Now it seems that no matter how reserved and restrained a man usually is, after getting married, his personality can become subtly flirtatious. Outwardly, he may appear restrained, but inwardly…
Wen Ci returned home to find only a few children doing their homework by the pavilion in the yard. The bright sunlight bathed them as she walked over and asked, “Why aren’t you writing in the pavilion?”
“The sun feels warm.”
“Where are your parents?”
“They went home.”
“Went home?” Wen Ci frowned.
There was plenty of food left from lunch, and the table was still set up in the yard.
Why had Sister Jing and the others gone home?
Xiao Pihou, holding a book, slowly looked up and explained, “Dad got drunk, and Mom helped him back to rest.”
Wen Ci: “…”
It’s inevitable for men to get drunk at the dinner table.
Suddenly, Wen Ci became curious about whether Huo Jingyuan drank. Although supplies were scarce in the Northwest, there were still many smokers who rolled their own tobacco.
The smell was very strong.
In all the time she had known Huo Jingyuan, she had never seen him smoke.
She didn’t mind men drinking, as long as it wasn’t to the point of alcoholism.
But she couldn’t quite accept smoking. Not only did it smell bad, but it also affected one’s health.
Wen Ci smiled gently and asked, “How is it? Can you understand it, Xiao Pihou?”
“Not really, but it’s interesting,” Xiao Pihou replied.
Literary works might be a bit challenging for Xiao Pihou at this stage. His reading skills weren’t yet advanced enough to grasp such profound ideas.
Xiao Shitou walked up to Wen Ci, looked up at her and said with a childish voice, “Pretty sister, I want to ride the bike.”
“Alright.”
Wen Ci reached out and picked up Xiao Shitou from the ground. The 28-inch bicycle was on its kickstand and wouldn’t tip over easily. She then helped Xiao Shitou sit on the rear seat.
Xiao Shitou’s face lit up with excitement. “Yay, the bike is so high!”
Wen Ci, worried that Xiao Shitou might fall, kept her hands protectively around him and gently reminded him, “Xiao Shitou, don’t sway side to side, okay?”
“Can you take me for a ride, sister?”
Hearing this, several children gathered around Wen Ci, their bright eyes shining as they looked at her. She felt a bit overwhelmed by their gazes.
Wen Ci said, “Auntie isn’t very good at riding bikes.”
If it were an ordinary low-seat bicycle, she could have taken them for a ride. But the 1980s-style bicycle was still something she wasn’t quite used to.
That day, someone leaked the news that the winner of the “Hell Week” training would be rewarded with a 28-inch bicycle. The entire Northwest Military District was abuzz with excitement.
Even the political commissar heard the news and went to Huo Jingyuan’s office to ask, “Wasn’t that bicycle part of the betrothal gift for your wife? How could you bear to give it away as a prize?”
“She thought it was too flashy.”
Hearing this, the political commissar nodded in agreement. It wasn’t that he didn’t have friends who could give him industrial vouchers, and with some saving, he could afford one. But in the Northwest, it wasn’t really necessary.
“Did you really discuss this with your wife and agree to give it away?”
“Yes,” Huo Jingyuan nodded. “This time, it’s to motivate them.”
The political commissar grinned from ear to ear. “Alright, I’ll have the regimental commanders spread the word in their units. Let’s aim to break new records during this Hell Week.”
Originally, everyone dreaded the arrival of Hell Week. But with the reward in place, they were all pumped up, shouting about striving for first place.
During dinner that evening.
Zhu Jing walked up to Wen Ci, looking a bit awkward. She opened her mouth as if to say something but hesitated. Finally, she said sheepishly, “Wen Ci, I need to apologize to you.”
“Apologize for what?” Wen Ci blinked.
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