The steward took a long moment to find his voice. “Commander Huo, this pork, our cafeteria really does not have any.”
Resources were scarce. Although the northwest had plenty of cattle and sheep, they were collective property. Except for a few pounds distributed as welfare during New Year, eating meat at other times required spending money or using food coupons.
Even in the military, eating meat two or three times a month was a treat.
Under these circumstances, seeing the menu Huo Yanzhou had brought, the steward was stunned.
It included lamb, beef, eggs, and even pork.
Pork was expensive and almost impossible to buy because pigs were not raised locally. In all the years the steward had been here, apart from cured meat sent from home, he had never seen pork.
Huo Yanzhou nodded. “I will take care of it.”
Huo Yanzhou had a high rank and had repeatedly carried out secret missions, earning great military merits. When he got married, the military would certainly offer privileges.
Moreover, the Huo family had a prominent background. Huo Yanzhou was normally reserved and modest and would never seek special treatment based on his status. He often worked harder than ordinary soldiers.
But this wedding involved more than just him. It was also for Lin Xun.
Although they were just partners in daily life, Huo Yanzhou did not want Lin Xun to feel disadvantaged. As a man, he bore responsibility.
Lin Xun had been divorced before. Huo Yanzhou understood how harsh the world could be for women, especially divorced women.
He wanted Lin Xun to be comfortable in the military district and not be judged by others. He intended to treat the wedding seriously and show that even though Lin Xun had been married before, she was not inferior to anyone.
He wanted to give his wife confidence and pride.
The next morning, a fully loaded truck arrived at the back of the cafeteria. It carried all kinds of meat, including two large fat pigs brought from a nearby county farm.
Seeing the supplies, even the steward, who had mentally prepared himself, was shocked. The cooks’ eyes widened in surprise.
At the guesthouse, Lin Xun was equally bewildered. “Why did we buy so much stuff again?”
She clearly remembered shopping a few days ago with Lü Yuzhi at the county department store.
Xiao Wang, carrying supplies, explained. “It is different, sister-in-law. Our commander went to the city early this morning to buy these.”
Huo Yanzhou had been busy with military matters these past days. He had no time, so he went to the department store before sunrise. He not only replaced the radio and watch but also bought shampoo and skincare products from the foreign trade section of the Friendship Store.
Lin Xun was stunned. She did not expect such a man to be so thoughtful and generous.
Imported goods were precious at this time. Most men would not even buy a jar of cream for their wives, but he had purchased foreign skincare products.
Nevertheless, Lin Xun felt very happy. “Where is the commander?”
“He was urgently called away by the division commander. By the way, sister-in-law, this is also for you. The commander asked me to give it to you.”
Xiao Wang handed her a box. Inside was a cream cake.
Lin Xun was even more surprised. “Where did this come from?”
Xiao Wang said, “The commander bought it from a Western restaurant in the city.”
Cakes in this era were not as refined as in later times but were still beautiful.
The white cake was decorated with blooming lilies of the valley. Cutting into a petal revealed jam inside. The cake was delicate and smooth, and the cream was silky, sweet enough to warm the heart.
Lin Xun suddenly missed Huo Yanzhou and wanted to thank him in person. But she knew his position. He would likely be busy the entire day, and she would probably only see him tomorrow, their wedding day.
Perhaps the cake was too sweet because she slept well that night. She was awakened the next morning by knocking on the door.
Opening it, Lü Yuzhi’s cheerful voice came through. “Did you sleep well last night?”
She did not wait for Lin Xun’s reply and continued, “Mom could not sleep. We are marrying my daughter-in-law today. I am too excited.”
Lin Xun, already flushed from sleep, blushed further. Lü Yuzhi smiled and helped her prepare clothes.
The outfit was a new red jacket with subtle patterns. Lin Xun’s fair skin looked striking in red, like a scoop of fresh snow radiating beauty.
Soon, sounds of commotion came from downstairs. Lü Yuzhi called out, “They are here.”
For Commander Huo’s wedding, even the guesthouse had been decorated. Not only were walls adorned with happiness symbols, but all staff received wedding candies distributed by Xiao Wang at Huo Yanzhou’s request. Everyone was delighted and full of auspicious words.
Amid the laughter and joy, Lin Xun went downstairs and saw eight tall, high-bred horses.
Even in the northwest, most local horses were short. These tall, glossy, and imposing horses were rare.
The crowd, naturally curious, was stunned.
The lead horse was jet black with clanging iron hooves. Huo Yanzhou rode it in a green uniform, standing tall and upright like a pine tree. Snowflakes rested on his hat, making him appear full of vigor.
When he looked sideways and tightened the reins with his long fingers, guiding the horses step by step toward her, Lin Xun felt as if the world fell silent, leaving only the sound of pounding.
She did not know if it was the sound of hooves on the ground or her racing heartbeat.
Huo Yanzhou mounted down with a long stride and approached her. “Are you afraid?”
Her heartbeat quickened, but she shook her head. The next moment, Huo Yanzhou took her hand and helped her onto the horse.
The world spun around her, and before she could react, she was seated on the saddle. Huo Yanzhou mounted behind her, his deep voice in her ear. “I am taking you to get the marriage certificate.”
Nearly two meters in height, Lin Xun felt both fear and excitement, but mostly exhilaration. She had never ridden a horse before, yet who did not enjoy galloping on horseback?
“All right!”
As she spoke, Huo Yanzhou swung his arm. The horses surged forward across the snow.
“This is so cool!”
“Why did I not have this when I got married?”
“Even if you had it, your man would need to care enough to do it.”
“Damn, I feel like divorcing!”
The crowd was envious. Lü Yuzhi fretted, “Huo Yanzhou, your wind is messing up Lin Xun’s hair. How will we take the photos?”
Xiao Wang reassured her. “It is fine, sister-in-law. You still look beautiful with messy hair.”
Lü Yuzhi realized it was true. Seeing Lin Xun so happy, she let it slide.
Lin Xun was ecstatic. Since studying veterinary medicine, she had often dreamed of galloping freely, but her fear of heights had always held her back. Previous riding areas had been tiny, allowing only a few laps. Today, her wish was realized.
Here, on the vast northwest grasslands, wind whistled past her ears. Behind her was Huo Yanzhou’s firm chest, giving her complete security.
The scenery blurred by. Her adrenaline surged, and her entire body felt exhilarating.
“Where did the horses come from?” Eight horses were present.
Huo Yanzhou said, “Remember Batel? I borrowed them from him.”
Batel was the most skilled herdsman on the grasslands, raising mules and horses with expertise.
Lin Xun recalled. After buying the mule, Huo Yanzhou had gone back. She had thought it was official business, but he had gone to borrow horses for her.
Her heart warmed, and she smiled, showing dimples. “Thank you. I really like it.”
Huo Yanzhou smiled faintly and sped up the horses.
On another horse, Cheng Qingsong was dumbfounded. “Why is Huo so excited today?”
“Probably because he is finally marrying his bride. He is very happy.”
Though riding was exhilarating, it was cold, and with snow falling, they stopped after circling twice near the military district office.
Lin Xun was reluctant to dismount. Huo Yanzhou said, “When you have time, I will teach you to ride.”
“Really?” Her eyes lit up. Learning to ride meant she could go farther for veterinary visits.
Though their marriage report had been approved, they had not yet collected the certificate. Usually, people went to the county. In the military district, it could be done at the office.
First, they took a photo, then stamped it. The certificate looked like an award.
Lin Xun handed the photographer some wedding candy. “Can you take another photo?”
The photographer nodded. “Of course!”
Lin Xun called Lü Yuzhi over and brought a chair for her to sit in the middle. Lin Xun and Huo Yanzhou stood on either side.
Lü Yuzhi was delighted. She wanted to pay for a color photo, but only black and white was possible.
Commander Chang smiled. “You really went all out today. Quite a show.”
He had assumed Huo Yanzhou was reluctant about the hurried wedding. He did not expect Huo to gather eight fine horses and have officers ride with him for the procession.
This setup was unprecedented. Even across the country, few could match it.
Indeed, the wedding news had spread late. Initially, few at the guesthouse knew. But the grand procession quickly reached the cafeteria.
“Commander Huo is also getting married today!”
“Do you know who his bride is? Lin Xun, the one divorced from Doctor Xu!”
Cai Jinhua, standing at the gate, was stunned. “What? Who did you say?”