"Get up, Chenchen! It's New Year's Day, and we need to pay our New Year visits! The kids from the family compound are here looking for you."
Wen Qian pulled Lu Chen out of the warm blankets and retrieved his clothes that were tucked away under the covers. They felt warm to the touch.
"Put these on quickly! It’s still warm now, but it’ll get cold if you wait too long."
Hearing this, Lu Chen promptly got out of bed. He followed Wen Qian's lead, dressed quickly, washed his face in the living room, and applied some of Wen Qian's snow cream. After putting on his little hat, he stepped outside with a refreshed face.
"Chenchen, hurry up! Why are you getting up so late? We’re all waiting for you!"
"I'm coming, I'm coming!" Lu Chen replied shyly as he ran over, pulling a few pieces of candy from his pocket to hand out.
"I'll treat you to some candy; I have plenty today!"
Just before leaving, his mother had stuffed his pockets with candies and told him to share them with his friends. Although he didn’t fully understand what that meant, he was happy to share something delicious with others, especially with those he considered good friends.
Despite being small, Lu Chen could be quite particular. When he first arrived at the camp, he had ignored the kids who treated him poorly. Even if they approached him now, he would respond with indifference. In contrast, he generously shared his snacks and treats with those who were kind to him.
The children gathered together, visiting each house to pay their New Year’s respects. Some families would offer a few pieces of candy to taste, while others would simply give a couple of festive greetings, which was still nice. At least there was something sweet to enjoy.
However, families like Guo Dajuan's were rare; many experienced kids avoided going there altogether. They knew that entering would only earn them disdainful looks, so it was better not to go and avoid any unnecessary trouble.
Lu Chen stood outside with the others.
She had just argued with her mother, and she didn't like him. That's why she didn't want to see him!
Sure enough, the children who had just entered also came out with unhappy faces. Wen Qian was inside the room, looking at her clothes. On the rack hung a red cotton coat that Lu Zheng had bought for her at some point and quietly stuffed into the closet.
Wen Qian wondered if she had given him too much pocket money; otherwise, how could he afford to buy so many things? Although sometimes it was true that he borrowed money first, she still felt a bit sorry for Lu Zheng. He never forced her to hand over all her money each month; it was something she chose to do.
Wen Qian gazed at herself in the mirror. The red coat made her complexion appear even fairer, with a slight blush enhancing her delicate features. Her hair had grown quite long, and she tied it back with two hair ties, leaving two shoulder-length braids.
The coat had a waist design that made her waist look slimmer. Originally, this bright red coat stood out in a crowd, but now this little design made it even more eye-catching. She felt a bit hesitant to wear it outside.
She knew she had changed a lot recently; she hadn't expected such a transformation. Especially when wearing this red coat, the difference was even more pronounced.
Seeing that Wen Qian was taking too long to come out, Lu Zheng entered and found her lost in thought in front of the mirror. He walked over and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. "You look great; it seems my taste is excellent."
What kind of remark was that? As if she didn't look good otherwise! She raised her eyes unhappily and shot him a glare.
Seeing the smile at the corner of his mouth, she lifted her hand to press down on it. "Don't smile; hold it in."
"Should I change into something else? This one is a bit too eye-catching; I'm feeling a little shy."
"Don't change; wear this one. It looks good."
Lu Zheng turned Wen Qian around, his arm still wrapped around her waist as he looked down at her seriously. "There's nothing you can't wear. I bought it for you so you could wear it. I know you'll look great in it, which is why I got it."
He leaned down and kissed her red lips, which had already captivated him. "Alright, we should take a spin now."
During the New Year, it was customary for everyone in the family compound to take a turn around the courtyard to avoid the holiday feeling too quiet. The children would line up in groups, creating quite a lively atmosphere.
The kids in the family compound loved the New Year because not only did they get to enjoy delicious food, but they also got to wear beautiful new clothes. Even if they couldn't wear new clothes, they could at least change into something that wasn't too tattered. As the saying goes, "Stitching and mending can last for three years!"
One piece of clothing would be worn by the eldest child, then passed down to the second, and eventually to the third. By the time it reached the last child, it would be worn out and cut up to make shoe insoles. Shoes could also be repaired when they wore out. No matter what, everything was used to its fullest until it could no longer serve its purpose.
As soon as they stepped outside, Wen Qian quickly captured everyone's attention. There were looks of amazement, admiration, disbelief, envy, and jealousy—everything except hatred. This was because Guo Dajuan and Guo Xiaojuan were sulking at home!
"Oh my goodness, Wen Qian! That outfit is stunning! Where did you buy it? I didn't even see it; it's so beautiful—bright red and festive!"
Many family members came over to touch Wen Qian's clothes and asked her where she had bought them. Some who hadn't come dared not touch or ask; their families hadn't gotten new clothes in ages and could only look on. If they suggested buying something, their whole family would be left eating dirt!
Wen Qian smiled shyly and said, "I didn't buy this; my husband did."
"Oh wow, I must really envy you! Not only is Captain Lu handsome, but he's also so considerate! This outfit looks expensive—he just bought it without hesitation!"
The women looked at Wen Qian with envy. "Unlike my husband, who wouldn't even lift a finger!"
Just as she finished speaking, Wen Qian noticed a new watch on her wrist and immediately smiled. "So who gave you that watch? I heard Lu Zheng mention someone looking for watch tickets in the team! So it was you!"
"Oh, come on, stop it! I'm so embarrassed," she said, laughing as she covered her mouth, her watch still visible for everyone to see.
"Exactly! Don't be jealous now; we all envy you a lot," someone chimed in.
"Hahaha, enough of that! Let's move around; it's freezing just standing here!"
Just like that, as soon as they stepped out, his wife was whisked away by someone else.
Lu Zheng could only helplessly follow the man beside him, watching a group of wives and sisters chatting together ahead. The men were discussing matters from the army, and everyone managed to chime in a bit, so it wasn't awkward.
Political Commissar Wen patted Lu Zheng on the shoulder. "You little rascal, you're doing well! When did you become so enlightened? What happened to that old personality of yours?"
Lu Zheng could tell he was just teasing him. He smiled and shrugged off the hand on his arm, grinning proudly. "My understanding has just improved too much; what can I say?"
"You little brat, you've got no shame at all!" Political Commissar Wen laughed and scolded him playfully.
Lu Zheng's current state really did put him at ease. In the past, he would sit alone in a corner lost in thought, and when asked what he was thinking about, he would remain silent. The boy was stubborn too; when asked to bring his wife over, he refused, insisting he shouldn't.
Now, seeing him happily living with his family truly warmed Wen's heart.
After wandering around for a while, Wen Qian rushed home and gulped down some water. The family courtyard was filled with overly enthusiastic and somewhat boring people; she found her energy and conversation skills lagging behind a bit.
Suddenly, she felt two arms wrap around her waist, and her head bumped into the man's icy lips.
Her lips parted slightly as he caught them gently between his teeth.
With her eyes closed, she instinctively opened her mouth in response. Just as the man was about to take the next step, she pushed Lu Zheng away playfully.
With a bright smile directed at him, her eyes sparkled with mischief.
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