The news of Lin Xun and Xu Zhicheng’s divorce spread like wildfire through the entire military residential compound, because it was just too bizarre. On top of that, Lin Xun was beautiful—not the kind of face everyone had so as soon as she stepped out of the guesthouse today, someone recognized her.
But Cai Jinhua couldn’t believe it. How could Lin Xun, a simple village girl who couldn’t bear children, possibly have a commander willing to marry her?
And didn’t Yuan Yaqing say she was involved with Director Xiong? How did she suddenly end up with the commander? Impossible! Absolutely impossible!
She dashed over to the person spreading the rumor and shouted, “Are you mistaken? How could Lin Xun be involved with Commander Huo?”
The man replied loudly, “How could I be wrong? Who doesn’t know Commander Huo? And he even brought eight magnificent horses!”
“Well, that’s like the old tradition of eight men carrying a bridal sedan chair.”
“But Lin Xun’s divorced and can’t have children, how can she marry Commander Huo?”
“Exactly! Even though Commander Huo’s family had troubles, no one in our military district had better conditions than him. Such a good man, Lin Xun’s luck is unbelievable!”
“Maybe Commander Huo was forced by his family? I heard the Huo family is nearly wiped out; perhaps they want to hold a wedding for good luck!”
For a moment, everyone had their own theories, until someone said, “Why worry about that? I heard Commander Huo is generous—anyone who goes to the bride’s welcoming party will get wedding candy, and it’s high-quality pastry candy from the city!”
Once this was said, no one cared to talk further. Everyone ran off at once—candy! In these times, candy was not only expensive but required special coupons to buy, let alone pastry candy from the capital. Only fools would pass up such an opportunity!
In an instant, the once-bustling entrance of the dining hall was empty.
Cai Jinhua felt herself sinking, “Come back! The banquet is about to start!”
Her son and daughter-in-law were about to arrive, and now that everyone had left, how could this wedding even take place?
But Cai Jinhua’s worry turned out to be unnecessary. Not long after everyone left the dining hall, she ran into Xu Zhicheng and Yuan Yaqing on the road.
Today was their wedding, and Yuan Yaqing had planned to show off, letting everyone see how well she had married. She persuaded Xu Zhicheng to rent a small car to welcome the bride.
Xu Zhicheng, wanting to make Lin Xun regret it, naturally agreed.
Both wanted to show off but had no real-life experience. They hadn’t considered the consequences of driving in the snow, especially after last night’s heavy snowfall, which had left a thick layer.
The car got stuck in the snow as soon as it left the farm.
Several educated youth tried to push it. After much effort, they moved the car a little, but it sank in again… this went on for a while, and everyone was exhausted. Just as they were about to reach the dining hall, the car broke down completely.
“Hurry and push! We’re running out of time!” Yuan Yaqing panicked.
The youths, already near death from exhaustion, were even more irritated, “We’ve been pushing nonstop! From the farm to here, we’ve gotten out of the car five or six times. Our feet are numb from the cold, and you’ve been sitting comfortably! Who do you think you are, ordering us around?”
Yuan Yaqing, not known for her temper, now felt even more entitled, having paired up with Xu Zhicheng. “How could I get out and push? I’m the bride!”
The youths snapped, “You’re the bride? Are we your servants then? We deserve better treatment than this!”
Xu Zhicheng said, “Fine, let’s all push—there’s strength in numbers.” He felt Yuan Yaqing had become petty, less considerate.
When he spoke, Yuan Yaqing reluctantly got out.
But the car was completely stuck, unmovable. Snow continued to fall, and soon everyone was soaked, looking miserable.
At that moment, a group suddenly charged over, witnessing Xu Zhicheng and the others pushing the car in utter disarray.
“Doctor Xu? What’s going on here?”
“Is this Doctor Xu and Yuan Yaqing who are getting married today?”
Yuan Yaqing and Xu Zhicheng’s faces turned red with embarrassment.
They had married for appearances, to gain face, but now soaked, with mud-stained pants, they looked like beggars by the roadside—not the glamorous bride and groom they hoped to be.
Xu Zhicheng’s face darkened, blaming Yuan Yaqing. If she hadn’t insisted on riding in the car, they wouldn’t be in this mess.
Just as Xu Zhicheng tried to say something to cover up, the sound of hooves came from behind.
Everyone turned and saw, amidst the swirling snow, eight tall horses advancing steadily. On their backs were eight soldiers with stern expressions, exuding commanding presence.
Their uniforms were olive green; the horses black or brown. Among the dark hues, the red figure at the front stood out.
It was Lin Xun.
This picturesque scene stunned everyone. Only now did they understand why those who went to the guesthouse were so excited.
The grandeur of the scene highlighted the contrast with Xu Zhicheng and company, looking disheveled like clowns.
No words were needed. Xu Zhicheng was furious, wishing he could sink into the ground, but the embarrassment was far from over.
A sharp voice rang out, “Son, don’t you know? That infertile little Lin Xun isn’t marrying some director—she’s marrying the commander!”
It was Cai Jinhua, rushing to inform Xu Zhicheng. With too many people ahead, she could only see the stalled car. After speaking, everyone turned to look at her. Cai Jinhua froze, “Why are you all staring at me?”
Could it be that her son’s bridal car was so impressive that everyone was envious?
Cai Jinhua shivered, about to show off, when the crowd automatically parted. A horse stepped forward, and Cai Jinhua looked up in awe to see Lin Xun on the horse, with a man whose expression was like ice behind her.
Huo Yanzhou’s voice was cold and stern, his sharp gaze fixed on Cai Jinhua:
“This is the first and last time. If I ever find you insulting my loved one again, I will report you to the Military Commission for disrespecting military families.”
With that, Huo Yanzhou flicked the reins and rode away, followed by Cheng Qingsong and the others.
Huo Yanzhou, a seasoned combat veteran, exuded an aura that even soldiers couldn’t ignore—let alone Cai Jinhua, who trembled and couldn’t stand steadily.
Not only her, but everyone else finally realized the truth.
“Could it be that Commander Huo was forced by his family to marry her?”
Someone wanted to say yes, considering Lin Xun couldn’t bear children. But they stopped, who in the residential compound didn’t know Huo Yanzhou? The most promising officer in the military district, from a good family, famous for his icy demeanor.
Yet today, he had prepared a bridal welcome and defended Lin Xun. If he had been forced, would he have gone to such lengths?
Lü Yuzhi, standing in the crowd, was very satisfied, “This boy may be slow-witted, but he learned well from his father when it comes to protecting his wife.”
Thinking of the past, a tinge of sadness crossed her eyes. Quickly, she recovered, telling Xiao Wang to hand out wedding candy to everyone, smiling, “Today is my son and daughter-in-law’s big day. Everyone, enjoy the joy!”
She wanted to show her approval of Lin Xun, anyone who bullied her in the future would have to contend with not only Huo Yanzhou but also Lü Yuzhi.
Sure enough, everyone receiving candy smiled genuinely, showering her with praise.
Meanwhile, Xu Zhicheng and the others were completely ignored.
At the dining hall, the contrast was even more striking.
Commander Huo had prepared so much food—the quartermaster had eight dishes ready, five of which were meat: big plate chicken, hand-pulled beef, scallion lamb, and sauerkraut lamb soup… it was a feast, even better than what people could have on New Year.
By comparison, Xu’s wedding had only six dishes, two meat dishes: stir-fried eggs with chili, and stir-fried lamb with chili. The eggs and lamb were meager; no matter how hard you looked, you couldn’t find two pieces of meat.
The gap was huge. Xu Zhicheng and Yuan Yaqing, having finally walked from the car, were slapped in the face by this scene.
Actually, Xu’s menu wasn’t terrible, but compared to Huo’s lavish spread, it looked miserly.
“Just this little food, and Cai Jinhua still wants fifty cents as a gift? Shameless!”
“Only sick people would go to her place; better to go to the Supply and Marketing Cooperative and cut half a pound of meat yourself.”
“Why do they always pick the worst timing? People compare, and it’s maddening!”
One insult after another pierced Xu Zhicheng’s heart, leaving him nearly unable to maintain his composure, trembling with rage.
Ruined! Everything was ruined!
He had spent so much money, so much effort, trying to regain his lost face and make Lin Xun regret it.
But now, Lin Xun was admired by everyone, Huo Yanzhou praised by all, and only he, Xu Zhicheng, was a laughingstock.
Finally, when the banquet ended, Xu Zhicheng could no longer contain himself. He smashed everything to pieces and shouted at Yuan Yaqing:
“It’s all your fault! You scheming little bitch!”