Chapter 117: A Sudden Change of Address

The wedding banquet was set to be held at Fortune Pavilion, a restaurant run by a couple of retired soldiers and their daughter, whom everyone affectionately called Sister Fortune. The whole family hailed from the northeast; Fortune Uncle and Fortune Aunt had both come south to join the military in their youth, and it was here that their daughter was born. After they retired, they never returned to their hometown, instead opening this restaurant within the military family compound. Whenever there was any gathering or celebration, everyone in the compound would dine there. They were all long-time acquaintances—the prices were honest, and the food was delicious. It was authentic northeastern cuisine, the only one of its kind in the compound.

That morning, Jiang Yuan went to reserve the tables, and Song Tingshen spent the entire morning notifying everyone who needed to be invited. There was no time to write formal invitations, so he just handed out wedding sweets and told everyone to come to Fortune Pavilion for lunch. The military district had recently been through a string of major events, and it had been quite a while since anyone had held a banquet—everyone was delighted to accept, and they all wished Song Tingshen a happy marriage and a lifetime of harmony. Word had already spread that the new bride of Commander Song was a rare beauty, and everyone was eager to see for themselves.

Zhong Xiao couldn’t help but worry. “Since we booked the banquet so suddenly, will the restaurant be able to prepare enough dishes?” Song Tingshen smiled slightly. “That’s nothing for you to worry about. Within the military district, aside from military secrets, there are basically no secrets at all. Ever since you arrived on Taizhou Island, moved into the Song family home, and I submitted our marriage application, everyone has known we’d get married eventually. The people at the photo studio would have told the marriage registration office, and news would have spread long ago. Fortune Uncle and Fortune Aunt are savvy people—they’ve already made all the preparations.”

Suddenly, everything was clear to Zhong Xiao. No wonder, when she had accompanied Song Tingshen to deliver wedding sweets in the family compound, no one had looked the least bit surprised—it was as if they’d known all along. She abruptly realized something and shot a sidelong glance at Song Tingshen. “Wait a second, did you say… since I moved into the Song family home? Did you already have this planned from back then, just to take advantage of your proximity?”

Song Tingshen immediately put on an innocent face. “Absolutely not, Comrade Zhong Xiao, you shouldn’t malign a soldier’s intentions.” Zhong Xiao snorted, reached out, and tugged his ear. “Don’t try that with me,” she laughed. “Now that I’m an official military spouse, I outrank you. If you dare disobey my orders, you’ll be dealt with military-style!”

The newlyweds were teasing each other when, not far off, Director Cao hurried over. Spotting Song Tingshen, he called out urgently:

“Tingshen, come with me to the office at once.”

Song Tingshen instantly became serious. “Is something wrong?” Director Cao glanced at Zhong Xiao, hesitated a moment, then said, “Well… Comrade Sun Xiaojing has returned.”

A subtle change came over Song Tingshen’s features, but he quickly asked, “Who is Sun Xiaojing?” Only then did Director Cao remember that Song Tingshen hadn’t regained his memory. He explained, “Comrade Sun Xiaojing was the liaison officer in our military district, responsible for coordinating with your artillery regiment. You and she… well, you had a strong revolutionary friendship. Later, she went abroad for studies. Now she’s back and wants to see you.”

Zhong Xiao looked from Director Cao to Song Tingshen. Others might not know, but she was well aware that Song Tingshen’s amnesia was feigned. So he definitely knew Sun Xiaojing—and he was clearly hiding her existence from Zhong Xiao. Their ties were probably more than just revolutionary comradeship. Still, she didn’t really mind; she trusted Song Tingshen’s feelings for her. Whether it was Hou Manling in the past, or Sun Xiaojing now, she paid them no heed. She had never stooped to making things difficult for women; in those times, it was hard enough for women as it was, and most emotional entanglements were the result of men’s indecision. If she ever did discover anything between Song Tingshen and Sun Xiaojing, it wouldn’t be Sun Xiaojing she’d hold responsible—it would be Song Tingshen.

But for now, Zhong Xiao had complete faith in her husband.

After a moment’s silence, Song Tingshen told Director Cao, “I’m sorry, Director Cao. If Comrade Sun Xiaojing has official business, I’ll see her tomorrow at the unit—there’s no need for you to notify me today. And if it’s a personal matter… there’s nothing between me and that comrade that can’t wait.”

“Sorry, Director Cao, but I need to take my wife home now. We’ve just registered our marriage, and I haven’t yet gone home to see my parents.”

Director Cao chuckled. “Tingshen, that’s not fair—you’ve just gotten married and you’re already flaunting it in front of me.” But he waved them on. “Alright, go on, you two. Congratulations on your wedding! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness, and may you have children soon—more talent for our nation!”

As Song Tingshen and Zhong Xiao walked away, Director Cao watched their figures recede, unable to help wondering— with such a handsome couple, their children would surely be beautiful.

On the way home, Zhong Xiao turned to Song Tingshen. “You really don’t have to avoid other women for my sake. I’m not bothered—I trust you.”

“But I care. I want you to feel safe.”

Seeing how earnest he was, she said nothing more. Before long, they arrived at the Song family home. As soon as they entered the courtyard, they saw the entire Song family waiting at the door to welcome their new member. The courtyard was festooned with wedding banners. Left Lan was holding a bouquet, Jiang Yuan stood with her pregnant belly, Song Yanzhou sat in his wheelchair, and Song Qingfeng, rarely seen with such a gentle smile, looked on at the newlyweds returning home.

Zhong Xiao didn’t hesitate a moment. She stepped forward and addressed them with her new titles, “Dad, Mom, Big Brother, Sister-in-law, we’re home!”

After twenty-one long years, Zhong Xiao finally had a family once more.

A true family.