Great Power Reclamation

Xiao Guaizi's family doesn't live in the villa area because only experts are qualified to live there. Even creators like Yang Geyong and Ye Yuze only got to live there through connections.

Even Ye Wancheng, the first secretary of the military reclamation city, couldn't do it.

In fact, this is not only an attitude, but also a recognition, proving that the military reclamation city respects scientific researchers the most, and everything else is insignificant.

Even if you are an official, even if you are as rich as a country.

Of course, Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong were able to move in with everyone's consent, since without these two people, there would be no military reclamation city as it is today.

The next morning, Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong each carried some fruit. Niwa wouldn't lack anything, after all, she was still the largest shareholder and boss of the military reclamation clothing factory.

Moreover, her son, Liu Junken, is now the deputy to the leader of the Northern Frontier, a position that can be counted on one hand in the entire country.

Niva's family lives in the old town, not far from the sanatorium. The residential buildings in this area are quite old and belong to the first batch of buildings in the military reclamation city.

Don't be fooled by its old and dilapidated appearance; those who live here are definitely the pioneers and descendants of the military reclamation city.

It is itself a symbol of status.

Niva lives on the first floor of a four-story building with an elevator installed. Ye Yuze knocked on the door, and Niva opened it with disheveled hair.

Upon seeing the two of them, Niva's face darkened and she was about to close the door, but Yang Geyong stopped her with his foot and then chuckled and teased her.

"What? You won't even let me in the door? You've got quite the attitude."

Niva immediately retorted, "I don't have friends like you. Aren't you Little Traitor's buddies? This isn't his house anymore. Go find him at that vixen's place."

Speaking of which, Niva was recruited by Yang Geyong, and was the first Chinese person Niva met. Now, most of those experts are no longer around.

It's not that they've all passed away, but rather that most of them returned to China after retirement, receiving their pensions from the military reclamation city, which is enough for them to live a comfortable life back home.

Apart from those whose children were unwilling to leave, Niva and Ivan are now true residents of the military reclamation city and can be considered experts.

Of course, the two are not on the same level. Niva is just a fashion designer. Her greatest achievement is expanding the military reclamation clothing factory.

Ivan was one of the creators of Warrior Motors, and the reason why Warrior Motors has become a world-renowned brand today is inseparable from his efforts.

But the two have something in common: they both started families here.

Niva married the kidnapper, while Ivan married Zheng Lanzhi, Ye Yuze's classmate.

Although Zheng Lanzhi has retired, she remains the de facto leader of the Military Reclamation University, as no one can replace her.

The reason why Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong sided with Xiao Guaizi was simply because of their shared hatred of the enemy.

After all, Niva had a notorious reputation, and Xiao Guaizi had suffered domestic violence a lot during her marriage. Yang Geyong wanted to stand up for justice and beat Niva up for Xiao Guaizi several times.

But how can we actually do something like that? So it's all just talk.

Once inside, the situation became somewhat awkward, and no one knew what to say.

Niva's living room wasn't big, but it was kept clean and tidy.

On the wall hangs an enlarged black-and-white photograph—a young Niva standing at the entrance of the military reclamation clothing factory, wearing a dress she designed herself, her blonde hair shimmering in the sunlight, smiling brightly.

There were also several color photos next to her, including a picture of her with Empress Dowager Meihua, a picture of her instructing workers in the workshop, and a picture of her with her son Liu Junken.

The young man, dressed in military uniform, looked dashing and spirited.

Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong sat on the sofa, each holding a cup of tea, the atmosphere so awkward it was almost palpable.

Niva sat in the chair opposite, arms crossed, her face ashen.

"Speak, what brings you here?"

Yang Geyong chuckled: "Just came to see you. We're old comrades-in-arms, we've known each other for so many years, can't I even come to visit?"

Niva sneered, "Looking at me? You're here to plead for that kidnapper, aren't you?"

Ye Yuze quickly waved his hand: "No, no, I just came to see you. And..." He held up the fruit in his hand, "I brought you some fruit."

Niva glanced at the bag of fruit and snorted:
"That's it? Do you think I need your fruit?"

Yang Geyong chimed in, "You don't need anything, but this is a token of my appreciation. Old Ye personally picked them out; there wasn't a single rotten one."

Niva ignored him and took a sip of her tea.

After a moment of silence, Yang Geyong couldn't hold back any longer.

“Niva, to be fair, it’s true that Xiao Guaizi was wrong about what happened between you. But you also have your problems.”

Niva glared at her: "What's wrong with me?"

Yang Geyong scratched his head: "Isn't your temper a bit too much? Little Guaizi has been with you for decades, how many beatings has he endured? It breaks our hearts to see him suffer like this."

Niva slammed her hand on the table: "He got beaten up? He deserved it! That good-for-nothing, he can't do anything right, who else should I beat up if not him?"

Ye Yuze whispered from the side, "Hitting someone is never right..."

Niva turned and glared at him: "Shut up! Didn't you throw things when you argued with Yu'e back then?"

Ye Yuze was speechless.

Yang Geyong seized the opportunity to say, "That's different. Old Ye smashed a cup, you hit a person. How can that be the same?"

Niva fell silent.

Ye Yuze quickly changed the subject: "Niva, how's business at your garment factory lately?"

Niva's expression softened a bit: "It's alright. Although it's not as good as before, the old customers are still there. Although those old ladies have retired, they still come back to help out occasionally."

Yang Geyong said, "Your factory is the brand of our military reclamation city. Everyone knows that Empress Dowager Mei Hua led you all to build it up stitch by stitch back then."

Niva snorted: "What's the use of knowing? Young people don't wear the clothes we make anymore; they think they're too old-fashioned."

Ye Yuze said, "No way. I saw Yu'e still wearing your factory's clothes, saying they're comfortable."

Niva glanced at him: "Yu'e is just giving me face. What clothes can't she afford?"

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Niva went to open the door, and there stood a man outside—Ivan.

Ivan, wearing an old leather jacket and carrying a bottle of liquor, smiled when he saw Niva: "I heard you caused a ruckus at the horse farm yesterday? I've come to see what's going on."

Niva's face darkened: "You've come to laugh at me too?"

Ivan quickly waved his hand: "No way, I'm here to cheer you on." He shook the bottle in his hand, "And have a drink with me."

Niva stepped aside to let him in.

Ivan entered the room and saw Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong. He laughed loudly, "Oh, you're both here? Is this a denunciation meeting?"

Yang Geyong rolled his eyes: "You've come at the right time, let's get scolded together."

Ivan sat down, poured himself a cup of tea, glanced at Niva's face, and asked in a low voice, "Still angry?"

Niva ignored him.

Ivan didn't seem to care and continued, "Niva, I have something to tell you. Zheng Lanzhi came back yesterday and said something to me that I think makes a lot of sense."

Niva glanced at him: "What did you say?"

Ivan said, "She said that you and Xiao Guaizi can't stay together, not because of Ayiguli, but because you are too strong. Xiao Guaizi will never be able to hold his head up high if he stays with you."

Niva was stunned.

Ivan continued, "She said, 'You're a capable woman. You came from the Soviet Union, settled down here all by yourself, and built such a big factory. And Little Guaizi? He's just an ordinary person. The two of you were never a good match from the start.'"

Niva lowered her head and remained silent.

Yang Geyong said from the side, "Ivan, the way you're saying it makes it sound like it's all Niva's fault."

Ivan shook his head: "It's not anyone's fault. They're just not compatible. Niva needs someone who can stand shoulder to shoulder with her, and Little Guaizi needs someone who can give him warmth. The two of them can't give each other what they want."

The room fell silent.

Niva remained silent for a long time, then raised her head, her eyes slightly red.

"I know. I've known for a long time."

Her voice softened, no longer as fierce as usual.

"But I just can't swallow this. I've been with him for decades, given him our son, and helped support our family. How could he just leave like that?"

Ye Yuze said softly, "He didn't leave. He's still in Junken City. He's just... living a different life."

Niva glared at him: "Change your way of life? With that vixen?"

Yang Geyong couldn't help but say, "Niva, stop calling her a vixen. Ayiguli isn't a bad person. It's not easy for her to raise a child alone."

Niva sneered: "Her life wasn't easy? Mine wasn't easy? When I came from the Soviet Union, I couldn't speak a word of Chinese. Nobody helped me; I learned it all myself. My life wasn't easy?"

Ye Yuze quickly said, "It's not easy for anyone. It's not easy for anyone."

Ivan raised the bottle: "Come on, have a drink. We'll talk after we finish."

Niva glared at him, but still went to get a few glasses. The wine was poured, and everyone took a sip.

The atmosphere eased a little.

Yang Geyong suddenly said, "Niva, do you remember when you first came here, you didn't even dare to go to the cafeteria?"

Niva paused for a moment, then a slight smile appeared on her lips.

"How could I not remember? Back then, all I could say was 'hello,' 'thank you,' and 'how much?' When I went to the cafeteria to get food, I would point at the dishes and say 'this, this, this,' and they would say a whole bunch of things, but I couldn't understand a word they said."

Ye Yuze laughed: "Back then you were just a little girl, blonde hair, blue eyes, so pretty. All the young men in the factory would flock around you every day."

Niva snorted: "They're all cowards. Only Little Traitor is brave enough to talk to me."

Yang Geyong said, "He's stupid. No one else dared to do it, but he was the one who rushed forward."

Niva couldn't help but laugh.

After laughing, he sighed.

“Back then, he was really good to me. When I was sick, he would cook porridge for me. When I was homesick, he would stay up all night talking to me. When I threw a tantrum, he never talked back.”

She lowered her head, her voice a little hoarse.

"How did things change later?"

Ye Yuze thought for a moment and said, "Maybe it's because life has gotten better that people don't know how to live anymore."

Ivan nodded: "That's true. When you're poor, two people stick together for warmth, and everything is fine. But when you have money and free time, you start finding fault."

Yang Geyong chimed in, "So, Niwa, don't blame it all on Xiao Guaizi. You're partly to blame too. With your temper, who could stand it?"

Niva glared at him: "What kind of temper do I have?"

Yang Geyong shrank his neck: "It's nothing, it's nothing. Everything's fine."

Everyone laughed.

After laughing, Niva suddenly said, "Do you think I really wanted to bring him back?"

The group of people were stunned.

Niva looked out the window and said slowly, "I'm just so angry. He's been with me for decades, and he just left like that. If I just let it go like this, what is my life?"

Ye Yuze looked at her and said softly, "Then what do you want to do?"

Niva was silent for a moment, then said, "I want him to apologize to me in person. A sincere apology. Not like yesterday, where a bow was all it took."

Yang Geyong said, "That's easy. I'll have him come."

Niva shook her head: "You don't need to come. I'll find him myself."

She stood up, walked to the mirror, and tidied her hair.

"I need to tidy myself up; I can't go to see him looking so disheveled."

Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong exchanged a glance and both smiled.

Ivan raised his bottle: "Come on, let's drink to Niva's glory!"

Several people clinked glasses and drank it all in one gulp.

After finishing her drink, Niva looked at the three of them and suddenly said, "Did you come here today because you were afraid I'd cause trouble again?"

Ye Yuze nodded honestly: "A little."

Niva snorted, "I'm not making a fuss anymore. What's the point? He's not coming back anyway."

She paused, then added, "But I won't let him off easy either. He needs to remember he owes me."

Yang Geyong gave a thumbs up: "Yes! Make sure he remembers it!"

Niva glared at him: "Stop flattering me. I'll be going to your horse farm often from now on. And save some of your mare's milk wine for me."

Yang Geyong nodded quickly: "Keep it, keep it, there's plenty."

Niva then looked at Ye Yuze: "I'll go to your clinic in the future. My back hurts, you can give me acupuncture."

Ye Yuze nodded: "I'll come anytime."

Niva finally looked at Ivan: "And you? What do you have to say?"

Ivan paused for a moment, then raised the bottle: "I'll drink with you. Plenty."

Niva finally smiled.

That smile contained relief, pride, and something else that was hard to define.

It was already noon when the group came out of Niva's house.

The sunlight shone warmly on the streets of the old town.

Ivan, carrying the empty bottle, swayed away. Yang Geyong and Ye Yuze slowly walked back.

"Old Ye," Yang Geyong suddenly said, "Do you think Niva has really come to terms with it?"

Ye Yuze thought for a moment: "Whether she wants to accept it or not, she has to get through it. Someone as smart as her won't make things difficult for herself."

Yang Geyong nodded.

After walking a few steps, he said again, "We need to make that bastard apologize properly. We can't just fool him."

Ye Yuze smiled: "You don't need to worry about that. Little Guaizi already thought it through yesterday."

Yang Geyong smiled too.

As the two reached the intersection and were about to part ways, Yang Geyong suddenly said, "Old Ye, do you think we're all getting old?"

Ye Yuze looked at him.

Looking into the distance, Yang Geyong slowly said, "When I was young, I could handle anything. But now? Even the smallest thing causes chaos."

Ye Yuze thought for a moment and said, "It's not that I'm getting old. It's just that life has gotten better, and I've stopped living it properly."

Yang Geyong paused for a moment, then smiled.

"Too."

The two went home separately.

Ye Yuze walked to the door and glanced back. Yang Geyong was still standing at the intersection, the sunlight shining brightly on his curly hair.

He smiled and pushed open the door to enter the house.

Yu'e was cooking when she saw him return and asked, "How is it? Has Niwa calmed down?"

Ye Yuze sat down and took a sip of water.

"It's off. But the bastard still needs to apologize."

Yu'e nodded: "Of course. Niwa is stubborn but soft-hearted. If you talk to her nicely, she'll listen."

Ye Yuze leaned back on the sofa and closed his eyes.

My mind is full of things.

I remember Niva when she was young, blonde and blue-eyed, standing at the entrance of the garment factory, smiling like a flower.

She remembered when the little crook was pursuing her, he would come to the factory every day, bringing her flowers and food, acting all silly.

I remember on their wedding day, Empress Dowager Mei Hua personally put a red flower on Niwa's head and said, "From now on, you are a member of our military reclamation city."

Decades have passed, the flowers are still there, but the people have grown old.

But life goes on.

Whether it's good or bad, we have to get through it.

Ye Yuze opened his eyes and stood up.

"Yu'e, cook a few more dishes tonight. Invite Lao Yang and Xiao Guaizi over for dinner."

Yu'e was taken aback: "Another gathering?"

Ye Yuze laughed: "Let's get together. Invite Niwa too. We're family, there's no need for grudges to last overnight."

Yu'e smiled too.

"Okay, I'll make a few more."

Outside the window, the sun is shining brightly.

Spring has truly arrived in the military reclamation city. (End of Chapter)