Feng Wei was also troubled about his old partner. Lu Weiguo, the youngest battalion commander in their military district, had everything going for him—military achievements, a strong physique, and good character. However, his appearance was a major drawback.
Lu Weiguo had been on the front lines for a long time, which had given him a fierce aura. His naturally cold face was already intimidating, and an old scar running from his right eye to his cheekbone made him look even more menacing.
That wasn't even the worst part. His features were not conventionally handsome, and his eyes were slightly elongated, not the small, squinty type but an unsettlingly sharp shape. Although not unattractive, there was something off about his gaze, which could be quite chilling when he squinted.
His appearance was like a tractor with the aura of a fighter jet. This was the image he projected.
Lu Weiguo had grown indifferent to his numerous failed dates. "Being single is fine. Dealing with a woman would just be a hassle—can't burp or fart loudly."
Feng Wei was dumbfounded. "Is that supposed to be sensible advice?"
He thought of the brother and sister he had seen in the restaurant. It was truly a case of "drought or flood"—with nothing better to compare, it was hard not to feel a pang. The girl was undeniably beautiful. To think someone would stand her up was such a waste.
Feng Wei also had a nagging feeling that the brother and sister looked familiar, as if he had seen them somewhere before.
Unbeknownst to Shi Tingyu and Shi Mu Han, their simple date had become a trigger for someone else's marital woes.
After lunch, Shi Mu Han took Shi Tingyu home and then went to find Shen Ziming's relatives.
Shen Ziming's aunt was astonished to see Shi Mu Han. "Xiao Han, are you sure you've got the right date? Ziming hasn't been here at all."
Unable to locate Shen Ziming, Shi Mu Han called the military unit, only to find that Shen Ziming was also not present there.
Shi Mu Han's grip on the phone tightened. "Is Brigadier Shen there?"
He had a premonition that Brigadier Shen might know Shen Ziming's whereabouts.
"Brigadier Shen is here. I'll go find him. Please call back in about ten minutes."
With the call ended, Shi Mu Han felt a wave of disappointment. He hoped it wasn't as bad as he feared.
At the Shi home, Shi Tingyu had changed out of her dress and was lounging on the sofa, contemplating the reasons for Shen Ziming's absence.
Given their family's reported situation, it was likely known among the higher-ups in the military district. She remembered that Shen Ziming's father was a brigadier in Shi Mu Han's unit, so he might be aware of the potential investigation into their family.
Shen Ziming's absence might be due to his awareness of their family's impending scrutiny, and he might have decided not to get involved. Shi Tingyu had no illusions—if he wasn't willing to fully accept her, then continuing with him wasn't necessary. There might be more problems in the future.
She decided to put aside her frustration and explore her personal space at home. In the balcony, she took care of some plants, including a wilted jasmine. She watered it with diluted spring water.
The wilted jasmine perked up immediately, visibly rejuvenating. Shi Tingyu, having taken over the care of the plants, knew her parents didn't pay much attention to the garden.
As she moved the jasmine pot to her room's window for better sunlight, an earthworm emerged from the soil. The worm, glistening with the spring water, wriggled towards the jasmine's stems.
Shi Tingyu was amazed to see an earthworm drinking water. After ensuring that the spring water wasn't harmful to plants or insects, she decided to let the worm go, feeling a sense of connection after its unusual experience.
Shi Mu Han returned an hour later, looking troubled. Shi Tingyu had a bad feeling about it.
"How did things go with Shen Ziming?"
After a moment's hesitation, Shi Mu Han decided to be honest. "Ziming... his family doesn't approve."
From what he gathered through Brigadier Shen's comments and Shen Ziming's character, he pieced together the situation. Brigadier Shen had mentioned that while he respected Shi Mu Han and admired Shi Tingyu's talent, Shen Ziming was their only son, and they were considering his future prospects.
Shi Mu Han asked, "What did Shen Ziming say?"
Brigadier Shen replied, "I can't deny that Ziming likes your sister, but he values his family's opinion more than his feelings for her."
Shi Mu Han understood immediately. Shen Ziming's parents had intervened.
Although Shi Mu Han was disappointed, he couldn't fault Shen Ziming for choosing his family over a relationship. Still, he felt sorry for his sister.
"To them, not agreeing is their loss. Don't be disheartened. There are many single comrades in my unit. I'll find a better match for you next time," Shi Mu Han said.
Knowing her brother was concerned, Shi Tingyu played along. "Alright, then find me a handsome one next time."
Her casual tone didn't reflect the disappointment she felt. Shi Mu Han felt slightly relieved.
In the evening, Shi Father and Shi Mother were furious upon learning that Shen Ziming hadn't shown up. They were upset that he hadn't even called to inform them. They were not the kind of people who would tolerate such disrespect.
Seeing their frustration, Shi Tingyu and Shi Mu Han tried to comfort them. After some effort, they managed to calm down their parents.
"Since Shen Ziming won't work out, I'll check with other people in the unit tomorrow," Shi Father said, determined to find a suitable match for his daughter.
The atmosphere in the Shi household was exceptionally gloomy that night.
The next morning, Shi Mu Han was sent back to his unit by his parents, despite Shi Tingyu's attempts to stop them.
YOU ARE READING
Rebirth: Sensational Military Wife in 70s...
FantasyGenre: Time-travel/rebirth Author: 胭回 Shi Tingyu is a relatively well-known young painter. When she is transported back to the 1970s, she becomes the daughter of a weapons researcher. Before she can enjoy her new life, she faces the embarrassment...