At this hour, those who needed to go to work had already left. Nan Sheng knocked on doors, asking family members to pass on the message that they must come over for dinner that evening.
Besides Zhu Jinghui's wife, Zhang Yiheng's wife, Xu Libang's wife, and Regiment Commander Ye's wife, Nan Sheng had also invited Secretary Cai's wife. Adding in the neighbors from left and right, there were quite a few female guests on her list.
As she walked along, stopping here and there, she could chat with anyone for a few words, mostly just talking about her recent situation. Before, if Nan Sheng, as a military wife, didn't take good care of the household, she would surely have been gossiped about.
But now, she had already reached a height looked up to by everyone. Even Regiment Commander Lin didn't mind the couple living apart, so how dare outsiders say anything?
Most people just praised the couple for being capable, though they expressed regret that there would be fewer chances to meet in the future.
These were, of course, just polite remarks. Even when Nan Sheng lived in the military family quarters, she rarely went out to socialize. Every day was just work and spending time with the children.
After finishing these rounds, she went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy some decorations to spruce up the living room. She also needed to buy fruit, pastries, melon seeds, and candies for guests who arrived early to snack on.
"Director Nan? You're back!"
The speaker was Deng Jun. He was at the cooperative to buy things and was exceptionally thrilled to see Nan Sheng, almost giving her a big hug out of affection. Hearing the familiar voice, Nan Sheng was also quite pleased. "Haven't seen you for a while, still not very steady, are you?"
Deng Jun chuckled twice. "I came to buy some things. Director, if it's convenient, would you like to have lunch at my place?"
Nan Sheng didn't really want to go, but Deng Jun was too enthusiastic, making it impossible to refuse. Upon learning that Nan Sheng was hosting guests at her home that evening, he clamored to come too, and even said he'd bring Chen Tian and Secretary Cai along.
"Ever since you were promoted to the county government, Secretary Cai has been listless. He says he doesn't even have anyone to talk to now."
Nan Sheng snorted dismissively. Could you trust a word from that old fox? He had that person keeping him company every day, which was enough.
The following arrangements didn't require Nan Sheng's worry at all; Deng Jun took charge of everything. He first escorted Nan Sheng to his own home, then ran errands to the state-run restaurant, ordering all the dishes and such according to Nan Sheng's requirements.
When he returned home again, Chen Tian was right behind him, grinning widely.
"Director, why didn't you let us know in advance that you were coming back? We almost missed you."
Nan Sheng helplessly massaged her forehead. She suddenly realized she was quite popular—a sweet burden indeed.
"What's there to say? Don't we see each other every month anyway?"
Deng Jun's family members all treated Nan Sheng with great respect. The lunch they prepared was sumptuous, with all the delicious food and drinks placed right in front of her. She accidentally ate until she was stuffed.
After the meal, Nan Sheng rode her bicycle straight home. At the agreed time, Deng Jun and the others would bring the ordered food over.
Over at the military district, several of Lin Han's battalion commanders were also bouncing with excitement. "We're going! We're definitely going!"
It annoyed him so much his head hurt. "Alright, alright, alright! Come on, all of you!"
So, he sent Little Hou to deliver a message to Nan Sheng. At that moment, Nan Sheng happened to be decorating the living room. Little Hou excitedly called out "Sis-in-law!" from outside the door, giving her a start.
"Little Hou, you're here! Come on in!"
"I won't sit, Sis-in-law. Regiment Commander Lin sent me to tell you that there will be quite a few more people tonight, and he's worried the food you prepared might not be enough."
That's right, he was here to help run the errand!
Nan Sheng gave Little Hou some money and had him go to town to order another table's worth of dishes, along with plenty of steamed buns, fearing the rice might run short.
By a little after four in the afternoon, guests began arriving one after another. Those without jobs, like Regiment Commander Ye's wife, came the earliest. "Sister, am I too early?"
"Just on time. Perfect for us to sit down and chat. It's been so long since I last talked with you, sis."
"That's wonderful!"
The table was well-stocked with melon seeds and candies. When someone arrived, Nan Sheng would greet them, and they would naturally take a seat. Perhaps because Nan Sheng's image as someone not to be trifled with was quite deeply ingrained, the atmosphere was unusually harmonious.
When Secretary Cai arrived, he didn't come empty-handed, bringing plenty of gifts. He wasn't alone either, having brought Zhang Yingci along. Nan Sheng was, of course, welcoming!
Seeing that each of them carried a large pile of things, everyone quickly got up to help take the dishes and set them out. Four tables were set up in the courtyard, so there was definitely enough food.
Knowing that Lin Han's family was hosting, and with not much going on at the barracks, when the time came, a large group of people arrived in a grand procession, led by Division Commander Yao and Brigade Commander Feng.
After spending more time together recently, Brigade Commander Feng's relationship with Lin Han had also improved considerably. As his direct superior, it was only right to invite him.
These two were quite something, heading straight for Nan Sheng. Division Commander Yao even joked with her.
"Director Nan, you can't just shine your light at the government office. You have to come back and see our Regiment Commander Lin occasionally. Otherwise, he'll just be drilling troops day and night at the barracks, haha!"
"I'll definitely come back often. Division Commander Yao, please have a seat!"
The familiarity Division Commander Yao displayed sent an unmistakable signal. Brigade Commander Feng also exchanged a few polite words with Nan Sheng before everyone gradually settled into their seats.
Nan Sheng sat at a table with Secretary Cai and a few others, along with Han Yongxiang and Little Hou. On the female guests' side, she had asked Regiment Commander Ye's wife and Hua Fen to help look after things.
Even while eating, Han Yongxiang didn't forget to complain to Nan Sheng. "Sis-in-law, if I hadn't been shamelessly persistent, we wouldn't have gotten to eat this meal today."
Nan Sheng wasn't about to undermine her own husband. She shot Han Yongxiang an amused glare. "Even food can't shut you up, can it? Next time I'm back, I'll treat you all to a separate meal, how about that?"
Before he could reply, Little Hou and Luo Hao were already delighted.
"That's perfect, Sis-in-law! You can't forget!"
Lin Han had four battalion commanders under him. The other two weren't familiar with Nan Sheng, but through descriptions from Luo Hao and the others, their impression of her had always been very good.
Truth be told, Nan Sheng found this meal quite exhausting. She had to look after her husband's soldiers and not neglect the government side either. She nearly wore out her lips talking.
After seeing off all the guests, Nan Sheng was so tired she didn't even want to bathe. It wasn't physical exhaustion, but a kind of mental fatigue.
And with so many people, it was noisy. She really didn't like such occasions.
Lin Han didn't drink much today, especially since he had been seriously injured before, and Division Commander Yao didn't let anyone push drinks on him.
Seeing Nan Sheng collapsed on the bed, he immediately fetched hot water to personally attend to her. Nan Sheng glanced at him and promptly sat up.
"You go wash up in the bathroom. I'll wipe myself down."
Lin Han was also secretly calculating in his mind. It didn't matter if she wouldn't let him help now; he'd have to wash up again later anyway.
Finally, he could have his feast!!!
