Because of his successful capture of the criminal gang, Lu Zhengting was rewarded with a bonus and a promotion by the military region, and he is now a deputy battalion commander.

However, he still needed to consult the battalion commander on some matters.

Battalion Commander Zhang frowned: "It's only been a few months since you last took leave, and you want to take leave again?"

"Battalion Commander, I must have my reasons for asking for leave. Just tell me whether you approve it or not."

Seeing that he was angry, Battalion Commander Zhang asked, "Where are you going this time? Going back to your hometown?"

"Let's go to Mopantun Brigade instead."

"You've got a girlfriend, otherwise why would you be running around so often?"

"Not really, we just know each other."

Battalion Commander Zhang sighed, then joked, "It's really rare that a girl can catch your eye. Fine, just because you want to find a girlfriend, I have to approve this leave for you. Otherwise, if you can't win her over because of this, you'll blame me later."

"Battalion Commander, I knew this leave would be approved. You're just trying to tease me."

Lu Zhengting hadn't expected his leave request to be approved so smoothly. He thought he would have a long argument with the battalion commander, since his leave was a bit tight.

Battalion Commander Zhang then handed him a military notification: "This is from higher up. I'm giving you a holiday before the New Year so you can rest well. After the New Year, you'll be back in two days to prepare for your mission."

Lu Zhengting carefully read the notice. Although, due to the secrecy of military operations, it did not specify what tasks he was required to perform.

However, when the military issues such a notice, it usually means that the mission is of great importance and difficulty, and that the comrades who go to carry out the mission may face life-threatening situations.

Orders from superiors must be obeyed, and Lu Zhengting did not hesitate.

"Battalion Commander, I understand. I will do my best to complete the mission when I return after the New Year."

"Alright, you can leave in seven days."

"Um."

After Lu Zhengting finished talking with Battalion Commander Zhang and left the battalion commander's office, he felt as if a stone was pressing on his heart, making it hard to breathe.

He was finally about to meet the girl he had been longing for. He had finally made up his mind to confess his feelings to her when he saw her. If she liked him too, he would marry her as soon as possible and take care of her and protect her for the rest of his life.

But this sudden turn of events completely disrupted his plans.

This mission is life-threatening, so he can't confess his feelings to the girl. Once they establish a relationship, the girl will have another worry. If he doesn't come back alive or is crippled and can't give her future happiness, it's better not to say what's in his heart.

If he can successfully complete the task without becoming disabled and still have the ability to give her a complete and happy life, then he will express his true feelings to her.

The next day, he received a call from Beijing; it was his mother calling.

"San'er, are you coming home for the New Year this year? Mom wants to visit your maternal grandmother. She just mentioned that there's a very skilled doctor there, and Mom wants her to treat my rheumatism."

"A doctor who's really good at treating patients?" Lu Zhengting wondered who this person was. How come he didn't know?

Suddenly, Lin Qingyan's clean and pretty face appeared in his mind.

She cured Li Qinqin's stubborn acne and stopped her own bleeding immediately. Could this amazing doctor be her?

How much has she changed in the months he's been gone?

He suddenly felt that he was no longer good enough for her.

His mother's words came through the receiver, interrupting his thoughts: "San'er, even if you come back, Mom won't be home. You should spend the New Year at home with your brother and your father."

Lu Zhengting was overjoyed: "Mom, I want to go see my grandma too, so we can spend the New Year together."

"Oh? You're going to visit your grandma again? Didn't you just go?"

"But I still want to go."

Lu's mother thought it was her son who was clinging to her: "You're so big now, but I didn't expect you to still like to cling to your mother." It's like he hasn't been weaned.

"Mom, I'm going back to Beijing partly to spend time with you and partly to spend time with Dad. But my grandma is also in Mopan Village. All things considered, I still think going to Mopan Village is the most worthwhile."

"Alright, alright, then we'll meet at Mopan Village."

After they finished saying what was important, they hung up the phone.

Lu Zhengting composed himself. The New Year was a happy time; he could see his mother, his grandmother, and the people he loved. He should be happy.

He had already repaired the handkerchief, and because he had put so much effort into it, the repair was flawless.

He put it in his pocket and carried it with him, not to make it easier to return it to her, but to comfort himself as he thought of her constantly.

County town black market

A group of young men were carrying grain unloaded from trucks into the warehouse, and Lin Zhiheng was one of them.

He had been working here for three or four months, but he had never told Lin Qingyan because he was afraid that his sister would worry.

Not far away, a young girl with braided pigtails and wearing a plaid Lenin suit was staring at him intently.

Ever since Helanlan discovered this handsome and capable young man in her father's black market, she would stand by and watch him for a while every time she came.

Lin Zhiheng's appearance is the kind that is handsome at first glance, and the more you look at him, the more attractive he becomes.

However, what attracted He Lanlan to Lin Zhiheng was not only his appearance, but also his calm and melancholy temperament. Such a handsome young man only knew how to work every day. She, a great beauty, had come many times, and she found that he had never even looked at her properly.

In the past, when young men of similar age saw her, they were almost always amazed by her beauty. Even if they didn't drool over her, they would at least look at her with friendly or longing eyes.

This young man carrying sacks was completely different from the others; he seemed devoid of emotions and desires.

With her bold and flamboyant personality, she couldn't stand Lin Zhiheng ignoring her. Taking advantage of a break in Lin Zhiheng's rest, she walked directly up to him and stared at him with her naked eyes.

Lin Zhiheng was momentarily stunned by the sudden appearance of the girl. Then he realized that she was definitely not looking for him, so he subconsciously moved aside. However, He Lanlan blocked his way.

Lin Zhiheng looked at her with a blank and puzzled expression, as if asking with his eyes, "Why are you blocking my way? Do I know you?"

He Lanlan noticed that when he saw her, there was no surprise or fervor in his eyes, as if he were looking at an ordinary stranger.

She gestured with her chin toward him and asked, "Do you think I'm pretty enough?"