The Stunningly Beautiful and Delicate Darling in the 1980s Military Compound - Chapter 95

The first day of the Lunar New Year marked a fresh beginning. While some in the compound had returned to their hometowns, most families stayed behind, making the compound lively and festive. Song Mingyue’s family was together, which made the holiday feel especially warm.

Privately, Wang Yufen felt a twinge of guilt. She whispered to her son, Song Mingnian, “We came here to be with her, but it left Chen Che’s parents alone. That wasn’t right. You should be extra kind to your mother-in-law when you have the chance.”

Song Mingyue overheard and held her mother’s hand. “Mom, please don’t do that. If you visit them, they might think you’re showing off. You came to see your daughter; that’s perfectly reasonable. Don’t carry that burden.”

In this era, a married woman was often seen as “water splashed out”—belonging entirely to her husband’s family. Song Mingyue was lucky to have parents who doted on her so much, but Wang Yufen was right to be cautious about societal gossip.

That afternoon, Zhao Hongwei and his family came to pay a New Year’s visit. Song Mingyue had suggested earlier that they visit his leader’s home to build rapport, but Chen Che was stubborn and refused. Mingyue, however, was more pragmatic. She didn’t dislike Zhao Hongwei; she knew he truly appreciated Chen Che’s talent.

Zhao Hongwei’s wife, Shen Yulan, was as elegant and young as ever. She had just returned from the capital, where she had been studying music—a career she had sacrificed after marrying Zhao. Seeing Mingyue, she was remarkably warm. “Mingyue, I heard you opened a clothing shop in the city. The styles are wonderful! My future wardrobe is in your hands now.”

“Mrs. Zhao, you’re too kind. I’ll make sure you have the first pick of our new arrivals.”

Wang Yufen, realizing Zhao Hongwei was Chen Che’s superior, was eager to please, pulling out all their hometown specialties. Shen Yulan’s change in attitude toward Mingyue wasn’t just about clothes; she genuinely admired Mingyue’s ambition. In this compound, most women—talented as they were—eventually faded into the background of domestic life. Seeing Song Mingyue step out and build a business, while even leading other women to do the same, had earned her deep respect.

During the conversation, Zhao Hongwei suddenly said, “We talked about this before the New Year—don’t forget, you need to consider it. Don’t worry, we’ll make sure Mingyue is well taken care of so you have no worries.”

Song Mingyue froze. “What do you mean? Is there a change for Chen Che?”

Zhao Hongwei realized his slip-up and quickly changed the subject, praising Chen Che to his parents-in-law. But the damage was done. When the guests left, the smile faded from Mingyue’s face. She looked at Chen Che. “Go to the room with me. We need to talk.”

Wang Yufen was worried, but Song Jianguo pulled her back. “Let them settle their own affairs.”

Inside the room, Mingyue didn’t look at him. “Are you going to tell me yourself, or do I have to ask?”

Chen Che sighed. “I’ll tell you.” He tried to sit beside her, but she moved away. “Mingyue, I’m sorry. I didn’t tell you because I hadn’t figured it out myself. Orders have come down—I have to head to the Northwest after the New Year. The mission is classified and must be completed on-site. It will take at least six months.”

His voice grew softer with every word. Mingyue looked up, her eyes clear but pained. “And what have you decided to do?”

Chen Che was silent. He was torn between his pregnant wife and his duty. This was the hardest choice he had ever faced.

“What are you afraid of?” Mingyue asked, her voice trembling. “Are you afraid I’ll disagree? If I say no, will you stay?”

“Mingyue… I’m sorry.”

Mingyue shook her head, her eyes rimming with red. She wasn’t angry about the secret—she understood the weight of his duty. She was terrified. February was approaching. In the original story, his sacrifice happened in the spring—April or May. Time was running out, and he was being sent to the mountains in the Northwest—the very place where he was destined to die in a landslide.

To her, letting him leave was like watching him walk toward a cliff. It was too cruel.

Chen Che panicked when he saw her reaction. “Mingyue, if you really don’t want me to go, I’ll petition the organization again. I can go after the baby is born.”

Mingyue turned away from his embrace. “Chen Che, you don’t understand me at all. You’ve always supported my business—do you really think I wouldn’t support you?”

Hearing her sorrow, Chen Che felt a crushing sense of guilt. He pulled her into his arms, and this time, she hugged him back. “Can I go with you?” she asked.

“You’re heavily pregnant and the shop needs you,” he reasoned. “Stay here, and as soon as the work is done, I’ll come straight back.”

Actually, their work in this specific region was effectively finished, and he planned to petition to stay at the military research institute here permanently so he wouldn’t have to leave again. But he didn’t want to promise anything until it was certain.

Song Mingyue, however, was determined. She would watch the shop for the next two months, but by March, she would find a way to be near him. Communication was difficult, but they were in this together.

When the family learned Chen Che was being transferred, the house exploded in concern. Wang Yufen couldn’t leave a pregnant Mingyue alone. “You and Mingnian go home,” she told her husband. “I’m staying here to look after my daughter.”

Song Jianguo hesitated because of Mingnian’s upcoming meeting with his girlfriend, but Mingnian insisted, “It’s fine! I’ll explain it to her. Mingyue needs Mom right now, and we’ll rest easier knowing you’re here.”

Despite her own reservations, Wang Yufen’s motherly instinct won out. She had come with only two changes of clothes and no luggage, but no matter how many choices she had, her path was clear: she was staying with her daughter.