Shen Niantang felt the gazes directed at her and grew instinctively reserved, though her expression remained calm. She held her meal tray and queued quietly to get her food. Beside her, He Qian whispered, "Niantang, being with you really attracts a lot of attention."
Shen Niantang shook her head slightly, feeling awkward. Knowing He Qian was teasing her, she said in a soft, low voice, "Brother He, that’s not funny at all. I actually wish I could be a bit more ordinary—maybe even turn into a little ant."
He Qian smiled pleasantly at her words. Though he wore glasses, he looked clean and refreshed. Tall and carrying an air of scholarship, he gave off a relaxed, neighborly vibe. Soon, the two found an empty table and sat down. Shen Niantang ate in small bites.
Not far away, Commander Gu Tingchuan sat with several officers. His back was straight as a rod, and his uniform made him look exceptionally imposing, yet his eyes drifted toward Shen Niantang every now and then. Ever since she entered the canteen, his heart had been completely captured.
Seeing her laughing and chatting with He Qian the moment she walked in, a sour, inexplicable feeling welled up in Gu Tingchuan’s chest. He gripped his chopsticks tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white. Opposite him, Pei Mingze was busy devouring his meal; noticing the commander’s unusual behavior, he leaned in with concern. "What’s wrong, Commander Gu? Is the food not to your liking?"
Gu Tingchuan simply shook his head to indicate he was fine. Pei Mingze, failing to notice Shen Niantang and He Qian, just kept his head down and ate. Seeing Gu Tingchuan in such a foul mood, he took advantage of a distracted moment to sneakily swipe some food from the commander’s plate.
After finishing their meal, Shen Niantang and He Qian returned their trays and left the canteen together. The sun was scorching, bleaching the ground white, and their shadows stretched long across the stone path. He Qian stretched his back as they walked, his tone light. "Niantang, I’ll take you to the Logistics Department this afternoon to get familiar with the process of setting up the venue."
Shen Niantang nodded in agreement, her lips curling into a faint smile. Her voice was as soft as a passing breeze.
Back in the canteen, Pei Mingze looked up at the dazed Gu Tingchuan, his brow furrowed. The man before him was acting completely out of character today—not eating, not speaking, his eyes as hollow as if he’d lost his soul. Pei Mingze muttered to himself, "Is this guy possessed or something?"
He wanted to crack a joke, but remembering Gu Tingchuan’s usual sternness, he feared bad luck and held his tongue. He finished his remaining food in a few gulps, and as he stood up, he deliberately bumped Gu Tingchuan with his elbow. "I’m heading out, Commander. Take your time."
Gu Tingchuan finally snapped out of it. He looked down and found his plate completely empty, not even a leaf of vegetable left. His temple throbbed and his fists clenched involuntarily. He turned a gaze filled with lethal intent toward Pei Mingze and barked, "Pei Mingze!"
Elsewhere, He Qian brought Shen Niantang back to the office. After tidying up some documents, he suggested, "Niantang, while we have some free time, I’ll take you to the Logistics Department to meet the others and plan out the venue for the physical fitness competition."
Shen Niantang tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and said gently, "All right, I’d like to familiarize myself with the workflow as well."
Her movements were delicate, her fingertips glowing softly in the sunlight. He Qian was slightly stunned, then gave a light cough to hide his lapse in composure. As they went downstairs, chants echoed across the training ground, and amidst the rising dust, the soldiers’ figures moved with the agility of leopards.
The Logistics Department office was a spacious, single-story building located on the west side of the training ground. When they pushed the door open, a dozen young men were huddled together in discussion. At the sight of He Qian and Shen Niantang, the noisy chatter died instantly. Every eye fell upon Shen Niantang, and the air seemed to freeze for a moment. He Qian clapped his hands with a smile. "Let me introduce you all—this is Comrade Shen Niantang from the Translation Department. She’ll be helping us prepare for the physical fitness competition."
Shen Niantang smiled slightly and said with natural grace, "Hello everyone, I’m Shen Niantang. I look forward to working with you all."
Her voice was clear and pleasant, like a mountain stream, instantly washing away the awkwardness in the room. The young men of the Logistics Department finally regained their senses, shy smiles appearing on their tanned faces. One of them even knocked over a water glass in his haste, scrambling to wipe up the spill. He Qian couldn't help but chuckle.
For the rest of the time, He Qian and Shen Niantang worked with the Logistics Department to discuss the detailed venue layout plans. Shen Niantang recorded every detail diligently. Her focused expression was deeply moving; when her lashes lowered, they cast a shadow on her cheeks, and the occasional faint smile at the corners of her lips made it impossible to look away.
After the discussion, He Qian and Shen Niantang bade the Logistics Department farewell and headed back toward the office. Long after they had walked away, whispers broke out behind them.
"My god, Comrade Shen is so beautiful!"
"No kidding. And she’s from our unit’s Translation Department—truly talented and beautiful!"
"If only I could talk to her a bit more..."
As they passed the training ground, Pei Mingze, standing on a high platform, spotted Shen Niantang at once. She wore a high ponytail, and the military-green training uniform made her skin look like snow; in the sunlight, she seemed to be bathed in a soft glow. Pei Mingze’s heart accelerated, as if something had slammed into his chest. He stared at her unblinkingly until she disappeared around a corner, only then snapping back to reality.
"So that’s Shen Niantang? The new civilian girl in the Translation Department..."
A bold idea flashed through Pei Mingze’s mind: he had to win Shen Niantang over before Gu Tingchuan made a move! She was so beautiful, and he liked her.
Meanwhile, Gu Tingchuan stood on the other side of the training ground, watching Pei Mingze’s retreating back with a gloomy gaze. He had seen everything, including the lovesick look on Pei Mingze’s face. An unnamed fire surged in his chest, and he clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles made a faint cracking sound. A young soldier nearby sensed his low pressure and asked cautiously, "Commander, are you all right?"
Gu Tingchuan spat out two words coldly: "I'm fine."
The young soldier shrank back, not daring to ask more. Across the field, Pei Mingze caught up with He Qian and Shen Niantang with long strides. He adjusted his breathing, walked up with a feigned casualness, and said loudly, "Translator He, this must be the new Comrade Shen, right?"
He Qian turned to see it was Pei Mingze and nodded with a smile. "Deputy Commander Pei, what brings you here?"
Pei Mingze’s gaze, however, remained glued to Shen Niantang. He reached out a hand, his smile brilliant. "Comrade Shen, I’ve heard much about you. I’m Pei Mingze—very pleased to meet you."
Shen Niantang shook his hand politely and bowed her head slightly. "Hello, Deputy Commander Pei."
Pei Mingze said enthusiastically, "I heard you’re preparing for the physical fitness competition? If you need any help, just come to me!"
He Qian noticed Pei Mingze’s intentions and grew wary. As men, they naturally understood exactly what Pei Mingze was aiming for...