The Asian Games kicked off amid the eager anticipation of millions. Shen Xianjun was with Hu Jun, while Qin Nian and Zhou Ang accompanied Yang Yufen and Professor Wen, who was leading a group of children into the stadium. The venue was packed with people, a vibrant mix of different skin tones and languages converging here.
The stirring and uplifting opening anthem played as the athletes marched in one by one, following the order.
“I never thought this old lady of mine would live to see such a grand spectacle. Oh, and I even got caught on TV! This life has been worth living,” Yang Yufen exclaimed excitedly, slapping her knee. Li Wu wasn’t around—he was with their coach—but tickets to the massive venue were hard to come by. Being able to witness this historic moment in person made everyone incredibly thrilled.
“This is a sign of our country’s prosperity. Things will only get better from here. If we live long enough, we’ll see even more remarkable things,” Professor Wen said, sitting beside Yang Yufen and responding to her words.
The Asian Games would last for sixteen days. Just experiencing the opening ceremony firsthand was enough for Yang Yufen; she couldn’t possibly attend every day. Qin Nian had bought a large color TV for their new home.
At 21 inches, it was the biggest available on the market. The group of children didn’t want to go outside; they stayed glued to the screen all day, afraid to miss a single moment.
Besides the athletes’ thrilling performances, commercials for Qianjin Appliances were interspersed throughout the broadcast. Qin Nian even called Fan Juan after seeing the ads, and they arranged a time to discuss the future development of Qianjin Appliances.
Without going out, Yang Yufen kept cooking up new delicious dishes. When the Games ended, everyone realized they had all gained weight.
They pinched the extra flesh on their bellies, and the sadness of parting faded a lot.
“Grandma, compared to growing fruit trees, I think you’d be even better at raising pigs,” Li Wu said, ever quick with his words.
“Raising piglets isn’t as fun as raising you all. You’re just a little chubby now, but once you grow taller, you’ll slim down again,” Yang Yufen replied.
“Grandma, next time there’s a sports event, I’ll bring you back a gold medal!”
Li Wu was taken away, his bulging luggage almost too heavy to carry.
“All right, Grandma will be waiting,” Yang Yufen said, watching the child wave goodbye. With Li Wu gone, it was almost time for Shen Xianjun and Qin Nian to leave as well.
Liao Yuanjie, having finished his tasks, was eager to find Fan Juan. Unexpectedly, he saw her stepping out of a man’s car, and the two looked very familiar with each other.
From one man’s perspective, this man clearly had feelings for Fan Juan.
Standing by the roadside, Liao Yuanjie held a bouquet of fresh flowers but didn’t approach.
Boss Huo sensed something amiss. Looking into the distance, his gaze met Liao Yuanjie’s.
A silent battle of eyes between two men. Fan Juan noticed Boss Huo’s sudden change in expression and turned to follow his gaze.
Across the street, a man in military uniform, holding flowers, was watching them. When their eyes met, he smiled and began walking toward her.
“I brought these for you. When will you be done with your work?” Liao Yuanjie said gently, offering the daisies in his hand to Fan Juan.
“You’re on leave, so come with me first. Wait for me a moment later. This is Boss Huo, his company covers real estate and electrical appliances. And this is my boyfriend.”
Fan Juan naturally accepted the bouquet of flowers.
“Hello, I’m Fan Juan’s boyfriend, Liao Yuanjie, a soldier.”
The two men shook hands, a silent contest flickering between them. If it weren’t for not wanting to draw Fan Juan’s attention, neither would have let go so quickly.
After finishing business with Boss Huo, he extended an invitation.
“Miss Fan, you’ve helped me a lot. It’s the first time I’ve met your boyfriend. How about joining me for dinner?”
“No, thank you. He’s on rare leave, and I want to spend more time with him.”
Fan Juan smiled politely as she declined, holding the bouquet of daisies in her arms.
“I have to admit, I’m a bit jealous of his good fortune. I wish you both happiness.”
Boss Huo glanced at Liao Yuanjie, who was watching from the side. He didn’t deliberately move closer to Fan Juan but smiled at Liao Yuanjie instead.
“Well, I won’t keep you any longer.”
Boss Huo got into his car and drove off. Liao Yuanjie then walked over to Fan Juan.
“I thought you’d be busy for a while longer. Did I interrupt your work?”
“Our electrical factory cooperates with their real estate company. When customers buy a house from their real estate, they get discounts on our appliances and receive small appliances as gifts. It’s been quite effective.”
Fan Juan and Liao Yuanjie walked side by side down the street.
“Last time when I left, I told you to wait for me. I’m on leave for ten days this time. Would you—would you be willing to become my revolutionary partner?”
Liao Yuanjie suddenly stopped in front of Fan Juan.
If he didn’t act quickly, he feared missing his chance. He had planned to ease his longing this trip and surprise the woman he loved, but it almost turned into a shock instead.
“Why didn’t you come straight to me when you arrived? What were you thinking?”
Fan Juan asked, and Liao Yuanjie knew exactly what she meant.
“I was afraid of disturbing your work. When I saw you smile at me, I just took the step forward.”
Liao Yuanjie spoke honestly.
“Ten days is a bit tight. My parents aren’t living in the city.”
Fan Juan suddenly changed the subject. Liao Yuanjie was momentarily stunned, then a wave of excitement nearly overwhelmed him.
“I—I can borrow a car to visit my uncle and aunt. It’s my first time visiting them, and I must prepare proper gifts. Borrowing a car would be more convenient.”
With a soldier’s exceptional decisiveness, Liao Yuanjie quickly regained his composure and began making arrangements.
“That’s fine, but you’ll have to wait two days. I need to call home first and arrange my work. I didn’t know you were coming back; otherwise, I could have prepared in advance.”
“My fault. I wanted to surprise you. Comrade Fan Juan, are you really willing to become my revolutionary partner? Let me confirm again. If you agree, I’ll report back now. Once approved, I’ll take marriage leave. There’s no way I’d let you feel wronged in this matter.”
Liao Yuanjie looked earnestly into Fan Juan’s eyes.
“I agree. I’m willing to become your revolutionary partner, to work together for our country, and strive for a beautiful future. Not only do you need to report it, but I do as well.”
Fan Juan fought back a smile as she earnestly replied to the earnest man.
With her affirmative answer, Liao Yuanjie couldn’t contain himself any longer. He lifted Fan Juan into his arms, restraining the urge to run wildly and shout the news to the world.
Fan Juan tapped Liao Yuanjie’s shoulder a few times, then suddenly he lifted her up high in an embrace. She could feel the man’s excitement, but since they were not far from their workplace and there were too many acquaintances around, Fan Juan felt a bit embarrassed.
Liao Yuanjie quickly put her down.
“Let’s eat first. There’s no need to rush right now,” he said.
After being set down, Fan Juan spoke up.
“Alright.”
Liao Yuanjie followed Fan Juan as she led the way to eat.
“This place cooks really well. I come here often,” she said.
“Fan Juan’s here! What are we having today?” Uncle Hong greeted them warmly.
“The usual, Uncle Hong. And add a dish of braised pork. This is my boyfriend,” Fan Juan introduced Liao Yuanjie confidently. Liao Yuanjie’s ears flushed red, but he straightened his chest proudly.
“I’m Fan Juan’s boyfriend, Liao Yuanjie. Hello, Uncle Hong,” he said.
“Military man, huh? I could tell right away. Good, good,” Uncle Hong replied approvingly.
