Chapter 922: Encountering My Future Father-in-Law by Chance

"After you gave me the massage and prescribed so many medicines, I was able to walk normally in less than a month. So I voluntarily requested a transfer to the stage design unit from the political commissar. There isn't much work; I do a bit of everything. Everyone knows my waist is bad, so they don't make me carry heavy things... It's all quite good."

Light snow drifted from the sky, while inside Dong Lai Shun, the hotpot bubbled away, emitting steam. Liu Feng ate mutton in large mouthfuls, chattering endlessly to Wang Yan.

It was already just before the New Year. Liu Feng had come to attend the Disaster Relief Commendation Assembly, which included personnel involved in the earlier Longling earthquake relief, the flash flood rescue, and those who participated in rescue operations in Tang Shan and the Beijing-Tianjin region after the Tang Shan earthquake. The assembly would be held the day after tomorrow at the Jingxi Guesthouse. Since it was being held at the Jingxi Guesthouse, the standard was naturally very high; the central government would offer condolences and commendations, representing a national-level honor.

His resume was truly excellent. This had little to do with Wang Yan. If not for the incident with Lin Lin Dingding, someone like him would not have been discharged even during the later military reductions, but would have been assigned to another post. Although he might not have been sharp in interpersonal dealings or petty scheming, relying on his steadfast diligence and accumulating seniority, his future would not have been poor.

Wang Yan wrote songs, wrote articles, and penned monumental works; to date, he had published over four million words, worthy of the title literary giant. He also toured the Kunming Military Region performing storytelling, receiving unanimous praise from all officers and soldiers, participated in the Longling earthquake relief efforts, and enjoyed the favor of senior leaders in the Political Department. Yet, to this day, he was only a Deputy Company Commander, just like Liu Feng.

Of course, this referred only to rank and treatment. If speaking of actual influence, Liu Feng was naturally insufficient. Furthermore, regarding age, Wang Yan was only twenty-two, while Liu Feng was more than a year older, pushing toward twenty-four; this was also a difference.

As for the matter of Liu Feng's work in the props group, Wang Yan did not say much. Liu Feng's life now was not bad, and it certainly would not be bad in the future, after all, he was acting as a nanny there.

Listening to Liu Feng chat idly like this, he mentioned many things, naturally including matters concerning Hao Li Shuwen, Xiao Xiao Suizi, and others. Wang Yan was naturally clear about all of this, after all, he wrote a letter every month, and both of them replied to him.

Wang Yan asked with a smile, "You need to step up your game; you're already married, yet He Xiaoping still shows no signs?"

"Get lost, get lost, get lost! I'm in this condition; what signs could there possibly be?" Liu Feng used bad temper to mask his embarrassment, after all, even decades later, most people were still ashamed to discuss sex.

"Worry about yourself. Back when we were in the regiment, I was too embarrassed to say it, but Hao Li Shuwen and Xiao Xiao Suizi are both good Misses; everyone in the regiment knew the three of you were in an unclear relationship. I just can't figure it out; what exactly are you thinking?"

"If you can't figure it out, then don't think; just watch and that's it." Wang Yan smiled, raising his bottle of Beibingyang orange soda, "Time will give you all the answers."

Truly putting on an impressive act of pretension, Liu Feng was speechless and choked up: "I'll just wait and see what you do."

Wang Yan laughed heartily, casually slid a plate of mutton into the copper pot, stirred it with chopsticks, and changed the subject: "You haven't taken He Xiaoping home to meet the family yet, have you?"

"Mm, originally I planned to request home leave earlier to go back and visit, but then I ended up bedridden. I told the political commissar that once the New Year's performance duties are finished, I'll take He Xiaoping back to visit. Her family side..."

Liu Feng fell silent for a moment, then said, "We must go see them. At least she is her biological mother; although neither treated her very well, they still raised her. In these times, life is not easy for anyone; plus there is a stepfather, and her mother cannot run the household or make decisions. It's not bad."

"Is that what He Xiaoping said?"

"That is what I advised."

Liu Feng shook his head, "It's all human nature. A stepfather naturally has his own children, and he and her mother had a son together; those are their biological children, while He Xiaoping is a burden. If she eats one more mouthful, they eat one less; it is all understandable."

"The grace of upbringing is greater than the sky; they never let her starve or freeze to death, and they even supported her education. How can one demand so much? Tomorrow I plan to visit their home. I sent a letter when we got married previously, and now that I've arrived in Jingcheng, it would be improper not to visit."

Wang Yan nodded with a smile; he approved of Liu Feng's words. In a family with several children, especially when they are not one's own biological offspring, such situations inevitably arise. To speak of gratitude, there was no particular gratitude, after all, experiencing hunger and beatings was her real history; that flavor was not pleasant to endure.

But to speak of resentment, like He He Xiaoping, whose life trajectory has now changed, avoiding many of the original events, and who has felt warmth from Liu Feng ahead of schedule, her thinking has already undergone some changes. Even if asked to resent, she could not bring herself to hate. It is simply that contradictory.

"When are you leaving?" Wang Yan asked.

"The train departs the morning of the day after tomorrow."

"The commendation assembly probably won't last long, so let's make it the afternoon of the day after tomorrow; we'll go eat roast duck. By then, we'll have bought everything you need to take back. On the morning of your departure, I'll drive over again to take you to the train station."

"Alright, trouble you then."

"Too many polite words; eat meat, eat meat, eat more."

Because he needed to pick up Liu Feng, Wang Yan had specifically requested leave and even borrowed a jeep. Upon their first meeting, Liu Feng was quite shocked, astonished that Wang Yan could thrive wherever he went. After all, Wang Yan had only been there for half a year, and in a place like the Academy of Military and Political Sciences no less, yet he was already driving around everywhere.

Wang Yan did it naturally for convenience; if he could borrow one, he would borrow one; it certainly wasn't to show off in front of Liu Feng.

That day, Wang Yan dropped Liu Feng off at his assigned accommodation, and the next day went to pick him up again.

From a distance, he saw Liu Feng standing and talking with a man whose hair was mixed black and white, looking very weathered.

Wang Yan parked the car to the side, got out, and walked over.

"You're here, Wang Yan." Seeing Wang Yan approach, Liu Feng said to the person beside him, "Uncle Xiao, this is Wang Yan from our regiment. He is exceptionally talented; he writes songs, writes books, and even tells stories to the soldiers. Currently, he is furthering his studies at the Academy of Military and Political Sciences. Wang Yan, this is Xiao Xiao Suizi's father."

Before Wang Yan could speak, Xiao Xiao Suizi's father took two steps forward, grabbed Wang Yan's hand, and said, "I know of you. When I was in the cadre school, I read the books you wrote, 'Chinese Heroes' and '14th Army'; I read them all. Xiao Suizi always mentions you in her letters to me, and I've even taken the medicine you prescribed. Today, I finally meet you in person."

He smiled warmly, and his words held no deep meaning; it was essentially just saying, "So you're the lad..."

Wang Yan quickly reached out with both hands to shake his, smiling, "Hello, Uncle Xiao. Xiao Suizi wrote to me and told me the address. I originally planned to visit Auntie in a couple of days, but I didn't expect us father-and-son to meet first. Now, what is this about..."

Xiao Xiao Suizi's father nodded with a smile, "After guarding through the clouds, one finally sees the bright moon. Currently, I am idle at home, waiting for a job assignment. I only returned a few days ago. Coincidentally, I saw in Xiao Suizi's letter that Liu Feng was coming to receive commendations, so I thought I'd ask him to bring some things to Xiao Suizi; she doesn't know about my situation yet."

"This is good news! Originally, Liu Feng and I planned to eat roast duck. Since meeting by chance is better than choosing a date, let's go eat together. Since Xiao Suizi isn't here, we are all her comrades-in-arms; let us celebrate for you."

"Ai, why eat outside? It's too expensive; everyone is having a hard time. You young people should be even more frugal and not too extravagant. If we must eat, then come to my home. Xiao Suizi's mother is very skilled at cooking; she also reads your books and has long wanted to meet you. Ai, don't speak; if you don't come to my home, then I won't eat with you."

Since he said this, what could Wang Yan say? He could only nod and reply, "Uncle, then it's settled; we'll come to your home for dinner tonight. Liu Feng also has items to deliver on behalf of other comrades from the regiment. How about this, Uncle: I'll drive you home first, then accompany Liu Feng to finish all the errands, and we'll come over tonight."

"Fine, that works perfectly; I can go back and go out with Xiao Suizi's mother to buy some groceries. Let's go now; if it gets too late, it will be inconvenient for you all."

Immediately, the three got into the car. Without needing directions from Xiao Xiao Suizi's father, Wang Yan drove him straight to the downstairs of his residence. Although Xiao Xiao Suizi's father had previously been persecuted, his house was still a small apartment building and had not been confiscated.

After dropping him off, Wang Yan promptly left.

Turning out onto the road, Liu Feng asked, "Why aren't you nervous at all?"

"They don't eat people; what is there to be nervous about? Were you nervous when you went to He Xiaoping's house yesterday?"

"It was alright."

"Did they invite you to stay for a meal?"

"How could they not invite me? He Xiaoping's mother was bustling about to buy groceries, and her stepfather also asked me to stay for a drink. They seemed quite nice, very enthusiastic, but I didn't stay; I made an excuse and left. Ai, wait..."

Liu Feng realized, "We were talking about your matter; how did it turn to me?"

"What is there to say about my matter? Didn't you see how polite Xiao Suizi's father was? In a moment when we arrive at their home, her mother will probably be even more polite; they are more nervous than I am."

"That's because they don't know about Hao Li Shuwen's matter; if they knew, just wait and see if they remain so polite." Speaking of Hao Li Shuwen, Liu Feng turned his head to look at Wang Yan, who was driving, "You previously said you planned to visit Xiao Xiao Suizi's home before the New Year; does that mean you also have to visit Hao Li Shuwen's home?"

"Not bad, you; your brain has finally opened up." Wang Yan laughed heartily and said, "After we go back, don't tell Hao Li Shuwen about these things. Either don't say anything, or if you must speak, tell only Xiao Suizi. Understood?"

Liu Feng fell silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Hao Li Shuwen was right; you really deserve to be dragged out for target practice."

"Rest assured, I will definitely live well."

Wang Yan did not lie to Xiao Xiao Suizi's father; Liu Feng had indeed received many requests from comrades whose families were in Beijing, asking him to bring things back. Firstly, it was faster than the postal system, and secondly, it saved money. Therefore, Wang Yan drove Liu Feng around Beijing, visiting various homes to collect items.

Of course, he did not forget to buy things for Xiao Xiao Suizi and Hao Li Shuwen; the roast duck they had discussed before coming, along with other smoked and cured meats and pastries. In these times, vacuum-sealing machines already existed, although the equipment was not very good, the effect was relatively poor, and production volume was not high, but long-distance transport of food was still not a major problem.

More importantly, he was about to visit his future father-in-law's home; naturally, Wang Yan could not go empty-handed. So he bought extra of the same items to consume today. Additionally, he purchased fruits, canned goods, cured meat, salted hairtail fish, a case of Moutai, and several cartons of Huazi cigarettes; he bought quite a pile of things.

As for where his money came from, one cannot come to Jingcheng for nothing. Although he was usually very busy, he still had a little free time, so he went out strolling a few times and had friendly exchanges with the speculators of Jingcheng. They were all godsend benefactors, helping Wang Yan become wealthy.

Indeed, there was no other way; he truly did not have that much idle time. No matter how well he got along within the Academy of Military and Political Sciences, the rules and regulations were still there; one could not be without organization or discipline. He did not have the time to slowly trade and build wealth on his own. The only option was to interact with these people whose wealth could not see the light of day wherever he went. Simple and efficient, saving time and effort, and very safe.

Just after four, with the setting sun painting the evening clouds red, Wang Yan drove Liu Feng to the foot of Xiao Xiao Suizi's building. He unloaded various items from the car, handing Liu Feng the lighter ones. Just as he was about to head up, he heard footsteps; it was Xiao Xiao Suizi's father, having heard the car, coming down to greet them.

"Oh my, I say, why are you carrying so many things?"

"Isn't the New Year coming soon? It's only proper to bring gifts. Besides, look at these; they're just what we ate today, not much at all. Uncle, hurry up, it's quite cold outside."

"You..." Xiao Xiao Suizi's father shook his head, reached out to help carry some items, and the three of them went upstairs.

The building here naturally had internal staircases, though they were somewhat narrow. While perhaps not good enough in the future, they were quite nice now, and this place even had centralized heating, burning plenty of fuel.

The moment they entered, they felt a wave of heat rushing to their faces. A woman stood at the door; years of hardship had inevitably aged her somewhat, but Xiao Xiao Suizi's beauty was inherited from her mother, so the foundation of this woman's beauty remained, though with more wrinkles and sallow skin.

Behind her stood a boy of about fifteen; this was Xiao Xiao Suizi's younger brother.

"You child, just coming is enough, why bring so many things? Come in, come in quickly." Xiao Suizi's mother greeted them warmly.

Wang Yan chuckled and entered the room with Liu Feng. Xiao Suizi's brother stepped forward, simple and direct: "Hello, brother-in-law!"

"What nonsense are you spouting? Go stand over there." Xiao Suizi's mother glared, yet her gaze shifted to Wang Yan.

Laughing heartily, Wang Yan nodded: "Hello to you too. I bought some candy for you, here, eat it. There are also pig trotters; take them and gnaw on them."

Seeing that Wang Yan had no unnecessary nonsense, the atmosphere instantly improved. But this warmth had nothing to do with Liu Feng; he only felt like an extra person. He could only raise his cup when they did, listen and smile when they spoke, and eat his fill of the various dishes on the large table alongside Xiao Suizi's brother.

The main target was, of course, Wang Yan. They asked about his various circumstances, how he had spent these years, talked about writing books, and recounted many experiences from touring abroad, and so on.

Wang Yan couldn't recall exactly how many times he had met fathers-in-law and mothers-in-law; he only remembered that there were many, so many he couldn't count them. He didn't need any so-called rich experience, though he certainly had it; more importantly, it was his own excellence. As long as he sat there and they chatted, any parents with normal minds who considered their children's futures would find no fault with him, Wang Mou.

To speak frankly, his looks were slightly inferior, but in all other aspects he was extremely excellent. As for the issue of looks, aesthetics are always changing, always relative.

In this era, Wang Yan's appearance could actually be called handsome. His eyes, shaped by experience, were charming on one hand, and his face shape itself was quite rugged, which fit the public aesthetic of this era and was very enduring to look at. Unlike decades later, when women's preferences for men's looks trended toward weakness and a lack of strength.

So Wang Yan was merely not ugly; after all, in a crowd, if one ignored his height, he wasn't particularly outstanding or memorable. And by decades later, when people's average height was already rising, he would be even less outstanding.

He was a man who needed to be savored slowly; the more one savored him, the deeper one fell. If not for this, how had he, after roaming the Jianghu for so many years, acquired so many beautiful confidantes besides the women he bought with money...

"Liu Feng? You're back so soon?"

In the courtyard of the Art Troupe, seeing Liu Feng get out of the car, Hao Li Shuwen asked thus.

"I attended an award ceremony at the Jingxi Guest House for most of the day, stayed in Jingcheng for three days, and spent the time traveling back and forth. Come, give me a hand, help me carry these things."

"Is there anything for me?"

Liu Feng shook his head: "No."

Hao Li Shuwen immediately frowned: "Didn't you see Wang Yan?"

"I did, I was teasing you. Hurry up, there are quite a lot of things. After I arrived in Jingcheng, Wang Yan borrowed a car from the Military and Political University to come pick me up. When Wang Yan took me to other comrades' homes to help carry things, seeing us arrive by car, they originally didn't take much, but then took even more. After much persuasion, a pile still remained."

"Wang Yan can even borrow a car from the Military and Political University to drive?" Hao Li Shuwen was surprised for a moment, then affirmed to herself, "Of course, he is popular wherever he goes. What did he bring for me?"

"Roast duck from Quanjude, pastries from Daoxiangcun..." Liu Feng muttered.

"He knows how to handle things."

Immediately, the two of them, along with the driver who had brought the car, unloaded the things from the truck; there were truly many. This driver was naturally the driver and assistant for Wang Yan's performances; Wang Yan had specifically made a long-distance call back to have this young man come to pick them up.

Quickly, the three of them carried everything into the rehearsal room. The dance troupe and band rehearsing new programs were also resting, and Liu Feng began directing the distribution of the items to everyone.

"Did Wang Yan bring anything?" Xiao Xiao Suizi asked Hao Li Shuwen.

"Dare he not bring anything? If he didn't, I'd beat him to death. He brought roast duck, some smoked and cured cooked meats, pastries, and such."

Hearing this, Xiao Xiao Suizi nodded; she didn't rush to look at the items but went over to get some water to drink.

Just then, Liu Feng walked over carrying a box: "Xiao Suizi, this is from your father."

"Has my father been vindicated?"

Liu Feng nodded: "Your father specifically ran to where I was staying to deliver it to me."

"That's good news. Just right, Wang Yan brought back quite a lot of things; let's go to your place tonight and have a big meal together."

Hao Li Shuwen spoke from the side, showing no interest in what Xiao Xiao Suizi's father had sent; she said a word and ran over to look through the huge pile of things Wang Yan had brought back for them. She had come over naturally because she heard Xiao Xiao Suizi had extra items, thinking they were sent by Wang Yan alone, and quickly to observe the situation...

Seeing Hao Li Shuwen leave, Liu Feng thought for a moment and decided to tell Xiao Xiao Suizi anyway; after all, even if he didn't say it, later when Xiao Xiao Suizi's parents wrote again, they would surely mention it, and then she would ask him, so he might as well say it first.

"When your father came to deliver the things, Wang Yan happened to come to pick me up for roast duck, and the two of them met."

Xiao Xiao Suizi was full of surprise: "Wang Yan met my father?"

"Not only that; at that time... after entering the house, your brother greeted Wang Yan as 'brother-in-law'... Finally, Wang Yan prescribed medicine for your parents, saying it was a secret formula to regulate the body."

Liu Feng recounted the whole process, finally stating firmly, "Your parents treated Wang Yan very well; I expect they will write to you about it later."

Xiao Xiao Suizi was stunned. Although Wang Yan had previously written to ask for her family's address, she never expected Wang Yan to meet them so suddenly, let alone meet all three other members of her family, and her brother even called Wang Yan 'brother-in-law'? And Wang Yan hadn't said anything else?

Looking at Liu Feng, then at Hao Li Shuwen rummaging through the items behind her, Xiao Xiao Suizi blushed and nodded: "I understand. Thank you, Liu Feng."

"You two... ah..." Liu Feng shook his head, wanting to speak but not knowing what to say, wanting to advise but not knowing how, so he could only turn and leave.

Xiao Xiao Suizi naturally heard the meaning in Liu Feng's final words, but she pretended not to hear them; let him think what he wanted, let him say what he wanted. After being entangled for over two years to reach this point, it wasn't something that could be scattered just by speaking.

Besides, the parents had been met and were quite satisfied.

And that silly younger brother, count his performance as good; he knew how to address people. I must treat him better later, and can't beat him anymore.

While calming her emotions, she flipped through the items her own father had sent her...

On the other side, He Xiao Ping looked at Xiao Xiao Suizi. Liu Feng had returned, so naturally she came over immediately, meaning she had just heard He Xiao Ping's excited words.

"Liu Feng, when do you think my father can be vindicated?"

"Write to him and ask. Previously, when I was in Jingcheng, I already mailed your letter, along with the newly caught medicine, and bought some smoked meat to send over; I don't know if it will still be edible when it arrives there."

"Did you go to my mother's place?"

"I did, and brought quite a lot of things..."

The couple chatted together harmoniously.

On the other side, Hao Li Shuwen and Xiao Xiao Suizi had already run to the side, looking together at the things Wang Yan brought back. They opened the pastries, tasted the flavor, and shared with others.

Lin Lin Dingding held a water cup, leaning against the wall, drinking in fits and starts, her eyes resentful...

Wang Yan was naturally not idle; before the New Year, he went to the army compound and met Hao Li Shuwen's family. He didn't meet everyone; Hao Li Shuwen's family was large, with three older brothers and one older sister, all of whom were married. Two of her brothers were out of town, and she was the youngest, so she was quite favored. Thus, going to the Art Troupe was also to respond to policy; she had to go.

Her family was no different from Xiao Xiao Suizi's family; they were very good to Wang Yan and very satisfied. Hao Li Shuwen had naturally written many good things about him in her letters, which was already known. Seeing that he was a good person, it was naturally best to settle things early.

But since they heard no precise promise from Wang Yan's mouth, none of them were very satisfied; it felt like something was lacking...

Since the campaign to bring order out of chaos began, some 'new' things had sprouted and some changes had become apparent; under such circumstances, even time seemed to suddenly accelerate greatly.

Wang Yan's '11th Army' was published, still garnering praise from people of all walks of life, and sales remained very strong, though this had little to do with him personally; these two books established his status in the literary world.

After finishing the books, he did not remain idle but continued his daily writing of the 'Chinese Heroes' series, promoting national and ethnic heroes; since the masses loved what he wrote, he might as well write more, letting people learn about these heroes.

On another front, having come to the Military and Political University to study politics, he could not leave without results; thus, he wrote a book on military affairs, derived from his reflections over the past two years performing in the Kunming Military Region, interacting with soldiers and leaders at all levels, and consulting a vast amount of relevant materials, touching to a certain extent upon 'theory.'

Yet it was not pure theory, for that was not what he ought to write; moreover, at only twenty-three years old, stability inevitably demanded seniority, which he lacked, though he possessed capability.

The entire book expounded his personal views on the conduct and methods of political work within the army, discussed content related to the modernization of national defense, articulated some thoughts on the modernization construction of the military, proceeded from the ideological level to the tactics and techniques he understood, addressed issues regarding weapons he knew about, made horizontal comparisons with Western worlds such as Europe and America, contemplated future modes of warfare, and offered a glimpse into the future appearance of China's military.

This was a very miscellaneous book, so its title was 'My Views on the Chinese People's Liberation Army.'

He deliberately made it miscellaneous, yet not chaotic; the logic was clear and the organization distinct, divided into several major modules; the book totaled five hundred thousand characters, coinciding exactly with the fiftieth anniversary of the army's founding upon its completion.

After it was written, it still caused quite an internal stir; after all, he possessed capability, and the book was written clearly and plainly, with every shot hitting its mark; however, although people possessed foresight, constrained by reality, many voices of doubt still arose.

Before Wang Yan completed his studies, the Military and Political University convened a special grand meeting regarding the book he had written; a host of school leaders, various lecturers, and trainees—in short, all were senior commanders—sat below the stage, while he stood upon it; the commanders raised various questions concerning his viewpoints, and Wang Yan provided answers; someone specialized in recording everything from the side, to be organized later and submitted to the Military Commission.

It was precisely this grand meeting that gave people a completely new understanding of Wang Yan, naturally leading to even greater emphasis on him.

Previously, it had been the General Political Department that wanted Wang Yan; this time, it was the General Staff Department.

Wang Yan naturally refused, for going there would be of no use; since they would not let him take charge and push forward military reform, there would be no point in going to the General Staff Department; of course, he certainly could not say this outright, so he claimed instead that his abilities were insufficient, that these were merely some shallow personal views, that he could not play any significant role even if he went to the General Staff Department, and that conversely, within the Song and Dance Troupe, he could perform for the soldiers and continue creating some good works, and so on.

Thus, the matter passed; he packed his bedding, gathered his belongings, and boarded the train returning to Mencius...