Sweet Nostalgia of the 80s

”What’s your name?” The little girl grabbed Ning Chenyang’s wrist and stared at him with tear-filled eyes, questioning.

”Why? Do you plan to repay me?” Ning Chenyang didn’t like this girl; her peculiar temperament was completely not to his taste.

”My name is Luo Tong!” The girl surprisingly volunteered her name. ”Thank you for helping my brother!”

”Hmph! I only helped him because he seemed pitiful. If it were up to you, I definitely wouldn’t lend a hand.” Ning Chenyang pouted and forcefully shook off the girl’s hand, turning to his father, ”Dad, let’s go! I’m coming with you to the military unit.”

Qin Jian curved his lips, raising his hand to pat his son’s head, ”Be nicer to little friends!”

”She was unfriendly to me first.” Ning Chenyang turned away, not giving Luo Tong another glance as he followed his parents leaving.

Luo Tong lowered her head to sniff her palm, filled with a pleasant, faint soap scent, and as she looked up at Ning Chenyang’s father’s upright posture, her eyes brimmed with admiration.

His shoulder donned that insignia, with four bright small stars looking truly impressive, she knew that was a military rank, and only people with high ranks would have so many bright little stars.

.........

An Hao said farewell to her husband and son.

Thinking of Ning Chenyang not being around to accompany her made An Hao slightly lost; returning home just by herself felt inexplicably lonely.

But Ning Chenyang was already six years old, and he had his own opinions.

Boys at this age really like to cling to their fathers; he wanted to follow his father to the military unit. Qin Jian hadn’t seen his son often and missed him dearly, so since his son wished to go, he was glad to take him along.

The family of three parted reluctantly outside the hospital, Qin Jian saw An Hao almost on the verge of tears, stepped forward to gently embrace her, ”Don’t cry, you can take some days off later and come stay with me for a few days. Then I’ll be with you both every day.”

”Okay,” An Hao nodded, waving goodbye to her husband and son.

Upon reaching the headquarters, it was exactly lunchtime; Qin Jian got off the car, bringing his son to the cafeteria to dine.

”Commander, the cafeteria is too crowded, may I bring you your meal?” The orderly Xiaozhou, being quite considerate, saw the commander had come with his son; it was the first day of their arrival, and he thought of arranging a special meal from the cafeteria.

”No need. This isn’t a special situation, let’s avoid creating exceptions,” Qin Jian said.

”Well... alright then.” Seeing the commander’s unwillingness, Xiaozhou had no choice but to give up.

Qin Jian and his son arrived at the cafeteria, catching the lively scene of soldiers getting and having meals.

”Wow! Dad, this feeling is awesome!” Ning Chenyang was wide-eyed with excitement upon reaching the military unit; he liked this bustling atmosphere very much.

”Do you like it?”

”Yes, yes!”

”Good, then. Even if you didn’t like it, you’d have no choice. You’ll spend the upcoming days living a communal life like this,” Qin Jian laughed, pressing his lips together.

”I like it, I really do!” Ning Chenyang said excitedly.

”Old Qin, you’re here! Come, come over, I’ve saved you a spot!” Commissar Liu Jing had just gotten his meal and was about to eat when he saw Qin Jian had arrived, along with a little follower who was clearly his son.

So he beckoned Qin Jian over hurriedly.

”This is Uncle Liu, the commissar. Let’s go over!” Qin Jian led his son through the crowd to the designated table.