Chapter 603: Singapore (2)

Jiang Anguo accompanies the girl beside him, walking step by step, his hand being held by her.

A faint flutter stirs in his heart.

He came to this world, has been fighting wars all along, and of course he also wants the war to end quickly.

Yet the higher he stands, the clearer he sees.

It turns out war isn't just about ending quickly; it's about maximizing one's own interests through war.

"Brother Anguo, look, that shop is so lively!" Chen Baoyi pulls Jiang Anguo's hand, pointing at a nearby shop bearing the sign "Song Fa Bak Kut Teh," her eyes sparkling.

Jiang Anguo looks where she points and sees a long line of Platoon at the shop's entrance.

Waves of rich aroma drift over, the smell of bak kut teh—though called "tea," it is actually a pork rib herbal soup, a signature Singapore dish, originating from Minnan language, a crystallization of Chinese immigrant food culture.

"Shall we give it a try?" Jiang Anguo asks gently, following her wish.

Chen Baoyi nods vigorously, pulls him toward the shop, saying as they walk, "Yes! I haven't been back to Singapore for a long time, I've been wanting to try it."

While waiting in Platoon queue, Chen Baoyi curiously looks around.

She sees various trinkets on a nearby stall, including small ornaments made of shells, and pulls Jiang Anguo's sleeve: "Brother Anguo, look at those little ornaments, they're so cute."

Jiang Anguo follows her gaze, smiling slightly: "If you like them, we'll buy two later and put them in your room."

A blush spreads on Chen Baoyi's face, she softly hums "mm," lowers her head to purse her lips, eyes full of shyness and joy.

She steals a glance at Jiang Anguo beside her; sunlight falls on his profile, outlining his clear features, his brows and eyes gentle, making her heart beat a few beats faster.

Finally it's their turn; the two find a window seat, sit down, order two portions of bak kut teh and a serving of frog porridge.

Frog porridge is a popular Singapore delicacy, made by preparing tender frog meat and creamy rice porridge separately and combining them when eaten; it was an economical, tasty invention of early Chinese immigrants and now a characteristic street snack of Shicheng.

Soon the food arrives, the rich scent instantly fills the air.

Chen Baoyi lifts a spoon, scoops a ladle of bak kut teh, blows on it, puts it in her mouth, her eyes instantly light up: "Delicious! Even better than I imagined, the broth is so fresh."

Jiang Anguo watches her eat with satisfaction, takes his own spoon, sips slowly, and says gently, "Eat slowly, no one's rushing you; if it's not enough we can order more."

"Mm!" Chen Baoyi nods while continuously shoveling food into her mouth, cheeks puffed, like a cute little squirrel.

Jiang Anguo watches her, his eyes growing even more tender.

After finishing, the two continue strolling along the street.

Chen Baoyi pulls Jiang Anguo's hand, hopping and skipping, sometimes running to a small stall to look at colorful fabrics, other times pausing at a pastry shop, inhaling the strong pastry aroma.

She isn't as restrained as a typical genteel lady, yet always maintains proper decorum, polite and thorough in dealing with people; this clarity and gentleness makes Jiang Anguo increasingly approve of her.

"Brother Anguo, look at that qipao, it's so beautiful," Chen Baoyi points at a qipao hanging at the entrance of a silk brocade shop, her tone full of fondness.

It is a moon‑white qipao, the collar embroidered with faint orchids, the fabric light and elegant, very fitting Chen Baoyi's temperament.

Jiang Anguo glances, nods: "Indeed very beautiful, shall we go in to try it?"

Chen Baoyi says shyly, "Would it be too troublesome?"

"Not troublesome," Jiang Anguo smiles and pushes the door open.

"If you like it, try it; if it fits, buy it." Chen Baoyi's cheeks redden, she nods and follows the clerk inside to try on the qipao.

Jiang Anguo stands at the shop entrance, patiently waiting, his gaze falling on the bustling street, his heart calm.

He hasn't relaxed like this in a long time; daily duties of military and state affairs entangle him, and only at this moment, accompanying the girl, feeling this worldly warmth, can he shed his fatigue.

Before long, Chen Baoyi emerges wearing the qipao.

The moon‑white qipao makes her skin look snow‑white, her figure slender, the faint orchid embroidery adds a touch of genteel lady's gentle aura; beyond her original coquettishness, a hint of mature charm appears.

She stands a bit embarrassed before Jiang Anguo, gently pulls the hem of the qipao, and whispers, "Brother Anguo, does it look good?"

Jiang Anguo looks at her, a flash of astonishment in his eyes, nods, and says sincerely, "Beautiful, it suits you well."

Hearing his praise, Chen Baoyi's cheeks redden further, her eyes full of joy, like filled with starlight.

Jiang Anguo immediately has the clerk wrap the qipao, pays, watches Chen Baoyi carefully caress the qipao, his smile never fading.

The two continue forward, reaching a plaza where many townsfolk gather, listening to a recount of South China Army's defeat of the Japanese Army, occasional cheers and applause erupt.

Chen Baoyi pulls Jiang Anguo, squeezes to the edge of the crowd, listens earnestly, occasionally turning to look at Jiang Anguo, admiration in her gaze: "Brother Anguo, are those stories about you and the soldiers? You're amazing."

Jiang Anguo smiles, gently rubs her hair, says modestly, "It's not just my merit; it's the result of all the soldiers working together, everyone's united effort that repelled the Japanese Army and protected our home."

"But without your command, everyone wouldn't have been so smooth," Chen Baoyi says seriously, "In my heart, Brother Anguo is the greatest, a true hero."

Jiang Anguo watches her earnest expression, feels warmth in his heart, does not rebut, simply gently grasps her hand and continues listening to the townspeople's tale.

Sunlight bathes them, warm and dazzling; around them a lively crowd, cheerful laughter in the ears, this stability and beauty is exactly what he fights hard to protect.

Unnoticed, the sky darkens gradually, street lanterns light up one by one, the warm yellow glow illuminating the whole street, adding more worldly charm.

Chen Baoyi, a bit weary, leans against Jiang Anguo, her voice a little lazy, "Brother Anguo, I'm a bit tired."

Jiang Anguo slows his pace, gently supports her arm, says softly, "Then let's go back; whenever we have time, I'll accompany you out again."

"Mm," Chen Baoyi nods, tightly pulls his hand, a satisfied smile on her face, "Today was really happy, thank you, Brother Anguo."

Jiang Anguo looks at her smile, a hint of warmth rises in his heart, shakes his head, "You don't need to be so formal with me."

The two walk side by side on the brightly lit street; patrolling soldiers see them and respectfully salute; Jiang Anguo gives a slight nod, his steps still even.

Chen Baoyi leans on him, feeling the warmth of his palm, her heart full of joy and security.

She silently hopes that such peaceful days can continue, hoping to marry the man before her soon, staying by his side year after year.

Jiang Anguo looks down, gazing at the girl's tranquil profile, his heart also gradually wavers.

Perhaps an eight‑year age gap isn't a big deal.

Perhaps he need not always keep aloof; maybe he can let go of concerns, truly accompany this sincere girl, give her a stable future.

The evening breeze brushes the street, carrying faint food aromas, and also the quietly budding tenderness between the two.