CHAPTER 234: 224 EVENING PARTY IN PROGRESS (NATIONAL DAY SPECIAL)

A slightly chubby military wife said sincerely, "Speaking of running, people without perseverance can’t do it. She’s slimmer now, but she earned that herself."

Back when Tian Sangsang started running, no one really believed in her. Everyone thought she was just putting on a show. But seeing her transformation today, they had to admit that they couldn’t do it themselves. Just running around day after day while being stared at by others—they couldn’t swallow their pride for that. Who would dare?

Unable to swallow their pride, they could only stew in their envy, jealousy, and resentment, which served no purpose but to fuel their irritation.

Qin Lan’s face changed as she bit her lip indignantly. In her heart, she thought: If I ran every day, if I wore makeup, and if my husband were like Captain Jiang—someone who doted on his wife and had connections—then I’d have undergone a complete transformation, too.

But in this world, there’s no such thing as "if."

Tian Sangsang was escorted by a designated person into the venue, which was the same space where the soldiers had trained earlier—spacious and open. The stage was set up in the center, adorned with twinkling lights. A soft breeze gently swept through, while the moon in the sky wasn’t full, just a crescent waning moon.

Only after arriving did she realize that all the performers were from the arts troupe, and no military wives were participating—she was the only one.

Well, there was an outsider, someone dressed elegantly and demurely—Shui Lian.

Tian Sangsang: "..."

The young ladies from the arts troupe spotted her and widened their eyes, whispering amongst themselves, "Isn’t that Captain Jiang’s wife?"

They were full of comments about how much she had changed; Tian Sangsang felt her ears practically growing calluses from hearing it all.

Ji Yao’er, standing off to the side, touched up her makeup in her mirror and sneered at Tian Sangsang, calling her a vixen.

"Is everyone here?" The arts troupe leader held a stack of papers and other materials, standing before them and speaking in highly standardized Mandarin: "Let’s first confirm the program order. The emcees already know the lineup; now I’ll share it with all of you."

"Since the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day are close together, this evening’s event essentially encompasses both celebrations. The soldiers are unable to return home for family reunions, so this event is the one thing that can help them relax. Everyone should give their best performance!"

Tian Sangsang glanced at the arts troupe leader. He was good-looking but seemed a bit bookish. Perhaps having met Jiang Jinghuai before had made her more demanding in her standards.

"Tian Sangsang, your program is the first one. Get ready," the arts troupe leader said pleasantly.

As everyone knew, being placed in the middle of the schedule was advantageous; the beginning and end were considered disadvantages—although the final position did offer the prestige of being the grand finale. Starting out, however, was usually avoided because with so many performances following, it was easy for the first to be forgotten. On the other hand, too late into the program would see audience enthusiasm fade. But these were only general principles and not absolute.

Tian Sangsang didn’t mind. She smiled faintly and said, "Alright."

"Why is she so calm?"

"Playing it cool, obviously." Ji Yao’er chuckled softly. "Just wait and see—she’ll show her true self once she’s on stage."

After confirming the lineup, the event had yet to officially start, but pure instrumentals were already playing. Though the sound quality wasn’t great, it set the mood. Performers, including Tian Sangsang, remained seated on small stools near the stage, waiting for their turn.

Looking at the gathering crowd in the venue, Tian Sangsang suddenly curled her lips into a faint smile. Oh, tonight’s about to get lively.

Ji Yao’er let out a sigh as she examined herself in the mirror, thinking how ideal it would’ve been if Zhao Chun had come. He would surely have been interested in this kind of event. What a pity—despite her excellent dancing skills, her beloved wouldn’t be there to watch tonight. Still, the possibility of Tian Sangsang failing gave her some amusement.

It worked out nicely, in fact. With Tian Sangsang leading off the lineup, the arts troupe would look better in comparison. Sometimes direct contrasts highlighted differences more clearly. Tian Sangsang was practically there to provide a foil for her.

The young women chattered away noisily.

"Teacher Shui, your program is the grand finale!"

"It’s hardly my program." Shui Lian smiled modestly. "It’s the kids’ performance. If they perform well, it’ll make the parents happy too."

"If the kids perform well, it speaks to Teacher Shui’s excellent instruction."

"I don’t think performing last is necessarily the best position. Honestly, I envy those performing earlier." Shui Lian said gently. "I’m really looking forward to it."

The young women instantly covered their mouths, laughing mischievously and teasingly, "Oh yes, very much looking forward to it. Especially since she’s representing the military wives, isn’t she? And she’s the only one."

Tian Sangsang swiveled her eyes and made a polite bow to them. "I’m honored."

Well then, watch closely; let’s make them scream!

The venue was now packed, a sea of people. Soldiers and their families had almost all arrived.

"Jinghuai, happy Mid-Autumn Festival!" Fang Tongzhou said cheerfully, munching on a mooncake.

Jiang Jinghuai, who had just finished organizing his platoon and ensuring the seating arrangements for his soldiers, was now holding his son. He responded calmly, "Same to you."

"Happy Mid-Autumn Festival, Captain!" The soldiers all saluted in unison, their loud voices instantly drawing attention across the large venue.

"Mm." Jiang Jinghuai looked at them, and his sternly defined facial features softened slightly.

The soldiers were accustomed to this; their captain was a man of few words. Hearing even a single syllable from him indicated his good mood. When he talked more, that’d be unusual—usually in the company of his wife, and often with cheeky remarks. Hehe~~~

"Uncles, ha~ppy~ Mid~Au~tumn~Fa~sti~val~" came a soft, sticky, childlike voice.

The soldiers’ sentiment was made up for by the captain’s adorable young son; the little one was so endearing, his words deliberately drawn out and halting.

"Little Yanyan, happy Mid-Autumn Festival too." They replied warmly with one comment after another, "Have you eaten mooncakes yet? Uncle’s got some mooncakes—come on over..."

"..."

"Be sure to watch my mom’s performance, okay?" The little one was steadfast in his belief that his mom’s show was the best and worked hard to promote it.

"Of course! Absolutely!" They answered earnestly.

"Anyone know what time the performance is scheduled for?" Fang Tongzhou asked enthusiastically, itching to see it.

"That’s why we’re here tonight, to cheer her on." Although the soldiers didn’t expect much from the captain’s wife’s performance, as the spouse of their leader, supporting her was the priority. Regardless of the outcome. Their expectations were modest, given they’d met her and thought she didn’t quite match their captain in disposition. But, hey, if the captain liked her, then they would too.

"It couldn’t be at the end, right? I bet it’s somewhere in the middle."

Jiang Jinghuai glanced toward the stage and, his deep eyes narrowing, issued a low command: "It’s good you’re enthusiastic, but watch the show quietly—don’t make any fuss."

Ah...

Fang Tongzhou looked pained; not being allowed to cheer was just boring. How else would his sister-in-law feel their enthusiastic support?

After a while, the crowd was fully gathered, and leadership figures began arriving one by one.

There were two hosts for the evening: a man and a woman. The man was the arts troupe leader, and the woman was also part of the troupe. Both wore festive, soft hats on their heads.

After the hosts spoke for a bit, the leadership representatives gave speeches.

The atmosphere instantly shifted—it became silent and respectful, the air infused with reverence.

Could these people be high-ranking officials?