The news of Lin Han's promotion to deputy regiment commander quietly arrived after Li Gongliang's departure, instantly extinguishing the rumors brought by the Li family.
Though he had considerable military achievements, the speed of his advancement still stirred envy and jealousy among many. Even his close friend Zhu Jinghui felt a pang of bitterness—he had been stuck in the position of battalion commander for far too many years.
"Not bad, Deputy Lin! You kept the news tight-lipped. You’ve got to treat us—no excuses!" Zhang Yiheng, seemingly carefree, could sense the awkward atmosphere. Lin Han chuckled in agreement, "Of course, but it’ll have to wait until my wife finishes her work."
Meanwhile, in the Revolutionary Committee office, Nan Sheng received a call from the Municipal Revolutionary Committee.
"Hello, this is the Municipal Revolutionary Committee office. Please connect us to Director Nan."
Chen Tian immediately handed the phone to Nan Sheng, mouthing "Municipal Revolutionary Committee" silently. Nan Sheng nodded in acknowledgment.
"Hello, this is Nan Sheng, Director of the Sanwei Town Revolutionary Committee. May I ask what instructions the leadership has?"
The call lasted half an hour. When Nan Sheng finally hung up, she shook her sore arm and said, "I need to go to the city tomorrow. Chen Tian, get ready to come with me."
Deng Jun and Liu Song exchanged glances. "Director, this is so sudden. Did the Municipal Revolutionary Committee give any directives?"
"Nothing major. Just that I’m getting a promotion."
A promotion?
The others looked at each other in confusion, but the director’s expression didn’t suggest anything bad.
At the same time, in Huaishan Town, the Nan family also welcomed joyous news.
"Engagement? Whose child is it?"
Zhong Yanyan was both surprised and delighted to hear her son was getting engaged. Nan Jingyu felt the same—previously, their son had brushed off their urgings, but now, just when they’d given up, he suddenly came around?
"County Magistrate Yu’s daughter. She graduated high school last year and was assigned as a primary school teacher in the county town. She’s my age—her name is Yu Luotong!"
Mingli’s eyes sparkled as he spoke of his fiancée, clearly overjoyed with the match.
Since he started working in town, many had tried to set him up, but Mingli had been too focused on making money and building his career to pay attention.
During a recent meeting in the county, Secretary Ma had brought him along. County Magistrate Yu, upon learning he was Nan Sheng’s younger brother, warmly invited him to dinner at his home.
That was how he met Yu Luotong. The moment their eyes met, both felt their hearts skip a beat. Mingli’s face burned red throughout the meal.
Later, he realized the magistrate’s hospitality had an ulterior motive—he wanted Mingli as his son-in-law.
Yu Luotong wasn’t a stunning beauty, but her gentle demeanor was captivating.
Mingli thought to himself, Someone this soft-spoken probably won’t hit me after marriage, unlike my sister. My standards aren’t high.
When the old couple heard their son was marrying the county magistrate’s daughter, they were even more shocked than by the engagement itself.
"You’ve got to be kidding! We’re poor farmers—why would the magistrate’s daughter agree to marry into our family?"
Even as a live-in son-in-law, they might not want him.
What they didn’t know was that Yu Feng had been eyeing Mingli ever since he joined the government. To ensure the young man was reliable, he’d observed him for months.
Once the timing was right, he immediately had Secretary Ma bring him over.
The magistrate’s wife had initially disapproved. "Girls should marry up for a better life. You’re the county magistrate—how can you let our daughter marry back into Huaishan Town?"
Yu Feng flared up at this.
"What’s wrong with Huaishan Town? I came from there too! With me as his father-in-law and his impressive sister and brother-in-law, Mingli won’t lack for achievements. Stop worrying needlessly!"
His fondness for Nan Sheng extended to her family—he saw her as his political benefactor and was determined to bind their families together.
Luckily, his daughter genuinely liked Mingli. Wasn’t that fate?
Mingli knew his parents thought he was reaching above his station, but what could he do? Love struck unexpectedly. He wasn’t about to let his humble background cost him his bride.
"Come on, Dad, I’m not lying! Your son’s no slouch—I’m a government clerk with a bright future!
My father-in-law said we’ll get engaged this summer and marry after New Year. His only condition is that my sister must attend the wedding!"
As for the betrothal gifts, Mingli could afford them himself and didn’t need his parents’ help. "Just wait for your daughter-in-law to join the family!"
Nan Jingyu took a slow drag of his cigarette, thinking Who’s joining whose family is still up in the air. After raising this son for years, we might end up ‘marrying’ him out.
Before the engagement, Mingli needed to prepare a sewing machine, bicycle, and wristwatch. Though his father-in-law hadn’t specified a bride price, he wouldn’t let Yu Luotong feel shortchanged.
Calculating the costs, his savings fell short.
I’ll have to work like crazy these next two months!
When Xiao Yi heard about the wedding, he generously offered, "However much you’re short, I’ll cover it. Don’t drop dead from exhaustion before the big day."
Mingli refused. Hardworking and self-reliant, he wouldn’t take family money, let alone Xiao Yi’s.
"I’d happily work myself to death for this," he said.
Xiao Yi couldn’t help comparing Mingli to Nan Sheng. The siblings were nothing alike. Ah, how I miss the days when Sister Nan had my back.
"Will Sister Nan come back for your engagement?"
"My sister’s swamped! She probably won’t make it till New Year. That’s why my father-in-law set the wedding for after—so she can attend."
Xiao Yi grinned. "Perfect. I wonder how Sister Nan’s doing now."
Mingli missed her too. If not for strict leave policies, he’d have rushed to Rongcheng already.
On the road to Rongcheng, Nan Sheng sneezed repeatedly. Chen Tian didn’t dare react—seated beside Director Nan was her husband, and they were riding in a military jeep.
"Caught a cold?" Lin Han asked with concern.
"Nope!"
Nan Sheng suspected Ou Yaosheng was secretly cursing her—or maybe Li Gongliang. Sigh, the talented always attract gossip.
After his promotion, Lin Han’s training duties lightened, but leading his men proved the real challenge.
That took experience, so on his day off, he immediately requested a vehicle to accompany Nan Sheng to the city.
Chen Tian silently endured the couple’s affection, not daring to breathe too loudly. He’d never forget the time the director’s husband pressed a gun to Director Ou’s head.
Cool as hell—and terrifying as hell too.
