Chapter Fifty-Four: The Bold Soldier

At this moment, I saw clearly the colonel before me: thick brows and large eyes, a straight nose and square jaw, all set off by his military uniform, giving him an air of striking heroism and unwavering righteousness—a man who instantly inspired goodwill at first sight.

From his words, it seemed he was quite familiar with Xu Shu, perhaps a relative. I asked, “May I ask who you are…” The colonel extended his hand with a hearty smile. “Let’s get acquainted. My name is Xu Jian, I’m Xiao Shu’s elder brother.”

He was the very image of a soldier—warm, bold, and upright. I couldn’t help but lower my guard. To show my respect, I got out of the car, extended my hand, and shook his firmly. “My name is Tang Qian. Very pleased to meet you.”

A glimmer of approval appeared in Xu Jian’s eyes; he was evidently pleased with my show of respect. He said, “Not bad, young man. The moment I saw you, I liked you. You know, a real man always smokes! If Xiao Shu tries to make you quit in the future, just ignore her—I’ll back you up!”

I nearly broke into a sweat. So he admired me simply because I smoked? And he seemed to have misunderstood; I wasn’t anything special to his sister. Why would Xu Shu care whether I smoked or not?

I hurriedly clarified, “I… I’m not really Xu Shu’s friend yet, you know. Please don’t misunderstand.” What I meant was that I wasn’t even an ordinary friend to her yet. But the richness of our language—my words could easily be taken as, ‘we’ve just started seeing each other, not yet reached the point of marriage.’

Xu Jian took a drag from his cigarette and said, “No matter, I think it’s only a matter of time. Xiao Shu’s taste has improved this time; she’s done much better than before. Those slick, pampered playboys—so effeminate—I can’t stand them. And that actor from Hong Kong who tried to convince me to quit smoking—hell with him! What business is it of his if I smoke?”

I was at a loss for words, bemused by this soldier’s self-assurance. It seemed everyone with the surname Xu shared this trait—could it be hereditary?

Xu Jian flicked away his cigarette butt and said, “My sister’s something else. She just left you here and didn’t bother? Come on, since you’re here, come have a drink with me in my room to warm up. It’s freezing tonight.” He clapped me on the shoulder and tried to lead me into the compound.

I quickly declined, “Ah, maybe another time. Xu Shu and I are just here to pick up something; we need to head straight back to City B. There’s really no time.”

Xu Jian waved me off, “Look at the time—going back to City B now? Forget it. Come, have a drink with me. At worst, stay here tonight. I’ll talk to Xiao Shu for you—she wouldn’t dare refuse her big brother. Come on, don’t tell me you don’t drink.”

And so, dragged by this exuberant soldier, I was left with no choice but to follow him into the courtyard. Just then, a door to the north opened and Xu Shu emerged. She looked at us in surprise, seeing how chummy we appeared, and called softly, “Brother, what are you two doing?”

Xu Jian laughed, “I’m inviting him for a drink in my room. Surely you don’t object?”

Xu Shu rolled her eyes and scolded, “Are you serious? We have to rush back right away. Mr. Tang has work in the morning, and I’m flying to America tomorrow at noon. Where would we find time to drink with you, you old drunk?”

But once Xu Jian got the urge to drink, he wouldn’t listen to reason. “Look at the time—it’ll be dawn by the time you get back to City B. Let Xiao Tang sleep here tonight. If necessary, he can take a day off tomorrow. After all, you’ll need him to take you to the airport at noon, won’t you?”

Xu Shu looked at us, both exasperated and amused. “Xiao Tang? Good heavens, I was only inside for a few minutes! How did you two get so close so quickly? Brother, let me tell you, Mr. Tang is my benefactor. Don’t go annoying him with your boorishness. If he gets drunk and can’t get up for work, who’ll be responsible? It’s not easy for him to have this job—are you trying to get him fired?”

Xu Jian glanced back at me, suspicious. “You… could actually lose your job? That serious?”

A pang of bitterness stabbed at my heart. Fired? Hadn’t I told her I’d already resigned? How could I get fired now? I was unemployed, no one to answer to, free as the wind. I looked at Xu Shu and saw her giving me frantic signals—she wanted me to refuse, so we could leave quickly.

A cold smile flickered in my heart. Driven by her to resign, left with no means of living, and now, after a hasty apology, she was eager to send me away? After all the humiliation I’d suffered, was a cup of their family’s wine too much to ask? If not, then I’d insist on it. This drink, I would have!

I turned to Xu Jian and smiled, “What’s a job? If I lose it, so be it. What matters is making true friends at first meeting. Since you think so highly of me, Brother Xu, and we hit it off so well, how could I leave without a good drink?”

Xu Jian was overjoyed, slapping me hard on the shoulder. “Well said! It’s been ages since I met such a kindred spirit. I’m truly delighted! Come, I have two bottles of five-year-aged Maotai in my room—today, we’ll open them up. We won’t stop until we’re drunk! Don’t mind her—if she dares give you trouble, just tell me, I’ll back you up. Let’s see what she can do to you!”

With that, he threw an affectionate arm around my shoulder and led me inside.

Xu Shu, sharp as ever, immediately caught my veiled reproach. She stood stunned in the courtyard, biting her lower lip and twisting the scarf she’d just brought out, muttering under her breath, “I know I was wrong—why won’t he just forgive me? I’ve apologized so sincerely; what else am I supposed to do? Does it really have to come to this… Hmph! And my brother—what’s he meddling for? Haven’t even known each other five minutes and already they’re close friends? Good grief! And I have to go to America tomorrow!”

Xu Jian ushered me into the warmly heated room. He took off his military cap and invited me to sit, then opened a cabinet, pulling out a carton of cigarettes and two bottles of liquor. I saw the cigarettes were premium Zhonghua, and the liquor was Guizhou Maotai—both the finest of their kind.

Xu Jian said, “I don’t have much in my room, but there’s always good liquor and good cigarettes. Here, have a smoke!” He tore open the carton, tossed two packs to me, and I, knowing his generous nature, didn’t stand on ceremony. I took the cigarettes, offered him one, then lit both with a flick of my lighter.

Xu Jian, smoking, said, “Hold on a moment, I’ll go get some snacks to go with the drinks.” Halfway to the kitchen, he stopped and slapped his forehead. “Look at me, I almost forgot to pour you some water.”

I quickly said, “Don’t bother, Brother Xu. I can do it myself.”

“Alright then! The kettle’s on that cabinet, cups inside—help yourself. Mi casa es su casa,” he replied, and headed to the back kitchen. I poured two cups of hot water, placing them on the small dining table in the living room.

Soon, Xu Jian returned, conjuring up a dish of roast duck, a plate of peanuts, a plate of sliced preserved eggs, and a small bottle of chili sauce. “Here, it’s late, so this is all I could find for snacks,” he said.

“This is already impressive. At my place, you wouldn’t find half as much at this hour,” I replied.

Xu Jian laughed heartily, sat down with me, unwrapped the Maotai, fetched chopsticks and small cups, and poured us each a generous measure. As he filled my cup, he said, “Brother, I don’t have many hobbies—just a little drink and a smoke. I used to be a regiment commander in the Thirty-second Army, training hard by day and unwinding at night with a few brothers over drinks. Life was carefree. But this year, my father, claiming age and the need for a son’s care, forced me out of the field army into a staff position at headquarters. Now all I do is research and reports—bored out of my mind. Worst of all, I like a lively drink before bed, but here, all my colleagues are so upright and reserved. Even those who like to drink wouldn’t dare make a ruckus in the commander’s house. Brother, these days I’m stifled—most nights I drink alone, and it’s just not the same. Honestly, you’re the first friend to drink with me in this room. I’m genuinely happy. Come, brother, a toast to you!”

Hearing his words, my respect for this straightforward, generous soldier deepened. Clearly, he was a true man of loyalty, the sort who would risk his life for his friends. Yet, in the heart of military power, everyone was cautious, always guarding against each other—no wonder he found it hard to make real friends, let alone drinking companions.

At first, I had only wanted to get back at Xu Shu a little, but now, swept away by Xu Jian’s heroic spirit, I was wholeheartedly willing to be his friend and share a drunken night.

I raised my glass. “If you don’t mind, Brother Xu, I, Tang Qian, would be honored to be your confidant and drinking companion. Cheers!” I threw back the drink in one gulp.

Xu Jian sighed long and laughed loud. “Well said, brother! I knew I wasn’t wrong about you!” He too drained his glass in a single motion.

After that first drink, a sense of camaraderie blossomed between us. We ate, drank, and talked. Xu Jian asked, “You don’t look like a rich kid, and you’re certainly no pretty boy from the entertainment industry. How did you meet my sister? Usually, Xiao Shu’s eyes are set high—she ignores all those wealthy heirs, powerful scions, and pop stars. She even said she wouldn’t care if the U.S. president’s son came calling. So, tell me, how did you win her over? I’m really curious!”

Since I already considered him a friend, I decided to be honest. Between sips of liquor, I recounted how I met Xu Shu, the misunderstandings between us, and how I ended up here tonight.

Xu Jian, understanding the story, downed another glass and said, “So that’s how it happened. It was Xiao Shu who was in the wrong. With friends, especially benefactors, trust should come first. How could she judge you just by appearances, and even insult you without cause? That’s not like the Xiao Shu I know. She may be young and a woman, but she’s always been sensible, considerate, and kind-hearted. She’s not one to treat people that way—could there be some misunderstanding?”

I thought carefully. “I don’t think so. I’ve only met your sister once before—we’re not close. What misunderstanding could there be?”

Just as the words left my mouth, there was a knock at the door and Xu Shu’s voice called out, “Brother! Open the door!”