"Not bad, you live nearby?" Jian Ning stopped in her tracks. She had run into Li Mingxuan and wanted to ask him about Miao Xin, so she wasn't in a hurry to leave.

"Yes, Zhang Xiaoqiang and I built our own house over there and are working there." He finished with a wry smile.

Li Mingxuan was too embarrassed to say exactly what he did.

He used to be so proud, but now he's fallen so low. What face does he have to show off in front of Jian Ning? He can't even afford to eat, he's been kicked out, just like a stray dog.

"Where's Miao Xin? Does she live with you?" Jian Ning asked, glancing at the low, unfinished house not far away.

"Of course not, she's hooked up with a rich young man now and moved to a villa area. By the way, it's probably not far from your house. I heard you went out, when did you come back? Are you leaving again?"

Li Mingxuan suddenly wanted to chat with Jian Ning a little longer. Even just a few words about everyday things would be fine.

"I'm not sure. Miao Xin and you two are getting along really well, so how could this happen?" Jian Ning realized that her question was a bit gossipy.

"People strive for higher positions, just as water flows downhill; this is an age-old truth. What skills do I possess now?"

It's hard enough to earn a living. If I hadn't persevered and come to the base, I probably would have been monster food long ago. Thinking back to my school days feels like a lifetime ago.

Li Mingxuan glanced down at his patched overcoat and gave a wry smile. In these short two years, it felt as if he had traversed a path longer than a lifetime.

"Doesn't Miao Xin have a job?" Jian Ning didn't care about his feelings; finding out about Miao Xin was more important right now.

"No, she's being taken care of, she has no worries about food and clothing, why would she need to work? There are no points in the base that you can earn without putting in any effort. She's not going to come out here to suffer."

"Jian Ning, I'm sorry. I've always wanted to say this to you, but I never had the chance. Please accept my sincere apology." Li Mingxuan's tone was very sincere.

"There's no need. Let's not dwell on the past. I hope you live well at the base. Goodbye!"

Seeing that she couldn't get any specific information from him, Jian Ning decided not to continue the conversation. There was no point in reminiscing; people should move on. What good was regret now?

Seeing Jian Ning turn and walk away without any hesitation, Li Mingxuan reached out his hand behind her, seemingly wanting to call her back. After hesitating for a moment, he slowly lowered his hand without saying a word.

How could he possibly continue talking to Jian Ning now? His life had deteriorated to this state, while Jian Ning was like a bright yellow ice flower blooming in the snow, vibrant and full of youthful energy.

He was no longer qualified to stay by Jian Ning's side.

Now, not only has he aged in appearance, but his heart is also riddled with wounds.

Unfortunately, there's no medicine for regret in this world. If there were, he would definitely go bankrupt to buy more and eat it, so that he would never have anything to do with Miao Xin again and would never believe her sweet words.

Jian Ning walked through every part of the base, and was slightly sweaty. She ran into Company Commander Huang, who was out on patrol, and he smiled as soon as he saw Jian Ning.

"Comrade Jian, I just received a message from above that you've done quite a few good things."

Thanks to you, I'll soon be able to get the gene injection, and you've even given me a monthly quota of five bottles of the extracted powder, something I never dared to dream of before.

I heard you've even killed monsters beyond the border! You're truly a heroine, no less than any man! I'm so impressed!

"We were just lucky, and the sea is where the monsters are roaming. If we want to hunt them more, we have to go into the sea."

However, I still have to congratulate you on becoming a gene warrior; your future is limitless!

"Thank you, thank you. It's almost Chinese New Year, and the base is planning to distribute some supplies to the comrades. A while ago, we found a warehouse of a flour processing plant in the county."

The flour inside was completely dry, and the vacuum packaging kept it in excellent condition. This time, it will be distributed according to the number of people, five jin per person. Every household will receive a share, ensuring everyone has enough to eat for the Spring Festival.

"This is a good thing. With such good leaders like you, our base will only get better and better." Jian Ning said this sincerely.

"It's all for serving the people." With such a heavy burden on his shoulders, Company Commander Huang has become noticeably more haggard recently.

The base's population is growing, and although they don't entirely manage the food, clothing, and daily necessities, just maintaining normal life and production order is enough to keep him busy.

He smiled at Jian Ning and said, "I have something to do, so I'll be going now."

Jian Ning nodded, watching his back as he wore a military overcoat and only spring/autumn military boots. Suddenly, she felt a pang of sadness.

These soldiers really have it tough. They have to stand guard in this freezing weather, wearing such thin shoes.

She's bound to get frostbite. They're all her parents' children, and they're just mortals with physical bodies, without the same spiritual power as her. They also don't have the ability to resist the cold.

Remembering the thick cotton shoes she had stored in her room, she hurried home.

Xiao Lingfeng has already finished laying the floor tiles and installing the kang (heated brick bed) on the first floor. A fire has been lit inside, making the room warm and cozy.

The door to the stairs leading to the second floor was tightly closed and even covered with a quilt to prevent the cold air from coming in.

He was in the bathroom with Uncle Li, fixing the toilet, when he saw Jian Ning rush in. He quickly stood up and asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

"No, come out and I'll tell you." Jian Ning pulled his arm and led him to the bedroom, closing the door. Instantly, a large pile of cotton shoes appeared on the floor, all of them large-sized snow boots.

"What are you doing?" Xiao Lingfeng asked Jian Ning.

“I just saw Company Commander Huang patrolling the base in this cold weather, still wearing spring and autumn boots. Pack these shoes up and give them to him. Tell him it’s military supplies issued by the commander because he cares about the soldiers. Otherwise, I’m worried he won’t accept them.”

"Jian Ning, you are simply an angel."

Xiao Lingfeng had been busy working at home these past few days and hadn't stepped out of the villa, so he hadn't paid attention to what the soldiers here were wearing.

Suddenly, he felt a surge of warmth in his heart. Jian Ning is such a wonderful girl; it's just a pity it's the end of the world. Otherwise, he would have proposed immediately.

Even though I was deeply moved, all I could say was a word of praise.

In these precarious days, there's no way to give her a stable home. We don't know how long she can stay at the base, and some things we can only keep to ourselves, unable to be spoken.

"Put them away quickly. I'm just being soft-hearted. Besides, I don't need these things. After your vacation, we'll go out again and bring back more supplies."

The country is so big, it must have plenty of reserves. I can't control what others do, but at least we should try to make sure these soldiers live comfortably. They've already suffered enough.