"Dad!"
Army Commander Liao was nearly deafened by Liao Yuanjie's shout.
"You'll make me go deaf even if I weren't already! I can see your back teeth—what’s got you so excited?"
"Dad, Comrade Fan Juan has agreed to become my revolutionary partner! I need to submit a marriage application. Dad, can you help speed things up? I only have ten days of leave, and I still need to visit my future in-laws. The approval process is too slow, and I’ll have to wait for my next leave to apply again."
"Xiao Fan agreed? That’s wonderful! Don’t worry, I’ll pull every string I can to get this done quickly. For your first visit to her parents, we can’t show up empty-handed. We’ll prepare betrothal gifts too. You should’ve told me sooner—I’ll call your sisters."
General Huo was overjoyed, making several calls in a row before rushing home to dig out his most treasured belongings.
The three sisters quickly coordinated among themselves. Since they lived in different places, they sent the second eldest, who was the closest and most available.
"Finally, our little brother is willing to settle down! We’ve looked into the girl—she’s a good one. We can’t let her be treated poorly. Your eldest sister and her husband, along with your third sister and hers, pooled money together. Since the girl works in the capital, we bought you two an apartment near her workplace so you can stay there during your leave."
The sisters were generous, paying for the apartment outright.
"As for the renovation and appliances, ask the girl for her preferences. We’ll cover the costs. Don’t even think about refusing. Mom worried about you the most before she passed. We’ve all been loved by her, and now it’s time for you to live your own life. Dad will be taken care of by us."
Used to giving orders, Liao Yuanjie’s second sister rattled off the arrangements without giving him a chance to interject.
After taking leave, Second Sister Liao accompanied him to the Fan family, ensuring all formalities were properly observed. The two families agreed that a wedding banquet would be too rushed this time, so they’d hold it during his next leave. Once the political approval came through, the couple would register their marriage first.
To show sincerity, the property deed was registered under both Liao Yuanjie and Fan Juan’s names, and the betrothal gift was a "one-in-ten-thousand" sum.
Though Second Sister Liao insisted on covering the appliances and renovations, Fan Juan’s parents declined. They were marrying off their daughter and wouldn’t skimp on the dowry. Since the groom’s family had shown such sincerity, they took care of the appliances and renovations themselves, even adding a private sum for their daughter’s security.
In the end, all the money ended up in the young couple’s hands. Liao Yuanjie refused to keep a single cent, handing everything over to Fan Juan. Before his leave ended, they obtained their marriage certificate and took their wedding photos.
"From now on, you’ll manage our household’s finances. Take care of your health. Don’t worry about the old man—he’s still strong. Just visit him when you can."
Liao Yuanjie reluctantly gave his final reminders.
Qin Nian was equally reluctant to part. Shen Xianjun carried bags of gifts while Qin Nian gazed at her mother-in-law, whose hair had turned heavily gray, wishing she could take her along.
Her youngest son clutched at her, unwilling to let go of either hand, as if he wanted to bring everyone with him.
"Mom, you must keep this phone with you at all times—it’ll make it easier to stay in touch."
Qin Nian repeated her instructions. The bulky "brick phones" had been replaced by sleeker domestic models with better signals, a new product from Forward Electric Factory, which Fan Juan had seized the opportunity to invest in.
The first batch had been reserved for special distribution, and only now was the product being released to the public. When they met, Fan Juan had given Qin Nian several units.
To meet demand, they’d even opened a new factory. Fortunately, business was thriving—otherwise, the funds wouldn’t have been enough.
