Lin Ying could tell that the two of them had something to talk about. After Shan Yubang entered the living room and poured tea for them, he prepared to take the children out.

"Um, Comrade Lin Ying, the reason why Elmwood is being discharged from the army is because of you. You should stay."

Lin Ying glanced at Zhao Qinghuai, then said to Haoyu, "Take your younger siblings to the clinic to play. Don't go outside; it's cold."

Haoyu nodded: "Mm."

After Haoyu left, Lin Ying also stood there. She wasn't the main person involved in this matter; her job was simply to stand by.

Seeing Zhao Qinghuai's stubbornness, Shan Yubang threw the discharge report in his hand to Zhao Qinghuai: "Your discharge report, the old commander said, if you want to be discharged, you have to give the report to him."

Zhao Qinghuai frowned: "I'm now with our 73rd Army. You just need to agree according to the procedure."

"Bullshit! You're already a fallen soldier in the 73rd Army, your file was secretly transferred a long time ago. I'm too lazy to argue with you. Go ahead and do it if you dare. If you really desert, I'll still respect you as a hero!"

If you really want to be a deserter, then you're not a hero.

Zhao Qinghuai finally calmed down and said, "Commander, I really want to retire from the army. Please approve my request."

Shanyubang laughed: "Not stubborn with me now?"

Zhao Qinghuai shook his head: "How could I ever be as stubborn as you? I can't out-stubborn you."

Lin Ying couldn't help but laugh.

Shan Yubang kicked him directly: "Are you trying to beat me up here? I'll say it again, you can't get discharged. Do you know how difficult it is for the military to train a special talent?"

Zhao Qinghuai shook his head: "I wasn't trained by the military. What I know is what my master taught me."

Shanyu Bang choked: "Fine, your master is amazing. Your master is incredible. But did your master teach you these skills so you could serve your country?"

"Zhao Qinghuai, how could I not know you were such a petty person? You're not unaware that the country is facing both internal and external troubles. Yet, for your own personal feelings, you've abandoned your responsibility to defend the nation. Is this how you face your master?"

“My mentor does hope that I can serve my country, but I have already been in the army for thirteen years. I feel that I have done enough.”

"You, you're just trying to drive me crazy. I can't argue with you, Comrade Lin Ying. You come here. You tell me. Do you also think he should be discharged from the army?"

Lin Ying was taken aback when Shan Yubang suddenly turned the conversation to her. She paused for a moment, then gave a helpless smile. After thinking for a while, she slowly said, "Commander Shan, I understand your thoughts. It's not easy for the army to cultivate someone like Qing Huai. The country needs capable people like him to protect the country right now. But as his wife, I've watched him go out on missions time and time again over the years, and every time I've been worried sick, afraid that he wouldn't come back."

Lin Ying sighed softly and continued, "I know that serving the country is a great and glorious thing, and Qinghuai himself has always felt this responsibility and commitment. It's just that he has experienced too many dangers in the past thirteen years, and my children and I have been living in fear for too long. I don't want to persuade him to retire, nor do I want to persuade him to stay. I just hope that he can make a decision that he won't regret later."

Upon hearing Lin Ying's words, Shan Yubang's expression softened slightly. He looked at Zhao Qinghuai and said, "Listen to what your wife is saying. She's not just blindly agreeing with you to let you retire. Zhao Qinghuai, think about it carefully. Isn't it a pity to just let all your skills go to waste? Although we can still stabilize the situation outside, it's precisely when we need manpower. With you, our strength will be greatly enhanced."

Zhao Qinghuai fell silent. He was actually very conflicted. On one hand, he was worried about his family and couldn't bear to leave Lin Ying and the children. He wanted to spend his life with them. On the other hand, his life in the army, his comrades-in-arms, and his mission to defend his country were all ingrained in his bones. How could he easily give them up?

Seeing Zhao Qinghuai's conflicted expression, Lin Ying felt bad for him. She walked to Zhao Qinghuai's side, gently took his hand, and said softly, "Qinghuai, what the commander said makes sense. You should think about it again. Whatever decision you make, the children and I will support you."

Zhao Qinghuai raised his head and looked into Lin Ying's eyes, which were full of understanding and love. He then turned to Shan Yubang and said sincerely, "Commander, please give me some time to think about it. This matter is indeed too important, and I cannot make a hasty decision."

Shanyubang nodded: "Alright, I won't pressure you, but it can't take too long. Give me an answer as soon as possible. The army is in dire need of manpower right now, and I hope you can continue to shine."

After Shan Yubang left, Lin Ying saw Zhao Qinghuai deep in thought and didn't disturb him.

Lin Ying knew that if Zhao Qinghuai's determination to retire from the army was really that strong, who could really stop him?

What he's doing now is simply gambling with fate. If Shanyubang agrees to his discharge application, he'll discharge directly; if Shanyubang doesn't agree, he'll compromise.

But Lin Ying could tell that Zhao Qinghuai had been somewhat hesitant and wavering during this period.

After thinking about it for two days, Zhao Qinghuai still had no answer.

Lin Ying said helplessly, "If you retired from the army because of me, you don't need to be so conflicted. Zhao Qinghuai, I'm no longer the little girl who only wanted my father's love, my grandfather's care, my mother's visits, and my maternal grandfather's affection."

My world now includes you, the children, and all those who have helped me. In fact, during this year without you, I've been thinking a lot about what I would do if you really didn't come back.

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