Having an extra person at dinner really makes a difference. This time, they finally managed to finish all the food. The mother and her two children walked slowly home after leaving the state-run restaurant.
"Mom, when Dad gets promoted to regiment commander, will we be able to move to a bigger house too?"
Siqi skipped along the way, thrilled at the thought of her father's promotion. Nan Sheng tugged at her daughter's little braid, wondering how the child had so much energy, never seeming to tire from morning till night.
"We will move. When the time comes, Mom will take you back to stay there when I have time."
"Hooray!"
Nan Sheng thought about how many people had come to visit Lin Han while he was injured and hospitalized. Hosting a meal to thank them was necessary, but she had been too busy lately to find the time.
Once Lin Han was promoted and they moved to the new residence, it would be the perfect opportunity to invite everyone together.
Sizhe told Nan Sheng that Lin Han had been coming back to the family compound these past few days, but he returned home very late every night and left early in the morning. Since he wasn't much help at home anyway, Sizhe decided to just come back.
The child was at his wit's end. His father was a good father, but once he got busy, he couldn't spare much thought for his son. It was better to stay with Mom, where there was always food and drink.
With Sizhe back, Nan Sheng didn't have to take her daughter to the government office to work, which made Siqi quite unhappy. She thought the government office was really fun, and all the uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters there liked her a lot.
She missed those days of being doted on by everyone...
Nan Sheng was focused on her work. In a short period, she had swiftly rectified the work ethic across the entire county. While tackling instances of misconduct and discipline violations in various departments of the county government and the town governments, everyone was impressed by her iron-fisted methods.
The common folks also knew that Director Nan of the Qingjiang County Discipline Inspection Commission was a rare, good official. Some had even tried to deliberately spread rumors about her previous role as a head of the revolutionary committee, but it had little effect.
The common people were just that endearing. They could clearly tell who didn't treat them as human beings and who had helped everyone live better lives.
One day, after work, Nan Sheng was planning to get food from the state-run restaurant. Just as she stepped out of the county government building, she saw Lin Han, who was carrying a meal.
During this period, although the couple lived apart, they made sure to meet at least once every ten days. Now, Lin Han's injuries were completely healed, and he had been officially promoted to Regiment Commander Lin!
Seeing her husband, Nan Sheng smiled until her eyes crinkled. "Sorry to keep Regiment Commander Lin waiting."
Lin Han had last returned about a week ago. Living apart had made them cherish their time together even more. Lin Han quickened his pace, reached out, and enveloped his wife's hand in his palm, then said contentedly, "Let's go home!"
It must be said that the downfall of the revolutionary committee had its benefits. Before, if a young couple held hands on the street, or even stood too close, someone would scold them for corrupting public morals. Now, no one paid any attention to that.
The people went about their work and their lives. If they had money and wanted to go out to buy some good food, no one was watching them anymore. Life couldn't be more comfortable.
After the couple left, the government staff walking behind couldn't help but whisper, "Director Nan's husband often comes to pick her up. Their relationship is really good."
Su Jie, hearing this, couldn't resist chiming in, "This is nothing. Just wait until someone dares to oppose the Director. Regiment Commander Lin's move of drawing his gun is simply the epitome of manliness!"
Now, the atmosphere in the government had been completely refreshed, and the overall mood was quite harmonious. In short, everyone was focused on working for the people, and those with improper conduct had mostly been dealt with by the Discipline Inspection Commission.
"That couple is really remarkable. One in the military and one in the government. That's a powerful alliance, isn't it?"
Su Jie thought proudly, of course! How could it not be?
The envied couple was almost at their doorstep by now, sharing updates about their recent lives.
Nan Sheng: "I've already arranged our son's school. It's a bit far from the government area, about a twenty-minute bike ride. The good thing is, he can either board or commute from home."
Lin Han deliberately increased his grip, squeezing his wife's hand. He said with a hint of feigned annoyance, "Just let him board at school. That'll save him from annoying me at home."
Nan Sheng didn't have the heart to say: how many days are you actually home? Having our son at home helps me with chores. Considering Lin Han's fragile little heart, she decided not to provoke him.
Ever since that week the father and son spent alone at the family compound, they had developed a bit of a rivalry. Every time Lin Han returned, Sizhe would see him and be reminded of the days he couldn't eat his fill.
To get back at him, Sizhe deliberately found reasons to monopolize their family time with his sister, encroaching on the couple's moments together. After a few times, Lin Han caught on, feeling both irritated and amused.
Lin Han had driven back, and the car was parked in the yard. Now that his rank was higher, using a vehicle was more convenient than before.
Originally, Little Hou was supposed to drive him, but he preferred driving himself. Little Hou had privately complained, saying Regiment Commander Lin didn't give him a chance to mooch a meal.
"Darling, after dinner, let's go back to the family compound. I've cleaned the house, and all the furniture and things are ready. You can see if there's anything you're not satisfied with, and I'll change it."
Although he knew his wife probably wouldn't stay at the family compound for long, Lin Han still hoped she would be comfortable. That's why, having calculated Nan Sheng's day off, he came today.
"Sure. I've been wanting to go back and take a look too."
Hand in hand, they entered the house. Qiqi didn't seem to mind, but Sizhe found it a bit mushy. Fortunately, his sister, like a little cannonball, rushed over and separated them.
Siqi reported her "work situation" to Nan Sheng every day. "Mom, I swept the floor and wiped the cabinets and tables today!"
"Wonderful! Mom will keep track. When you reach ten days, I'll take you to play at the government office for a day, okay?"
"Hooray!"
The child had an obsession with the government office. Nan Sheng couldn't just indulge her whims, so she came up with a plan: let Qiqi earn her chance to play at the government office through her own physical labor.
Ever since Sizhe came to live in the county town, he had been doing most of the housework, which was quite hard on him. It was good to let Qiqi share some of the burden.
Sizhe took the food from Lin Han's hands and set the table. In the meantime, Lin Han and Nan Sheng went to wash their hands. By the time they returned, Siqi had already taken several bites of a steamed bun, eating it plain without any side dishes.
Looking at her daughter's increasingly round little face, Nan Sheng couldn't help but feel a bit worried. This child was really starting to lean towards being a foodie. Would she end up as round as a ball later on?
After dinner, when they learned they were going back to the family compound, both children were happy too. Sizhe, for once, didn't try to annoy Lin Han. He pulled his sister to sit obediently in the back seat. He missed his friends from the compound as well.
Sitting in the car, Nan Sheng mentioned that when she was less busy in the future, she wanted to learn how to drive. It was great now; you didn't even need a driver's license, and there were hardly any cars on the road.
"Sure, I'll teach you."
Lin Han explained while driving, but it was getting a bit dark, so he didn't dare let his wife take the wheel yet.
Nan Sheng listened attentively, but she had never gotten a driver's license in her previous life, so she only half-understood. She'd really need hands-on practice to learn.
Actually, the county government had cars too. If she needed to go to the city or down to the villages, she could use one anytime.
