First Night with the Army: The Stoic Big Shot Is Done Pretending

The courtyard gate swung open slowly, revealing a pavilion. A path paved with small stones led up to it.

Bright sunlight landed on the pavilion, making it glow.

Yu Qing glanced at Wen Ci. "I’m a little envious of you."

Wen Ci smiled.

’Her luck really was pretty good. If Jiang Ye hadn’t looked down on the harsh conditions of the Northwest, this marriage might not have been hers for the taking.’

Wen Ci went inside to bring out stools, then fetched a pitcher and poured Yu Qing a glass of water. She spoke at a relaxed pace, "Doctor Yu, what do you think about adding drums to the dance? We could use the water sleeves to strike the drum heads as we dance."

’Striking the drums would require the dancer to control the force of their swinging water sleeves, and this idea of hers would need Yu Qing’s approval first.’

"Now that you mention it, I think that could work."

’Yu Qing had to admire Wen Ci. Just imagine—the original Water Sleeve Dance is silent. Adding drumming would create both a visual and an auditory impact.’

"Do you have any thoughts on the water sleeves?" Wen Ci asked.

"What do you mean?"

"The traditional sleeveless dress, or should we modify it?"

Yu Qing thought for a moment. "I think the traditional one will be fine. If we modify it rashly, it might make the drumming difficult, and we won’t have time to change it back."

Wen Ci nodded.

’Doctor Yu has a point.’

They only had one day off to go to Sea City. If the modifications to the water sleeves failed, they wouldn’t have any extra time to make changes. It was better to play it safe.

After finishing her water, Wen Ci took off her jacket and said slowly, "Shall we try a little freeform dancing?"

"Alright."

Under the bright sun, the two women’s figures were graceful. They each showcased different styles, but as they danced together, they were surprisingly in sync.

Their eyes met in a moment of shared understanding, and they stopped dancing in unison. Wen Ci’s lips curved into a smile. "We should probably get those costumes on the schedule."

’And here she thought she and Doctor Yu would need some time to get used to each other.’

’Apparently not.’

"Mhm."

As they chatted, a man’s figure approached from outside the courtyard. His shadow revealed a tall, well-built frame, and he was carrying groceries in both hands.

Wen Ci’s gaze fell.

’Why is Huo Jingyuan home from work so early today?’

Huo Jingyuan stood outside the courtyard, hesitating about whether to go in. ’He was planning to come home early and cook, so dinner would be ready when Wen Ci got back.’

’He hadn’t expected her to be home already, let alone with a colleague.’

Wiping the light sheen of sweat from her forehead, Wen Ci bounded to the gate in a few steps. She poked her head out, met Huo Jingyuan’s gaze, and asked with a smile, "Why are you back early?"

"What about you?" Huo Jingyuan countered.

Wen Ci answered truthfully, "Isn’t the Northwest Military Region preparing for the Military Art tour? The hospital chose Doctor Yu and me to perform."

Huo Jingyuan’s expression darkened. He had heard the league committee mention the Military Art tour a few days ago; half the training grounds had been cleared to set up the stage.

’But he never imagined his own wife would be participating.’

"What are you performing?"

Wen Ci smiled. "The Water Sleeve Dance."

The costumes for the Water Sleeve Dance were typically blue to symbolize the softness of water, and the dancers would wear pale, delicate makeup.

Yu Qing put her jacket back on. "Well, I should get going. See you tomorrow."

"Stay and have dinner before you go," Wen Ci urged. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Yu Qing glanced at Huo Jingyuan out of the corner of her eye. The sight of his cold, indifferent expression made her shiver, and she forced an awkward smile.

"No, no, it’s okay."

’She didn’t dare stay a moment longer.’