Free Web NovelChapter 1470: Chapter 257: Host’s Hospitality
As night fell, Han Xiangning didn’t go home after work; instead, she took a ride on the sea patrol boat to the Lingda Car Ferry.
Her parents were in East Sea with little Han Han, and they came back every weekend whenever there was a convenient ride.
The "economic exchanges" between Linghai and East Sea were quite frequent. For instance, the Linghai Development Zone had an investment office set up in East Sea. Many enterprises, like those of Zhang Erxiao and Huang Jiangsheng, had branches or offices in East Sea, and there were even more Linghai entrepreneurs engaged in the wholesale and retail of beddings in East Sea.
She had worked for two years as the director of the Port Supervision Department in Linghai, and Han Yu had served as the Development Zone Political and Legal Committee Secretary and the Military Minister for two years in Linghai. They were both very familiar with companies large and small in the development zone. Everyone knew Master Han and Director Xiang were in East Sea with their child, so whenever there was a car going back or to East Sea, they would call to ask if they needed a ride.
Today was the weekend, and the old couple took little Han Han back in the car from the East Sea office of Tianlong Furniture Co., Ltd from the development zone.
Han Han was in kindergarten, which almost felt like playing, with school ending at 3:30 PM.
They had set off from East Sea at four, and in another hour and a half, they would reach the Lingda Car Ferry.
Han Xiangning didn’t want to wait at the dock for an hour and a half; she greeted the dock’s head and took a ride in the van from the security checkpoint to the Maritime Department, where she worked for two years.
"Mayor Han, have you eaten?"
"Sister Ling, why are you calling me that, like everyone else?"
Sister Ling couldn’t help but laugh, "You’re indeed Mayor Han, and it’s timely that you came. We’re having a treat tonight, come, let’s go eat at the canteen!"
"No, I’m not hungry."
Han Xiangning thought for a moment and then smiled, "My parents are bringing Han Han back today, I’ll join them at Bailong Port for dinner when they arrive."
"Are you going to Bailong Port tonight, not returning to the city?"
"Bailong Port is also home, and it can’t be left unoccupied all the time."
"What time are your parents arriving?"
"They’re in the car from Tianlong Furniture Factory, and they should arrive in about an hour."
"You should come up and eat something first. When your parents arrive, you still have to cook dinner at Bailong Port."
"No need, someone will make dinner."
"Who will cook?"
"Xiao Yu’s grandfather just called to ask what time my parents and Han Han would be home."
"Aren’t you eating at Xiao Yu’s house?"
"Xiao Yu’s house is empty right now."
"No one there?"
"They’ve opened an internet cafe in Four Factory Town. His parents are babysitting Little Crocodile while Xiao Yu is on duty at the camp, and Yu Zhen couldn’t be bothered to go home alone, so she’s been staying at the factory the past few days."
Sister Ling realized it and asked again, "Then how will you get to Bailong Port later?"
Han Xiangning smiled awkwardly, "Director Zhang will drive us back later; he’s waiting for my call at the rice factory."
Among the retired old cadres from Old Yanjiang Police Station, Old Zhang had the most carefree retirement life.
Right after retirement, Zhang Erxiao hired him to be the deputy general manager of Longgang Rice Industry, in charge of production and operations, earning several thousand a month, with Zhang Erxiao and Huang Jiangsheng even providing him with a car.
In contrast, Old Ding, the director of the Sanhe Heroes’ Cemetery Management Office next to the Maritime Department, was a bit shabby, receiving only a few hundred yuan as a subsidy each month, spending his days cleaning and maintaining the cemetery.
Sister Ling envied Old Zhang and curiously asked, "What about Salted Fish?"
"Probably in the camp, I haven’t called to ask."
"The army went to the seaside for training early in the morning and hasn’t returned yet. It seems there aren’t many people in the camp right now."
"Sister Ling, how do you know the army went for seaside training?"
"Hu Genhua and Old Ge went, too. Besides, the army commanders are staying in our building!" Sister Ling laughed, linking arms with her and said animatedly, "Your younger sister and her husband also went to the seaside. They, unlike Xiao Yu and Ma Jintao, reported today."
Han Xiangning really didn’t know about these and asked in surprise, "Were Liang Xiaojun and Mengmeng drafted too?"
With the proximity of Linghai’s Maritime Bureau to the Linghai Reserve Camp, Sister Ling naturally knew more than Han Xiangning and explained with a smile, "Your sister and her husband are reserve officers. Your brother-in-law is even the director of the camp’s medical office. When the army goes for seaside training, they are responsible for medical support. Today, they came with medical kits."
While chatting, a piercing siren was heard in the distance.
The two walked to the entrance and looked eastward, seeing a police car with lights flashing and sirens blaring coming fast, slowing down as it reached the small flood control path Xiao Yu had once "overseen," and eventually halting at the west side of the intersection.
Two traffic policemen and two auxiliary police officers got out, signaling the eastward cars and motorcycles to stop and wait.
Soon, the sound of military songs rose and fell from the east.
"As the sun sets in the west with red clouds flying, the soldiers return to camp after target practice. The red flowers on our chests reflect the colorful clouds, and joyful songs fill the sky, mi-sol-la-mi-sol, la-sol-mi-do-re, joyful songs fill the sky..."
"One two three four, one two three four like a song! The green army camp taught me! Sing so the mountains shake and the earth moves, sing so the flowers bloom and the water rejoices! One o-one o-one o-one, a rifle is handed to me, two o-two o-two o-two..."
"I am a soldier, from the common folk! Having defeated the Japanese invaders, exterminated the Jiang Feijun! I am a soldier, loving my country and people, revolutionary war tested me, and firmed my stance!"
With the resounding songs, one military vehicle after another carried the officers and soldiers back from training, turning right under the traffic officers’ guidance, filing into the Linghai Reserve Camp.
The sentry on duty at the camp’s gate stood tall and saluted as the main force returned.
The scene was invigorating and fiery.
Han Xiangning was slightly envious of her sister and brother-in-law since they were in the convoy.
She was pondering which vehicle her junior sat in when an off-road vehicle didn’t follow the convoy into the camp but drove directly toward them.
"Ningning, the commander is back. Do you recognize him?"
"I have never fought the flood; how would I know?"
As they passed by, the military vehicle stopping at the lobby was quite familiar.
Han Xiangning peeked at the license plate, just confirming it was the second car from the Military District, usually used by Political Commissioner Chen, when she saw her junior jump out of the rear seat.
Immediately after, an Air Force major jumped out of the passenger seat, quickly ran around the front of the car, and opened the left door.
The commander got out of the car!
The commander wasn’t wearing a regular uniform but was dressed in airborne camouflage, with a combat belt around the waist and military boots. The Air Force camouflage looked somewhat like the Marine Corps camouflage, way more stylish than her junior’s Army camo.
"Ningning, why are you here?" Han Yu noticed her and instinctively asked.
Han Xiangning hurriedly straightened her maritime uniform and approached with a smile, saluting: "Hello, Commander!"
Deputy Chief of Staff Jiang was a bit stunned, then raised his hand in return salute: "Hello."
"Commander, this is my wife Comrade Han Xiangning; she used to be a reserve officer in the Linghai Reserve Camp,"
"Oh, it’s Mayor Han!" Deputy Chief of Staff Jiang realized and laughed: "I thought you looked familiar."
"Commander, have you met me?" Han Xiangning couldn’t help but ask.
"I’ve seen your photo, and I’ve met your sister." Deputy Chief of Staff Jiang pointed toward the camp area, then gestured upstairs: "I’ve toured the honor room of the Linghai Reserve Camp and also checked out the Maritime Department’s honor room this morning. Both have photos of you and Salted Fish. Besides, you look just like Dr. Han. Mayor Han, are you and Dr. Han twins?"
"Yes, I was born a few minutes before Mengmeng, so I’m the older sister, and she’s my younger sister."
"Mayor Han, you and Dr. Han are truly sister beauties. Salted Fish and Dr. Liang are lucky to marry you two sisters." Deputy Chief of Staff Jiang smiled slightly and continued: "I know your father, we’re good friends. It’s a pity he went to the East Sea; otherwise, I’d invite him for a drink."
No need to ask, he surely met Master Han during the flood relief.
Han Xiangning quickly said: "Commander, my dad is coming back today; I’m here to pick up my dad, mom, and kids."
"Master Han is returning today?"
"Yes."
"Fantastic, where is he now?"
"Still on the way back, should be here in about an hour."
"He’ll be home in an hour? Oh dear, I promised President Wu I’d visit him later; what a kerfuffle."
"Commander, you have engagements tonight, let’s arrange it for tomorrow. You’re rarely in Binjiang; how can we let you invite my dad for a drink? We should be the ones entertaining you, showing our hospitality!"
Han Yu listened and was secretly pleased.
He had long wanted to invite the commander for a meal but was too broke to ask.
Now it’s settled; the senior sister is hosting on behalf of the old man, and he’ll bring along Li Shousong and Master Dai; formalities will be fulfilled.
"How can we let you guys host when we’re bothering you? We should be the ones inviting."
"Commander, give us a chance, alright? Besides, Salted Fish went to Hanwu for training, and you all treated him so warmly. Now that you’re in Binjiang, we should make the arrangements."
"Alright, when in Rome, I won’t stand on ceremony with the mayor."
"Commander, my mayor position is vice, and it’s a temporary post."
"I’m also a deputy Chief of Staff. Nothing to be ashamed of for being a deputy!"
The commander had been at the coast all day, where the air was humid and salty. Even though he didn’t get in the water, he was surely feeling sticky.
Thinking of the commander’s upcoming appointments, Han Yu smiled and suggested: "Commander, how about going upstairs for a shower and change of clothes first? President Wu is waiting for you. Deputy Secretary Chen of Binjiang City’s Party Committee and Director Luo of Binjiang Development Zone’s Management Committee are also attending tonight’s event, ready to welcome you."
President Wu has a branch in the Linghai Development Zone, but the headquarters is in Binjiang Development Zone.
Several "Boss Officers" in Binjiang Development Zone participated in flood relief, and President Wu is hosting a reception for Deputy Chief of Staff Jiang tonight, inviting not only old comrades but also the two leaders of Binjiang Development Zone.
Binjiang Development Zone is different from Linghai Development Zone.
They struck gold, being established as a national-level development zone right from the start. Previously standard department level, now vice-director level, and the Party Secretary is also Binjiang City’s Deputy Party Secretary!
Deputy Chief of Staff Jiang didn’t want to keep the standing committee waiting and quickly apologized to Han Xiangning.
Master Dai, equivalent to the commander’s secretary, would go with Deputy Chief of Staff Jiang. He called her "sister-in-law," exchanged a few pleasantries, and quickly went upstairs to shower and change into casual clothes.
Sister Ling watched Master Dai enter the hall and asked quietly: "Salted Fish, you’re not going?"
"They did invite me, but I don’t drink, and dining with leaders isn’t much fun; I made an excuse to politely decline."
"The development zone is wealthy; the dinner dishes won’t be poor. Aren’t you missing out on good food?"
"Not missing out." Han Yu replied without hesitation: "I’ve been drifting at sea for two months, you know the ship’s fare. I don’t even look at the big fish and meat now; I just want to eat vegetables."
Vegetables aren’t easy to store; crew members can only eat them when they dock.
Also, vegetables in many countries are more expensive than meat, with fewer varieties than domestically. Even when the ship docks to resupply, it’s hard to get spinach, pak choi, and other abundant leafy greens found in China.
Sister Ling thought for a moment and turned to ask: "Xiangning, how do you plan to show hospitality?"
Isn’t it just about hosting a meal?
Han Xiangning hadn’t considered using public funds from Bridge Industrial Park or Changzhou Maritime Office to host, nor going to some big restaurant, but pointed upstairs: "I’ll host at your cafeteria, close by, saving the commander from running around."
"Hosting at the cafeteria!"
"What’s wrong with hosting at the cafeteria? We’ve always arranged events there before." Han Xiangning glanced at her junior, smiling: "San’er, check with the commander later if he has time in the next few days, and we’ll buy some groceries for my mom to cook at the cafeteria."
Han Yu also thought the Linghai Maritime Bureau cafeteria was quite nice and readily agreed: "Sure, I’ll talk to Master Dai about it later."
These two are really the ultimate thrifters.
Sister Ling smiled slightly and said no more.
