With his wife gone for the competition, Qi Taiguo could only settle dinner in the canteen. Summer had long set in, and after dining, returning alone would just mean facing four walls, so he might as well wander around the base.
Walking circles around the playground, Qi Taiguo saw Chen Shouwang sitting on the steps smoking, with an iron lunchbox beside him.
Qi Taiguo paused, thought for a moment, and walked over.
Chen Shouwang saw him coming, stood up, nodded, then sat down again, looking troubled.
Qi Taiguo saw that the lunchbox had only half the rice eaten, and some meat and vegetables still left.
"How come you’re eating out here in this heat?" Qi Taiguo sat beside him, took out a cigarette, and handed it to him.
Chen Shouwang took it and tucked it behind his ear, saying, "It’s even hotter indoors, too stuffy, at least there’s a breeze here."
"Got something on your mind?" Qi Taiguo asked after taking a few puffs.
Chen Shouwang turned his head slightly, glanced at him, and said, "Not really, just feeling irritated."
"Arguing with Hualing?"
Chen Shouwang frowned, unwilling to talk.
Seeing this, Qi Taiguo said, "What’s been going on with you two this year? Quarreling every other day, all the love’s being argued away; do you not want to be with her or what?"
"Chen Shouwang." Qi Taiguo called softly, "You know why you were so insistent on marrying her back then. Deep down, you know. Wasn’t it because you fancied her? So, what about these years, what have you been doing? Why not like before? Have you noticed what’s changed?"
Chen Shouwang’s expression shifted slightly.
"Divorce is possible, but think about whether it’s worth it. You climbed from being a cook soldier to a private, became a squad leader, and now a platoon leader. If heaven doesn’t mistreat you, you might soon be promoted to deputy company commander. If you divorce now, do you think it won’t have an impact?" Qi Taiguo said coldly, "Don’t just blame Hualing; it takes two to tango. She may have faults, but surely you have some too."
Chen Shouwang pursed his lips, his face looking very troubled.
"I still stand by what I said, you’ve been through so much to come together, don’t give up until the last step, try to salvage it, remember how happy you were when she married you." Qi Taiguo added.
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