Chapter 6: Hello, Sister-in-law

Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations

Chen Lan knew that the woman, named Xiu Lian, was the wife of the political commissar in Tang Ye’s battalion. Xiu Lian was known for her warmth and frankness, and running this shop in the family housing area made her quite skilled in dealing with people.

Aware that Xiu Lian could go on complimenting her endlessly if she didn’t intervene, Chen Lan quickly changed the topic. “Sister-in-law Xiu Lian, your compliments are making me feel like I don’t recognize myself anymore. By the way, do you have candies here?”

Upon hearing this, she shifted her focus to business and stopped showering Chen Lan with praise. “Candies? Of course, we have them. What flavor do you like? I’ll pick some for you.”

Xiu Lian was efficient, continuing the conversation while rummaging through her counter, looking for the candy bars.

Although her shop had a fair amount of candy, most people in the housing area were quite frugal. They used their money for daily expenses and often spent any surplus on buying clothes or shoes for their husbands. As a result, candy wasn’t typically a priority purchase, so she didn’t prominently display it in her shop.

“Tang Ye didn’t buy enough of these wedding candies before the wedding, so we ran short during the ceremony yesterday. He also didn’t bring any candies to distribute to the soldiers. I asked him to come buy some, but he insisted it was unnecessary, so I came myself.”

Chen Lan explained with a mix of sincerity and a hint of frustration in her tone.

Xiu Lian had already found a bag of candy and stood up straight, saying, “Men are like this, not paying attention to these little details. When I married my husband, he was the same.”

She said this and pushed the bag of candies towards Chen Lan on the counter.

Chen Lan lowered her head to take a look; there were probably about 100 candies in this bag. She wasn’t sure how many people were in his unit, but she assumed that this bag wouldn’t be enough. “Sister-in-law, do you have more? Tang Ye has many subordinates, and this bag probably won’t be sufficient.”

Xiu Lian bent down again and picked up two more bags, saying, “These should be enough. These wedding candies are just for good luck, so it doesn’t matter if there aren’t enough. You’re so considerate. Battalion Commander Tang is really lucky to have married you.”

Chen Lan smiled, “It’s not that I’m thoughtful, but Tang Ye always said that his soldiers are all excellent, and he wouldn’t want to disappoint any of them. Since he’s giving one, he should give to each. Sister-in-law, I’ll take these bags. How much is it?”

Xiu Lian nodded in agreement, “Two-fifty per pack, three packs for seven-fifty.”

Chen Lan took out 10 yuan from her pocket and handed it over. She also took two candies and gave them to her, saying, “Sister-in-law, please have some wedding candies. I’ll have to trouble you in the future.”

Xiu Lian didn’t hesitate and took the money. After that, she opened one candy and popped it into her mouth, “I wish both of you a blissful marriage.”

Chen Lan thanked her and didn’t linger, quickly heading towards the direction of the military base. Xiu Lian watched her go and murmured to herself, “This lil’ wife isn’t as bad as the rumors say. Rumors can be dangerous, indeed.”

The military base where Tang Ye was stationed wasn’t far from the family housing area. Chen Lan didn’t walk for long after leaving the area before she spotted the chilly iron gate. Two young soldiers with rifles stood on either side of the gate, their faces stern.

When they saw her approaching, the soldier on the left raised his right hand to signal her to stop, “Comrade, what’s your business here?”

“I’m Tang Ye’s wife, and I’ve come to see him,” Chen Lan replied confidently, facing the soldiers and their rifles without any fear.

The young soldier, upon hearing Chen Lan’s words, quickly stood at attention and saluted, saying, “Hello, sister-in-law! I’m Lu Ming from the 3rd Platoon of the 9th Company in the 7th Battalion!” The 7th Battalion was where Tang Ye was stationed, and the soldier in front of her was one of Tang Ye’s subordinates.

She smiled warmly and replied, “Hello.”

She was good-looking to begin with, and her smile was like a breath of fresh air. Lu Ming felt a bit embarrassed and lowered his head, his face slightly flushed. “Sister-in-law, Battalion Commander Tang is currently in training. If you don’t mind waiting here for a while, I can go inside and inform him.”

“Wait, there’s no need to disturb him if he’s busy. I don’t have any urgent business. I just wanted to bring the wedding candies that he forgot at home this morning. You can help me take them inside and distribute them.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Ming and the other soldier on duty exchanged surprised glances.

Their commander had punished them with extra training this morning for asking for wedding candies. He made them stand guard at the entrance.

Everyone in their camp thought that they wouldn’t be able to eat the commander’s wedding candies. Who would have thought that Chen Lan would send it over before noon.