Early before dawn, before the sky was bright, the Big Courtyard of the military district was already resonating with the chants of "one-two-three-four, two-two-three-four..." alongside whistle blows, accompanied by the patter of running feet.
As ti passed and daybreak ca, children from the residential area gradually ca out for exercise, and not far away in the small park, so spirited old soldiers could be seen stretching and stomping their feet with vigor, occasionally shouting at each other, teasing and joking around.
Mr. Lin just stepped out and hadn’t even reached the small park when he heard the voices of his old friends.
Soone with sharp eyes spotted him approaching and imdiately shouted, "Old Lin, you finally ca out. How did it go on your visit over there? Settled down well?"
Everyone turned around at once, and upon seeing him, they burst out in hearty laughter and teased him, "Old Lin used to be a head there. How could they not put up a show? You better not get angry, this old guy would stare at them. Did they bombard you with sweet talk?"
"This old chap probably just went there to drink and chat, nothing serious!"
Mr. Lin chuckled happily, ignoring their teasing, and continued with his warm-up exercises. After a while, he said:
"I t a few old subordinates this ti, everyone is doing well; comrades are real comrades. The work below is done well and thoroughly. Check the docunts after work to see if anything needs to be added."
Mr. Fang, Fang Fei’s grandfather, recalled his grandson’s words from last night as he glanced over again. The old guy didn’t ntion his granddaughter’s marriage at all, secretly pleased, which was quite selfish. Given his character, let’s see how long he can hold it in! With more people around now, he’ll probably boast to his close friends later.
After half an hour, people gradually left. Mr. Lin noticed not many were left in the park, and as his old friends were about to leave, he quickly stepped forward to hold on to Old Master Jiang and others, complaining, "Why are you all leaving? Why not co to my place and sit for a while? There’s still so ti before work starts."
Mr. Fang laughed heartily, playfully pointing a finger at him while saying, "Can’t hold it in anymore, can you? I heard you have a good granddaughter, got a great grandson-in-law. Technically can’t now, we must head back after breakfast for work. Tonight, we’ll co over for your boasting session, do prepare good food and wine."
Mr. Lin responded to this with hearty laughter, cheerfully saying, "Then co to my place tonight, let’s have a good gathering. You all must co now." After they nodded, he walked out with them.
Beside him, Mr. Cheng and Old Master Jiang paused, looking at Mr. Fang.
Mr. Fang waved his hand, smiling mysteriously, saying, "Better not ask, you’ll find out tonight. It’ll be no fun if I spill the beans. Let’s go early tonight to hear his boasting."
No one asked further, and with laughter, each went their separate ways ho.
The morning wakeup call sounded, and Mr. Lin looked over at the dining table at the eldest daughter-in-law having breakfast, unable to help but ask, "Xiao Ling isn’t up yet? Why is she still sleeping? What’s with young people sleeping in! Don’t let the maid prepare breakfast for her either, it’s becoming too much."
Seeing the daughter-in-law put down her utensils and about to go wake up the granddaughter, Mr. Lin stopped her, his expression stern, "The eldest ho, you stay put. Do we need elders to ask them to eat? She’s grown enough, she should change her bad habits. She’s not getting any younger, better arrange a match for her soon, decent families don’t wait."
Lin Liyin snickered quietly, winking at her mother, got swatted at, and instantly behaved. Her eyes darted around, observing everyone.
Seeing everyone about to finish eating and get up, Lin Liyin said, "Sister-in-law, didn’t Xiao Ling tell you she’s seeing Dean Yang’s eldest son? I noticed they are quite close. Colleagues at the hospital are asking when they’ll be invited for wedding treats."
The old folks looked over at Chen Jingru’s way. Nothing had been heard in their family. Marriage is a serious matter, how could it be so casual?
Chen Jingru frowned a bit, as her child had not ntioned anything to her before. Looking puzzled, she asked softly, "Dean Yang’s son, the one in your military hospital’s General Affairs Departnt, Yang Liqun? The short and chubby one?"
"Yes, I didn’t even notice until soone else asked , then I observed. Ask her what’s really going on today. If there’s no intention to marry, she should stay away, it’s not good for her reputation. Word has already spread."
Chen Jingru frowned deeply, shaking her head, "Last week a colleague was trying to introduce soone to her, and she turned it down. Maybe she really is seeing soone. I’ve only t Yang Liqun once, he’s really not special, why would Xiao Ling fancy him? Does Dean Yang know about this?"
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