"My name is Hen Cailuan, and her name is Zhang Lian. Our husbands have the same military rank. We are a few years older than you, but if you don’t mind, you can call me ’Sister Cailuan,’ and call her ’Sister Xiao Lian.’" The person who said this was Hen Cailuan, eloquently spoken.
"Sister Cailuan, Sister Xiao Lian." He Zhilan grinned and called out to them.
"We arrived here a few days ahead of you. Once we got here, we heard so many people talking about you. Ya’nan, that girl, always pestered us, asking ’Uncle He, when is Aunt He coming? When are you going to pick Aunt He up? Ah, she makes us all laugh. She seems to be even more eager than He Teng to see his wife!" Cailuan had an easy-going and straightforward personality. It was evident in how she could quickly get along with Zhilan during their first meeting.
Zhilan quietly watched the two women, noting their different clothing and appearances. Hen Cailuan’s clothing was brightly coloured which paired well with her outgoing nature, suggesting that her family was financially comfortable and she was confident. Zhang Lian, on the other hand, was quieter, not talking much but always joining in with a laugh, although somewhat reservedly. Her appearance betrayed her elegant name. The hands resting on her knees were rough, the hands of someone who had worked for many years.
Evidently, both women were curious about Zhilan. Because Zhilan had visited the army during National Day, they had heard many soldiers mention He Teng’s new wife Zhilan, and learned that Zhilan was a university student at Capital University. Their curiosity about Zhilan was further piqued.
After the three of them had talked in the room for a while, it was already dark by the time He Teng entered. When he saw other people in the house, he paused, acknowledging them with a nod, before turning to Zhilan, and suggested, "Should we head to the cafeteria for dinner? It’s quite cold at night; remember to wear something warm."
Hearing this, Hen Cailuan smacked her forehead in surprise and exclaimed, "I’ve completely lost track of time! Xiao Lian, let’s go too!" As soon as she finished speaking, she ushered Zhang Lian out of the room.
Once they had left, He Teng handed Zhilan the thick coat he was holding, suggesting that she wear it on the way, and then take it off when they reached the dining hall.
Zhilan nodded, tied her hair up in a ponytail after dressing, and then followed He Teng out of the guesthouse towards the dining hall. However, they hadn’t walked very far when Chen Zheng, the political commissar, stopped them.
"Chief Gu is about to arrive. You can take your wife and start heading to the dining hall. You can join me in welcoming him at the entrance," said Chen Zheng.
Without waiting for He Teng to respond, Zhilan began to walk towards the political commissar’s wife. Before leaving, she grinned and waved a playful goodbye to He Teng, telling him to go and get his work done.
Aunt He, your hand gestures may have seemed not that graceful, but they were really cute along with your previous action. It reminded me of my grandma’s little white dog begging for food!" Chen Ya’nan commented from the side, very earnestly.
Bursting into laughter at her comment, the commissar’s wife said, "You should read more. Look, you don’t even know how to compliment someone. Comparing someone to a dog! Wait till I get back, you’re in for some scolding!"
"Mom, I was just speaking the truth, Aunt He will understand that I really thought she was cute! Aunt He won’t think that I’m insulting her, right, Aunt He?" Chen Ya’nan defended herself, then took hold of Zhilan’s hand saying, "Aunt He, I always feel like there’s no generation gap between us. We are both students, and we definitely understand each other."