"To all the company commanders and ladies, Ding Xiang and I would like to toast everyone."
He Ping rarely spoke so formally, and the entire table turned to look at him.
Though their expressions were serious, the joy in their eyes was unmistakable.
Jiang Si seemed to realize something and leaned close to Huo Tingzhou's ear. "I think He Ping has good news to announce."
Huo Tingzhou placed a peeled shrimp into her bowl and was about to nod when He Ping, brimming with happiness, spoke up.
He wasn’t one for long speeches and quickly got to the point.
In short, he and Ding Xiang were preparing to submit their marriage application.
According to military regulations, soldiers are not allowed to engage in romantic relationships or marry while stationed at their posts.
However, since both of them were locals, this rule didn’t apply to them.
Moreover, their parents had already met and were fully supportive of the marriage.
The only uncertainty had been He Ping’s upcoming three-year military academy training.
Before bringing it up, he had assumed Ding Xiang might object.
But to his surprise, she had said, "Go! Why wouldn’t you?"
Exchanging three years for a brighter future? Only a fool would refuse.
As for her parents, she would handle them.
Ding Xiang had always been strong-willed, and her parents didn’t argue.
After all, a grown daughter couldn’t be kept at home forever, but letting her wait without any formal commitment wasn’t right either.
So, after discussing it, they decided the couple should register their marriage before the new year.
During the three years, Ding Xiang would stay with her family.
Since the Ding family had only three daughters, she could stay as long as she wanted—no one would dare give her trouble.
As her parents put it, their family had the means to support her.
With the Dings being so accommodating, the He family naturally stepped up as well.
In fact, He Ping had already called his parents, and they were on their way.
That very afternoon, the two families would sit down to finalize the wedding plans.
Hearing the news, everyone was delighted.
Jiang Si smiled and said, "He Ping, congratulations!"
"Hehe, thank you, Sister-in-law."
Hu Meili teased, "Just saying thanks isn’t enough—you’ll have to hand out extra wedding candies later."
"Absolutely!" He Ping grinned like a fool. "If it weren’t for you introducing us, Ding Xiang and I wouldn’t be together. When we hold the banquet, you’re definitely sitting at the head table."
With that, the couple downed their drinks.
The others raised their glasses—filled with water—and cheered, "Come on, everyone, let’s toast the happy couple!"
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!!!"
The lively meal lasted until nearly two in the afternoon.
Afterward, everyone helped clean up, but Hu Meili stopped them.
"There are only a few dishes—it won’t take long. You all should head home, rest if you need to, or get back to your own tasks."
The two little ones were quick—while the adults were politely arguing, they snatched the bowls and dashed to the kitchen.
Washing dishes earned them a red flower.
Five red flowers meant exemption from a scolding.
The brothers made it clear: no one was stealing their chance.
The scene had everyone laughing.
Before leaving, Jiang Si handed gifts to Sister-in-law Xu and He Ping, who accepted them happily.
After hours of travel, the group was exhausted.
They went home and collapsed into bed.
Jiang Si slept deeply and didn’t wake until past four in the afternoon.
She reached for the bedside—empty.
It took her a moment to remember: before falling asleep, Huo Tingzhou had mentioned going to the base to handle some work.
Stepping out of the room, the house was silent.
"Great-uncle? Uncle Zhong?"
Strange—where had they gone?
Jiang Si checked upstairs and downstairs but found no trace of them.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
Opening it, she saw an unfamiliar face—a young woman holding a basket. Instinctively, she asked,
"Who are you?"
She hadn’t lived in the military housing long and didn’t know many people.
Most military wives stationed here were over twenty-five, but this girl looked no older than eighteen or nineteen—hardly a spouse.
"Excuse me, is this Colonel Huo’s home?"
The girl’s voice was barely audible, whether from nervousness or something else.
Jiang Si had to strain to hear her. "If you mean the commander of the 1st Aviation Regiment, then yes."
The girl nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes! I’m looking for the commander of the 1st Aviation Regiment. I’m Deputy Company Commander Yang’s younger sister, Yang Xiaoyu. My brother is the deputy squadron leader of the 2nd Aviation Squadron."
"Sister-in-law, I have something urgent to discuss. Could I come in?"
Yang Xiaoyu’s expression was clearly anxious.
Under normal circumstances, Jiang Si would have invited her in out of courtesy.
But for some reason, a thought suddenly crossed her mind.
Is Yang Xiaoyu here because of the military academy recommendation?
Whether she is or not, Jiang Si needs to take precautions.
With that in mind, she said coolly, "My husband is at the military base. If there’s anything, it’s better for Deputy Company Commander Yang to go there directly to discuss it with him."
"Sister-in-law, I... I actually came to see you." Yang Xiaoyu bit her lip, looking on the verge of tears.
Jiang Si didn’t ask why she wanted to see her—the girl’s expression said it all.
Before Jiang Si could speak, Yang Xiaoyu burst into tears.
"Sister-in-law, it wasn’t easy for me to come here. Please, just give me two minutes. I’ll leave as soon as I’ve said what I need to."
Jiang Si looked at her impassively. "Does your brother know you came here today?"
When she didn’t answer, Jiang Si continued, "Do you realize what you’re doing could ruin him?"
Yang Xiaoyu’s eyes widened. "I—"
Jiang Si cut her off. "If you’re here about your brother’s military academy application, I’ll be clear—I can’t help you."
Yang Xiaoyu froze. "Sister-in-law—"
"Don’t turn around. Don’t say anything else."
As she spoke, Jiang Si subtly glanced at the two shadowy figures lurking in the distance.
"I don’t know who put you up to this, but if I were you, I’d wipe my tears and leave now instead of standing here crying."
"But I won’t keep your visit today a secret."
Jiang Si’s words were blunt, and without even turning around, Yang Xiaoyu understood—she’d been used as a pawn.
She had been visiting the military base for over ten days, but she knew nothing about how things worked here.
Yet the other wives kept saying that Colonel Huo doted on his wife, that no one’s words carried more weight than hers.
Foolishly, she had taken those words to heart.
"Sister-in-law, I’m sorry."
"Your apology isn’t meant for me."
Seeing how pale Yang Xiaoyu looked, Jiang Si said nothing more and pointed in another direction.
"You’re going the wrong way. The exit to the residential compound is that way."
Yang Xiaoyu fought back the urge to cry. "Thank you, Sister-in-law."
But before she had even walked two hundred meters, the two figures behind her began to follow.
