I was married off to a disabled hero in lieu of marriage; my in-laws doted on me and I aspired to gr

Qiaoqiao repeatedly told Zhou Wenhui not to smile at the girl, but Zhou Wenhui smiled at the girl anyway. He had no choice but to smile because the girl was brought by Lin Jie.

Zhou Wenhui warmly received them. Zhang Man felt a little wronged, but Lin Jie remained nonchalant: "Wenhui, it's not that I wanted to bother you, it's that Zhang Man found me and insisted that I bring her to visit you."

"It's not really a visit, please have a seat."

Several people sat down on the simple wooden sofa in the office.

"Teacher Zhou, I've submitted several articles to the newspaper, but they've all disappeared without a trace."

"Really? Are you using your real name or a pen name?"

"My pen name is Manman, is it because I didn't write it well?"

"Wait, let me ask the editor."

Zhou Wenhui walked to the office door and called out, "Xiao Gao, check if an author named Manman has submitted a manuscript."

"Okay, Editor-in-Chief Zhou."

Back in his office, Zhou Wenhui said apologetically, "There are many manuscripts. The articles that are published are all compiled by the editors below and then sent to my office for review."

"I knew it! Instead of just waiting around, we should have come directly to Wenhui. Zhang Man, Wenhui and I are heroes who came from the same trench. We were neighbors in the military compound."

Lin Jie exaggerated a bit. In reality, their friendship was nothing more than a drinking session. On the contrary, Qiaoqiao and Han Dan were much closer.

"I was just afraid of bothering Professor Zhou. Professor Zhou, my work may not be mature enough. You can give me your opinions, and I promise to revise it carefully," Zhang Man said sincerely.

"Let me take a look at your manuscript first."

Zhou Wenhui smiled slightly. As long as it wasn't too bad, he would use his connections to help get it published.

A nationwide wave of learning has swept the country, and publishing even a short article can make young people extremely proud.

Soon, Xiao Gao brought in two manuscripts and said, "Director, these two articles are by the author Manman. We have read them carefully, and the writing is good. However, because there are too many excellent works, they have not been published."

Zhou Wenhui accepted the manuscript and said, "Okay, you go ahead and get busy. I'll take a look."

Zhang Man was thrilled when the editor said her writing was good.

Zhou Wenhui read it carefully and found that it was an essay about family affection, in which the author described her feelings when her father visited her while she was working in the countryside.

My old father, like the old ox of the production brigade, carried the cotton wadding, clothes, candy, and biscuits newly sewn by my mother on his back, and trudged over one high mountain after another to come to my side.

I looked at my father, my heart aching, while his eyes were full of tenderness.

Father, you are like that mountain. No matter how far your daughter goes, you will travel over mountains and rivers to bring her warm winter clothes...

In the lonely night, I think of you, I long for you, but you can only appear in my dreams...

After reading the manuscript, Zhou Wenhui was somewhat moved and asked, "Did you just return to the city?"

"Yes, I spent four years in the countryside. Last year, my father passed away, and his work unit agreed to let me return to the city to take over his position." Zhang Man's eyes were red.

Zhou Wenhui read another article, this one about love.

If you're willing, I'll be the raging fire, even if it burns me to ashes, it doesn't matter.

But you are the water, basin after basin, until you extinguish that burning love...

Zhou Wenhui frowned slightly. Zhang Man's family affection was very delicate and sincere, but her love was too intense, which made people shudder.

"Zhang Man, both essays are excellent; they reflect your most genuine feelings. The family affection is tender, and the romantic love is passionate. Personally, I prefer the short essay about the father. I don't know why, but it always reminds me of my parents-in-law; their love for my husband is probably similar. It's impossible to publish both, so how about publishing 'Father's Footprints'?"

"Teacher Zhou, is it really possible for my article to be published?" Zhang Man asked with great surprise.

"Your writing style is somewhat lacking, but the emotions are very genuine. It's understandable that our editors rejected it. There are simply too many excellent authors. We hope you'll practice more in the future and write more and better articles."

Zhou Wenhui pointed out the shortcomings and also implied that the article was published because of Lin Jie's influence.

Lin Jie was overjoyed and sincerely invited, "Wenhui, it's almost time to get off work. How about we go for a drink?"

"No, no, Qiaoqiao has gone to university. There's only one nanny at home to take care of the child and prepare dinner. I have to go back on time to take care of the child," Zhou Wenhui gently refused.

"Qiaoqiao is going to university? She got into university?"

Lin Jie looked at Zhou Wenhui in disbelief.

Zhang Man was a little unhappy and said, "Last year, when the college entrance examination was reinstated, many people were admitted to universities. Teacher Zhou's wife must be excellent as well. What's the big deal?"

Lin Jie smiled awkwardly: "I'm sorry, it was an accident. Qiaoqiao got pregnant and gave birth, and even got into university. I admire her."

"Yes, Qiaoqiao has a strong will; she even studied during her postpartum confinement. Her efforts paid off; her brother also got into Shanghai Jiao Tong University, a top-notch talent."

When it comes to praising his wife, Zhou Wenhui is never hesitant.

"Great, Commander Zhou is back?"

"He's back. He's been transferred to a local post. He was injured and in a coma for a year. He can never hold a gun again."

"Wenhui, these are all joyous occasions! It's a pity you have to go home to take care of the kids, otherwise, we would definitely have a good drink together."

"Next time, next time you bring your wife and children, let's get together."

Mentioning Han Dan, Lin Jie's smile became unnatural, and he replied casually, "Okay, then I won't bother you anymore. Let's get together again next time."

"Okay, take care, come again often." Zhou Wenhui got up and saw them to the stairwell.

Lin Jie rode the bicycle with one hand, steadily carrying Zhang Man. Zhang Man sat on the back seat, her hands gently wrapped around Lin Jie's waist, her face beaming.

"Lin Jie, thank you so much. If it weren't for your encouragement to come to Professor Zhou, I would never have been able to publish my work in this lifetime."

Even though it was published through back channels, Zhang Man was still very happy.

"Didn't Wenhui say that your emotions are genuine and your writing is excellent? You're talented."

"Nonsense, Teacher Zhou clearly said that my writing skills are lacking. However, I will write more to improve my writing skills. I can't always rely on connections, right?"

"Haha, publishing two or three papers a year is no problem. We have a mutual respect and friendship."

"Lin Jie, although you are physically disabled, your spirit is very noble, and I admire you very much."

Don't you think it's shameful to only have one hand?

"It's not shameful. You all have hands, and you sacrificed your blood and flesh for the peace and tranquility of your country. You are the most lovable people."

"Haha, thank you, Zhang Man. I'm much more confident now, and I'll never be timid again."

"You seem quite confident, and so does Teacher Zhou. She is gentle, kind, and humble."

Zhang Man smiled sweetly. Teacher Zhou had fulfilled all her fantasies about her future lover. However, he loved his wife very much.

"Zhang Man, your father is gone, things must be tough at home?" Zhang Man didn't speak, her heart filled with worry.

"What's wrong? Is something bothering you?"

"My mother is bedridden and needs medication all year round, and I also have a younger brother who is still in school. I'm already 25 years old, and when people introduce potential partners to me, they come to my house but don't even sit down before leaving. But I've thought it through. What's wrong with not getting married? Taking good care of my mother and raising my brother to adulthood is a beautiful thing in itself."

"Why didn't you ever say that?"

"What good would it do to say it? It would just mean one more person would be sad for me, but life would still go on as usual."

Lin Jie was deeply moved; this girl, as lovely as spring, had such a tragic fate.