Sweet Nostalgia of the 80s

Chapter 420: Chapter 420: The First Visit

She was reluctant to part from Qin Jian, and naturally, Qin Jian was just as reluctant to part from her.

Ning Yibin and Zhang Yun tried their best to invite her to spend a day at their home and then take her back to the village afterwards.

An Hao agreed.

So, early in the morning, An Hao got herself all dolled up and went out.

She bought some fruit and pastries and waited for Qin Jian at the school gate, but it was the Commander’s guardsman who showed up: ”Comrade An Hao, the chief of staff has an emergency meeting and cannot come to pick you up. The Commander specifically sent me to pick you up.”

”Then I’ll have to trouble you.” After thanking him, An Hao got into the car.

This was An Hao’s first visit to the Commander’s house.

Compared to Group Leader Zhang’s home, the Commander’s residence was a notch better, obviously benefiting from a higher rank.

Through the bright window glass, An Hao could see that the environment in the large courtyard was very nice, with tall and sturdy green pines planted everywhere. They withstood the severe cold and scorching heat, standing tall against the snow, which very much suited the character of military personnel.

”Come in, come in! Take a seat. It’s cold outside, isn’t it? Look at how thinly you are dressed; you must be freezing,” Zhang Yun greeted An Hao warmly.

”It wasn’t very cold in the car.” An Hao said with a smile, handing over her gifts, ”It’s my first time coming to your home, and I didn’t know what to buy, so I just got some things. I hope Auntie won’t mind.”

”My goodness, why are you being so formal? Don’t waste money next time, you’re coming home, not going somewhere else,” Zhang Yun scolded her.

”Alright. I understand.” An Hao smiled and agreed.

Zhang Yun turned around and handed her a cup of piping hot tea, ”Warm your hands and rest for a bit. Your uncle and Jianzi should be back from the meeting soon.”

An Hao held the cup in her hands and took a sip, making conversation: ”I heard from the guardsman on the way here. Wasn’t today supposed to be a day off? How come there’s suddenly a meeting?”

”Who knows about their business? It’s one thing now and another a while later. Let’s not worry about them. Let’s think about what we’ll have for lunch instead,” Zhang Yun asked An Hao, ”What do you like to eat? Tell Auntie! I’ll go cook it for you in a bit.”

”Auntie, I’m fine with anything. Let’s see what uncle and Qin Jian like,” An Hao said.

Even such a casual remark made Zhang Yun very happy.

Though An Hao was a bit younger, she was very sensible in her speech and behavior.

Her son had a good eye, out of so many people, he had chosen An Hao.

Zhang Yun and An Hao chatted for a long while, and as noon approached, Zhang Yun stood up to start cooking, also calling An Hao along: ”You know, you shouldn’t be working on your first visit here, but that rascal Qin Jian has praised your cooking to the skies, so Auntie is really looking forward to tasting your cooking. I’ll assist you, and you’ll take the lead in cooking, alright?”

”No problem at all. I’ll do my best to prepare a table full of delicious dishes,” An Hao chuckled as she took off her jacket and tied on an apron.

Just as the two of them were about to start cooking, Ning Yibin and Qin Jian returned.

Hearing the noise outside the kitchen, Zhang Yun, apron tied around her waist, came out of the house: ”You’re finally back. We thought your meeting might go on forever!”

”Hmm. There was a bit of an issue at the base, sorry for the delay. Is dinner ready?” Ning Yibin asked Zhang Yun in a low voice.

”Do you think cooking is as easy as blowing air? Can it be ready just because you say so? We couldn’t start without you. Look, An Hao and I are just about to begin. You two play a couple of rounds of chess first, and we’ll call you when dinner is ready,” Zhang Yun said cheerfully.