The next day, Jiang Mengning was woken by the blaring bugle outside.
The officers and soldiers of the unit had to begin morning exercises at six o’clock sharp every day—a strict rule that never wavered, rain or shine. Since she couldn’t go back to sleep anyway, she got up.
Today’s outfit was a floral shirt paired with slightly flared jeans, cinched with a belt at the waist—very Hong Kong–style. The original owner’s hair was naturally permed into fluffy curls, and she had tied it into a high ponytail with a ribbon.
The look was simple yet elegant, youthful and vibrant. Feeling a bit narcissistic, she twirled in front of the mirror before heading out to wash her face and brush her teeth.
Opening the door, she was surprised to find Nian Nian standing there, holding a basin filled with water.
A white towel was draped over its edge. Seeing her mother appear, the little girl respectfully said, “Mom… wash face.”
Jiang Mengning’s heart instantly softened.
Such a young child, yet so considerate—who wouldn’t feel fondness for her?
The original young lady had always had a spoiled temperament, accustomed to being waited on since childhood, and she never overcame the habit of bossing others around.
Making Nian Nian fetch wash water or foot-bathing water had been common, so the little girl had long been accustomed to it.
Jiang Mengning took the basin and praised her: “Thank you for bringing me the wash water. But you don’t have to get up so early and wait by the door for me in the future.”
Nian Nian didn’t understand.
She thought her mother was upset with her.
“Mom, did I do something wrong?”
“No, you’re wonderful. But the books say you should do your own things yourself and not trouble others. So from now on, I’ll handle these tasks myself.”
“Nian Nian, you’re still little. You don’t need to do chores yet. Little girls don’t need to suffer early. When you grow up a bit, you can help out with small tasks within your abilities.”
Children shouldn’t be raised too lazily, nor should they be overworked. There’s a saying: the more you gain, the more you do; the more you do, the harder your life becomes.
Nian Nian understood that her mother cared about her. Another day of admiration for Mom.
“Yes, Mom,” she replied obediently. Whatever Mom said was law.
Jiang Mengning finished her morning routine and went to the kitchen. Breakfast was already on the table: steamed buns with thin porridge.
“Nian Nian, has your brother gone to school?”
“Yes, he got up early, got his breakfast, and went to school.”
Huo Haowen always woke early, fetched breakfast from the cafeteria, ate, and then went to school.
It had to be said, the original young lady had been excellent at training the kids—every one of them obedient and disciplined.
Steamed buns and porridge weren’t very nutritious, so Jiang Mengning made two cups of malted milk, one for her and one for Nian Nian. After one bun and a cup of malted milk, she was full.
Nian Nian had a good appetite.
She ate one bun, drank a bowl of porridge, and finished the malted milk, licking her lips for more. “Delicious!”
“You want some more?” Jiang Mengning asked with a smile.
Tentatively, Nian Nian nodded. “Mom, this is the best thing I’ve ever tasted. So good!”
A child who had never had luxury or good food felt like she had the whole world with just a cup of malted milk.
Being nearby, Jiang Mengning wanted to treat her well.
“Alright, I’ll make you one more cup, but that’s the last for this morning. You’ve eaten a lot; don’t overdo it.”
“Okay, thank you, Mom!” Nian Nian shouted.
Jiang Mengning patted her head and went to make another cup.
“Nian Nian, drink slowly. I’ll go to the bathroom.”
She hadn’t dared go since arriving here, but now she couldn’t hold it any longer.
Taking a deep breath, she grabbed some paper and headed to the restroom.
The foul smell hit her from afar. The closer she got, the worse it became.
Covering her nose, she struggled her way inside.
The restroom was extremely basic. A long row of squat toilets—at least a dozen—lined the space, without any dividers. Meaning ten people using it at once could see each other’s behinds, and there was nothing obscuring the lower view either. It was summer, so it was easy to imagine what a scene it would be.
Good heavens! Jiang Mengning had been too conservative in her expectations.
She couldn’t stay there for even a moment. Couldn’t they at least have single stalls?
Using such an open restroom was mortifying.
She turned to leave.
“Where are you running? If you don’t go now, there’ll be a long line.”
Feng Xiulian, already using the restroom, kindly called out: “There are lots of people in the mornings. If you wait in line, you’ll be stuck forever. I always come early, so I don’t need to wait. You’re from Captain Huo’s family—hurry up, don’t dawdle!”
Jiang Mengning glanced at her. The woman looked around thirty, with tanned, weathered skin and a somewhat aged appearance. She didn’t know her—and anyway, she had no memory of the original owner.
Holding her stomach, desperate, she couldn’t just go outside anywhere. Resigned, she chose the stall farthest from Feng Xiulian and awkwardly pulled down her pants.
Feng Xiulian kept glancing over and, seeing her pale behind, couldn’t help but laugh: “You haven’t had kids with Captain Huo yet, right? Work hard—try for five or six. That big butt of yours is perfect for having sons, according to our local saying.”
Jiang Mengning thought: this was the cruelest torture she had ever experienced.
She quickly finished and pulled up her pants.
Feng Xiulian continued: “Big chest, perky butt… Captain Huo doesn’t even come home every day. Such a blessing, and he doesn’t even realize it!”
Jiang Mengning found it funny.
Slowly, she pulled up her pants and left.
On the way back, a group of people jogged past, led by Huo Jinyan.
She couldn’t keep her mouth shut and, seeing him, happily called out:
“Captain Huo, I just saw your wife in the restroom. I have to say, her butt is big and perky—she’s definitely going to give you a son!”
The previously quiet jogging group suddenly snickered. Huo Jinyan’s face immediately darkened.
Deputy Captain Zhang Long scolded his wife: “Women, stop gossiping! This is the military, not a market. Go back immediately—don’t embarrass yourself.” He couldn’t stand her ignorance and lack of refinement.
Feng Xiulian had no idea her words were such a big deal. Now she got scolded by her husband and didn’t dare argue, quickly leaving. The jogging group kept moving.
The Deputy Captain apologized to Huo Jinyan: “She’s just a country woman, Captain. Don’t mind her.”
Huo Jinyan said nothing and continued running, focused.