Sweet Nostalgia of the 80s

Chapter 1118: Chapter 1118: Rumors Abound

He packed a few dishes from the kitchen and took them with him, then went to ask Zhang Jianguo for some time off and left the army base.

Once Qin Jian left, rumors and gossip began to swirl around the base.

Although Zhang Jianguo had held a meeting and instructed the warriors to refrain from discussing the matter,

it seemed the effect was not very significant.

During the logistics department’s investigation, comments made by a few warriors in the cooking squad were overheard by many.

”Actually, the vegetables delivered by the staff officer’s brother-in-law have been of poorer quality these past few times, or should I say much worse than before. But we are still paying the original price.”

”Some vegetables were inedible, so we simply threw them away.”

”We didn’t dare speak up. Everyone knows that the staff officer is the Commander’s son, and moreover, many people in the military admire him greatly, so speaking out would tarnish his hero image, wouldn’t it?”

”Plus, with the recent assessment of the staff officer, we were all too afraid to say anything for fear it would adversely affect him... Never expected such a thing to happen.”

Originally just an internal investigation, for some reason, these words spread like wildfire in the spring breeze, growing more intense and exaggerated with each retelling.

In less than two days, the whole base was abuzz with talk.

Qin Jian encouraged hero worship, using his power to let his brother-in-law do business with the base.

Some even said nastier things, claiming he was selling spoiled vegetables at the price of good ones, making a handsome profit from the deal.

The issue became so blown out of proportion that it had a massive impact on Qin Jian’s potential promotion to regimental commander.

The test results were still pending, but the matter had already been blown out of all proportion.

Zhang Jianguo tried hard to suppress the issue.

But the senior officers who had just completed Qin Jian’s assessment were about to submit their recommendation to the General Political Department when this scandal broke out.

So they decided to put the report on hold, and, if necessary, reconsider the choice for regimental commander.

.....................

He Zhiyuan spent the evening after dinner accompanying Commander Guan to play Go.

”I heard that the issue in your regiment is quite the talk of the town, and that the originally planned regimental commander candidate was suddenly shelved,” Commander Guan said as he placed a stone on the Go board.

”Yes,” He Zhiyuan said cheerfully, ”I also didn’t expect such a thing to happen at this critical moment. Chief, don’t you think heaven is showing me special favor?”

Commander Guan laughed, ”You shouldn’t say that, but you do seem to have a bit of luck.”

”I am eagerly hoping the organization will reconsider the candidates! Please report it as soon as possible, so both of us can get this matter off our minds.”

Guan Qing was cooking in the house, overheard these two men discussing, and couldn’t help but curve her lips upwards.

She poked her head out from the kitchen, ”Your opponent’s mistake has just given you the perfect opportunity to climb up! I hope you can reach your goal sooner rather than later!”

”I hope so, too!” If he really got the position of regimental commander, he could serve in the army for a few more years.

”I’ll serve extra dishes for you two tonight! Have a good drink together.”

”Look how happy she is!” Commander Guan shook his head helplessly, ”She wasn’t even this excited when her own company opened.”

He Zhiyuan looked down and smiled faintly.

Deep down, he had a vague feeling, but he couldn’t quite put it into words.

He always felt that there was an inextricable link to Guan Qing.

After having dinner and a couple of drinks at Commander Guan’s home, He Zhiyuan felt very content.

When he got home, Ma Mei immediately came up to ask him about the situation.

He Zhiyuan responded with a touch of triumphant glee, ”I am very likely to be promoted to the position of regimental commander.”