The matter of Tian Sangsang participating in the Mid-Autumn Festival gala quickly became a topic of amusement at the dinner tables of the military wives, as they all went home to gossip about it with their husbands. While the other wives may have spoken about it with a hint of mockery, for You Huixixi, there was genuine concern.
"Don’t be fooled by Sangsang’s rural background, her thoughts... I just can’t quite figure her out. Old Lin, here, take this."
Political Commissioner Lin took the registration form from You Huixixi and glanced at it before saying, "Singing program? Our sister-in-law hides her talent well. Her voice is pleasant; I remember how she used to read the newspaper as if she were narrating a story." Deep down, Political Commissioner Lin had a newfound respect for Tian Sangsang, admiring her courage to confront her physical imperfections while focusing on her inner qualities. Though not conventionally attractive, she was undoubtedly multi-talented.
"Reading the newspaper is one thing, singing is another—completely different." You Huixixi, having witnessed the event that sparked this, raised her eyebrows and said, "Besides, you don’t know the background of this whole thing. My guess is, Sangsang must be butting heads with Qin Lan."
"Butting heads over what—women are so full of drama," Political Commissioner Lin shook his head helplessly, seating himself in a chair. "No way, I’ll have to convene a thought conference to educate them. This is already seriously affecting unity. Constantly forming cliques and squabbling—it’s what bored people do."
You Huixixi laughed: "If unity could be achieved just by holding a meeting, would there still be this kind of drama nowadays? Qin Lan is simply that kind of person, and we all know it. No amount of education can change her."
"Exactly, you should interact with her less."
"It’s just superficial politeness. But... I’m worried, if Sangsang doesn’t sing well, what happens to Captain Jiang’s reputation?"
Political Commissioner Lin’s expression became rather intricate. "That’s where you’re wrong. The couple has such good chemistry they can even send their son to sleep in another bed. Sangsang’s decision to join the gala—do you think they wouldn’t have discussed it in advance? Since Sangsang signed up, Jinghuai must already know. And if Jinghuai didn’t stop her, it means Sangsang genuinely has talent."
At this, You Huixixi suddenly recalled something, alternating between chuckling and sighing, "We’ve gotten old... can’t keep up. Watching them, I can’t help but remember..."
"Wife," Political Commissioner Lin set down the registration form and solemnly said, "The hero’s sword is never dull..."
Blushing furiously, You Huixixi gave him a playful slap. "You’re so shameless."
Political Commissioner Lin, having his competence questioned, seized the opportunity to grasp his wife’s hand, feeling particularly lively today. Their eyes met, silently communicating.
"The meal isn’t cooked yet..."
"Let’s cook it afterward."
"In the room next door."
Ji Yao’er was a beauty, the pride of the art troupe, far surpassing her cousin Li Qiong’er in appearance. Her strikingly glamorous looks were a stark contrast to her delicately dainty name.
After parting ways with her art troupe sisters, Ji Yao’er went alone to Lu Chi’s house. Having frequently accompanied Li Qiong’er here in the past, Ji Yao’er didn’t feel there was anything inappropriate about coming alone, especially since she and Lu Chi had a fairly decent relationship.
When Li Qiong’er was at home, Lu Chi would eat there; now that Li Qiong’er had returned to Beijing to recuperate, Lu Chi ate alone at the cafeteria. It so happened that he had just returned from the cafeteria; otherwise, Ji Yao’er might have missed him.
"Brother-in-law, how’s my cousin’s health now?" Ji Yao’er asked earnestly.
Lu Chi froze for a moment. When Li Qiong’er was around, she could be quite unpleasant, but now that she wasn’t, there was a strange sense of discomfort. After all, they were husband and wife.
"Much better." He poured her tea and smiled faintly. "Do you have something difficult to handle?"
Ji Yao’er paused for a moment but then shook her head. "What are you saying? Can’t I visit you just for the sake of visiting?"
Lu Chi remained noncommittal, sipping his tea leisurely. "So this time you don’t need anything, but I do have something to ask of you."
"Go ahead, Brother-in-law." Ji Yao’er instinctively straightened her posture. She found her brother-in-law generally amiable, but when serious, he had a level of gravitas akin to her cousin Li Qiong’er—calm when dignified and terrifying when enraged.
"That Tian Sangsang. I heard she signed up for the Mid-Autumn Festival gala?"
Ji Yao’er let out a relieved breath, seeing that it wasn’t anything major, then chuckled lightly. "Yeah, the registration says she’s singing."
"She knows how to sing? Whether it’s true or not remains to be seen." Recalling the day he encountered Tian Sangsang on the road, with her pestering Zhao Chun, Ji Yao’er’s disdain deepened further. Just an opportunist who throws herself at any man—someone like Zhao Chun wouldn’t bother with her. And singing? She’d probably sing some rustic folk tune that would have the soldiers laughing their heads off.
Lu Chi asked, "I saw the program sequence; her act is placed first. Why is that?"
Faced with her brother-in-law’s probing gaze, Ji Yao’er could only confess honestly, "Brother-in-law, I just didn’t like her and wanted her to make a fool of herself. Even though the rumors last time were spread by me, what I said was true! Why did Captain Jiang blame me for it? Besides... it’s for the sake of my cousin. Guan Kunling and Tian Sangsang are certainly out to harm her. If not for them, I’d be cradling my nephew by next year—it would’ve been your own flesh and blood."
Children... perhaps once he’d been eager to settle down and have a child. But ever since that woman who resembled Jiang Jiaqi appeared, he hesitated. It hurt a little—not too much, but enough. Not anyone could bear his child. If back then... he and Jiaqi might have had a child by now.
"Have you considered that if she really has talent, the one embarrassed will be you two."
"And if Jiang Jinghuai loses face, do you think he’ll let it slide?"
Tian Sangsang... Could she truly have issues, just like his father had hinted?
Whether or not, it would become clear this time.
"Well, isn’t there still you, Brother-in-law?" Ji Yao’er curled her lips into a bright smile, trying to ingratiate herself. "Besides, the program order was arranged by our troupe leader. It won’t come back to us."
"If that’s the case... let’s wait and see." Lu Chi smiled meaningfully.
Seeing Lu Chi wasn’t completely against her approach, Ji Yao’er vowed, "Don’t worry, Brother-in-law, even if she has talent, with her set as the opening act, I can still outshine her. I won’t tarnish your reputation!"
"Still, don’t be careless," Lu Chi reminded her.
"Got it!" Ji Yao’er reined in her playful demeanor. "By the way, Brother-in-law, I actually do have a small favor to ask of you this time."
"Go on," Lu Chi sent her an expectant look.
Ji Yao’er sheepishly stuck out her tongue. "I have a friend who’s trying to shoot a TV drama, but the rights to it belong to another director. Brother-in-law, don’t you have connections in this area? Can you...? My friend really wants to film it, and he’s quite skilled in this field."
"What kind of friend?"
"Just—quite a good friend," Ji Yao’er said, embarrassed.