Hualing was feeling quite smug these days, especially after learning that Platoon Leader Chen had been commended for his achievements. The joy she felt upon hearing about Taiguo’s troubles was simply indescribable.
In celebration of Chen Shouwang’s commendation, she had made a special trip to the agricultural market to buy meat, vegetables, and fine wine. It was only proper to celebrate his achievements in a fitting manner.
She wondered how Cheng Su was taking it all.
As she put down her vegetables and heard the bustling noise from next door, Hualing’s curiosity got the better of her.
Cheng Su’s front door was wide open, and Hualing knocked before entering.
Cheng Su and Chunhua were deep in conversation while, in the living room, a man tinkered with something, and another person was speaking outside the window.
"What’s all this about?" Hualing asked, observing the commotion.
Chunhua replied loudly, "Cheng Su’s family is getting a telephone installed at home!"
Getting a telephone installed?
Indeed, the man inside the house was pulling a large box out of a canvas bag on the floor, which clearly depicted a telephone.
Ah, and it was the latest model, too!
Setting up a telephone line cost more than buying a wristwatch, over one hundred fifty, not to mention the call charges, it was several cents per minute.
In this era, although life had improved with the economic reform and opening-up, not everyone was willing to spend a lot of money on phone calls. As a result, people mostly communicated by writing letters.
But what about Cheng Su’s family?
As far as she knew, Cheng Su’s restaurant and company already had telephones. Now they’re installing another one at home?
"Getting a phone installed, huh? Don’t you already have one in your shop?" Hualing’s smile was a bit forced.
Cheng Su responded with a smile, "The company and the shop are a bit far after all, not as convenient as having one at home. It’s better to have a call come directly home after work, isn’t it?"
"It’s the same when you get calls in the army," Hualing muttered.
In the big compound where they lived, wasn’t it the same for everyone? For any family matters, calls would typically go through the army unit, just like at the beginning with Cheng Su’s family, who would later receive calls at the shop.
"It’s always better to have it at home!" Cheng Su declared, "Old Qi said installing a telephone at home means we can stay in touch immediately if there’s any mission or issue."
"I think he’s just upset about not being able to contact you when you were sick last time." Chunhua covered her mouth and giggled, "Hey, could we let our family call us through your home phone in the future?"
"Why not? That’s the whole point of having a phone, for convenience!" Cheng Su immediately replied.
Chunhua was delighted to hear this, "Then, when you have time, could you write down your phone number for me?"
"Sure thing!"
Hualing listened on the side, feeling a sour twist in her heart. She thought to herself, Old Qi was reprimanded this time, and here you are, still so excited about getting a telephone installed. Just how big is your heart!
Seeing Cheng Su’s face light up with a smile, Hualing found it utterly irritating. On an impulse, she blurted out, "You sure are relaxed about it. Commander Qi is tasked with writing a self-criticism report this time, aren’t you worried?"
Chunhua’s smile stiffened as she involuntarily glanced at Cheng Su, thinking Hualing was really one to talk, always bringing up the most uncomfortable subjects. As if being commended once was such a big deal for her Old Chen.
"Of course, I’m worried, but what does that have to do with us getting a telephone installed at home? There’s no conflict." Cheng Su raised an eyebrow and said, "I heard Platoon Leader Chen has been commended; that’s really wonderful. Congratulations to you."
Hualing’s lips curled up in a smug smile, preparing to speak, when Cheng Su added, "Saving up military achievements is good, too. It means more chances for promotion. Platoon Leader Chen should really get a promotion."
What’s so great about receiving one commendation? He’s still just a platoon leader, showing off in front of me!
Cheng Su watched with gleeful eyes as Hualing’s smiling face twisted in discomfort, feeling incredibly satisfied deep down.