After Sun Yu spoke, neither Zhang Cuiping nor Lin Wan responded to continue the conversation.
Lin Wan could see that Sister-in-law Zhang also disliked Sun Yu’s arrogant, contemptuous attitude.
The military dinner event was held in the cafeteria, and by the time they arrived, some military spouses had already brought their children.
A group of children gathered around the only 12-inch black-and-white TV in the cafeteria, which could receive two channels. Despite this, they were happily chatting with each other about the scenes they saw on TV. As soon as Pidan entered, he joyfully ran over.
Lin Wan joined Zhang Cuiping in the group of military spouses, helping to make dumplings and wash vegetables with everyone.
Lin Wan noticed that most of the accompanying spouses were over 30 years old and had children who were already in school.
There were quite a few people like her and Sun Yu who were visiting for the New Year.
The table where Lin Wan and Sun Yu sat was filled with acquaintances of Sister-in-law Zhang. Lin Wan roughly estimated that about a dozen families from the residential complex came over. Many family members of leaders who came to visit the soldiers were also present.
After the military spouses finished their preparations, they were seated in designated positions. Around 7:30, the leaders gradually arrived.
The dinner event officially began, with the leaders taking turns on stage to give their greetings, followed by programs arranged by the art troupe.
Since the program began, Lin Wan had been trying to spot Han Yi. With a sea of green uniforms, it was impossible to find him, though she did see Mr. Mei and Aunt Liang.
Aunt Liang also saw Lin Wan and immediately recognized her.
"You must be Xiao Wan from the casserole shop at the military hospital? Why are you here?"
"Hello Aunt Liang, my husband is in the military."
With a surprised expression, Liang Qian heard that Lin Wan had married a soldier and kindly held her hand and asked, "A year has passed, and you’re married now. Which company is the young man in?"
"His name is Han Yi, from the shooting team."
"Ah, that young Han Yi! What a coincidence! Such fate indeed, Han Yi has his good fortune marrying you."
Lin Wan was a bit puzzled by Liang Qian’s words but didn’t think too much of it.
"How is your mom doing?"
"My mom is quite well. Is Mr. Mei and Aunt Liang in good health?" Lin Wan responded politely.
"All are well. Your Uncle Mei especially loves the sour noodle dish I make. I’m thinking of visiting the hospital sometime to have your mom teach me some good recipes."
"The shop near the hospital has changed tenants, so we don’t operate there anymore. A hotpot restaurant has opened at Steel Road in the west of the city. Whenever Uncle Mei and Aunt Liang can visit, they should try our hotpot."
"Oh, hotpot is a southern dish, right? I haven’t seen it yet. When I have time, I’ll visit your mom."
Aunt Liang asked Lin Wan a few more questions before returning to her seat.
Zhang Cuiping knew Liang Qian, the wife of a senior officer, and had seen her around the residential compound often, though they weren’t close. Zhang Cuiping nudged Lin Wan under the table and quietly asked, "You know Sister-in-law Liang?"
While Lin Wan spoke, Sun Yu, who was beside her, subtly leaned closer, curious to know Lin Wan’s relationship with the officer’s wife. Upon hearing that they only met a few times, Sun Yu’s lips instantly showed a trace of mockery.
The dinner event organized by the military was quite reasonable, with programs playing while everyone enjoyed dinner.
Besides the programs performed by the art troupe, there were also performances prepared by the military spouses.
Sister-in-law Zhang and several other military spouses sang a military song.
The cafeteria was filled with laughter and joy, though Lin Wan found these programs hardly appealing, feeling quite uninterested.
Halfway through, Lin Wan’s eyes kept darting to where Han Yi was. Several times, she caught Han Yi looking over. Worried about being laughed at, Lin Wan restrained herself from looking in that direction.