In the capital, knowing that He Zhilan and her family were arriving, Lin Chan personally came to receive them. He even went through the trouble of driving a multi-seat car.
Upon seeing Zhilan’s father, Lin Chan was incredibly enthusiastic. He was so attentive, it was a wonder he didn’t push Zhilan aside and cling to her father’s hand himself.
"Uncle He, I’m Lin Chan, Zhilan’s good friend. Has she mentioned me? I’ve been eagerly waiting for you and her brother. Finally, I am gratified to see you! Have you had dinner yet? Let’s go have a meal first, then I will take you to your accommodation. After a rest, we should head to the General Military Hospital."
Zhilan’s father had heard of Lin Chan before, but he didn’t expect him to be so effusive. At first, he was a bit taken aback, but once they had eaten and he got to know Lin Chan a bit better, he gradually relaxed.
The apartment Zhilan arranged was nearby the General Military Hospital. It was a two-bedroom, fully renovated for comfort, and conveniently located near the hospital for when He Da needed to go.
Upon entering, Zhilan’s father gasped in surprise, "This place is much better than the one your brother has in the military. Must cost a fortune for the monthly rent, right?"
The accommodation He Teng stayed at in the military compound was unrenovated, while the place Zhilan prepared was completely refurbished. The walls were freshly painted. and the flooring renewed. It looked much brighter.
"Uncle He, Zhilan is doing quite well for herself now and housing rent is not a concern. It’s her way of showing her respect to you. She hopes you and He Da would live comfortably in the capital. All has been arranged, just enjoy your stay." Lin Chan reassured, before helping move the luggage inside.
"Dad, you and my brother will stay in this room. I’ve prepared everything for you. Check if anything is missing. Dongxue is going to live next door. She’ll be working at the hospital. It’s more comfortable here than in her assigned dormitory. She could cook here and she’ll be able to keep you and brother company." Zhilan remarked, "When I return to the capital, I could bunk in with Dongxue."
"Fine by me." Her father replies, his brows curving upward in a smile.
Once everything was settled, Lin Chan excused himself. Zhilan instructed her father and He Da to get some rest before they head to the hospital in the afternoon. She then joined Dongxue in their shared room.
"Sister-in-law, you’ve graduated, when are you and my brother getting remarried?" Once in the room, Dongxue flopped onto the bed. She had been part of the house selection process and even contributed to its decor. It was familiar territory. "These past couple of days, my brother’s gaze’ve been on you quite often. It’s happening soon, isn’t it?"
Dongxue, all energized by her speculation, continues, "Sister-in-law, a remarriage is still a marriage. So, are you and my brother going to have a wedding reception? I mean, you should. When you two wedded the first time, we were poor, so it was a small affair. But people in the capital know how to throw big weddings! Wearing that beautiful red bridal dress, you would unquestionably outshine them all, and surely bewitch my brother. If we were still struggling, that’d be one thing. But we are more comfortable now, and you earn money. It’d be wonderful if you threw a grand wedding reception with my brother!"
"That’s up to your brother. I really don’t know." He Zhilan shrugs, "We’ll have to see how long he can hold out. But let me tell you, your brother is secretly quite the romantic you know?"