The climate in Rongcheng was damp and cold.
The moment she stepped outside, waves of chill immediately seeped into her body.
Lin Ting shivered from the cold and quickly buried her face in her scarf, leaving only her eyes exposed.
Seeing her like this, Zhao Fengying chuckled and said, “It is a bit colder today, but it’s only minus 2 degrees—much warmer than your Laojia. What would you do if you went back there?”
Lin Ting kept her head buried and replied in a muffled voice, “Laojia has a Kang. In winter, we basically Mao Dong.”
Of course, there were times when work needed to be done, like digging embankments and such.
But the original owner had always been studying, and after dropping out of school, she only went to the fields a few times before her family, out of pity, kept her indoors.
They called it managing household chores, but in reality, she never lifted a finger and certainly never went out to work in the winter.
Seeing her pale complexion, Zhao Fengying couldn’t help but nag, “Logically, young people have strong vitality. What’s wrong with you? You’re too sensitive to the cold. You should move around more, and if that doesn’t work, see a doctor to get yourself in better shape.”
There was probably nothing wrong with her health—it was likely just a lack of exercise. Still, Lin Ting appreciated the concern and smiled, “Yes, I know.”
Regiment Leader Deng’s house was at the northernmost end of the row houses.
Whether it was because they had left early or because of the cold weather, they didn’t encounter anyone on the way.
The two chatted as they walked, and by the time they reached Regiment Leader Deng’s house, his wife, Lü Jingjing, was already waiting for them.
She was wearing a thick, loose-fitting cotton jacket, its dull color unable to hide her natural beauty. She seemed to have a noticeable age gap with Regiment Leader Deng.
As if sensing Lin Ting’s surprise, Zhao Fengying linked arms with her and familiarly led her to sit at the table before laughing and saying, “Lao Deng and Jingjing are only five years apart. Doesn’t it seem that way? They grew up together as childhood sweethearts. One looks young, the other looks old—people who don’t know them think they’re more than ten years apart.”
Lü Jingjing was clearly used to this, though her surprise was more about Lin Ting’s stunning appearance—she hadn’t expected Huo Futuan’s wife to be so beautiful.
She pushed the pre-prepared melon seeds and peanuts toward the two, then picked up the thermos to pour them two bowls of sugar water before sitting down and saying with a smile, “I’m already thirty-two, but my Lao Deng does look old. He never pays attention to his appearance—asking him to use Xuehua Gao is like asking for his life…”
Zhao Fengying chimed in with feeling, “Men are all like that.”
Lin Ting was naturally beautiful and had been famous since childhood as a stunning beauty, so she naturally had many suitors.
But her family kept a close watch on her before she reached adulthood. During her university years, she did try dating a boyfriend—the heartthrob from a neighboring university.
However, on the second day after they officially started dating, during their first meal out, he indirectly suggested going to a hotel room, which infuriated her so much that she broke up with him on the spot.
Lin Ting didn’t know how others handled such things. At that time, she was only 20 years old and felt it was too fast, especially since it was her first love.
It was completely different from the cherished, joyful, pink-bubble-filled romance she had imagined.
So, to be honest, as someone who had been single her whole life, she really didn’t know how to respond to such a topic.
Fortunately, the two soon changed the subject.
After a few more pleasantries and finishing their sugar water, Lü Jingjing brought out two packages.
At the same time, she handed over a thick envelope: “This is what my Lao Deng asked me to give you. It’s a token of appreciation from the soldiers.”
Lin Ting held the envelope, feeling bewildered. Could it be what she thought it was?
Seeing her dazed expression, Zhao Fengying wiped the ease from her face and patted her hand. “Don’t feel burdened—this isn’t an isolated case. In the past… Huo Xiao would also donate money and ration coupons to the families of fallen comrades.”
This was hardly a suitable topic, and Zhao Fengying had no intention of reopening the young woman’s old wounds, so she only spoke vaguely.
But it was enough for Lin Ting to understand what was inside the envelope.
How could she possibly accept it?
Her coming here had been selfish to begin with. Though she had been left with no choice, she still couldn’t justify it with a clear conscience.
Moreover, from her memories, the Troop had already provided a pension, and her mother-in-law, Hu Xiu, was a woman of principle.
If she really accepted the money, all the progress she had made in Xiangyang Brigade would surely crumble once she returned.
With this in mind, Lin Ting stood up and pushed the envelope back to Sister-in-law Lü. Under the other’s puzzled gaze, she refused, “Sister-in-law, I can’t take this money.”
Zhao Fengying was the first to frown. “This is a token of the brothers’ goodwill, and it’s customary. How can you refuse?”
Lin Ting believed her, but she still couldn’t accept it. “Sister-in-law, it’s not that I’m putting on airs. I just feel our family isn’t in such dire straits. Besides, regardless of my… mother-in-law’s stance, even Huo Xiao would never be happy if I took this money.”
Though she still struggled with the inexplicable fact that she had crossed over and become someone’s wife, some principles were non-negotiable.
She didn’t know how much was in the envelope, but judging by its thickness, it was a considerable sum.
Knowing full well that the Huo family was financially stable, accepting it would only tarnish Huo Xiao’s heroic reputation.
At this thought, Lin Ting’s resolve to refuse grew even firmer.
Zhao Fengying hadn’t expected such a reaction from Xiao Lin.
The young woman had snow-white skin, red lips, a delicate nose, and slightly upturned peach-blossom eyes, with a crimson teardrop mole at the corner of her eye—a face that should have been strikingly alluring and captivating.
But at this moment, her gaze was resolute, her expression dignified, completely suppressing any hint of seductiveness.
It was this very resolve that made Zhao Fengying realize her refusal was not merely perfunctory.
As for Lü Jingjing, this was her first time meeting Lin Ting, so she couldn’t press too hard.
But as a fellow military spouse, she couldn’t help but consider other ways to offer support.
Meanwhile, Lin Ting continued to decline sincerely: “Sister-in-law, I mean it—we really don’t need the donations. But please convey my gratitude to the comrades on Huo Xiao’s behalf.”
Seeing that the other still seemed unconvinced, Lin Ting hesitated for a moment before adding, “If I were to accept it, I’d truly wonder whether coming here was a mistake in the first place.”
Hearing this, Zhao Fengying frowned and chided her disapprovingly, “You mustn’t say such things.”
Lin Ting looked apologetic. “I really have no other choice.”
Zhao Fengying sighed. “Let’s set this aside for now. We’ll discuss it with Lao Wei later.”
Hearing this, Lin Ting didn’t press further. “Thank you, Sister-in-law.”
Zhao Fengying looked at the strikingly beautiful young woman, her tone both reproachful and affectionate. “It’s too early for thanks. I don’t know what you’re thinking—who ever complains about having too much money?”
Of course, no one dislikes money, and Lin Ting was no exception.
She simply genuinely believed they weren’t impoverished enough to warrant donations.
And when circumstances allowed, who wouldn’t want to live with dignity?
Especially when that dignity belonged to Huo Xiao.
She had no right to compromise it.
Still, Lin Ting knew the sister-in-law meant well.
So, she linked arms with the other woman, her tone growing more affectionate: “I know you mean well, sister-in-law.”
Zhao Fengying smiled and patted her hand: “As long as you understand.”
Seeing this, Lü Jingjing tactfully changed the subject: “When we heard you arrived yesterday, all the military dependents in our residential compound wanted to meet you. But considering your long journey, we didn’t want to bother you right away. Once you’re rested, we should all get together and get acquainted.”
What she didn’t mention was that she had already visited last night, but Lin Ting had been asleep at the time.
The reason she brought this up now was because she noticed Lin Ting’s reluctance to accept the donation money, thinking it would be good to introduce her to more people.
Those who could accompany their spouses here for military service were at least married to company-grade officers.
Plus, with Huo Xiao’s connections, these were all solid relationships.
Even if she couldn’t meet the officers directly, getting to know their wives wouldn’t hurt.
Who knows when it might come in handy?
Zhao Fengying clearly understood Lü Jingjing’s intention and chimed in: “Right, it’s nothing formal – we’ll just gather for some chatting.”
Lin Ting didn’t overthink it and nodded after just a few seconds’ hesitation: “It would be good to meet everyone.”
Normally, she should host a meal for everyone.
But since she was here for a funeral, it wasn’t appropriate to make a big show.
She could only wait until returning to Xiangyang Brigade to send gifts to those who had helped her.
Especially Sister-in-law Fengying, who not only refused to accept any money or coupons but had been treating her so hospitably…
Zhao Fengying was a woman of action.
Knowing Lin Ting was eager to return home, she simply took her around the residential compound.
By the time they returned home, over a dozen people had followed them back, filling the not-so-spacious living room to capacity.
Nobody came empty-handed either – some were knitting sweaters, some stitching shoe soles, some shelling peanuts, while others held young children on their laps.
It painted a vivid, era-specific scene.
As the focus of this gathering, Lin Ting sitting beside Sister-in-law Fengying naturally attracted everyone’s curiosity.
They bombarded her with questions – how she and Huo Xiao met, where she was from, how old she was, how long the journey took, any interesting incidents along the way…
Some questions, from a modern perspective, could even be considered intrusive.
But Lin Ting understood this was characteristic of the times, so she tried her best to adapt.
Of course, there were one or two less friendly individuals.
But before Lin Ting could even feel puzzled, Sister-in-law Fengying dismissed them with “Xiao Lin refused the donation money.”
It was only then she realized not everyone had been willing to contribute.
Thinking about it, this wasn’t surprising – times were hard after all.
Even officers had several children and elderly parents to support.
Hearing the patched-clothed, sallow-faced sisters-in-law complain that most of their husbands’ income actually went to supporting younger brothers-in-law made Lin Ting even more aware of how much hardship was represented in that thick stack of donation money…
Time flew by while listening to gossip.
Before they knew it, it was already lunchtime.
After everyone had taken their small stools home, Lin Ting helped Sister-in-law Fengying prepare lunch…
After the meal.
The sister-in-law usually took afternoon naps.
So Lin Ting returned to the secondary bedroom to sort through Huo Xiao’s belongings.
Unexpected yet not entirely surprising, after ten years in the military, his possessions were rather sparse – one might even say austere.
Aside from a few sets of semi-worn military uniforms, most items were books and similar things.
According to Sister-in-law Lü, the items were personally packed by Regiment Leader Deng, with the clothes folded neatly and crisply.
Ahem… even the patched underwear was squared away perfectly.
Lin Ting was worried about messing them up and lacking the skill to restore their original neatness, and feeling somewhat embarrassed, she handled them with extreme care.
Among the items, she also found two letters the original owner had sent to Huo Xiao.
She didn’t open them, as their contents were already in her memory.
To be honest, Lin Ting couldn’t understand it—two people who had never even met, after exchanging just two letters, had agreed to marry.
Well, that wasn’t entirely accurate.
Strictly speaking, it was Huo Xiao’s mother, Hu Xiu, who had chosen the original owner.
And after confirming it was their own voluntary decision, the two young people submitted their marriage application.
But, considering the era, this was actually quite normal.
Besides the letters, Lin Ting also found several 2-inch black-and-white photos in a tin box.
The pixels were somewhat blurry, but they clearly captured the man’s phoenix-like eyes, sword-like brows, and dignified bearing.
Especially the one where he wore a military cap and uniform—it looked particularly handsome.
It was a kind of handsome that was cool and upright in demeanor.
Lin Ting thought that the original owner, with her proud nature, was willing to become a stepmother not just because of Huo Xiao’s status as an officer, but likely also because of his outstanding appearance.
Only now, she was the one stepping into that role.
Oh, and not just happily becoming a mother—she was also a widow now.
Thinking about all the matters she would have to face after returning to the Xiangyang Brigade, Lin Ting immediately lost interest in admiring the handsome man and swiftly packed everything away.
After adding her own few pieces of clothing and compressing them into two bundles convenient for travel, she washed up and got into bed.
She hadn’t slept well last night, and tomorrow she would be traveling by bus, so she needed to rest properly.
At the same time.
Master bedroom.
Zhao Fengying had barely slept a few minutes when her husband, who had returned from his noon break, woke her.
She wasn’t surprised and simply shifted inward: “Lie on the outside, I’ve warmed the bed for you.”
Wei Tao took off his outer clothes and settled into the warm bedding, sighing contentedly before asking his wife, “So, how did it go? Comrade Lin Ting didn’t give you any trouble, did she?”
Being a leader’s wife wasn’t easy, and Zhao Fengying was no stranger to taking care of her husband’s subordinates’ family members—some of whom were quite unreasonable and troublesome.
Hearing the guilt in his tone, she smiled and shook her head: “Don’t worry, that girl Lin Ting is very considerate—almost too considerate and polite.”
Wei Tao picked up the teacup from the bedside table, his expression relaxing as he took a sip: “Being considerate is a good thing.”
Zhao Fengying shot her husband a look: “She’s a bit of a silly girl—she refused the troop’s donation outright.”
Wei Tao was surprised: “Oh? She refused? That’s not a small amount.”
Huo Xiao, with his outwardly stern but inwardly flexible nature, was top-notch in all his duties and extremely well-liked. This time, many people had donated money.
With him and Lao Hong leading the way, it probably amounted to several hundred. And Comrade Lin Ting actually refused it?
Of course, once Huo Xiao returned in glory, that money would have to be repaid.
Unaware of her husband’s thoughts, Zhao Fengying recounted Lin Ting’s exact words to him and sighed: “…I’ve always wondered what kind of girl could be a match for someone as outstanding as Huo Xiao. Now that I’ve met her, they truly seem made for each other… It’s just such a pity—fated to meet but not to be together.”
Wei Tao remained silent, thinking to himself that in a little while, they would be both fated and together.
Zhao Fengying patted her husband. “Either lie down properly or sit by the bed to drink your tea. Half-leaning like this, I feel chilly drafts blowing across my shoulder.”
Hearing this, Wei Tao glanced at the tightly closed doors and windows but didn’t argue. With good humor he said, “Just a moment, let me take a couple more sips. The cafeteria food was unbearably salty today.”
Zhao Fengying chattered on, “I told you to come home for lunch, but you insisted on staying out. You’re probably older than Xiao Lin’s father – what’s with all this avoiding suspicion nonsense? Besides, I’m home anyway, why so particular about formalities… Oh, I got their commune’s phone number and home address from Xiao Lin. We should keep in touch regularly from now on.”
Wei Tao: “You two get along quite well?”
Zhao Fengying turned to face her husband: “She’s a lovely girl… Lao Wei, I’ve been thinking – we should bring the Dragon and Phoenix Twins here and find them new adoptive parents.”
Hearing this, Wei Tao’s eyelids twitched and he felt an ominous premonition: “What makes you say that?”
Zhao Fengying sighed: “Xiao Lin is two years younger than our own daughter – she can’t possibly remain unmarried forever. Remarrying is inevitable… There aren’t many suitable matches in the countryside. When she meets a nice young man later, I could even help make introductions…”
Wei Tao: “Pfft… What are you… cough cough cough…”