Chapter 8: The Expedition to Huai

“How come you’re here?”
In a secluded spot, Lu Jianwei gently tapped Gu Huaizheng’s fingertip. Gu Huaizheng gazed at her delicate fingers, his eyes growing darker.
Lu Jianwei tilted her head, a radiant smile on her face, yet a single tear hung on her cheek.
Gu Huaizheng’s fingers seemed to act on their own; when he touched Lu Jianwei’s cheek, a jolt ran through him, as tense as defusing a bomb. His fingertips brushed against her skin—it was as soft as tofu.
His heart raced unbelievably fast, his voice hoarse as he explained, “There was a bit of dust; let me wipe it for you.”
Gu Huaizheng had never felt so guilty before; he dared not meet her gaze.
Lu Jianwei saw his ears redden to the point of bleeding, suppressing a laugh as she replied, “Mm, thank you!”
Gu Huaizheng hurried to change the subject, “About yesterday—may I visit your home?”
“I told my family this morning you’d be coming formally. My aunt is preparing at home.”
A clear smile appeared in Gu Huaizheng’s eyes. “I’ll pick you up after work. I’ve prepared some gifts, but I’m not sure if they’re enough. If not, we can buy more together.”
“It’s all right, even if there aren’t enough, I won’t mind.”
“No, we can’t have too few. I can’t let you lose face,” Gu Huaizheng said seriously.
Lu Jianwei felt a warmth stir in her heart. “Then you must’ve bought a lot. Thank you, Gu Huaizheng!”
“Not much, just in the car. Do you want to take a look?”
“No, I’ll wait till after work. Gu Huaizheng, I have to get to work now.” She raised her small hand and waved at him. “See you after work!”
Gu Huaizheng clasped his hands behind him, rubbing his fingertips. “Lu Jianwei, see you soon!”
Her name slipped from his lips once more, each syllable honeyed, sweet and lingering.
The publicity department at the machinery factory had four people, not counting the section chief. The previous occupant would arrive at least half an hour early, clean the office, wipe everyone’s desks, wash their cups, and fill them with tea.
But all that ingratiation was in vain.
Lu Jianwei wouldn’t do any of it—she’d rather have someone else serve her.
The wooden chair’s seatback was hard, and the aged, paint-peeling desk looked fit for a museum. As Lu Jianwei admired these relics, a loud crash sounded; someone slammed their bag onto the desk, cursing under their breath.

“Still acting like a princess, huh? How long have you been here, and not a single article written? Now you won’t sweep or wipe the desks—should we worship you or something?”
No names were mentioned, but everyone knew Song Zhaodi was berating Lu Jianwei. A few furtive glances drifted her way—unusually, Yang Hongyan didn’t chime in today.
Lu Jianwei arched a brow at her. “Sister Song, are you talking about me?”
This was a miracle—was the ‘princess’ finally standing up for herself?
Song Zhaodi laughed angrily. “What, does the machinery factory belong to your family now? If someone’s misbehaving, can’t us ordinary folks criticize?”
Song Zhaodi always arrived right on time, sometimes even late—a few minutes late today, so she missed the big drama at the gate.
Yang Hongyan hurriedly tugged Song Zhaodi’s sleeve, “Sister Song, Comrade Lu ran into some trouble today and got held up, so she couldn’t serve everyone. She’ll make up for it tomorrow, right, Comrade Lu?”
Lu Jianwei replied, “I didn’t know I joined the publicity department to serve as a maid for the ladies.”
“Lu Jianwei, have you forgotten your place?” Song Zhaodi slammed the desk, and the office fell so silent a pin drop could be heard. “If you don’t want the job, get out!”
Lu Jianwei glanced toward the door, pressed her lips together, and said nothing, her eyes lowered, looking honest and pitiful.
“Song Zhaodi, do you run the publicity department now? Is my position yours?” Ma Weiming entered, glaring fiercely at Song Zhaodi.
Song Zhaodi hastily smiled, “No, Chief, didn’t you say we should help the newcomer? I was just guiding Comrade Lu, she wouldn’t listen so I raised my voice.”
Lu Jianwei quickly stood up, head down. “Yes, Sister Song’s guidance is right. Starting tomorrow morning, I’ll clean desks, sweep, mop, fetch water—serve everyone just like a maid from the old days!”
Ma Weiming’s face turned green as he yelled at Song Zhaodi, “Song Zhaodi, where’s the article on outstanding people and deeds I assigned you this month? If you can’t write it, go back to your old job!”
He turned to Lu Jianwei, “Come with me!”
Lu Jianwei calmly rose. As she passed Song Zhaodi, the latter tried to block her, but Lu Jianwei sidestepped, causing Song Zhaodi to crash her hip into the desk corner and drop down with a pained yelp.
Yang Hongyan hurried to help her. “Sister Song, maybe you should stop targeting Comrade Lu.”
If not for the collision, Song Zhaodi might have wondered why Yang Hongyan suddenly spoke up, but now she was gasping in pain, cold sweat breaking out—a grudge for life.
“I’m not afraid of some foreign-educated princess!” Song Zhaodi limped angrily, her temper rising, and Yang Hongyan dared not say more.
Outside the office, Lu Jianwei asked, “Chief Ma, where are we going?”

Ma Weiming was anxious. “The director wants to see you. When you get to his office, don’t be nervous, all right?”
Lu Jianwei quickly answered, “Yes.”
The two of them reached the director’s office. Ma Weiming took out a handkerchief to wipe his sweaty forehead, took several deep breaths, then, hand trembling, knocked on the door. A brisk voice answered, “Come in!”
Ma Weiming opened the door, nearly tripping as he entered.
Lu Jianwei followed, immediately spotting the middle-aged man sitting opposite the door. He was in his forties, his forehead gleaming, eyes sharp, wearing a white shirt patched in several places, sitting upright as a pine tree, his voice booming.
“It’s Little Lu, come, sit!” Zheng Baohua patted the single sofa beside him.
A third person was in the office—Lu Jianwei saw Gu Huaizheng and paused, not daring to sit. “Director, did you need something?”
After sending Ma Weiming away, Zheng Baohua addressed Lu Jianwei, “Sister-in-law, don’t be shy, sit!”
Lu Jianwei was momentarily stunned.
Gu Huaizheng’s face flushed crimson, nervously watching Lu Jianwei. Seeing only bashfulness and no anger on her face, he relaxed, shooting Zheng Baohua a warning look—not to upset her.
Gu Huaizheng shifted over to make space. Lu Jianwei walked over and sat beside him, leaving a fist’s width between them.
Lu Jianwei smiled, “Director, are you and Huaizheng comrades-in-arms?”
Zheng Baohua gave Gu Huaizheng a mischievous grin, clearly meaning: your sweetheart isn’t as easily offended as you think.
Gu Huaizheng felt a surge of pride, especially hearing Lu Jianwei call his name so intimately.
“We’re old comrades and old partners. He was my subordinate at first, then became battalion commander while I was political instructor. We worked together for three years, but he got promoted fast—I couldn’t keep up, so I switched careers.”
Lu Jianwei smiled, twin dimples appearing. “It was your excellent work in politics that helped him advance so quickly!”
Zheng Baohua laughed heartily, surprised by Lu Jianwei’s tact. “No wonder you refused all those blind dates—you were waiting for her!”
Gu Huaizheng’s heart was cheering, though he kept a steady face. “Come on, is this why you called us here, just to tease?”