A couple of weeks later, on a morning, winter had gotten very cold in Beijing. Snowflakes drifted from the sky, shrouding the earth in a gray haze, and the whole city was dimly lit with low visibility. There were few people on the streets due to the cold, and even fewer cars cautiously moved along. Inside, the room felt as warm as spring; the heating was so effective that a healthy person only needed a single garnt.
Within an upscale apartnt complex, children frolicked in the garden while adults watched them from sheltered spots with smiles of happiness on their faces. Inside one ho, laughter filled the air, led by a radiant young man. Though slightly emaciated, with a hint of fatigue, he was spirited, dressed casually, and sported a buzz cut. He sat straight with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, wisdom gleaming in his calm gaze—it was none other than Luo Zheng, back from the front lines.
In Sam Country, the peace negotiations had not been breached, and were proceeding as agreed, with others handling the remaining details, so Luo Zheng wasn't needed there. A soldier's duty is to defend and expand the territory and protect the nation; building and managing the country is best left to other professionals. Luo Zheng returned to the base with his team a week ago, spent a week undergoing adjustnts, and then hurried ho to reunite with his family.
With the New Year fast approaching, military doctor Wu Miao didn't insist on holding everyone back. Luo Zheng arrived ho last night, had a good rest, and the family, delighted to be together, started their day early, sitting together and chatting happily without ntioning his work, avoiding awkwardness.
After so chatting, Mrs. Luo shifted the conversation earnestly, saying, "In two days, it's New Year's Eve. Find an opportunity to invite your brothers over for a al, and also, three days ago, Xue Er's father visited very courteously, bringing many gifts and speaking very highly of you. It seems he approves of you, which is good news. Son, you're not young anymore; is it ti to think about personal matters?"
"Don't talk nonsense." Luo Hu noticed Luo Zheng's slight embarrassnt and glared at his wife to intervene, saying, "The military has its rules; it's not about doing whatever you want."
"I'm not rushing; just asking. It'll set my mind at ease." Mrs. Luo added unhappily.
"Haha—" Little sister chuckled at this, realizing her slight impoliteness, covered her mouth quickly, and mischievously winked at Luo Zheng, smilingly adding, "Mom, you're outdated. City life isn't like back in the mountains. I'm not saying the mountains are bad, but city folks marry later. n at thirty, won at twenty-eight, which is perfect. Brother isn't that old; so no rush."
"Brat, no wonder you're relaxed. But don't stir trouble before graduating college. Your brother is different; he'll be twenty-three after the New Year, Xue Er is about two years older, so she'll be twenty-five. For won, their health changes past twenty-five, and if they're older, childbirth can be painful. Your mom has lived through this; wouldn't I know?" Mrs. Luo admonished with a displeased glance at the little sister.
"Huh?" Little sister stuck out her tongue, made a silly face at Luo Zheng, and laughed, "Brother, can't help you there, rely on luck."
"Enough, let's drop this matter. Look at you, not young anymore, still worrying about this? Can you handle it, or should you? Is this not adding trouble for your son? He's grown up. As parents, don't add to the ss." Luo Hu complained.
"You?" Mrs. Luo had no better retort, glared at Luo Hu.
Hook laughed, "Hey, your son's at a crucial stage now. If he could land a big position and bring a bride ho, wouldn't it be double happiness? But arranging things now could impact his future."
Mrs. Luo, unfamiliar with military affairs, took it earnestly, curiously asking Luo Zheng, "Can you really be promoted?"
"I'll try." Luo Zheng replied with a grateful glance at Luo Hu, glad for the topic shift. Thinking a mont, he added, "Mom, your daughter-in-law's already an official, outranks . Do you wish your son to marry soone higher? Our efforts aren't for surpassing, but reaching the sa level. Otherwise, we'd lack backbone, right?"
"Speak properly. Xue Er isn't like that; I can see it." Mrs. Luo jokingly rebuked, then thoughtfully added, "But you're right, strive to exceed her, not suppress your wife, but a man should have ambitions, else get mocked outside."
"Brother, you've got pressure now." The little sister mischievously teased.
"Understood, mission accepted." Luo Zheng smiled, but inwardly dismissed it, believing true love transcends worldly concerns, not for others' scrutiny. As long as mom didn't press this issue, a little harmless fib was fine.
Just then, the doorbell rang. Who could be visiting so early? Luo Zheng curiously turned to the little sister, who shrugged and quickly went up to open the door, exclaiming in surprise, "Dad, Mom, Brother, sister-in-law's ho! Oh, several brothers too, welco! Co in, co in." She hastily fetched slippers from the shoe cabinet.
"Little sister's mouth is even sweeter. Here's a gift from your brother." Ghost Hand's voice ca from the doorway.
"Hello, little sister." Lan Xue's voice also greeted from the door, and soon she entered, warmly addressing, "Hello, uncle, aunt." as she accepted the slippers from the little sister.
"You're all here, wonderful! We were just saying we should invite you for dinner. Co in, co in, it's chilly outside." Mrs. Luo cheerfully welcod everyone, noticing the gifts, and comnted disapprovingly, "Kids, you're here, that's what matters. Why bring gifts?"
"Family elders insisted, can't co empty-handed." Ghost Hand replied jovially.
After everyone switched to slippers and settled on the sofa, Luo Zheng gestured for Lan Xue to sit beside him. She nodded understandingly and confidently sat down as if one of the family. Little sister playfully chid in, "Brothers, you all look thinner! Must've endured hardship. I'll have mom stew so braised pork to replenish you."
"Indeed, little sister is the best, even better than my real sister at being considerate." Ghost Hand bead.
"Little sister, this is a gift from your brother." Snow Leopard perford a magic trick, producing a small bird, and handed it to her, saying, "Like it? Took great effort to bring it back."
"A macaw? Oh my, am I seeing this right?" The little sister exclaid in surprise, full of excitent.
"Shh! Don't let anyone hear." Snow Leopard quickly signaled for silence, chuckling, "Last visit you flipped through animal magazines, filled with birds. I guessed your liking and brought one accordingly."
The little sister knew where such parrots ca from, instantly deducing where Luo Zheng and the others went, and her expression shifted slightly as she asked in shock, "You guys?"
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