The long journey by car was awkward for both of them, but it was Cheng Su who first opened up the conversation by asking about the arrangements for military spouses like Qi Taiguo.
Military spouses have varied roles, from raising children to finding work. Whatever they do, the goal is to reunite with their husbands and put an end to the pain of separation. If certain requirements are met, they can also receive a monthly allowance.
The army has a special residential compound for families, typical of the old houses from the seventies and eighties, with a large courtyard shaped like the character for "return."
Normally, soldiers stay at the barracks, and during rest periods, they return to live in the family compound. Qi Taiguo was no different, except he lived the life of a bachelor, without the warmth of a wife and children waiting at home.
However, this way of life was soon to come to an end with Cheng Su joining the military.
"The spouses in the compound are all right, but let me tell you, where there are lots of women, there’s bound to be gossip. When you get there, be careful not to idle away your time gossiping in the women’s group or causing trouble," Qi Taiguo said with a frown. "The rules in the family compound aren’t as strict as in the army, but it’s still under the military jurisdiction. If issues escalate, they will be dealt with by the organization, and that’s not a good thing."
Cheng Su rolled her eyes. "Don’t worry, that’s not my thing." What was he thinking, seeing her in such a negative light? Didn’t she have any redeeming qualities?
"Your father said you’re going to look for work. What do you plan to do?" Qi Taiguo asked, thinking to himself if he should find someone to arrange a job for her.
But what was she suited for?
"I’ll see when I get to Qing City. Previously in Flower County, I wanted to find hotel work, but... I’ll figure it out after I arrive. You can’t rush these things," Cheng Su said, not disclosing her plans to avoid his disdain. Plus, she wanted to familiarize herself with the pace of Qing City before making detailed plans.
Great endeavors require patience; she preferred to plan things gradually.


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