Chapter 125: Newlyweds

On a summer day at Taizhou Island, the sea breeze carried a salty dampness but could not disperse the lively and joyous atmosphere rising from Fumanlou in the military district’s residential area.

The restaurant’s entrance was adorned with handwritten red characters symbolizing happiness, their brushstrokes bold and vigorous—a work by Zhang, the renowned calligrapher of the military district.

Inside, a dozen square tables were pushed together, filling the long wooden benches with guests.

Most of the soldiers wore faded, well-worn military uniforms, neat and clean, their faces glowing with genuine smiles.

At a slightly smaller table nearby sat female soldiers and some accompanying family members, dressed in cotton blouses and skirts patterned with florals or checks, their hair meticulously styled.

Though these women, shaped by military training, might not have the fairest skin or the most striking features, and their attire was modest and outdated from several years ago, each pair of eyes sparkled bright and clear—sincere and unpretentious—with warm, wholehearted smiles revealing rows of even white teeth.

The wedding of Song Tingshen and Zhong Xiao officially commenced. There were no elaborate ceremonies, no firecrackers or drums, and certainly no lavish feasts of exotic delicacies.

The grandest spectacle was the banquet masterfully prepared by the chefs of Fumanlou.

Large pots of cabbage stewed with pork and vermicelli emitted rising steam, glistening with oil.

Though the island had limited resources, fish and shrimp were abundant, and a large plate of steamed sea fish and another of salt-boiled prawns took center stage—already considered respectable main dishes.

There were also scrambled eggs, peanuts, cold kelp salad, and plump, round white steamed buns.

It was the simplest banquet Zhong Xiao had ever attended.

Just as everyone thought the dishes were complete, the kitchen staff brought out two more plates of fragrant, tender, exquisitely colored hairy crabs.

This surprised everyone present.

Though Taizhou Island was a sea island, crab species were rarely seen.

Perhaps due to the climate and seawater conditions, crabs were extremely scarce.

Even a few were usually caught by local fishermen specializing in fish and shrimp.

Ordering crabs from a city restaurant was never cheap, as scarcity drove up their value.

Someone asked, “Sister Fu, where did you get these crabs? Such a grand gesture—why didn’t I see this dish last time I came here?”

Sister Fu appeared with a cheerful smile.

True to her name, Sister Fu had a fortunate, round, plump face that seemed to prosper her husband, family, and herself; her smile, revealing dimples but not teeth, made her look young and capable.

She glanced at Zhong Xiao and said with a grin, “Ah, what luck! Yesterday I went to the city market and happened upon an old man selling a big basket of crabs. The price wasn’t too high, so I thought I’d treat everyone to some meat. Crabs are good for health—eat slowly, and if I see that old man again, I’ll buy more for everyone!”

Some doubted her story. “Sister Fu, that can’t be a coincidence. You must have bought them on purpose because it’s Commander Song’s son’s wedding today, right?”

“Exactly! I’ve lived here for over ten years and never seen crabs at your place!”

Sister Fu neither confirmed nor denied, only chuckling softly and urging everyone to eat.

But when her eyes met Zhong Xiao’s, they exchanged a knowing smile.

Indeed, those crabs had come from Zhong Xiao’s space and were given to Sister Fu.

Sister Fu had been surprised and asked Zhong Xiao where she sourced so many crabs.

Zhong Xiao had a prepared explanation: a distant relative who ran a seafood business on Taizhou Island often sent her crabs when she arrived; her family couldn’t cook them, so she brought them to the restaurant.

She had given Sister Fu eighteen crabs—three reserved for Sister Fu’s family and fifteen to cook for the feast.

Adding a dish without extra cost was a joy for Sister Fu.

Zhong Xiao also requested discretion, as her sensitive military family status and distant seafood relative meant it was best not to share this information to avoid trouble.

Having run her business for years, Sister Fu understood and assured her, “Don’t worry, sister. It’s just between us—no one else will know.”

Zhong Xiao smiled sweetly and thanked her.

Laughter and chatter filled the room as the meal began.

Each table held a bottle of white liquor and enamel mugs for shells and peels.

As they ate, the atmosphere grew livelier.

Commander Song, as both the military district’s leader and the father of the newlyweds, was warmly encouraged to speak.

Song Qingfeng yielded to the crowd’s enthusiasm, took the stage, first expressing thanks, then producing a small red notebook from his pocket.

From below came a teasing voice, “Oh, Commander Song said he had nothing to say, but looks like he prepared a speech outline. Planning to make a big show, huh?”

“Hahaha!”

“Quiet, everyone! Let’s listen to Commander Song!”

A rare broad smile crept across Song Qingfeng’s usually stern face—normally marked by a perpetual frown, projecting solemnity and gravity. Today, his wrinkles seemed to ripple with amusement, a completely different man.

His voice boomed over the sea breeze outside: “Today is a joyous day! Song Tingshen, my son and commander of the Third Artillery Regiment here at Taizhou, is finally marrying and starting his own family, fulfilling a wish my wife and I have long held. His bride, Comrade Zhong Xiao, I believe everyone here has met. She is kind, filial, hardworking, and capable—a rare and fine comrade! These two have answered the call of the revolution together, forging a partnership to make new contributions on our coastal defense line!”

“I hope you both care for and improve each other, hold each other accountable, prioritize revolutionary work, cherish family happiness, take responsibility for raising the next generation, root yourselves on this island, and defend our motherland!”

“Bravo!”

“Well said!”

“As expected from Commander Song!”

Applause and cheers thundered from below.

Song Tingshen wore a brand-new dark red Zhongshan suit, a large red flower pinned on his chest—placed there playfully by someone—complementing the red rose cheongsam worn by Zhong Xiao.

His posture was tall and firm like a pine, his cheeks flushed with rare shyness, eyes shining brightly as he tightly held Zhong Xiao’s hand.

Zhong Xiao beamed radiantly, her face as beautiful as blooming flowers, bright eyes and pearly teeth, breathtakingly elegant—like a gentle bird resting by Song Tingshen’s side.

They looked perfectly matched.

“Newlyweds, tell us about your courtship!” a mischievous young soldier shouted, prompting good-natured laughter and teasing.

Song Tingshen glanced swiftly at Zhong Xiao, who looked at him expectantly, eyes sparkling.

He straightened further, cleared his throat, and spoke as if reporting: “Comrade Zhong Xiao and I have built revolutionary friendship through our daily lives, but our fate was destined even before our births. I am deeply grateful to her for coming all the way to Taizhou Island, for trusting me, and for giving me the chance to be her lover and comrade-in-arms.”

“Love is hard to find, and living together is even harder. I hope every day to remember the happiness and honor of our wedding day, and to give her an unbreakable future. I will love Comrade Zhong Xiao as I love my land and my country!”

For a soldier, loving someone as one loves the land beneath their feet and the country they protect is the highest, most sincere expression of love.

Song Tingshen’s words drew thunderous applause.

Compared to Commander Song’s speech, the love Song Tingshen expressed for Zhong Xiao moved everyone even more profoundly.

“Well said!”

The loudest applause came from Lou Huaijin, who clapped enthusiastically with approval and declared, “This is how revolutionary partners should be! Comrades, let us raise our glasses to wish Song Tingshen and Comrade Zhong Xiao eternal unity and partnership on the revolutionary path! And may our great motherland prosper!”

Everyone raised their cups: “Eternal unity! Hand in hand! Long live our motherland!”

All stood, lifting enamel mugs or bowls filled with white liquor, bottled beer, or plain water, their spirits high as they offered heartfelt wishes.

The sound of blessings hammered against the restaurant walls, echoing everyone’s passion and sincerity.

As the celebration unfolded, the atmosphere grew even livelier.

Guests ate greedily but made sure to pass the best dishes to the newlyweds.

Several officers toasted Commander Song and the couple; Song Tingshen was poured several cups of liquor, his forehead flushed red to his neck, yet he accepted all with a radiant smile of happiness.

Zhong Xiao was surrounded by military spouses, exchanging tender words and quiet laughter.

Her face flushed deeply, not only from shyness but also from hopeful anticipation and a sense of peace settling in.

Recalling her tragic past life, Zhong Xiao looked at Song Tingshen, who, despite the crowded toasts, always found a hand to tightly grasp hers—and she squeezed back firmly.

This life was good, and she believed it would only get better.

Their eyes met amid the noisy crowd, no words needed to convey the promise they shared and the dreams they nurtured for their future.

Outside the window, waves crashed against the shore and the endless coastal defense line stretched beyond; inside, simple food, honest laughter, and enduring revolutionary songs filled the air.

Everyone indulged in the warmth of this summer day, sharing in the happiness of the newlyweds.

Only one person sat apart, face turned away from the window, expression hidden in shadow—her unease unnoticed.

Quietly seated, her gaze fixed deeply on Zhong Xiao’s joyful face.

Sun Xiaojing clenched and unclenched her hands beneath the table.

She felt something was amiss—she could not accept how the plot had inexplicably changed.

This fiancée, who should never have appeared, had seized all the scenes meant for her as the female lead.

How could she shine now? How could she reclaim Song Tingshen from Zhong Xiao?

She knew Song Tingshen was the unequivocal male lead of the story.

To be the female lead, she had to connect with him.

Sun Xiaojing glared at Zhong Xiao and suddenly a flash of insight struck her mind.

Several words passed swiftly through her thoughts: drought, famine, tsunami, war.

Yes, that was it.

The military district’s peace and calm were only temporary.

Next year, a severe drought would strike.

In fact, signs had already appeared this year—the weather was hotter than usual, farmers’ harvests were poor, and food prices were slightly higher.

Next year would be even worse.

The autumn heat lingered until November this year; next year, the scorching heat would start as early as April or May, lasting until October before easing slightly—still very hot.

This extreme weather had cracked the island’s soil, devastating crops—fields upon fields perished.

Not a single fruit remained, and even seeds had dried and cracked.

Taizhou Island was already short on resources and arable land, and the military district’s land was even more limited.

Due to the salty seawater, crops could barely grow; the shoreline soil was hard, dry, and coarse.

Excessive sunlight in the military district meant most crops died—scorched, dried, drowned by seawater, or blown away by wind.

In short, next year’s drought would leave resource-starved Taizhou Island vulnerable.

Misfortune compounded: besides the famine caused by drought, in November of next year, just as people felt life was finally easing, a tsunami struck the northern military district.

Though its magnitude was moderate, it destroyed a military warehouse—unluckily stocked entirely with heavy weaponry.

As everyone scrambled to recover, the enemy appeared on the horizon, repeatedly violating the border.

At that time, Taizhou Island was besieged from all sides—no favorable conditions supported them.

One misstep could mean utter ruin.

Sun Xiaojing, as the story’s female lead, was destined to work alongside the male lead to resolve and overcome these crises.

Through these trials, their love would deepen, culminating in true happiness.

With this in mind, Sun Xiaojing’s heart relaxed.

Even if Zhong Xiao had barged in to steal her role, she would never know the forthcoming chapters.

This daughter of a capitalist family was almost helpless in disaster response.

When the time came, if Song Tingshen had by his side a considerate confidante who analyzed situations, offered advice, fought alongside him...

Wouldn’t his partner’s position need replacing?

Then Song Tingshen would realize his wife was nothing but a pretty vase.

True life depended on a woman both brave and wise, insightful and intelligent.

And she, Sun Xiaojing, was that woman.

Thinking this, she slowly lifted her spoon and sipped the homemade chicken soup, savoring it.

In her heart, she told herself—

No rush, no hurry.

Good things take time; patience leads to success.