Wheat Seedlings - Chapter 25

"Mai Miao" Parallel Extra (6)

The night buzzed with the sound of cicadas.

Chen Li lay in bed, the lights long turned off, yet sleep eluded him. A brand-new military uniform hung behind the door, and polished boots stood neatly by the threshold.

He tossed and turned.

The dormitory was silent until a sudden rustling broke the stillness.

Chen Li abruptly sat up, gritting his teeth at himself. "Feeding chickens, walking dogs—why didn't you mention you could raise pigs too...?!" He rubbed his face roughly before climbing out of bed, pulling a cigarette from the drawer, and lighting it.

The man held the cigarette between two fingers, an uncharacteristic trace of worry faintly creasing his brow.

He exhaled slowly, tapping the ash into a metal tray.

No one could guess his thoughts, but after a long pause, his lips moved.

Alone in the dead of night, smoking, he murmured under his breath.

"Chen Mai Miao."

"Mai Miao."

"Comrade Miao Miao..."

Chen Li took another drag, then chuckled softly, shaking his head.

He ran a hand through his hair, tousling it into a bird's nest. A man his age, yet here he was, acting like a young fool in his first romance, an unconscious shyness flickering across his face.

The smile faded gradually.

He lifted his gaze to the opposite wall, where an old poster of the Great Leader hung, emblazoned with eight words: Continue the revolution, scale new heights.

Whether his Long March would continue—he'd have to wait two more days to find out.

Chen Li stubbed out the cigarette, grabbed a towel, and headed to the bathhouse for a cold shower.

***

Two days later, the reception room.

Right on the hour, Director Zhang walked in with a file tucked under his arm. His assistant closed the door behind him, glancing around before remarking, "Director, why aren't all the people here yet?"

"I had Old Xie notify them. Those who weren't selected needn't come." Director Zhang stepped up to the podium, leisurely setting down his thermos.

A man seated behind Chen Li leaned over and whispered, "Comrade, what are they saying?" The brother was from the north, his curiosity briefly overriding his competitive hostility.

Chen Li wasn't a local either, but having spent a long time in Shanghai, he'd picked up enough: "If you didn't get a notice, you weren't selected. No need to come."

The words visibly eased the tension in the room. Even Chen Li couldn't help but marvel inwardly—the Regulatory Bureau's leadership certainly had an unconventional way of doing things.

Director Zhang took a sip of hot water, scanning the room. "Comrades, judging by the turnout, I assume you've already deduced the results from the first round of meetings." He continued, "But don't celebrate just yet. Remember what I said two days ago. You are outstanding individuals chosen by the organization, possessing the conviction and fortitude to resist your own instincts."

He paused, his tone turning stern. "Two days ago, one comrade attempted physical contact with an Omega during the matchmaking process—a clear and serious violation of regulations."

"We are currently deliberating his disciplinary action, which will later be reported to all units. I trust no similar incidents will occur today." The moment Director Zhang stepped out, the four men in the reception room sprang to their feet.

They'd thought today was just for hearing the results—no one expected the second round of matchmaking to begin so abruptly.

"Who's got a comb? Lend it here, quick!"

"Next, it's my turn!"

"Me next, me next...!"

Fortunately, they knew they were here to meet their superiors, so even if they weren't decked out in full military attire like on the first day, they still didn't dare to be sloppy—everyone was dressed neatly and cleanly.

Chen Li had just finished tucking in his clothes when the door was pushed open. Someone from the supervision bureau stepped in and called out, "Number eight, Chen Li."

"Here!" Chen Li quickly responded and hurried after them.

The second round of matchmaking didn't involve drawing new numbers—they simply went in reverse order from the first round.

After the pat-down, the supervisor handed him a muzzle. "Same rules as before. Thirty minutes. This time, you're allowed to walk around and chat, but maintain a civilized distance."

Chen Li took the bite guard and fastened it on.

He walked downstairs and, lifting his gaze, spotted a figure sitting on a bench not far ahead.

The young man was still wearing that white shirt today, with a military satchel slung across his shoulder.

His head was slightly bowed, revealing a slender, pale nape, while a sweet, wheat-like fragrance gently filled Chen Li's nostrils.

Mai Miao seemed to sense something. He turned his head, and when his eyes met the man's, he still looked a little nervous, but he stood up anyway, not bolting away.

Chen Li quickened his pace, closing the distance in a few strides until he was right in front of Mai Miao.

"Miao... Comrade Mai Miao."

He studied him for a moment, then couldn't help but smile. A faint dimple appeared on the man's rugged face.

Mai Miao kept his head slightly lowered, his eyes flickering up briefly before darting back down, as if unsure where to look. His hands clutched tightly at his bag, and his cheeks were flushed from the sun.

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