Cheng Su was pinching a small cup, contemplating a drink. It was glutinous rice wine, specially brought by Chunhuaâs Grandma from her hometown, claiming it was brewed by herself. In their area, when a woman gave birth, she would drink this kind of wine, which was great for cooking chicken and eggs to nourish the woman. It was also nice for entertaining guests.
After downing the glutinous rice wine in one gulp, Cheng Su said, "The red-headed document hasnât come down yet, and whether weâre really going is still up in the air."
That was true.
Hualing pursed her lips and said, "The name has been put forward, how could there be any changes? Besides, Commander Qi is such an outstanding candidate, and heâs made notable military achievements before. Once he goes and comes back this time, I bet he wonât miss out on becoming a battalion commander!"
Those were nice words, but they carried a peculiar flavor to the ears, a hint of jealousy and a touch of sourness, just not very pleasant to listen to.
Cheng Su replied, "Well, if itâs about becoming a battalion commander, then Iâll take that as your blessing!"
She completely ignored Hualingâs insinuation about having children.
But Hualing was not one to give up, "So you tell me, if Commander Qi is going away for years, and you two are separated, does that mean youâll have to postpone having kids for a few years? Isnât that exactly what youâre hoping for?"
It sounded as if Cheng Su didnât want children at all.
Although, to be honest, Cheng Su didnât really want children at the moment, hearing Hualing say it like that made her uncomfortable.
"You donât know about the privileges of being a military spouseâwe get the right to visit. If I really wanted to have children, Iâd just calculate the right date and go for a visit, wouldnât that solve it? There are plenty of lucky ones who hit the jackpot on the first try, arenât there?" Cheng Su glanced at Hualing.
That hit a nerve for Hualing indeed, hadnât she been married to Chen Shouwang for quite some time without any news?
Seeing everyone at the table eating and stealing laughs, Hualingâs face turned beet red, thinking to herself that Cheng Su was shameless, discussing such private matters openly, without a hint of embarrassment. She was truly crude.
Cheng Su, however, had no such thoughts. Everyone present was either married or a mother; what was the harm in such spicy talk? Besides, she didnât say anything too inappropriate, all of it was quite hinted at, right?
You, Hualing, brought up having children. To have children, one must sleep together, and everyone knows that. Whatâs there to be afraid of discussing?
Knowing Cheng Su was sharp-tongued, Hualing didnât want to continue the conversation. But Cheng Su wasnât ready to let her off the hook and said, "Speaking of which, any news on your end?"
"Not at all. Just this morning, I saw Nurse Hua making Brown Sugar Ginger Teaâmust be good news!" Guiying chimed in before Hualing could respond.
Hualing glared at Guiying, Nobody asked for your comment!
Guiying awkwardly lowered her head.
"Thereâs no rush for that. You and your husband are both healthy and together every day. Itâs only a matter of time for children!" Cheng Su said with a smile, "Not like us. Old Qi and I have agreed to wait a bit before having kids. Iâm really not in a hurry."
Those seemed like kind words, and everyone agreed, but Hualing felt a surge of anger in her chest. What nice words? Cheng Su was clearly mocking her!
Cheng Su poured herself another cup of glutinous rice wine, holding it to mask the coldness on her lips. If you insist on making me upset, then donât blame me for returning the favor.
"Letâs drop this topic. Hey, have you guys heard? That Cao Zhiyingâs wife, the one who wears those two gold earrings, got robbed on her way home from work, and even had her ears bloodied."
"Iâve heard. The public safety is getting worse by the day, sigh..."
The subject was thus changed, and as Hualing watched Cheng Su easily join in the conversation, with everyone gathering around her to talk, her heart seethed, as if she had spat out several liters of blood.