CHAPTER 307: CHAPTER 306: SCHEMES

Beisitian smiled, she knew Wu Yuekai was worried those people might harm her, hence his caution.

Of course, Wu Yuekai was not at ease. The saying "one is blameworthy for possessing a jewel" has always held true. Beisitian was so talented at such a young age; how could he rest easy letting her face off against those old foxes alone?

Wu Yuekai was prepared to provide full protection. Even if it meant enjoying special treatment, he had made significant contributions. If things really got heated, the outcome might still be unpredictable.

Wu Yuekai understood that the situation might not be as severe as he imagined, but since those people were special, he was ready for the worst-case scenario.

Seeing Wu Yuekai’s stern expression, Beisitian smiled and said, "Old sir, don’t worry, I won’t suffer a loss."

Looking at Beisitian, Wu Yuekai just considered her carefree and retorted unhappily, "What do you know, that group is full of old foxes!"

Beisitian covered her mouth, thinking that if they were old foxes, she would strive to become a millennium-old fox!

Sun Wangnian saw the two chatting pleasantly and checked the time, having to interrupt them because it was time for Wu Yuekai to eat.

In order to avoid preferential treatment, no matter the rank, everyone dined together in the cafeteria, ensuring the soldiers always felt the leaders’ care and attention.

"Girl, come have a meal with me," Wu Yuekai proposed.

"You go ahead, I’ll join later after wrapping up my work," Beisitian responded with a smile, preparing to leave first.

If she went with Wu Yuekai, many would know she had a good relationship with the old military counselor, which would definitely put many at ease. However, she didn’t like being so high-profile; she found her current peaceful life quite fulfilling.

Wu Yuekai knew she would refuse; this girl only ever asked him for one thing: that dog.

Wu Yuekai didn’t press her, instead calling Sun Wangnian to head to the cafeteria together.

"Is the girl going to perform on stage later?" Wu Yuekai inquired.

Sun Wangnian was still astonished by the attention; he hadn’t expected the old military counselor to invite him to eat together.

"Yes, she is playing a duet with Tian Lei to accompany Luo Jiali, and I heard she’s also part of the family chorus," Sun Wangnian naturally divulged.

Upon hearing that Beisitian would actually participate, Wu Yuekai decided to stay and watch; after all, a couple of days wouldn’t make a difference.

Wu Yuekai was well aware of Beisitian’s accomplishments in calligraphy, and he was curious about her other talents, though he assumed they were fairly ordinary, given the time spent on calligraphy.

Knowing that the cadre coming for check-ups today were different from those earlier, the cafeteria prepared some special dishes, allowing everyone dining there to enjoy a feast.

Although there was to be no special treatment, privileges have always existed. For instance, in dining, although the dishes were the same, everyone else ate from large vats, while the old cadre’s meals were sautéed in small pans individually.

At least, on the surface, everyone received the same treatment.

Some minor actions by subordinates were known to superiors, while others weren’t. Even when they were known, the higher-ups usually turned a blind eye.

Wu Yuekai didn’t want to make a fuss, so he just brought along Li Xuejun and Zhou Cheng, an orderly and a guard.

Even so, arriving at the cafeteria drew a lot of attention, not because Wu Yuekai was particularly captivating, but many knew the military counselor was coming, so naturally, eyes turned to him.

In the crowd, Li Ying’s eyes lit up upon seeing Wu Yuekai. She had heard about him from her family; this old military counselor was a big deal in the Capital City!

Her family all served in the military; they belonged to a family of soldiers, but they held no power. If she could make this old military counselor favor her, her standing at home would improve, and her family could benefit as well.

The better her family, the higher she could marry!

But she knew that those in high places were more averse to casual approaches. So rather than creating a coincidence, it was better to boldly introduce herself.

There were certainly tricks to making an acquaintance, because rushing forward would just be foolish, wouldn’t it?

Li Ying’s trick lay with Sun Guicai; she knew that even though Grandpa Sun was a retired cadre, he might just know this old military counselor!

Thinking of this, she headed towards the cafeteria exit, coincidentally bumping into Ding Sisi coming out from the other side.

"Sisi, what’s wrong?" Li Ying noticed Ding Sisi looked a bit upset, and thought it could only be because of Beisitian.

Ding Sisi was a bit annoyed; she had worked hard to catch that important figure’s attention today, but he didn’t even glance at her. It didn’t matter much to her; she was merely holding on to some fantasy. However, on her way out, she heard something from a nurse at the door that nearly drove her to depression.

Turns out that shameless Beisitian woman had gone to greet the old military counselor to curry favor with him!

She hadn’t even thought of that, just stupidly waiting upstairs!

"Her face is so thick, trying to climb up to the old military counselor!" Li Ying thought to myself, "Shameless! So what was the outcome?"

"I don’t know; anyway, she went upstairs with the old military counselor," Ding Sisi huffed.

Li Ying’s eyes flashed with a shadow; she hadn’t expected that woman to beat her to it. Luckily, not just anyone could curry favor with the old military counselor; if it were that simple, she wouldn’t have to rack her brain!

Having obtained critical information from Ding Sisi, Li Ying wasted no time, postponing her afternoon rehearsal, and went to find Sun Guicai.

The privilege of postponing practice—only she in the entire performing troupe had it!

Enjoying privilege felt truly wonderful; it was addictive, and once addicted, it was hard to kick. To enjoy more and better privileges in the future, Li Ying had long been laying plans.

When Li Ying found Sun Guicai, he was sitting on a piece of grass watching the soldiers train in the distance.

He wore an expression of reminiscence, clearly recalling the past when he himself wasn’t part of this unit, unlike the other old cadres who needed to socialize, so he came here to daydream.

"Grandpa Sun!" Li Ying covered Sun Guicai’s eyes from behind, "Guess who I am?"

Sun Guicai laughed heartily, "It’s Nannan, right?"

This was a game they often played in Li Ying’s childhood when she was very small, her sweet voice calling Grandpa Sun, covering his eyes, asking him to guess who she was. The little girl didn’t know she was the only one calling him that way!

Past memories were always beautiful, especially in the twilight years. These memories filled one with emotion and brought joy to both mind and body.

Seeing that she had successfully evoked Sun Guicai’s memories, Li Ying’s smile deepened.

"Grandpa Sun, why are you sitting here all by yourself?" Li Ying asked with a pure and curious expression.

Sun Guicai looked towards the soldiers on the training field in the distance and expressed with nostalgia, "Grandpa thought of the days when I, like them, sweated on the training ground."