At Hualing’s household, the air was somber, but Cheng Su was unaware of this. She was full of enthusiasm as she accompanied Qi Taiguo, observing everything the military had prepared for this social event.
To show importance, a banner was hung, reading sothing like "Saluting the Troops and Welcoming the New Year Military-Civilian Social Gathering," with red silk and yellow characters, exuding a strong festive atmosphere.
The soldiers then appeared, each one vigorous and spirited, standing or walking with impressive posture.
Cheng Su pursed her lips and chuckled softly.
"What are you laughing at?" Qi Taiguo saw her smiling eyes and couldn’t help but feel uplifted himself.
Cheng Su replied, "Nothing, just that these soldiers are so adorable, with such good spirits."
Upon hearing this, Qi Taiguo proudly raised his head, patted his chest, and said, "Of course, just see who trained them!"
Cheng Su scoffed lightly, rolled her eyes at him, and said, "Watch it, we’re still in the military base. Acting so cocky like this, the young soldiers below might think you’re lacking in authority."
Qi Taiguo coughed twice and promptly composed his deanor.
Since the social event started at noon, they were to have lunch together first, then move to the auditorium for various performances.
The two walked towards the canteen, and along the way, many soldiers saluted and greeted them. Cheng Su naturally received the title of Wife of the Deputy Battalion Commander.
After hearing this, Qi Taiguo whispered, "I’ll strive to remove that ’Deputy’ for you soday; ’Battalion Commander’s Wife’ sounds much better!"
Cheng Su laughed and replied, "I’ll hold you to that!"
Upon arriving at the canteen, they found the vast space had long rectangular tables arranged together, with dishes and cutlery set on both sides. The seats were empty, waiting for people to arrive.
"We’re not here; we’re over there," Qi Taiguo pointed towards the circle for families, a space designated for married couples.
Cheng Su nodded with a smile and went over, greeted by many family mbers standing up to welco her, to which Cheng Su cheerfully responded one by one.
"It’s about to start. The girls you helped register are all here, except one," Sister-in-law Gao caught Cheng Su’s attention and asked.
Cheng Su replied, "She had an urgent matter co up at the last minute, and there’s no helping it; let her be!"
Sister-in-law Gao nodded.
After exchanging pleasantries for a while, they suddenly heard a burst of commotion, and Sister-in-law Gao remarked, "They’re here."
Cheng Su glanced over, and indeed, one young face after another, wearing shy and barely contained excited smiles, entered and took their seats, sitting upright with hands on their laps, backs straight as can be.
Cheng Su stretched her neck to look; this was a rare gathering, and she naturally didn’t want to miss it.
Once all the soldiers were seated, silence ensued, and a soldier responsible for emceeing took the microphone and announced, "Now we welco our lovely ladies to enter the venue, and let’s hear so applause."
Clap, clap, clap.
Uniform applause resounded like an organized chant, without a trace of disorder, as if they had rehearsed countless tis.
Cheng Su listened to the deafening applause, watched the soldiers, and felt a surge of emotion in her heart.
They all gazed at the entrance until the first girl walked in with a shy, blushing face, which seed to provoke even more vehent applause.
Each young woman urged the others to enter the canteen, all dressed beautifully and neatly, so with makeup and lipstick, wearing vibrant attire that added a distinct pop of color to the uniform military green.
Cheng Su watched with a broader smile, her lips curving upward. Such an event was truly delightful and entertaining.
User Comments
0 comments from readers