She Lives without Regret in This Life

"Mm!" Qigang nodded and headed straight for Sheng Ning's house, passing through layers of guards to enter just as everyone had taken their seats inside. They were in the middle of a conversation, so his arrival didn't draw much attention. Instead, he slipped in unnoticed and stood next to Qin Yue.

"Heh, that was quick!" Qin Yue didn't need to look back to know it was him.

Qigang frowned, realizing his old friend had played a trick on him. He had made a point of concealing his approach when entering the village; otherwise, he would have noticed half an hour earlier.

The main hall was cramped, filled with people, all centered around the elderly leader. Lao San greeted him respectfully, the reverence written plainly on his face.

"It's quite normal for you not to recognize me, sir. On the battlefield back then, you were our commander, you..." Lao San began to speak and suddenly found himself choked with emotion, tears welling in his eyes.

"You are my former commander, and I have thought of you all these years. I never imagined I would have the chance to see you again in my lifetime."

The two reminisced about many things from the battlefield in the past.

The room fell silent as everyone listened, flames of passion rising in their hearts. Hearing about their glorious deeds and how Mr. Su led them in strategic maneuvers, it was truly impossible not to like him.

A man who had dedicated his life to the country, to the greater cause of the nation, and to the people. No one could bring themselves to dislike or disrespect such a person.

If it weren't for Mr. Su's commanding talents and exceptional personal charisma, Lao San wouldn't hold him in such high regard. Sheng Ning watched, feeling a surge of proud emotion in her chest.

This once formidable elder was her grandfather. His exceptional genes ran in her blood; was that why she had such a talent for gun skills?

"Qigang's here? Come in quickly." Mr. Su, sitting on the kang, saw Qigang standing side by side with Qin Yue.

"Sir!" Qigang stood at attention and greeted Mr. Su with due respect.

"Very good, very good..." Today was proving to be an unexpectedly great day for Mr. Su.

********

That evening, some comrades pitched tents in the courtyard and at the entrance of the Sheng family home. Others went to the county office. Every aspect of Mr. Su's travel arrangements had to be considered, and the county office, having been informed, even alerted the provincial level. Shixi Town would be even busier tomorrow in order not to disturb the wedding, so arrangements had to be made in advance.

Lao San had endless things to discuss with Mr. Su, and the two of them shared a room for the night. Luhua changed into a new set of beddings and went to sleep with An'an. Seeing Lao San so happy, her heart felt a tinge of sourness.

Sheng Ning couldn't sleep on the eve of her wedding and pulled Xu Qigang to stay with her. Side by side, they sat in the threshing ground at the entrance of their home. Sheng Ning rested her head on Xu Qigang's shoulder, gazing up at the starry sky, silent for a long while.

The emotional turmoil she felt tonight was the most intense she had ever experienced. She had never expected Mr. Su to come in person, so advanced in years, and having heard that his younger injuries left him in poor health, he had still endured the journey to be there.

To say she wasn't moved would be a lie.

How could she possibly bring herself to trample upon the heart of such an elder, who came bearing such sincere intentions?

Suddenly feeling bewildered, she thought her previous stubbornness was laughable and that her past life's pursuits were even more ridiculous.

Xu Qigang gently ruffled her hair, his voice deep as he said, "Mr. Su is truly a worthy grandfather and a man deserving respect."