“That was just good luck,” Father Song said with a hearty laugh, taking the remark as praise.
“It’s just that she looks a bit young. Otherwise, we could even arrange a marriage between our children,” the tall middle-aged man sitting beside him, Regiment Commander Yun, who was Yun Yi’s father, said deliberately, unable to stand Father Song’s shamelessness. But after thinking about it, he decided that a younger age was fine too—his son could just wait.
“Ugly face, but you sure think beautifully. My daughter is still young; I still want to keep her with me for a few more years,” Father Song said. He had just gained such a well-behaved daughter like Yan Jin’er, perfectly to his liking, and he was not willing to hand her over to some other brat so soon.
Regiment Commander Yun saw Father Song’s irritated expression and immediately felt amused. He thought to himself that it would be best if his own brat managed to win the girl over and make her his daughter-in-law. He had just noticed that his son had been secretly trying to talk to the girl earlier.
At that moment, the host finished the opening speech, and it was the Military Region commander’s turn to speak on stage. It was quite brief—just a few encouraging and uplifting words—and then it ended.
Another round of thunderous applause followed.
Next came the Military Region Cultural Troupe’s performance by female soldiers. They performed patriotic songs, dances, and poetry recitations. However, their level was far more impressive than the factory’s joint gala earlier, after all, the Cultural Troupe was professional.
Then came the military wives’ performance, a stage play depicting soldiers fighting bravely at the front while their wives supported them from behind.
“I’m going on stage now. Watch carefully,” Yun Yi suddenly stood up and said to Yan Jin’er. In truth, he wanted to say, “Remember to watch me properly,” but he could not.
“Okay, I’ll watch the performance properly. Good luck,” Yan Jin’er said with a smile, making an encouraging gesture.
Yun Yi nodded, his eyes curved slightly in a smile, and walked quickly toward the backstage.
“After enjoying the wonderful performance from our military wives, next we invite our respected soldiers to perform. Please welcome them with the warmest applause.”
Clap clap clap.
A neatly arranged squad marched onto the stage. Yun Yi stood at the front as squad leader, shouting commands in a unified voice as they performed military boxing. Their movements were perfectly synchronized, each gesture carrying dignity and sternness. Their faces were resolute, their strikes powerful and precise, each punch carrying unstoppable force.
When the performance ended, the team assembled and saluted. The entire venue immediately reached a climax, with continuous cheers erupting everywhere.
“These young soldiers performed really well. Truly outstanding,” a leader in front said proudly.
Yan Jin’er also felt that this was the most exciting performance she had ever seen. The tall, powerful figures in military uniforms performing military boxing, their determination shining on their faces, were the most dazzling sight.
As the gala reached its closing, the audience gradually left, walking out together while still reminiscing about the wonderful performances of the night.
Yan Jin’er stood where she was, waiting for Father Song to finish saying goodbye to the military leaders one by one.
“Comrade Yan, did you see my performance just now? What did you think?” Yun Yi quickly walked up to Yan Jin’er and asked somewhat nervously. Although he was confident in his military boxing, he still felt uncertain when facing someone he had a favorable impression of.
“You performed especially well,” Yan Jin’er replied truthfully. As squad leader, Yun Yi had stood at the very front, making him the most visible. The young man was imposing and upright, tall and straight, wearing a well-fitted military uniform—everything about him was eye-catching.
“Jinbao, hurry up, we’re leaving,” Father Song turned around and immediately became anxious upon seeing the smiling young man standing in front of his daughter. His daughter absolutely could not be taken away so early!
Father Song walked behind Yan Jin’er, urging her forward with an urgency that made it clear he would drag her away if she did not move.
Yun Yi could only watch helplessly as Yan Jin’er walked away.
“Company Commander Yun, what are you looking at?” A girl in a Cultural Troupe military uniform standing in front of him, Liu Yingying, asked curiously as she noticed Yun Yi staring motionlessly toward the exit.