Chapter 4: How is your stamina?

Huo Jingyuan’s eyes widened.

Why was she suddenly asking about his physical stamina?

Huo Jingyuan pondered for a moment, looked into her eyes, and said earnestly, "Comrade Jiang Ci, I have taken first place in three categories at the Northwest Military Region every year. My stamina is beyond doubt. I can let you witness it once we return to the Northwest Military Region."

"No need to wait for the Northwest Military Region; tonight will do."

"Huh?"

Upon hearing this, Huo Jingyuan was full of question marks. He felt he couldn't quite read Jiang Ci; she was always bold and daring in her speech, with hidden meanings behind her words.

"How would I demonstrate my stamina tonight?" Huo Jingyuan asked.

Could it be that she wanted him to compete in physical tests against his comrades at the Beijing Military Region?

Wen Ci raised an eyebrow: "You really don't understand?"

Huo Jingyuan shook his head: "I don't."

Wen Ci stared straight at Huo Jingyuan. They were standing under the shade of a tree, accompanied by the sound of cicadas overhead. She curled her lips and said, word for word: "The things that newlyweds are supposed to do."

She emphasized the word "do."

Huo Jingyuan understood instantly, his ears turning red in a flash. Even on his wheat-colored cheeks, a hint of shyness was visible as he lowered his head.

Seeing him blushing so excessively, Wen Ci beamed with a smile and pointed to the large red characters on the wall: "Eugenics and better child-rearing. Comrade Huo, we should also answer the call to action."

He had spent years in the military region living with a bunch of rough men, and they only ever spoke of their wives with great restraint. How did it end up like this for him...

Suddenly, Wen Ci heard the murmurs of middle-aged women. She turned her head to see several middle-aged women standing behind them and couldn't help but tilt her head.

"Is this little Huo?"

"It must be. He looks so much like Elder Huo."

"I heard little Huo married into the Jiang family. Is that the Jiang family's daughter next to him?"

Just as Wen Ci frowned, preparing to speak, a large hand gripped hers. Huo Jingyuan gave her a look, then immediately put on a gentle smile and called out, "Auntie Chen, Auntie Zhang, Auntie Wang, Auntie Li."

Those who were allocated housing in the military compound were family members of those with meritorious service.

Huo Jingyuan was no stranger to these middle-aged women; they had served as medics under his grandfather and were now retired.

"It really is little Huo."

The group immediately crowded around, looking Huo Jingyuan up and down, then glancing at Wen Ci, teasing, "They always said the Jiang family daughter was beautiful, but this is our first time seeing her."

Wen Ci smiled.

"Where are you stationed now, little Huo?"

Huo Jingyuan replied: "The Northwest Military Region."

"What is your rank?"

Huo Jingyuan smiled without answering. The women immediately realized they had overstepped; the military region was fine to discuss, but military rank was not something to be disclosed.

"When will we get to drink your wedding wine?"

"I still remember how the old commander used to look forward to you getting married and having children, but now..."

As they spoke, the women grew sentimental.

Seeing the sorrow on the aunts' faces, Huo Jingyuan replied in a gentle tone, "I don't have much leave time during this trip back, so there isn't enough time to hold a banquet."

"How can that be! Come to your auntie's house tonight, and I'll cook a table full of food for you both. We'll consider that your wedding feast!"

Wen Ci felt the warmth of the aunts, but she wasn't used to this kind of unfamiliar enthusiasm. She reached out and tugged on Huo Jingyuan’s sleeve, whispering, "Jingyuan, I need to go back to the Jiang house tonight to pack my things."

"Is little Jiang planning to follow him to the military post?"

Wen Ci nodded: "Follow the chicken, follow the dog; I can't be a daughter-in-law of the Huo family and still live apart from my husband."

"Following him is good, that's good. The old commander was hoping to hold a grandson before he passed. Little Huo isn't young anymore; you really shouldn't live apart."