After speaking, at Division Commander Yao's signal, Political Commissar Li took out two documents from his bag.
"Comrade Jiang, this is your donation receipt, and the one below is the detailed list for the primary school construction."
"The remaining funds will be used exclusively for their intended purpose. We guarantee that every cent of your donation will be put to the best use."
Jiang Si was momentarily stunned—she hadn’t expected this.
The two leaders had come today just to seek her opinion.
"Division Commander, Political Commissar, I donated this money simply to do my part. As for how it’s used, I trust the organization."
A simple statement, yet it conveyed her stance clearly.
It also put the two leaders at ease.
Division Commander Yao laughed heartily. "Good, then it’s settled! I’ll make the arrangements shortly."
Jiang Si had no objections.
But she had one request. "Division Commander, Political Commissar, I’d prefer if others didn’t know about this donation..."
"I understand, I understand." Division Commander Yao gave her a reassuring look.
Then, he pointed at Huo Tingzhou. "This kid talked nonstop in my office for over an hour. Honestly, in all my years at the Fourth Division, this is the first time I’ve seen him so chatty."
"And it wasn’t just talking—he made a whole list of demands too."
At this point, Division Commander Yao didn’t hold back.
"Xiao Jiang, we’ve heard about your interest in investing in the farm. Your concerns are clear to us."
Jiang Si was taken aback. What had she said?
What concerns?
Division Commander Yao wore an expression that said, I get it. "Since there are no outsiders here, I’ll be blunt."
"No matter how many shares you end up purchasing, I promise you—no one will use this against you."
The Red Committee could meddle in everything under the sun, but they had no authority over military affairs.
If anyone dared to threaten the Fourth Division’s livelihood, they’d have hell to pay.
Of course, proper confidentiality measures were still necessary.
Otherwise, the two of them wouldn’t have chosen this time to visit.
Division Commander Yao continued, "Xiao Jiang, the contract for your shares, along with future dividends, will be handled by designated personnel."
Political Commissar Li nodded in agreement. "And all of this will be included in the confidentiality clause. It won’t affect your daily life—you have our word."
To receive such a personal assurance from the two leaders was something Jiang Si hadn’t anticipated.
Even more surprising was how much Huo Tingzhou had done behind the scenes after simply saying "Okay" that day.
Now she truly understood the weight behind his words: "You just focus on moving forward—leave the rest to me."
With all her worries resolved, Jiang Si could now focus on her pregnancy in peace.
Two days later, a bus pulled into the military compound.
Within hours, news spread through the family quarters that two units from the Capital City had been assigned to assist with the farm construction.
Jiang Si, who had been overseeing renovations at home, only heard the news the next day from Xu Mingjuan.
"They say the experts sent this time are all renowned from the Capital City—nearly twenty of them, with half a truckload of surveying equipment."
"With them here, the family quarters are bound to get lively."
Jiang Si poured her a glass of lemon water. "What kind of lively?"
"It’s all about the share purchases."
Xu Mingjuan didn’t hold back, gulping down a large sip before continuing.
In short, the family quarters were now divided into two factions:
Those who wanted to invest and those who didn’t—arguing endlessly, with neither side backing down.
Jiang Si simply smiled. She had no intention of getting involved.
But she was curious. "Sister-in-law, are you planning to invest?"
Xu Mingjuan answered honestly, "I am, but I haven’t decided how much yet."
Having lived in the Fourth Division for so long, she considered it home.
Whether it turned a profit or not, she wanted to contribute.
If there were dividends, great.
If not, she’d consider it standing together through tough times.
But these were her own thoughts—she wasn’t trying to persuade anyone.
So she quickly added, "Sister Jiang, I’m not pushing you to invest, you know."
"I know," Jiang Si chuckled.
After all this time, she understood Xu Mingjuan’s character well.
Then, Xu Mingjuan suddenly looked at her seriously.
"Listen, whether you invest or not, and how much—there’s no pressure from above. Don’t let that ‘red capitalist’ label hold you back."
Jiang Si nodded. She understood.
She couldn’t specify an amount yet, but she could at least mention her intentions.
"Sister-in-law, I do plan to invest, but I haven’t settled on the amount either."
This wasn’t a lie—she needed to see the final design plans first.
Xu Mingjuan wasn’t surprised.
As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together.
Their friendship was no coincidence—they were cut from the same cloth.
"As long as you’ve thought it through." Xu Mingjuan glanced at Jiang Si’s attic.
Her own attic had also been damaged, though not as severely.
She’d taken half a day off to get some advice.
After inspecting the renovations, she remarked, "You’ve made quite a few changes up here."
Jiang Si nodded. "Had to. Otherwise, it’d cause problems later."
She’d be living here for years to come. If spending a little now saved trouble later, it was worth it.
With elders and children at home, leaving hazards untouched was the last thing she wanted.
Xu Mingjuan agreed. "Then I won’t bother with repairs either. I’ll just buy materials and have the engineering unit rebuild mine."
Since Jiang Si was free, she offered, "Sister-in-law, I can come take a look if you’d like."
Xu Mingjuan knew her expertise well.
With a smile, she said, "Stay for lunch then. Old Lei caught a wild rabbit during training yesterday—plump as can be!"
"Half for cold rabbit, half for a spicy hot pot!"
Jiang Si accepted eagerly.
Since summer had arrived, her appetite had been poor.
All she craved was bold, spicy flavors.
Yet Huo Tingzhou strictly followed Doctor Jiang’s orders—meals were light, with minimal oil or spice.
Thankfully, she had her space.
When cravings hit, she’d sneak in for a numbing-spicy hotpot.
Ingredients and broth were ready in an instant—convenient!
But it felt like a covert operation each time.
Doors locked, ears straining for any sound outside.
After eating, she’d rush to brush her teeth, shower, and wash her hair.
Now, with a chance to indulge openly, Jiang Si was overjoyed.
At lunch, she devoured two full bowls of rice!
But as soon as she stepped out of Xu Mingjuan’s yard, she spotted Huo Tingzhou leaning against the wall outside.
There was a hint of guilt, but even more so, surprise. "When did you get here? Why... didn't you come in?"
Huo Tingzhou had wanted to go in.
After seeing the note at home, he had come straight over.
But after some thought, he ultimately decided against it.
If he let her eat, he’d worry.
If he stopped her, seeing her unhappy would make him feel worse.
Forget it—today, he’d just pretend he hadn’t noticed.
Let her enjoy whatever she wanted to eat, happy and carefree.
With that in mind, Huo Tingzhou stepped forward and took her hand, then pulled out a handkerchief to gently wipe the corner of her lips.
"Did you eat enough at lunch?"
Jiang Si nodded, holding up two fingers. "Two bowls of rice."
"Good, as long as you’re full."
After a pause, Huo Tingzhou added, "If you really want to eat something later, just tell me..."
At worst, he could go ask Doctor Jiang again.
Doctor Jiang: "..."
I’m begging you, don’t come back!
Jiang Si, unaware of this little exchange, was smiling brightly now.
"Let’s go back and take a nap first."
Jiang Si nodded, still smiling. "Okay."
Being pregnant had its perks—they could hold hands wherever they went, and no one would bat an eye.
So, hand in hand, the two strolled leisurely back home.
Then, as they looked up—
"Why are there so many people?"
And all of them were gathered right outside their little courtyard gate—
