Sorry, My Beloved Is The Motherland - Chapter 22.1 - To Dedicate One's Self To The Country

Ever since finding out that Ning Fu is coming back, Wei Yuhua has been counting the days.

There’s still a week until Jiaojiao (affectionate nickname) comes back. First, head to the supply and marketing cooperative to pick out some fabric. Take a good look at the latest fashionable styles for girls in City B, but don’t start making anything yet. Wait until your daughter is back to take her measurements—she’s definitely grown taller!

There are only three days until Jiaojiao comes back. Use the ration coupons to buy a pound of the assorted crispy candies that are usually only available during the New Year!

There’s just one day left until Jiaojiao comes back. Taking out the family’s meat coupons and splurging on two pounds of pork belly!

The vegetables haven’t been picked out yet; we’ll wait to buy them fresh on the day Jiaojiao comes back. Right now, some families with their own private plots are quietly selling a bit on the side—it’s even fresher!

Ning Boyuan watched her with cold eyes as she flitted around like a butterfly, bustling about. Every now and then, he let out a disdainful snort or two.

——He is still angry ne.

When Ning Fu comes home, the first thing will be to give her a good scolding, don’t expect him to show any kind of good attitude!

Even if Xiao Wu sends a telegram saying that Ning Fu topped the entire province in the exams, it still won’t be enough to make him calm down!

The elders have eaten more salt* than she has eaten rice, yet she is still disobedient and careless!

T/N: to have lived through many things.

What’s the use of talking about topping the exams? Even if she topped the exams, why doesn’t she think about rushing home? Why doesn’t she take the initiative to share the good news with the family?!

Xiao Wu is the same, sending the telegram so miserly, as if one word could convey a thousand words! Why think about saving money at a time like this?!

Ning Boyuan drives himself mad every day, then locks himself in the study to calm down—

The way to calm down is to take out that brief and to-the-point telegram Xiao Wu sent half a month ago from the drawer, and read it carefully, word by word.

[Jiaojiao stood first in the exam.]

Translated, it meant: “Good news—Jiaojiao ranked first in the college entrance exam!”

Ning Boyuan felt like he was dreaming.

He had thought she was a flower bud destined to wither from malnutrition, but unexpectedly, she had grown into a flourishing kapok tree.

When he went to Tulaga banner to see her, could it be that everything she said back then was truly heartfelt?

“By calculations, Jiaojiao should be back soon,” he murmured.

Wei Yuhua happily made a mark on the calendar, and had been feeling restless since early morning. After a while, she couldn’t help but run outside to the street corner to take a look.

It had already been two hours past lunchtime, and the car to pick up Ning Fu still hadn’t returned. Wei Yuhua couldn’t help but go outside to check again.

Ning Boyuan complained about her needless worrying, but in fact, he hadn’t touched the food on the table much either.

The family had a two-story house, with the study on the second floor. Ning Boyuan usually went to the study after his midday nap, but today, he hadn’t taken his nap, nor had he gone to the study. Instead, he stayed on the first floor, restless and uneasy.

Finally, he heard some noise at the door. Ning Fu’s father quickly got up, walked to the porch, and yanked the door open.

The two men outside, who were about to knock on the door, froze in surprise.

“Hello, is this the home of Ning Fu?” The slightly older man, who was leading, quickly regained his composure and asked.

Ning Boyuan frowned.

Having spent a long time in the military, he naturally carried an air of authority. “Yes. She hasn’t returned to the city yet. Is there something I can help you with?”

The two visitors entered the living room and sat down. After exchanging a few polite words, they got to the point.

“We’re from the Aviation University. We’ve come to conduct a political review* of Ning Fu.”

T/N: refers to a formal investigation or review process, often carried out in China for various purposes, such as evaluating someone’s political background, loyalty, or qualifications for certain roles.

*

Ning Fu’s home is in the military compound. In front of the compound is a steep slope, and only after going down the hill does the main street begin.

Doctor Wei Yuhua was pacing back and forth upon the slope.

People who knew her passing by couldn’t help but ask, “Why aren’t you resting at home on this long weekend, and what are you doing here pacing around?”

Wei Yuhua, who is usually such a quiet and reserved person, was smiling at everyone she saw, showing both her upper and lower teeth. Her joy was so evident that it seemed to radiate from the tips of her hair. “Our Jiaojiao is coming back!”

“Oh!”

The person seemed to understand something—Lao* Ning and his wife couldn’t help but bring their daughter back to the city.

T/N: A colloquial way of referring to someone by their surname “Ning,” with “老” (old) being a term of familiarity or respect.

Hai*, for the sake of this child, Old Ning, who had lived his life with integrity and honesty, ended up having to ask for help after all.

T/N: expression to express sighing.

Wei Yuhua was so caught up in her joy that she didn’t even notice the sympathetic expressions on other people’s faces.

Finally, at the end of the small hill, she saw the car.

Wei Yuhua hurried over and saw the car stop. A young woman leaped out of the car.

She wore a military green cotton coat and pants without shoulder epaulets*, with two new patches on her elbows. She had on thick sheepskin boots, and her slightly long hair was tied into two small braids. Her movements were quick and efficient. She swung her leg and jumped down, then reached out, picked up the large backpack from the back seat, and threw it over her shoulder.

T/N: lack of military shoulder insignia, indicating a non-official or casual uniform.

Wei Yuhua hesitated for a moment, not quite able to recognize her. Voice shaking, she finally squeezed out after a few seconds—

“Jiaojiao, Jiaojiao you’re back?!”

The young woman turned her head and saw her. She immediately smiled.

When she smiled, she still had that innocent, carefree look. But when she left, there was still a bit of baby fat on her cheeks. Now, she had lost it all. Her jawline was sharp and defined.

She looked beautiful.

But as a mother, all she wanted to see was her daughter jade-smooth and pearl-round.

“Mom, I’m back.”

T/N: yù(jade) rùn(moist-glow) zhū(pearl) yuan(round) – metaphor to describe a youthful, well-nourished, healthy appearance, something a mother desires for her child.