wei Jun twitched his lips.
Calling her “my wife” again and again—anyone would think they were childhood sweethearts.
They hadn’t even met.
Unrequited love.
Wei Jun laughed. “Make sure the delivery gets back quickly. Your Battalion Commander Lu is getting anxious.”
The young soldier didn’t understand their exchange.
But he understood one thing—marriage.
To him, getting married and defending the country were both important matters. Marriage was a good thing. Even if Battalion Commander Lu couldn’t meet his bride now, he had to make sure the items were delivered quickly.
Qiao Wanyue and Mother Lu swept through the department store.
Mother Lu and the eldest son of the Lu family each carried two boxes. Qiao Wanyue used the opportunity to say she needed to buy something else and split off. At the agreed time, she returned carrying two cloth bags.
Seeing what she brought, Mother Lu quickly tied the bags shut.
“Wanyue, these…” The bags were filled with premium fruits and some things she had never even seen before—clearly bought from the black market. Who knew how much it cost?
It was too much for that brat to eat.
Qiao Wanyue smiled. “Auntie, it wasn’t difficult. I also prepared a share for you.”
Looking at the fresh, glistening fruits, Mother Lu swallowed. These days, people struggled just to eat their fill, let alone buy fruits like these. Even the air carried a faint fragrance.
Mother Lu wasn’t foolish. She said to the young soldier, “Comrade, these were brought back by my daughter-in-law’s relatives from another province. She hasn’t even eaten them herself and saved them all for Yunzhou. You must deliver everything and pass along the message.”