The Stunningly Beautiful and Delicate Darling in the 1980s Military Compound - Chapter 51

As Song Mingyue reached the main entrance of the hall, she saw him waiting for her. From a distance, his tall, straight figure was striking under the moonlight. He had been looking ahead with his usual cool indifference, but the moment Mingyue entered his line of sight, his stern face broke into a bright smile. His eyes, once dark and focused, lit up instantly.

“I thought you said you didn’t have time to come?” Mingyue asked as she approached.

“I made time,” Chen Che replied calmly. In truth, it hadn’t been easy. His work today was critical; he had skipped lunch and worked through his break just to leave early and rush over. He had been worried the whole way about missing her, but luckily, he arrived just as the performance began.

Mingyue tilted her head playfully. “Well? Did the performance disappoint you?”

He reached out and took her hand, his voice full of genuine praise. “It was wonderful. Truly brilliant.”

Mingyue skipped along beside him, swinging their joined hands. “Of course! There’s no such thing as a bad performance when Song Mingyue is on stage.”

“Mm. You’re the best.”

“Right? You think so too, don’t you?”

Under the cool moonlight, Chen Che’s broad palm enveloped hers. He felt a sense of contentment he had never experienced before. He found himself wishing this road was endless, that they could just walk like this for the rest of their lives.

But Mingyue had work to do. When she reached the gate and saw that their designated stall was gone, her heart sank. She asked the old security guard, but he insisted there had been no one selling watermelons there.

Just as she was about to ask Chen Che to help her search, Zhang Jingjing appeared from behind. “Mingyue! I knew you’d be here. I went backstage to find you, but Zhao Xing said you’d already left.”

The cultural palace’s security system was far from strict; after a shift change, things had become a bit chaotic. The old guard was new on the job and had arrived after their business was done.

Mingyue looked around anxiously. “What happened? Where’s Xiaoyu? And the watermelons?”

“I sent Xiaoyu to look for you on the other side,” Jingjing said, an uncontrollable grin spreading across her face. “As for the watermelons… they’re all sold out!”

Mingyue blinked. “Sold out?”

“Every last one!” Jingjing said excitedly. “Mingyue, you have no idea how crazy it was. Right before the show started, when the audience was filing in, so many people hadn’t eaten dinner. They saw the melons and were clamoring for slices!”

Mingyue finally let out the breath she’d been holding. She knew the 1980s was the golden age for “going into the sea” (starting a private business), but putting it into practice was nerve-wracking. Now, it seemed her career in this era was off to a very smooth start.

Soon, they found Pei Xiaoyu. The young girl was ecstatic; it was her first time realizing that business could be this fast-paced and profitable.

As the group gathered, Zhao Xing and Wang Mo emerged from backstage. Seeing Chen Che by Mingyue’s side, Zhao Xing immediately teased her. “I knew it! One second you’re there, the next you’ve vanished to be with your husband.”

“I was just giving you two some space!” Mingyue countered. Zhao Xing glanced at Wang Mo, blushed, and went quiet.

It was a perfect night. The performance had earned a high score, the business was a success, and even the “uninterested” Chen Che had shown up. Since the formal awards ceremony wouldn’t be for a few days, Mingyue suggested a celebration.

The six of them walked toward the city center, where several famous restaurants were clustered. Most were state-owned “old brands,” but one was a newly opened private eatery called “Chen’s Restaurant.”

Unlike the state-owned places, where the staff acted like they were doing you a favor by letting you eat, the private restaurant had waiters greeting them at the door with enthusiastic applause.

“See?” Mingyue noted as they took a private room. “Sincerity never lies. People can feel if you truly care about serving them. In business, passion and sincerity are everything.”

The celebration was in full swing until Wang Mo suddenly stood up. “I’m sorry… I have to catch an early train tomorrow. I should head out.”

The atmosphere shifted instantly. Zhao Xing’s smile vanished, replaced by a look of profound sadness. “You’re leaving… tomorrow morning?”

It was so sudden. He was leaving the moment the performance was over. In truth, if it hadn’t been for his promise to dance with her, Wang Mo would have left long ago. He had to go; his family was struggling, and the lack of money had recently cost him a relative. He needed to find a way to build a future in the capital.

“I hope you have a safe journey,” Mingyue said, offering her blessing.

“Thank you. Goodbye, everyone.”

“Wang Mo!” Zhao Xing couldn’t help herself. She chased him out, abandoning her usual pride. “You’re leaving… is there nothing you want to say to me?”

Wang Mo looked at her, paused, and then left without a word. He left her with nothing but silence.

The celebration turned into a consolation party for Zhao Xing, who ended up crying on Mingyue’s shoulder. Zhang Jingjing, usually blunt, tried to help. “Zhao Xing, crying won’t do anything! If you want him, go get him before he’s gone!”

Zhao Xing shook her head. “It’s no use. I can’t bring him back.”

Under the bright moonlight, the group slowly pushed the drunken Zhao Xing back to the compound. News of their first-place finish had already reached the residents. Zhao Xing’s parents were bursting with pride, though some older residents grumbled about her “scandalous” Western dress and dancing so closely with a man.

When they reached the gates, Jingjing pulled Xiaoyu along. “Xiaoyu, you stayed at Mingyue’s last night. Stay at my place tonight so we can count the watermelon money.”

“But she can stay—” Mingyue started.

“Hush, Mingyue!” Jingjing interrupted with a wink. “Go enjoy your time as a couple. I’ll handle everything else.”

She hurried Xiaoyu away, leaving Chen Che and Mingyue alone.

Mingyue had shared a few drinks, but Chen Che was sober. He looked at her, his eyes reflecting a soft, warm light she hadn’t seen before.

“I don’t know what she’s talking about,” Mingyue mumbled awkwardly, looking away.

“Yueyue,” Chen Che said, finally taking her hand firmly. “She isn’t wrong. Let’s go home.”

“Mm. Let’s go home.”

Mingyue gave him her hand willingly. His palm was warm and steady. As they walked back together, she realized that everything—her life, her career, and her heart—was only just beginning.