Chapter 299: Chapter 299: Discharge

Su Meixi didn’t understand dance battles, but amid the audience’s applause and Ah Sun’s dance moves, she could tell Ah Sun was sure to win.

Plus, the other two teammates from Ah Sun’s band had joined in, and that cool-dressed girl started dancing too–her moves as fierce as her personality, and equally pleasing to watch.

Curly hair found it boring and shouted, “I’m not comparing anymore, you guys are actually siding with two old ladies, I’m going back to drink my booze!”

After Curly hair left, Ah Sun and his teammates also returned backstage. Wang Bing pulled Su Meixi along, “Meixi, do you think we should go thank Ah Sun? If it weren’t for him stepping in earlier, we might have been bullied?”

Su Meixi felt that bullying was unlikely, as she could probably take on Curly hair herself, and Zhao Gongji and others were also there.

She thought Wang Bing might be interested in Ah Sun and wanted to take the opportunity to make friends or something.

“Alright, I’ll ask a staff member to take us.”

Su Meixi went to find Zhao Gongji, who had to stay to maintain order at the venue, so he called a bartender to lead them over.

Passing through a narrow corridor led to the rooms where the bands rested.

The lights weren’t fully on in the room, making it dim, with Ah Sun and his group smoking inside–the choking smell of smoke drifting into the corridor.

In fact, ever since the bar got crowded, the air had always been murky with the smell of alcohol, smoke, and various snacks–not a pleasant situation.

While smoking, Ah Sun was tuning his guitar. He saw Wang Bing and Su Meixi come in, looked puzzled for a moment, then nodded at them.

“Ah Sun, thanks for helping us out just now, you guys dance really well,” said Wang Bing.

Ah Sun, not much of a talker, replied, “No problem.”

He then put out his cigarette.

Wang Bing asked, “Are you guys free? How about I buy you a drink?”

“No need, we still have a few songs to sing later.”

“When do you guys finish work?”

“Around 2 AM.”

“Is it like this every day?”

“We take breaks occasionally,” Ah Sun said.

Both Wang Bing and Ah Sun weren’t exactly social butterflies, and being used to not talking much at work, they ran out of conversation after a few exchanges, so Wang Bing said, “Let’s keep in touch when you’re free, goodbye.”

Wang Bing then dragged Su Meixi out with her.

It was now past 11 PM, and Su Meixi decided to head home, and so did Wang Bing.

Stepping out of the bar and into the cold air, the heat from their bodies started to dissipate, and the various smells they had picked up inside the bar slowly faded.

However, the smell of smoke in their hair lingered–they definitely needed to wash their hair and take a shower, and change clothes when they got home.

Su Meixi asked Wang Bing, “Are you feeling better now?”

Wang Bing smiled faintly, “Pretty good, if we hadn’t come out, I wouldn’t have realized how unrestrained the young people are these days.”

“Do you like bars?”

“Not really, but it’s fun once in a while, to prevent getting trapped in one’s own thoughts all the time–thinking about nothing but my husband and mother-in-law. Ugh, why am I even mentioning them? Silly me.”

Su Meixi chuckled, and they each hailed a taxi home.

…

The day before Gu Wei retired, Qiu Yurou and Wan Manyu also arrived in Yun City.

They refused to stay at the compound, instead, opting for the best hotel in Yun City.

Su Meixi naturally let them be.

On the day of the retirement, Su Meixi took a cab to the military camp and happened to meet Qiu Yurou and Wan Manyu, who arrived at the same time.

Being the mother-in-law, Su Meixi took the initiative to greet Qiu Yurou, “Mom, you’re here.”

Qiu Yurou glanced at Su Meixi lightly and hummed in response.

Wan Manyu, on the other hand, was enthusiastic, “Ah Xi, long time no see, how have you been?”

“Pretty good.”

“When Gu Wei retires, you guys can meet more often, then you’ll live like immortals in love–truly enviable.”

Su Meixi smiled, “Have you ever seen any immortals who still need to work overtime?”

“In our eyes, you two are a very happy couple.”

“Didn’t you say you’re going to marry Bai Anzhi? You two are happy too. Last time we met, he told me he’s grown to like you more and more.”

Wan Manyu asked, “Did he really say that?”

“Why would I lie to you?”

Qiu Yurou had finished registering and turned to call Wan Manyu, “Stop chatting, let’s go in together.”

Wan Manyu quickly apologized to Su Meixi, “Then I’ll go in first.”

“Okay.”

Su Meixi also went to register.

Today wasn’t just Gu Wei retiring, but also about a hundred other soldiers, so there were more families attending than just theirs.

The retirement ceremony was held in a spacious training field. The retiring soldiers, dressed in neat military uniforms and wearing big red flowers on their chests, stood before the military camp leaders.

Gu Wei noticed Xi Huarong was also present. It seemed that this group of retiring soldiers held some rank, otherwise, why would he be here?

Perhaps, he was here for Gu Wei?

As the families arrived, the leaders came over to warmly and kindly shake hands with them, asking whom they were related to. It was very cordial and warm.

Su Meixi felt warmed too.

Old Zhang was also there. He knew Qiu Yurou. Old Zhang cheerfully said, “Gu Wei is finally switching careers; you can rest easy now.”

Qiu Yurou said, “My mind is only somewhat at ease. Although he is switching careers, he won’t return to Feng City.”

“Girl, haven’t I explained it to you before? It’s better for him to stay and develop his career in Feng City. After working there for about a decade, he might even move to Bei City.”

Qiu Yurou replied, “I’ll just follow his decision. He’s old enough to make his own decisions; as long as I don’t have to worry day and night, it’s fine.”

“People say ‘raising a son is a hundred-year worry, with ninety-nine years of concern.’ Don’t think that him leaving the military means you won’t have to worry. Navigating officialdom is like walking on thin ice, not necessarily any less worrying than the military.”

Qiu Yurou remained silent.

Old Zhang, always stirring trouble.

…

The retirement ceremony began with the leaders giving speeches, expressing gratitude for the efforts of the soldiers and the support of their families. Their words were very moving; many family members cried.

Next, a representative of the retiring soldiers, Gu Wei, came up to speak.

Gu Wei also spoke fervently, then thanked the leaders for their mentorship and the families for their silent support and companionship, especially his wife.

Qiu Yurou felt uneasy–why only mention his wife? Not even a word about his mom.

Indeed, raising a son was pointless!

Gu Wei finally mentioned Qiu Yurou, apologizing for causing her so much worry over the years.

Qiu Yurou was moved to tears when she heard this, knowing her son finally understood her worries.

It seemed, raising a son wasn’t so bad after all. She decided to post on her social media to praise her son and proudly share his achievements.

The retiring soldiers concluded the ceremony with a grand chorus of “Unity Is Strength.”

The retirement ceremony ended with the grand chorus.

After the ceremony, the military camp hosted a meal at a restaurant to thank the families for attending.

Everyone went, including Su Meixi and Qiu Yurou.

The meal was buffet style, but the dishes were quite nice. The leaders mentioned that this was the standard fare for the soldiers, very nutritious.

Gu Wei brought over some plates for them, then led them to pick up food.

At that moment, Xi Huarong also came over. He approached Qiu Yurou, “Are you Mrs. Qiu, Gu Wei’s mother?”

Qiu Yurou looked at Xi Huarong.

The man in front of her was tall and scholarly looking, with a kind expression but also a sharp gaze, exuding a strong presence.

She had noticed him already while sitting in the family section; he was seated in the front row, clearly a person of high status.

Yet, Qiu Yurou, accustomed to grand scenes, responded without subservience or haughtiness, “Yes, I am.”