Chapter 919: Good Things Happen

"Political Commissar."

"Back, sit, sit, sit."

Ning Shan got up, poured tea for Wang Yan, and said with a smile, "You have been really hard this year. You haven't stayed in the regiment for a few days, and you have been running outside. It will be New Year tomorrow, and you just returned to the regiment."

Putting the tea in front of Wang Yan, Ning Shan continued, "The leaders are very satisfied with your performance and have given full affirmation. And this year you wrote another good song, and I heard from the leaders that it has been affirmed by many leaders. And the book you wrote, didn't you send it to People's Literature? Although they definitely have no problem, they still contacted the General Political Department and cultural leaders,

"They also have a very high opinion of you, saying your book is well-written, popular, easy to understand, and not dry. It captures the hardships of our journey to this day, and it's even more brilliantly written for those martyrs. The leaders at the General Political Department also expressed that they wanted to ask for your opinion; if you agree, they will transfer you to work at the General Political Department. What do you think?"

"I am a soldier of our art troupe; I obey orders and listen to commands."

"I knew I hadn't misjudged you."

Ning Shan nodded with satisfaction. "When our Political Department chief asked me back then, that was exactly how I answered—I refused flat out. The chief said your outstanding contributions must be affirmed; we can't let our comrades feel disheartened. So, after research and a decision, you are being promoted to deputy company commander. The chief also said he would try to get you a spot at the Military and Political University. You'll go for a year of advanced studies this year, and when you return next year, you'll be promoted to full company commander.

You kid are rising fast; three promotions in three years. Hey, don't think this is just a title with no one under you. The chief also said that when the time comes, it depends on your personal wishes; working in the organs is no problem, and you'll be a little leader once you go."

"Political Commissar, look at your awareness—what leader or not? Isn't everything we do to serve our soldiers, to serve the people?"

Seeing Ning Shan glare, Wang Yan laughed. "I'm not going anywhere; I'll stay in the art troupe. Besides, if you let me be a leader, who can I lead? It's quite good right now—going out to tell stories to the soldiers, writing books and songs in my spare time; how free and easy that is. As long as the benefits are there, I'll save up a bit more for my 'wife fund.' Forget the rest; I'll just keep doing what I'm doing."

"It's still up to your own wishes, after all, you are in creative work. We still need you to create more and better works." Ning Shan shook his head and smiled. "By the way, the chief asked why you sent the manuscript directly to the capital this time. What's that about?"

Wang Yan smiled without a word. The chief had an eye for talent; he saw that his, Wang Mou's, writing was good, and his calligraphy was even more grand and imposing, which had collection value. No need to think, this chief must have some antiques or something in his hands; he had this hobby. But 1.6 million characters—if he really gave it to this Political Department chief to read through once and then found someone to copy it out, who knows when that would happen...

Ning Shan naturally understood. He said, "Don't you still have an '11th Army'? You can take care of our chief when the time comes. Anyway, the first book is already sent; it doesn't affect anything how long the second one takes. Besides, is the chief someone who doesn't understand things? I guarantee it won't take long for him to have a copy written out for you, original and authentic, with neat handwriting."

"Alright, that'll take a while, at least half a year."

"That's fine, you just need to have this attitude first. Alright, go back and tidy up; it's New Year's tomorrow."

Wang Yan got up and left Ning Shan's office, heading downstairs.

Another year had passed, and the art troupe was once again a scene of bustle.

It was currently the afternoon, and the bright sun hung in the cloudless blue sky, giving people warmth and comfort. The male and female soldiers of the art troupe who had no tasks were no longer huddled in their dormitories during this warm and good time. Some were playing basketball, some were playing table tennis on the table since there was no cold wind, and others were sitting by the flower beds basking in the sun, laughing and bragging. The female soldiers were naturally a bit more quiet, but their giggles never ceased.

This year was already 1976, which was naturally a year of significant impact.

Wang Yan knew this was just a beginning; he had truly experienced this year many times...

People can never resist the erosion of time. He had the "living father" on his side and still had to feel his body growing old and decaying day by day; if he didn't have the "living father," he would have died long ago.

He walked along the road, greeting people with a smile. The greetings people gave him were naturally genuine; after all, he had already surpassed too much, and people could only look up to the achievements he had attained so far.

"You're back." Hao Shuwen and Xiao Xiao Suizi blocked his path.

Wang Yan looked at them with a smile: "Aren't I standing right here? Did you miss me so much that you can't tell if it's a dream or reality, to the point that you're doubting yourselves now?"

"Get lost, you're not serious the moment you get back." Hao Shuwen was still the same; she couldn't help but use her hands when she talked.

Xiao Xiao Suizi was full of deep affection. She had many words, but she only said one sentence: "Are you okay?"

"I'm good, very good. I just went to see the Political Commissar; he said my songs are well-written and my book is well-written, and it will be published this year. I estimate we'll be able to see it here in another two months. Also, because the chief saw that I performed well, he's promoting me to deputy company commander. Don't you think I'm doing well? But if you ask if there's anything bad, actually there is, and that is..."

Looking at the two pairs of curious, nervous, and concerned big eyes, Wang Yan laughed. "That is, I missed you all too much. I wrote you three letters in the past half year, but I don't know anything about your news. Hey, in the end, I'm the only one who suffered all the bitterness of longing."

"You stinky rogue, shameless, how can you say anything so easily?" Hao Shuwen scolded him while hitting Wang Yan again, but her strength wasn't as strong as before, and she was blushing.

Xiao Xiao Suizi naturally also flushed red. They weren't blushing because of this sentence Wang Yan said, but because of the letters Wang Yan wrote.

Wang Yan laughed out loud: "Alright, alright, no more messing around. I just got back and haven't even settled down yet; let me tidy up first, and we'll talk later."

Xiao Xiao Suizi said: "Why don't you change your clothes and I'll wash them for you? Hmm... the two of us will wash them for you."

"No need, there isn't much stuff. I'll wash them while I take a shower in a bit; it's not much effort. I'm off, see you tonight." Wang Yan waved his hand and turned to wander away.

"You're quick with your mouth; I'm not washing his stinky clothes." Hao Shuwen pouted.

"You didn't object just now either."

"I knew he definitely wouldn't agree."

"Then if he had agreed, would you wash them?"

Wang Yan naturally saw Lin Dingding. She was even more affectionate than Xiao Xiao Suizi, her eyes full of longing. Although it didn't reach the level of "Come and play, big brother," she was still sending signals, playing hard to get.

Liu Feng had just seen Wang Yan return, so he helped Wang Yan carry his things upstairs and was waiting in the dormitory. Seeing Wang Yan enter the dormitory, he asked with a smile: "Did they promote your benefits again?"

"Not bad, Liu Feng, you know about this?"

"The whole troupe knows. You performed so well, you're definitely going to be promoted."

"Promoted to deputy company commander." Wang Yan replied with a smile, handing over four cans he was holding, and asked, "You and He Xiaoping have been good for a year now; she's twenty, right? It's about time to get married; is there a date?"

"Thanks." Liu Feng didn't take the cans with excessive politeness and also took two packs of cigarettes, laughing, "We've already submitted the report. The Political Commissar said that since it's a marriage of someone in the troupe, although we are art soldiers, we are soldiers after all, and rules must be followed. He has to report it to the Political Department for approval. If it doesn't work out, then we'll have to wait a bit longer."

His smile was one of longing for happiness, but his tone was also quite worried. There are rules and regulations for marriage in the army.

"You used to make all sorts of excuses when asked, but now you don't even blush. Not thinking about Lin Dingding anymore?"

"That's old news. Let me tell you, Wang Yan, you don't need to watch me make a fool of myself; I want to see what you're going to do when the time comes."

Wang Yan laughed out loud: "Then just watch."

Liu Feng was annoyed, gave Wang Yan a cigarette, and lit one for himself, but didn't dwell on this topic. After all, the situation Wang Yan was facing was suffocating just to think about. Hao Shuwen and Xiao Xiao Suizi each had their own merits and were both beautiful; it was difficult to choose either way.

He turned to say: "Xiaoping's father wrote recently, saying that after drinking your medicine, his body is much better, and he wants Xiaoping to thank you."

During Wang Yan's tour, just as he had instructed Liu Feng earlier, when people couldn't find him, they went to the Political Commissar and called the regimental headquarters where Wang Yan was stationed, reading out the physical condition in detail, and Wang Yan prescribed the medicine over the phone.

"That's fine, but he still needs to keep drinking the medicine. His body is too depleted; come find me again when the time comes." Wang Yan pulled the topic back. "Don't worry about marrying He Xiaoping; our Political Commissar is a good person and will definitely fight for you. If it doesn't work, I will also plead with the Political Department chief; you will definitely be able to get married."

"Actually, it's fine to wait two years. When Xiaoping also gets promoted, there won't be any problems then."

"If you have that time, your son will already be born and running around. Try to get it done this year; the sooner it's settled, the sooner you'll be at ease."

Liu Feng laughed: "There's nothing to organize. Xiaoping isn't popular, and I'm often laughed at. I just want to wait until the troupe allocates housing, cook a few dishes at home, and invite you, Hao Shuwen, and Xiao Xiao Suizi over to sit for a while."

This sounded too pitiful and heartbreaking. Liu Feng had always known, but as he said, he was just doing his own thing.

"How can that be? I've received your help on weekdays, so I have to give a gift. Why organize a wedding? On one hand, it's to announce it widely, letting friends and relatives know you're married and to recognize the new bride. On the other hand, isn't it because a newly formed family is short on cash? One yuan isn't too little, ten yuan isn't too much; you give a little, I give a little, he gives a little, and that's how life goes on.

I estimate it's a matter of these two months. I might be out performing then and won't be able to attend. But it doesn't matter; I'll talk to Hao Shuwen and Xiao Xiao Suizi later and let them help you organize it. I know you're embarrassed, but they definitely won't be afraid. When the time comes, they'll shout it out in the troupe, and I'll see who has the nerve to pretend they didn't hear."

Seeing Liu Feng stuttering, Wang Yan shook his head with amusement. "I know you have high awareness, so we won't talk about gifts or sending things. Don't worry about what others think; it's always lively when there are more people, right? Don't worry about whether people don't welcome He Xiaoping or if they laugh at you; who doesn't have to say a few nice words when they meet? I'll instruct Zhu Ke and Chen Can and the others tonight; I'll see who dares to give me any trouble."

Liu Feng shook his head and said: "Really no need, it's not necessary."

"Just listen to me; I'm in charge of this, and that's settled." Wang Yan waved his hand, ignoring his nonsense, and went to take a shower with his clothes.

There was naturally no hot water in the bathhouse; that required unified time for boiling water and pressurizing. He went there to take a cold shower. It was just more convenient to use the shower head...

In the evening, after dinner, Wang Yan followed the order and went to the storage room with Hao Shuwen and Xiao Xiao Suizi. Otherwise, they actually had nowhere to go; it was cold outside, and there were people watching. Even if everyone knew, they still had to be careful.

They were all eating canned food, and Wang Yan told them about Liu Feng: "He said He Xiaoping isn't popular, and he himself is often laughed at, so he just planned to invite the three of us to have a meal and that would be it. How can that be?"

"But I might not be in the troupe then, so I was thinking that after Liu Feng and He Xiaoping's matter is approved, you two help shout it out, and let's see who has the nerve to pretend they didn't hear."

"Alright, leave it to us; we guarantee it will be lively." Hao Shuwen didn't even think about it, patting her chest in guarantee. She sighed, "You say in the blink of an eye, Liu Feng is going to marry He Xiaoping; I wonder what Lin Dingding thinks."

Xiao Xiao Suizi thought she was using this to point at Wang Yan, but she didn't expect such a turn, and couldn't help but roll her eyes: "It's been a year, what else could she think? But come to think of it, it's strange; why do I feel like Lin Dingding has changed her nature? The men around her have decreased."

Hao Shuwen hummed: "Rivers and mountains are easy to change, but nature is hard to change. Who knows who she's hooked up with again. You don't know, she often returns very late; I don't know which man she's being intimate with outside."

Wang Yan smiled. How could he not know? Wasn't she just hooking up with him? But Hao Shuwen's words were very particular; she said "often," which made it impossible for Wang Yan to judge whether it was Hao Shuwen's malicious exaggeration or if Lin Dingding really returned late often. If it was the former, then she was only hooking up with him; if it was the latter, then it was just what Hao Shuwen called "nature is hard to change."

"It's been so long, let's not talk about her. Let me tell you..."

The three of them were naturally still the same, with many words pressed in their hearts that they couldn't say. If it weren't for Wang Yan's humor and always being the topic creator, the interaction between the three would be extremely awkward.

As for the letters, Wang Yan had mentioned it earlier, but no one said anything. Those were the private words Wang Yan spoke to each of them separately, private words on paper; they would never take them out to appreciate together just how shameless Wang Yan was.

Just like that, the three chatted and laughed in the storage room, and then reluctantly parted ways. From the moment of reunion, it marked the arrival of separation. Wang Yan's itinerary this year was the same as last year, touring back and forth between the two armies. Then it was mostly the same as the situation in the past year; the total time they met throughout the year didn't add up to half a month.

Unsurprisingly, on the way back, Wang Yan met Lin Dingding again.

The moment they met, Lin Dingding looked like she was about to cry, saying she saw Hao Shuwen and Xiao Xiao Suizi receive letters from Wang Yan, and asked why Wang Yan didn't write to her.

Then followed a tug-of-war. Although he had physical contact when with Hao Shuwen and Xiao Xiao Suizi, it was different from Lin Dingding; that was always physical contact. She always leaned on Wang Yan, and Wang Yan was always resisting, but it seemed he was always half a beat slow, unable to resist, and Lin Dingding succeeded.

Lin Dingding was still the same, carrying out various verbal provocations on the basis of physical teasing. She always wanted Wang Yan to give her a definite answer, but she never got one. She didn't know what Wang Yan was thinking, but no matter what, Wang Yan never walked away decisively. She liked to see Wang Yan in a difficult position, always hovering between leaving and staying.

That made her proud of her charm. What about someone like Wang Yan? Wasn't he still being manipulated by her? Or to be precise, wasn't he half-manipulated by her?

But at the same time, she also doubted herself. She was so proactive, why could she never break through Wang Yan's defenses? This made her more determined to manipulate Wang Yan and act accordingly.

After saying many meaningless words and having many ineffective physical contacts, which further consolidated Lin Dingding's determination to hold Wang Yan in her hands, the scene ended.

Returning to the dormitory, it was still the same—playing poker, smoking, gossiping, and everyone greeted Wang Yan.

Wang Yan made hot water for tea and also made hot water to soak his feet, lit a cigarette, and said: "Everyone stop for a moment, I have something to say."

Seeing everyone's eyes focused on him, and seeing Liu Feng's distressed look of wanting to stop him but not knowing what to say, Wang Yan continued: "Everyone should have seen the matter between Liu Feng and He Xiaoping. I have good news to tell everyone: they have already submitted the report to the Political Commissar and are preparing to get married."

"Really? Liu Feng, look at you, such a big and good thing, and you didn't tell us sooner." Guan Dongming spoke first, looking surprised.

Chen Can also said: "He Xiaoping is quite good, congratulations, Liu Feng."

Zhu Ke and the others also smiled, congratulating Liu Feng on his good news.

Liu Feng smiled embarrassedly, responding one by one with various thanks.

Wang Yan continued: "Liu Feng talked to me today, and my feeling wasn't very good. He said he didn't intend to trouble everyone because He Xiaoping isn't popular, and he himself is also treated as a joke by some people, so he planned to invite me to a meal and that would be it to witness his good news with He Xiaoping. Liu Feng is a model soldier every year, learning from Lei Feng, doing good deeds, and has helped comrades a lot. It's one thing not to get credit, but he actually became a laughing stock.

Chen Can, Zhu Ke, I'm not targeting you two with these words; although we did have some unpleasantness, we have all gotten along very well since then, and you have also understood Liu Feng. I am very gratified; what I want to say is to the other comrades in our troupe.

Why am I telling you this? Everyone knows Liu Feng's family situation. There are four brothers and two sisters in the family; it's not easy. He Xiaoping is even more so, with a biological mother and a stepfather, and she isn't well-treated. I just want everyone to go and make it lively for Liu Feng and also help him out.

We are all comrades in the same troupe, and we should help and take care of each other. I think, we are all comrades in the same dormitory, and the relationship should be much closer than other comrades. So you should set an example and help Liu Feng shout it out when the time comes, so that everyone will be embarrassed not to go.

You bring a thermos, you send a quilt cover, you give five yuan, he gives eight yuan, I give ten yuan. Then Liu Feng and He Xiaoping's life will get started. Don't you think so?"

When Wang Yan was speaking, he pointed his fingers one by one. It looked like casual gesturing, but it also seemed like he was making them really give the things.

Chen Can nodded: "You're right, we were wrong before; I acknowledge that. Your suggestion is also very good. When we shout it out, everyone will definitely go."

Zhu Ke echoed: "Right, Liu Feng is such a good person; such a big thing as marriage should definitely be lively."

"Thank you, really."

Liu Feng could only thank them; he didn't know what to say. Because he couldn't judge whether these people were sincere or intimidated by Wang Yan's power. And since Wang Yan's words were already out, he could only say thank you.

"Alright, that's settled. I'll probably be away when the time comes, so you guys pay attention. That's it, go back to what you were doing."

Wang Yan picked up a book and started reading, and everyone continued what they were doing before, but the topic of gossip turned to Liu Feng.

He could see that Zhu Ke was already convinced, but Chen Can was still resentful. Yes, resentful. Xiao Xiao Suizi was, after all, a pain he couldn't let go of. That knee strike was still something he would never forget.

But he really couldn't understand Wang Yan's good intentions; after all, Wang Yan could kick Chen Can to death with one kick...

The next day, the art troupe was naturally still as lively as ever. Although the quartermaster didn't call him this time, he still helped catch and slaughter pigs, busy and lively.

Wang Yan found time to find Ning Shan and asked about Liu Feng: "Political Commissar, Liu Feng said he submitted his marriage application report; can it be approved?"

"It's highly likely no problem; I even helped put in a good word for him. Is he in a hurry?"

"Such a big thing as marriage, he must be in a hurry. Oh, by the way, Political Commissar, please put in some effort and allocate a bigger house so it's spacious to live in."

"No, why are you so worried about other people's business, you kid." Ning Shan said annoyedly, "You should also worry about yourself; you're not young anymore, so hurry up. I've heard that you and Hao Shuwen and Xiao Xiao Suizi..."

"You're such a big Political Commissar, why do you pay attention to so many things? Happy early New Year, Political Commissar; the blood is drained, I'm going to divide the pork."

"Let me tell you, pay attention to your influence; don't let any problems arise, or I won't be able to protect you."

Wang Yan didn't even look back, waved his hand, wandered over, picked up the knife, and with a grunt, it was a scene of "Wang Yan Dissects the Pig"...