Cannon Fodder in an Era Drama — I Survive with Acting-Chapter 73: Envy

"Yuandong, you should go take care of your work. You don’t have to keep following me around."

"I can’t do that!"

Xing Yuandong quickly waved his hands in refusal.

"My wife specifically told me before that I have to keep an eye on you at all times, watch your health, and make sure you don’t work yourself to death. She also repeatedly reminded me to ensure you get a half-hour nap in the afternoon and to remember to get you some water and food around three or four."

At this, a hint of envy appeared on Captain Xing’s face.

"Sigh, why isn’t my Huihui this meticulous? Sister Qingya is so thoughtful. She’s so considerate and kind!"

At the mention of his gentle and considerate wife, Fei Jin’s gaze softened instantly.

"Yes, Qingya is truly wonderful."

Xing Yuandong sighed.

This expression only ever appeared on his face when he mentioned his wife, Qingya.

"Hey, didn’t Qingya say you should have some water and a snack around three or four? What time is it now?"

Fei Jin patted Xing Yuandong’s shoulder.

Fei Jin glanced at his watch.

"It’s almost four."

’I’m screwed.’

’I was so busy with training I almost forgot about this.’

The bottle of water he had just handed to Xing Yuandong had been drained by the man in one go.

Now, the empty bottle dangled from his hand.

The two men stared at each other, speechless.

The situation plunged them into a moment of awkwardness.

And so, all the team members on the training grounds watched the village chief and Captain Xing without blinking.

The two of them were now frantically searching for something.

Everyone was on edge, unsure what urgent matter had come up.

"Village Chief, Captain, what happened? Are you in some kind of trouble?"

A bold new team member couldn’t help but step forward and ask.

"We are in a bit of trouble, actually."

Captain Xing didn’t explain further, just anxiously grabbed a young team member’s arm and asked, "Do you have any steamed buns? Any water?"

"Water? Steamed buns?"

The crowd looked completely baffled.

"The mess hall isn’t open yet, Captain. Are you hungry already?"

"Sigh, it’s not for me. It’s for the village chief."

Xing Yuandong shook his head.

Fei Jin pressed his temples and stopped him.

"Don’t worry about it, Yuandong. I’ll be home in a few more hours. I’ll just explain it clearly to Qingya then."

He decided to face the problem head-on.

"That won’t work!"

’My village chief is just too honest,’ Xing Yuandong thought.

’He could have just made an excuse and said he’d completed the task.’

’Why did he have to tell the truth?’

But Fei Jin shook his head and said, "It’s fine. I don’t want to lie to her."

Today was indeed a little unusual.

That morning, Song Qingya had specially prepared a box of exquisitely packaged red date cakes for him, telling him he could use them to replenish his energy at any time with the team.

However, when Fei Jin saw a few young team members who had to rush to training without having had breakfast, he unhesitatingly shared the snacks with them.

The young men took the cakes, their eyes filled with gratitude.

’I originally planned to eat a bit more at the mess hall for lunch.’

’But once I got caught up in work, I completely forgot about it.’

The thought of possibly facing his wife’s scolding when he got home made him a little uneasy, but he didn’t regret his decision.

Seeing the smile gradually appear on the village chief’s face, Xing Yuandong couldn’t help but get goosebumps all over.

While everyone was still buzzing, "Cao Cao" himself really showed up.

A sudden cheer erupted in the distance, and the team members grew excited as well.

Seeing this, Captain Xing was about to step forward.

But when he looked up, he was surprised to see a familiar figure slowly walking toward them.

That petite figure was none other than Song Qingya.

Fei Jin had already rushed forward to meet her.

"Qingya, what are you doing here?"

Song Qingya was carrying a square, well-made food container.

It was covered with a plain, coarse cloth, which, though simple, looked clean and tidy.

She gently lifted the lid, and a cloud of hot steam immediately rose from it.

The fragrant aroma instantly wafted into their noses.

She didn’t answer him, asking instead, "Did you eat lunch? Have you had any water?"

Fei Jin froze for a moment, then answered honestly, "I haven’t had the chance."

He was very frank.

"I knew it."

Song Qingya’s tone was laced with resignation as she spoke and set down the food container.

She shot him a glare, a look that held both blame and heartache.

"If I hadn’t been thinking of you, were you planning to work until dark again before coming home? I made you some food and brought some fruit. I’m not leaving until you finish it all."

It was different from the first time she had come.

Back then, she had been a little nervous, cautiously handing over the food outside the gate.

Now, Song Qingya was a familiar face here. People greeted her when she entered and nodded as she passed.

Most of the team members knew her and were used to her presence.

Her reputation as a cook in the unit had soared.

Almost every day, you could hear people praising how delicious her food was.

Sometimes, even just a soup or a small side dish she made would be memorable for a long time.

Because of this, she was also happy to help out in small ways.

For example, handing a thermos of hot water to the new communications officer or giving a little extra salt to an old team member on duty...

Every time she went to deliver a meal to Fei Jin, she would see what extra ingredients she had at home.

She would make the meal as rich as she could and, while she was at it, make plenty of extra.

She would share a portion with the guys on the team, letting everyone have a warm bite.

Now, everyone in the entire division knew that Fei Village Chief’s wife not only took care of her own man but also looked after the whole team.

This thoughtfulness made many of the single men endlessly envious.

Even the Wei Village Chief from next door had come over to snag a meal.

He didn’t stop eating the entire time, exclaiming how satisfying it was, and after finishing, he waxed lyrical with emotion.

The gist of it was that he wouldn’t have any appetite for the mess hall anymore; he would only crave a taste of what the Old Fei Family was having.

The basket Song Qingya brought didn’t look large, nor was its size particularly conspicuous.

But she had clearly planned ahead; everything was arranged in perfect order.

Inside were peanuts and pumpkin seeds.

Freshly roasted in the wok, they were still hot, and their irresistible aroma wafted out.

She handed them out all along the way.

Everyone accepted them enthusiastically, calling out, "Thank you, Mrs. Fei!" one after another.

Hearing those calls of "Thank you, Mrs. Fei!"

Song Qingya couldn’t help but feel a wave of warmth rise in her heart.

The feeling of being needed, the recognition of being respected, filled her with a sense of accomplishment.

By the time she reached the door to Fei Jin’s office, the basket had become much lighter.

The things that had once filled it were almost all given away.

Only an empty basket was left hanging from the crook of her arm.

Once the door was closed, Song Qingya took out a small lunchbox from the cloth bag she carried with her.

She said gently, "You can put your work down for now."

Then she added in a low voice, "Eat some more. You need to build up your strength. Your health is your greatest asset."

Fei Jin was a man of few words.

He nodded obediently, took the lunchbox without a word, and began to eat earnestly.

He ate meticulously, making almost no sound.