Chapter 974: The Hardships of Soldiers

Early the next morning, Han Chaoyang was driving home before dawn.

The reason he didn’t escort his wife and daughter back yesterday was because he had to go on a mission, and there were many things he needed to handle before leaving.

Once everything was settled, it was already late at night. After resting for a few hours, he hurried home again.

When he arrived home, the door to the family house was already open.

The chickens, fish, and pork ordered from the market were expected to be delivered any moment, and the chef from the food factory was also due to arrive. With many guests expected today, they had to start early.

As Han Chaoyang pushed open the ajar door, he heard his mother, Su Aihong, in the kitchen: "Chaohui, go see if the meat delivery has arrived?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Han Chaoyang responded, "Mom, it’s me."

Upon hearing her eldest son’s voice, Su Aihong hurried into the yard: "Chaoyang, have you taken care of everything?"

Han Chao looked guilty: "Mom, thank you for your hard work."

It was his daughter’s full month banquet, and he couldn’t help at all, only able to make an appearance before leaving for the station at ten to meet his comrades.

Su Aihong understood the meaning behind her son’s words: "What hard work, I’m happy. Shengfang and Feifei’s mom will take good care. It’s more important for you to return safely."

Han Chaoyang nodded firmly: "Okay."

Seeing her son was listening, Su Aihong said, "Go see Shengfang and Feifei, and I’ll make you some noodles."

Han Chaoyang didn’t refuse; he was indeed hungry: "Thanks, Mom."

After speaking, he looked at Han Chaohui standing beside him: "Chaohui, give Mom a hand."

Han Chaohui quickly turned to find the noodles: "Mom, is my brother leaving today?"

Su Aihong remembered her son mentioning that this mission might take longer, and she sighed lightly: "He probably came home during a break, and he’ll leave soon.

Help me get two eggs. I’ll poach them later."

If it were another time, Han Chaohui would certainly shout: "Mom, you’re so biased."

But now he didn’t dare make a fuss, lest he upset his mom.

Obediently, he brought over two eggs: "Mom, do you need me to do anything else?"

Su Aihong was worried her son would be called away before finishing his meal, so she acted quickly: "Han Hui, help me get some scallions from outside."

With the mother-son cooperation, the noodles were quickly cooked. Worried her son wouldn’t be full, she served them in a large bowl, and they used last night’s leftover stir-fried meat as a topping, finally sprinkling chopped scallions: "Chaohui, bring the meal to your big brother."

Su Aihong didn’t stop, packing some homemade chili sauce in a jar and a few leftover two-colored steamed buns, wary of packing too much for fear her son couldn’t carry it.

She was right to worry. Han Chaoyang thought he’d have a few more hours at home with his wife and daughter, but just after finishing his meal, as he was about to wash his daughter’s diapers, his comrade arrived: "There’s been a change in the situation; we’re leaving by hitchhiking."

The comrade came to fetch him felt embarrassed, but military orders were absolute.

Han Chaoyang turned to bid farewell to his wife, reluctantly holding his daughter, apologizing, "Sorry, I have to go. Take care of yourself and our daughter. Tell Mom and Dad if anything happens, and don’t suffer in silence."

Wu Shengfang was reluctant but understood her husband’s responsibilities. She knew what being a military spouse meant when she married Han Chaoyang: "Stay safe, come back soon. Our daughter and I will be waiting at home."

Han Chaoyang dared not look at his wife, kissed his daughter’s forehead, gently placed her in the crib, then tightly hugged his wife: "Wait for my return."

He let go of Wu Shengfang promptly and strode out the door.

Su Aihong handed over a small pack of food she prepared: "Take this to eat on the way and stay safe."

At this moment, Xinyan, who had received the news, hurried back to the courtyard, jogging over: "Big Brother, take this medicine, just in case. I’ve tested its efficacy; it’s good."

Han Chaoyang didn’t refuse, thanked her, and turned to leave.

But as he turned, his eyes welled up, and he could barely see as he stepped out the door: "Yanyan, if you have time, visit the old house often and spend time with them. Big Brother will treat you to something nice when I return."

As his words echoed, he was already striding far away.

At this moment, Xinyan deeply felt the difficulty of being in the military, and tears welled up in her eyes: "Big Brother, I’ll visit my little niece often. Come back soon; I’ll choose the most expensive one."

After she spoke, her brother and the others were already out of sight, only a distant "Okay" echoed back.