Bonus Chapter 4: Jiang Yan Embraces His Lover Once Again

May 18th

At the same time, the female news anchor's voice came on the television.

"...The successful launch of the Dongfeng missile is a testament to the 15 years of arduous research and development by a generation of scientists who have overcome key technological challenges. We have successfully transformed from 'limited self-defense' to 'effective deterrence,' completing the construction of our triad of capabilities. From now on, we possess the core strength to defend ourselves independently, and we have a truly meaningful intercontinental nuclear strike capability. The deterrence and monopoly that once loomed over us have been completely shattered!"

Outside, cheers and shouts filled the air as people spread the news.

Jiang Yan was extremely thin, lying in the hospital room, silently watching the fireworks bloom outside the window.

Outside the door, the doctor was explaining Xiao Wu's condition to him.

Jiang Yan knew the gist of it without even having to guess. How could he not know the extent of his own physical deterioration?

After being shot, his situation only worsened, and he worked himself to the bone, staying up all night to finish projects.

Today, the pervasive pain throughout his body has become unbearable for him.

As Xiao Wu pushed the door open and came in, Jiang Yan gave him a smile that he hadn't shown in a long time.

"Why are you looking so long-faced? I knew this a long time ago. Staying in the hospital for another day is just like hanging on for a while."

"Chief Engineer Jiang! Don't say such discouraging things! You've clearly made some great achievements, you..."

Xiao Wu, a tall man, had red eyes and was choked up, unable to utter a single word.

Jiang Yan had many needle marks on the back of his hands, and his thin skin looked as if it were tightly attached to his finger bones.

He leaned back against the pillow behind him, his tone unusually relaxed.

"After working so hard for so many years, I relied on my physical strength when I was young, but as I get older, my spirit is gone, and naturally I can't keep going anymore. I have given a satisfactory answer to the task the country gave me, so now I should get on with my own business."

Are you going back to Suzhou? I'll take you back.

Jiang Yan shook his head, his lips pale. "I want to sleep peacefully by myself. After tomorrow, just do as the letter in the envelope under my pillow says."

Xiao Wu stared at him blankly, "You just want to take a nap?"

"Um."

Jiang Yan nodded calmly, her tone as still as water, "I haven't had a good night's sleep in a very, very long time."

Xiao Wu understood what he meant when he heard him say that.

As Jiang's personal assistant, he couldn't stand just following Jiang around, let alone the fact that many of his jobs required intense mental work.

"Okay, then I won't disturb you. You should go to sleep early. The launch was successful, so you can sleep for a very long time."

Jiang Yan nodded, and waited until the door to the ward was closed.

He reached out and wearily rubbed his temples.

Migraines have been a chronic problem for him. He used to use painkillers to suppress them, but now no matter how many painkillers he takes, they don't work.

He could only endure it here.

Jiang Yan closed his eyes, his mind uncontrollably replaying the scenes of him and En Ning together.

In fact, he has achieved a lot and received many honors, which is his pride.

At this point, as thoughts race through one's mind, only one person remains—someone one hasn't seen in a long time.

That was the girl he longed for.

"Enning... could you come into my dreams, or take me away from this pain?"

Jiang Yan gave a self-deprecating smile, but a stream of cold tears fell from the corners of her eyes and quietly soaked into the hospital pillow.

He eventually drifted off to sleep.

But then a familiar yet unfamiliar notification sound rang out.

[Ding!]

Your current happiness index is 0. We will improve your physical health based on your happiness level.

This time, the gentle, soft female voice could finally be heard outside of Zhizhi's space.

His gratitude, this time a new mission.

They came to save him...

Jiang Yan laughed and then started crying; his voice was hoarse and almost incoherent.

"You've finally come to see me..."

You were so unhappy, so I came...

Don't be afraid, Ayan. This time, I will stay by your side forever.

Jiang Yan sobbed uncontrollably. In his sleep, after his consciousness had completely faded, he could only utter one sentence.

He could finally embrace his lover openly...

This is the best ending for him.

—The End—