Two generations of military wives compete for time

About an hour later, Ming Yuanhui came with the food, followed by a lady. He introduced her as Hao Xia's sister-in-law, a fellow villager of ours.

Sister Hao Xia was of medium build, with a square face, willow-shaped eyebrows and narrow eyes, well-proportioned features, a kind face, and spoke in a soft voice. She was also from Shandong. Qian Yizhen felt a little warmth, and his guard disappeared. He smiled and said, "Hello, Sister Hao Xia."

Hao Xia first introduced herself and said, "My boyfriend's name is Li Weiguo. He is in the same unit as Ming Yuanhui. I have been with the army for four years. My daughter Hongmei is four years old and goes to kindergarten. I am planning to have another child, but my belly has not moved. Hahaha." The two of them chatted as they ate, and their hearts became closer and closer the more they talked.

Qian Yizhen also told sister-in-law Hao Xia about his situation without reservation.

Ming Yuanhui was worried that Qian Yizhen would be afraid living alone in the single dormitory of the military camp, so he asked sister-in-law Hao Xia to invite Qian Yizhen to stay at her house temporarily, saying that her husband was on duty at the outpost and there were only her and her daughter at home. Qian Yizhen politely declined and said, "I'm brave and not afraid to live alone. You can go and rest without worry."

After sister-in-law Hao Xia left, Qian Yizheng simply washed up, lay down on the narrow military bed with his clothes on, thinking of Gao Pan and Ming Yuanhui, and slept in a daze until dawn.

Sister-in-law Hao Xia invited Qian Yizhen to her home for lunch. Three dishes and a soup were served. Sister-in-law Hao Xia asked if he wanted to drink some white wine. Qian Yizhen quickly waved his hand and said, "No, no, I have never drunk alcohol since I was a child." Sister-in-law Hao Xia poured herself a drink and started talking.

Sister-in-law Hao Xia looked at Qian Yizhen and said, "I was mesmerized by your beauty at first sight. Ming Yuanhui has a good impression of you. He used to have a girlfriend who was his high school classmate, but they broke up two years ago. He is single now, so you should think about it and try to get her into your pocket as soon as possible. I think you two are a good match." Sister-in-law Hao Xia looked at Qian Yizhen with anticipation.

Qian Yizheng said shyly: "How could someone like me?" Qian Yizheng picked up the wine glass and filled it for sister-in-law Hao Xia.

Sister-in-law Hao Xia quickly said, "I like him, I like him. Let me be the matchmaker, okay? Is that okay?" She then said, "Ming Yuanhui is a good guy, you must seize the opportunity." Qian Yizheng smiled at Sister-in-law Hao Xia in response.

Sister-in-law Hao Xia continued, "Ming Yuanhui's hometown is Pingzhou County, Shandong. I heard that it is in the same town as your hometown, not far away. His parents are honest farmers. He has an older brother and two older sisters, and they are all married with children." Qian Yizheng expressed his understanding. They are both children from farming families, so they can be considered a good match.

Sister-in-law Hao Xia took a sip of white wine and said, "Ming Yuanhui once had a girlfriend. They were classmates in high school. After graduating from high school, his girlfriend was admitted to a university in Shanghai, and he joined the army. Four years passed in a flash, and they agreed to go home for the Spring Festival to visit relatives and discuss marriage. In the end, his girlfriend broke the promise, saying that she wanted to stay in Shanghai. In order to have a Shanghai hukou, she married a Shanghai native." The general experience of first love made Qian Yizheng empathize, and in some way he became closer to Ming Yuanhui.

Sister-in-law Hao Xia patted Qian Yizheng's shoulder gently and said, "When I saw you for the first time, I felt that you were a kind-hearted girl. I always felt a sense of intimacy. Being able to be your matchmaker, is this the fate given to us by God?" Sister-in-law Hao Xia became more and more excited as she spoke, and she danced with joy.

Qian Yizheng replied immediately: “Yes, yes, yes!” Many years later, what happened proved that their fate was extraordinary.

The next day, Ming Yuanhui returned to the barracks after a rotation and rest. Seeing Qian Yizhen sweeping the yard with a broom, he immediately ran over and said, "I'll sweep, I'll sweep." Ming Yuanhui's voice was filled with excitement.

Qian Yizheng handed the broom to Ming Yuanhui, went into the room, took out an exquisite plastic-covered notebook and a pen, handed them to Ming Yuanhui, and said: "Thank you, Brother Jun, for taking care of me these days. Please don't despise it." Ming Yuanhui took the gift, and the moment their eyes met, both of them blushed.

Qian Yizhen took out a stack of money from his pocket and handed it to Ming Yuanhui, saying, "This is my hospitalization fee and living expenses for these days. Please accept it." Ming Yuanhui quickly returned the money, saying, "No, no."

During the scuffle, the two young men hugged each other tightly, their breathing quickened, their heartbeats accelerated, and their lips stuck tightly together.

Counting the time spent in the south, it has been more than half a month. Qian Yizhen is preparing to return to school. Ming Yuanhui wants Qian Yizhen to stay for a few more days, but Qian Yizhen said, "No, I've troubled you enough." They went to the canteen to buy gifts, went to sister-in-law Hao Xia's house to express their gratitude, and said goodbye with deep affection.