The Stunningly Beautiful and Delicate Darling in the 1980s Military Compound - Chapter 31

After dinner that evening, Zhao Xing began rummaging through her wardrobe. She remembered she had a light-colored dress similar to the one Song Mingyue wore today. In recent years, fashion trends had leaned toward vibrant colors; fashionable girls had started wearing bold red dresses, and Zhao Xing hadn’t originally liked plain, light shades. However, seeing how good Mingyue looked in it today made her heart waver.

When Zhao Xing’s mother saw her tossing clothes around, she walked in and asked, “Xingxing, what are you looking for so late at night?”

“Mom, remember that pale pink dress I bought at the department store last summer? I can’t find it.”

Her mother answered bluntly, “Why are you looking for that? It looks lifeless, like someone in the family died. It’s bad luck.”

“I just want to try it on. I saw someone wearing a similar color today and it looked very flattering.”

Her mother asked curiously, “Oh? Who was wearing it? Who managed to get a compliment out of our Xingxing?” It was well known that Zhao Xing had high standards; working in the Art Troupe, she often looked down on the people in the compound as being “earthy.”

“Song Mingyue. She wore a light-colored dress today, and even a university student was chasing after her to confess his love.”

Hearing this, Zhao Xing’s mother quickly wiped the water off her hands and sat on the bed. “What did you say? What happened between Commander Chen’s wife and a university student?”

Zhao Xing wasn’t really paying attention; she just wanted to find her dress. “Nothing much, just a university student blocking the entrance to the Art Troupe to confess to her.”

Zhao Xing was a proponent of “modern ideas” like equality between men and women in love, so she didn’t think much of it. But her mother was different. Her spirit was instantly ignited: “A respectable married woman, entangling herself with a male student? What a vixen. I knew she couldn’t stay settled for long.”

Zhao Xing’s mother stood up and hurried out the door, grumbling as she went to share this “news” with her close neighbors. Since ancient times, gossip regarding men and women has always been a focal point for the masses. Whether in a remote village or a cultured compound, whenever something happened between a man and a woman, there was never a shortage of onlookers.

By the time the news reached Chen Che the next day, it had evolved into “Song Mingyue is having an affair with a male university student.”

Wang Bing and the others were the ones who told Chen Che. Wang Bing heard the rumors first and, fearing Chen Che wouldn’t be able to handle it if he heard it from a stranger, he and a few others approached Chen Che during a break.

“Commander, we have something to tell you. But first, you have to stay calm. We don’t believe it at all.”

Chen Che’s eyes were glued to the numbers on his paperwork; he didn’t even look up. “What is it?”

Wang Bing and his group were indignant. They didn’t believe for a second that their Sister-in-law would do anything to betray the Commander. Very few words that came out of those gossipers’ mouths were true.

Wang Bing blurted it out in one breath: “They’re saying Sister-in-law is seeing a male university student on the outside. They’re definitely talking nonsense; we don’t believe she’s that kind of person.”

“Exactly. Sister-in-law is beautiful, so the student probably took a liking to her, but we all trust her.”

Chen Che naturally trusted Song Mingyue, but Wang Bing’s words reminded him of something. Mingyue was so beautiful; if he liked her, others would too. If he were a university student, he would easily be attracted to her as well.

Seeing Chen Che dazed, Wang Bing and the others panicked. “Commander, what are you thinking? You don’t actually misunderstand Sister-in-law, do you?”

A colleague nearby heard their raised voices and reminded them irritably, “Commander Chen, please manage your team. Do not make noise during work hours; it affects others.”

They didn’t dare shout further, but each left a word of “trust” before going back to work.

Chen Che’s heart, however, grew more unsettled. Even Wang Bing and the others had been conquered by her charm. He should have realized long ago that he wouldn’t be the only one to like Song Mingyue. He was simply lucky enough to become her husband in name.

For the first time in his life, Chen Che experienced the feeling of being distracted, unable to concentrate on his numbers at all.

When lunchtime came, Wang Bing approached him. “Commander, do you need me to deliver lunch to Sister-in-law?”

It took a brisk thirty-minute walk to get from the base to the family compound. When Chen Che was busy, Wang Bing and the others took turns delivering food.

Chen Che took a few bites, closed his lunch box, and stood up. “No need. I’ll go.”

They could all see that Chen Che’s expression had turned grim since hearing the news. They were already somewhat afraid of him, so they didn’t dare say another word.

Meanwhile, Song Mingyue, who was practicing the keyboard at home, had also heard the news. Zhang Jingjing had told her.

Jingjing had already spent a round defending her. “Those people are military spouses too! Even if they don’t have respectable jobs themselves, their husbands are People’s Liberation Army soldiers. How can they be so foul-mouthed? Did they see it with their own eyes? They speak with such certainty!”

Seeing Mingyue still focused on her music, Jingjing felt it wasn’t fair. “Mingyue, say something! You’re here trying to win glory for the compound, and they’re over there thinking of ways to throw dirty water on you.”

Song Mingyue remained very calm. These idle rumors couldn’t affect her. In fact, she had expected this to some extent. From the moment she saw Zhao Xing glancing back at her that night at the Art Troupe, Mingyue wondered if she would tell her mother—who happened to love stirring up trouble.

She comforted Jingjing instead: “Let them say what they want. Tongues belong to others; we can’t stop them.”

“Lunchtime is coming. Chen Che’s colleague might come to deliver food. We can eat together.”

“Ah? Commander Chen spoils you too much, even finding someone to deliver your meals.”

Men at the research institute had a fixed ration at the cafeteria. Getting an extra portion meant a deduction from their salary, and the institute was a distance from the compound. Most men wouldn’t bother; they’d rather come home to eat at night to save ration coupons. A man like Chen Che, who consistently had food delivered, was indeed rare.

Actually, Mingyue had told him it wasn’t necessary, but Chen Che was adamant. Eventually, Mingyue let it go. There was no point in saving that little bit of money; she’d rather be comfortable so she had more energy to make money herself.

As they chatted, Mingyue played Beethoven’s Ode to Joy on the keyboard. After half a day of practice, she had become much more familiar with it. Zhang Jingjing was lost in the music. She never expected such a “god-like” talent to be right beside her.

The soundproofing in the compound was average. As she played, several neighbors from nearby houses came over to listen. They had never heard such beautiful music, and seeing it come from an electronic keyboard made them want to touch the rare instrument.

When Chen Che arrived home at noon, it looked like a small concert was in progress. A group of people surrounded Mingyue as she played light, simple tunes for them.

Seeing Chen Che, the crowd quickly stood up. “Oh, Commander Chen is back! We’ll be going then.”

They had all heard the rumors, and while those living nearby trusted Mingyue’s character, they knew it wasn’t their place to interfere in a couple’s business. Zhang Jingjing wanted to explain things for Mingyue, but she was dragged out by the others. “Don’t add to the mess. Let them solve their own family matters. Besides, Commander Chen might not even know yet; what would you even be saying?”

Chen Che opened the lunch box. Today was braised pork, eggplant with green peppers, and steamed egg. Eggplant and peppers were in season, and even though Mingyue didn’t hate them, she was getting tired of eating them every day. She pushed the vegetables aside and focused on the braised pork. The meat was tender and melted in her mouth; it was delicious over rice.

Mingyue wondered if Chen Che had heard the rumors. Logically, he shouldn’t have; it had only been half a day, and he had been working. But he was clearly acting unusual. Lately, he had been too busy to deliver food himself, yet today he not only came but was waiting for her to finish.

She chewed her food slowly, waiting to see what he would say. But until she finished her meal and handed back the cleaned lunch box, Chen Che didn’t utter a single word.

So, what was I expecting? she thought. With our current relationship, even if I did get close to a university student, as long as he doesn’t care, he wouldn’t say anything.

Hmph. Typical man.

Many times, she could clearly feel from his words and actions that Chen Che liked her. Yet every time she reached that conclusion, he made her doubt it.

There was another possibility. In the original story, a major reason Chen Che was unwilling to marry was that he frequently worked in a laboratory with radiation. It was harmful to his body, and any children he had might not be healthy. Therefore, he had decided early on to remain unmarried and childless, devoing himself to work.

That was exactly why Mingyue had wanted to marry him in the first place. A marriage in name only, where they each did their own thing without interference, all while avoiding the prying eyes of society.

It was supposed to be a perfect arrangement. But now, it seemed her heart was wavering. Through her daily interactions with Chen Che—his subtle flirtations and his care—she had to admit her heart was stirring.

Is love a crime? It’s only normal to like someone as excellent as him.

Currently, she couldn’t tell if Chen Che didn’t like her, or if he was holding back because of his concerns from the original plot. It was likely the latter. After all, she was beautiful, smart, and talented; it was hard not to fall for her.

Auntie Yin Xiumei had been tabulating data in the Women’s Office all morning. It wasn’t until she went home for lunch that she heard about Mingyue and the university student. She naturally didn’t believe it and scolded the gossipers.

Worried, she skipped her lunch and went straight to Mingyue’s house to get the facts. When she asked, Mingyue didn’t even deny it immediately.

“The student they’re talking about… he exists. I ran into him at the Art Troupe,” Mingyue said. “He gave me directions. He was fair-skinned, spirited, and even waited at the gate for me. As for what’s next, we’ll see.”

Auntie Xiumei almost wanted to cover Mingyue’s mouth. “Mingyue! What nonsense are you talking? Your husband is Commander Chen. You are a married woman. Even if an immortal stood before you, you must prioritize your family! Besides, I’m sure Commander Chen is no worse than any university student.”

“Auntie, I’m just talking. I know I’m Chen Che’s wife. I might have the thought, but I wouldn’t actually do it.”

“You can’t even have the thought!” Xiumei grew more anxious. “You and Commander Chen are about to have your wedding. How did this person suddenly appear?”

“Auntie Xiumei, it’s no use telling me. This family isn’t just my responsibility,” Mingyue said, her voice dropping as she gave a slight hint.

Auntie Xiumei understood immediately. It seemed the young couple had had a bit of a disagreement. It was normal; no couple is perfectly harmonious all the time.

Chen Che was unsettled all day. When he was about to reach the compound after work, he saw Yin Xiumei waiting for him. As the Women’s Director, she cared deeply about the happiness of every family, and she especially liked Chen Che and Mingyue.

She looked at Chen Che and said earnestly, “Commander Chen, work is important, but family is equally important.”

Chen Che understood what she was referring to. Even at this moment, he trusted Mingyue unconditionally; he was only worried about himself. “Auntie, don’t worry. Those are all rumors. Nothing happened.”

Auntie Xiumei wanted to scold him for being foolish. “What rumors? I’ve already confirmed it with Comrade Mingyue. There is a situation!