Chapter 62 - 22: Grind a Little More

Chapter 62: Chapter 22: Grind a Little More

Instead of rushing back to his dorm, Gu Chenghuai went to the Dependents’ Committee to see the women’s director.

The women’s director was a woman named Qian Guiying. In her fifties, she was a true "Iron Lady"—more capable than most men.

Qian Guiying also had another special identity: she was the wife of the highest-ranking commander in the military region.

This was no surprise. Not just anyone could be the military region’s women’s director.

The family members who were allowed to join their spouses at the base were married to men who were at least at the battalion commander level. These women came from all corners of the country, with different educational backgrounds and personalities. You needed a firm hand to keep them in line.

Qian Guiying was very surprised to see Gu Chenghuai show up.

She had only ever seen Gu Chenghuai at her own home. This was her office, and the people who came looking for her here were usually dealing with disputes within the compound. ’What is he doing here?’

Soldiers value quick and decisive action. After a polite greeting, Gu Chenghuai recounted what he had just heard.

The smile on Qian Guiying’s face vanished instantly.

’Something like that actually happened?’

"I understand the situation now," she said, her expression turning serious. "We will investigate this. If the findings confirm what you’ve said, I will handle the matter according to regulations."

"Thank you for looking into this," Gu Chenghuai said.

Qian Guiying often heard her husband talk about how outstanding the young man before her was. Her original impression of Gu Chenghuai was that of a sharp blade, but seeing him now, her perception of him became more three-dimensional and real.

He wasn’t just the military region’s sharpest weapon; he was also a husband and a father.

"There’s no need for thanks. You shouldn’t have had to come to me in the first place. This was an oversight on my part," Qian Guiying said, her voice filled with apology.

"You’re being too hard on yourself," Gu Chenghuai said.

’The women in the family housing building could be a real handful, each in their own way. Even though he didn’t live there, he’d heard the rumors. They were far harder to manage than his own soldiers.’

A thought occurred to Qian Guiying, and she asked, "Are you planning to have your wife and kids come live on the base?"

"That depends on what my wife wants," Gu Chenghuai said.

His expression and tone were no different than usual, but Qian Guiying could still detect the note of indulgence in the young man’s voice.

"You should talk it over with your wife. It’s no way for a married couple to live, separated for so long. If you’re thinking about it, you’ll need to apply for housing in advance."

Gu Chenghuai nodded. "I understand."

’Zhaozhao probably isn’t thinking of moving here anytime soon. I’ll have to work on convincing her when I get back.’

’As a married man, I don’t want to sleep in a cold, empty dorm either.’

No one could guess these thoughts, all hidden behind that cold yet undeniably handsome face.

-

Lin Zhao walked out of the post office with her two boys.

Er Zai suddenly slapped his forehead, saying with vexation, "Oh no, I forgot to ask my dad for a bicycle coupon!"

"No rush, we’ll ask him next time," Lin Zhao said. She knew how hard bicycle coupons were to come by. ’A classmate of mine wanted to buy a bike and couldn’t get a coupon for the longest time. They waited three years and still had nothing. I wonder if they ever got one in the end.’

"Okay..." Er Zai said, still a little disappointed.

But he was a happy-go-lucky kid, and after less than a minute of disappointment, he had already put the matter out of his mind.

After they had walked a little further, Da Zai asked, "Mom, where are we going now?"

"First, we’re going to the county government building. I need to find one of your father’s army buddies to ask about something," Lin Zhao answered with a smile. "The movie will have to wait a little while. Is that okay?"

"Okay! Mom’s business is important!" Da Zai said.

Er Zai remembered what his dad had said. He turned to look at Lin Zhao, his bright, dark eyes full of eager anticipation. "Mom, are you going to ask about the job?"

"That’s right." A warm, sweet feeling spread through Lin Zhao’s heart. "Your father helped arrange it."

’Goodness knows I was in a fit of temper back then, just scribbling nonsense without any real hope. I know better than anyone how hard it is to find a job.’

’Especially since I wanted a respectable, comfortable job. I didn’t want to work in a factory; I’d heard they were noisy, hot as a steam basket in the summer, and stuffy in the winter. I couldn’t handle that kind of hardship.’

’I never thought Father would find me such a great job as a salesclerk. As expected of my man, he’s so capable!’

’I was too shy to say it on the phone just now. I’ll have to praise him in my next letter!!’

"Mom, you’re going to be a salesclerk?!!" Da Zai asked excitedly.

There wasn’t a single child from the countryside who didn’t know what it meant to become a state-employed worker.

Lin Zhao was excited too, trying her best to remain composed, but she couldn’t stop the corners of her mouth from curling up. "It’s not certain yet, but it’s almost a done deal."

’A job as a salesclerk... I never would have even dared to dream of it before!’

Da Zai didn’t understand the second part of what his mom said, but he understood the first part.

’It means Mom can’t be one hundred percent sure yet.’

"You’ll definitely become a salesclerk, Mom!" he said earnestly.

Er Zai nodded vigorously. "Grandma says Dad is an outstanding soldier, and brave soldiers don’t lie! If Dad says it’s happening, then it’s happening!"

Lin Zhao believed it, too.

It just felt surreal.

’Isn’t the first reaction to a dream coming true always a bit of a daze?’

"Well, here’s hoping your lucky words do the trick!"