Su Yuanyuan sat down without eating, waiting for Hu Zi and the others.
"Yes, it’s all delicious."
"I can’t have lunch with you today."
Su Yuanyuan nodded, fully understanding.
Hu Zi and the others were quick; soon, all seven of them ca over with their dishes. Honestly, it was only these bachelors who ate here; anyone with a family at the garrison would go ho for als.
Zhang Chunsheng stood up, "I’m going over there. Everyone should co over."
After he left, the eight of them felt a bit freer.
"Sister-in-law, let’s talk while eating."
The food at the cafeteria today was exceptionally delicious, mainly because it was rich in oil.
"Sister-in-law, I think this al is better than the ones at your work unit."
Su Yuanyuan nodded. She loved eating pig’s trotters; the chef’s skills were truly good.
"Sister-in-law, are you leaving on the fifth day of the new year?" Chengzi asked.
"Yes, I start work on the sixth."
"Sister-in-law, I already spoke with Director Zhang about my thoughts yesterday, and he agreed. I’ll probably report to your work unit after the sixth."
"Chengzi, are you really sure about this?"
Chengzi nodded, while the others watched the two of them.
"Chengzi, I can let you follow . But in the future, the honors may not be yours. You know, I can find ways to help you with other things, but I may not be able to provide you with the honors and achievents."
Chengzi, with a mouthful of pig liver, smiled, "Sister-in-law, I never cared about those. I’ve been outside for a year and figured out what I truly want,
With the boss not by your side, I’ll replace him in protecting you. No matter what, I’ll always stand in front of you, in any situation."
Chengzi’s words made the others feel awkward, as they felt embarrassed. They were in the sa situation, having survived death nurous tis, all because of the couple’s relationship.
Hu Zi excitedly put down his chopsticks. "I want to go too."
Su Yuanyuan shook her head, "Chengzi alone is enough. Honestly, I could say I don’t need anyone to protect , but for your peace of mind, I’ll let Chengzi follow .
Wait for the chance to step back and follow the arrangents from above.
Now they need talents like you. In the future, it won’t be so dangerous, and it’s your ti to create achievents."
Chengzi smiled happily; Sister-in-law, he will protect her. Every ti the night is quiet, he reflects on the past events and feels inadequate, except that he still has his skills and can shield Sister-in-law in dangerous tis.
"Sister-in-law, with Chengzi, we’re more assured."
Su Yuanyuan shook her head, "There’s really no need. I hope you can all build successful careers, as the saying goes, achieving honors and benefiting your descendants."
The dining table fell silent. Daqing, unaccustod to such a scene, said, "Let’s listen to Sister-in-law. In the future, you five will certainly remain here as instructors. We’ll work together to make this place her Kao Shan."
Su Yuanyuan nodded, "That works too. You should do your best; you’ve already been through too much. It’s ti for a stable life."
"Sister-in-law, we will." Hu Zi nodded, recalling Sister-in-law’s temper in the past, though her character had sowhat improved now. But she truly didn’t have anyone behind her, so it’s up to them to support her.
The others also nodded. In their hearts, they didn’t say it, but the boss and his wife were like surrogate parents to them, almost.
Sister-in-law used to avoid getting involved, but now it’s different. She needs their support, and this garrison will beco her strongest backing.
"Sister-in-law, do you still want to go abroad? I saw the newspaper and was excited. I’d love to see that sight."
"I don’t know; if nothing significant occurs, they probably won’t send abroad."
Su Yuanyuan has decided to strive for the best treatnt for Chengzi in the future.
After lunch, they escorted Su Yuanyuan back.
"Sister-in-law, we’ll co get you for dinner tonight. Is there anything you want to eat?"
Su Yuanyuan shook her head, "Anything is fine. Tonight, it will certainly be dumplings."
"Sure enough, today is the thirtieth day of the year; tomorrow is New Year’s Day."
In the afternoon, Su Yuanyuan stayed in space, even just reading, which was a rare mont of leisure.
Many wanted to et her, but Zhang Chunsheng blocked them, knowing she wanted peaceful days without socializing.
She ca out a bit early in the afternoon, heard knocking, and went out with her lunchbox.
It was still the eight of them, but Zhang Chunsheng couldn’t eat with them.
The dumplings were pork and green onion, specially made for them; Daqing had co over in the afternoon with money and specifically requested it.
They shared stories about their missions with Su Yuanyuan.
Everyone knew there were rules; so things couldn’t be discussed.
Today is the last day of ’69; it’ll soon be ’70. Ti flies. It’s been over three years. Su Yuanyuan closed her eyes, reflecting on the last few years and felt truly fortunate.
In her previous life, there were no attachnts, and here she could experience a different life. Now, her deepest concern was whether the three children could return.
She visualized the children’s faces, eting for just a while each year, but it was quite good.
She indeed doubted at tis if it was all fake, a fignt of her imagination. But even with the experience of ti travel, there’s nothing she couldn’t believe.
She’s a rational person, considering future scenarios if they couldn’t return.
In the worst case, she’d still spend her life alone like the previous one, which she could accept.
But she still wished for the children’s return, to experience the feeling of them surrounding her.
On New Year’s Day in ’70, early in the morning, she left space, fearing people would co to offer New Year’s greetings.
She only took out so fruit candies wrapped in cellophane; other items weren’t suitable for gifting.
And she was right—many children ca to offer New Year wishes.
This was likely due to the adults instructing them, as Su Yuanyuan reflected, probably because she’s not frequently around.
Every ti the children ca, she’d give them sweets, which made them fond of her.
A few children had played with the three before, so they were closer to her. Now, they’re aware that Qi Yan and the others have disappeared, aning they’re believed to be dead. The children matured early; none ntioned it, just ran off after the greetings.
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