Chapter 54 That back, that buttock, those abs—all he knows is a weak scholar who only knows how to recite sentimental poems…
The topic suddenly turned heavy.
But Zhao Shuyi knew that what Gu Yan said was true.
Not to mention this era, even in later generations, the shackles of reputation are still firmly nailed to the hearts of many people.
"It seems that the stories that Mulan and I wrote are not enough to just prevent fraud; we also need to change people's mindsets."
Gu Yan was taken aback, not expecting her to change her mind so quickly.
He thought she would be saddened by this.
"This is not an easy task."
"Someone has to do it, right?"
Zhao Shuyi has always believed that "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step".
What happened next was simple.
Cai Da was caught red-handed. Later, the brigade leader went to Cai's house. Cai Xiaoyue was so frightened that she went to inform her accomplices, but they were also caught in the same way.
All the members of the Cai family who weren't involved were arrested.
The Caijia Village brigade is still buzzing with activity, everyone's talking about this.
"By the way, Cai Xiaoyue and the others knew about your whereabouts before because someone notified them. It was Xiao Lei from the canteen. He is also a military family member and had a temporary worker position. He and Cai Xiaoyue are very close."
As soon as he mentioned the cafeteria, Zhao Shuyi remembered it.
When did I see that man on the bicycle? Wasn't it at the entrance of the cafeteria?
"I guessed it was him and then I took him into custody, don't worry."
"That's good."
Putting everything else aside, these people can easily deal with an ordinary person like her and they can also find ways to do things that are detrimental to the military, so they have to be arrested.
Seeing that she looked unwell, Gu Yan assumed she was scared and quickly reassured her, "Don't worry, nothing will happen in the future."
After he finished speaking, he felt that saying it might be too absolute, so he changed his tune.
"But it's best not to go out alone. Now that you know more friends, you can go with them. If not, wait until I have time and I'll definitely go with you."
Gu Yan felt a little guilty when he talked about this. He knew that he was too busy and rarely had time to go out with Zhao Shuyi.
"I'll do more missions in the future. There's usually time to rest after a mission, and I'll definitely go out with you then."
Seeing his expression of great alarm, Zhao Shuyi lowered her head and chuckled softly.
"It feels like you're teasing a child. I'm not a child anymore. You don't need to change your schedule for me. I've been very busy lately and don't have much time to go out."
To be honest, Zhao Shuyi hasn't forgotten the venomous snake she saw on the mountain before, which really gave her quite a bit of trauma. So even though she knows there are many treasures on the mountain, she doesn't dare to go up there for the time being.
Gu Yan glanced at her a few more times, as if to confirm whether what she said was true or false.
After a long while, he gave a silly smile.
"Okay, just tell me if you want to go out, and I can go shopping with you."
"I know, you can even catch fish, that's very capable."
The two families ate the fish from last time for several days.
How many of Zhao Shuyi's spaces are still active now?
I'm craving fish.
Gu Yan: "I'll buy it for you tomorrow, or would you like to go fishing in the mountains?"
"No, no, no..." Please spare her, she doesn't want to go now.
--
With the Cai family's affair finally over, Xiao Liang also became familiar with the couple next door.
Zhao Shuyi heard Xiao Liang call Xia Mulan "Mom" very naturally more than once. Xia Mulan was very good to the child, otherwise the child would not have developed such affection for her.
"Sister Mulan, are you sure? If you are, I will start treating you tomorrow."
As autumn arrived, Xia Mulan finally came to her senses and was willing to face the injury on her leg and let Zhao Shuyi treat her.
Zhao Shuyi felt that the child might also be a factor.
Cute kids really can be therapeutic.
Xia Mulan looked at her with gratitude in her eyes.
"It's confirmed. Actually, I don't think my leg is as bad as I thought. There's something I haven't even told Tao Yuan: I feel like I can feel my leg again."
Xia Mulan had also had expectations when she was first injured.
But she couldn't feel her legs, and the military hospital said there was no hope.
She had always thought that her life was over and that her future would be bleak.
But recently she seems to have really felt it, although it seems like a hallucination, and she is afraid it is a hallucination, so she has never told anyone.
She inexplicably trusted Zhao Shuyi.
“I think you might really have a solution. Your scar removal cream is effective; even Tao Yuan noticed it.”
Zhao Shuyi was naturally very happy to see that she had come to her senses.
The reason she could still feel her legs was likely because she insisted on soaking in the spiritual spring water.
Zhao Shuyi, of course, didn't need to say that again.
It would be best if she were to soak her feet; combining that with her acupuncture would definitely be effective.
Of course, she would definitely use strong ingredients during acupuncture.
“Then let’s officially start treatment tomorrow. I’ll prepare a bit more today. This process may take a long time. Sister Mulan, if you don’t give up, I definitely won’t give up either.”
Xia Mulan gave a firm "hmm".
Once Xia Mulan has made up her mind, she will never give up.
Sensing her determination, Zhao Shuyi felt somewhat relieved.
Actually, she could have helped with the treatment today.
But she needed to give Mulan the impression that she was reliable, so she had to provide her with enough emotional support, which would be better for her condition.
The next day, after lunch, while Xiao Liang was taking a nap, Zhao Shuyi had Xia Mulan lie on the bed and expose her legs.
This was also the first time Xia Mulan had seen her injured leg.
Her legs have more scars than her body, including knife wounds, gunshot wounds, burns, and even frostbite marks. However, her legs are so badly injured that she can't even move around in the most basic way, and her muscles have begun to atrophy. If she doesn't get treatment soon, it will be too late.
These scars were so moving that Zhao Shuyi remained motionless for a long time.
"Isn't it ugly?"
Xia Mulan spoke calmly, with a hint of self-deprecation.
"When I was in the army, I never thought that having wounds was ugly. Whether it was me, Tao Yuan, or other soldiers, everyone had some wounds. These are our medals."
"But after I retired, I felt I became uglier and uglier."
"No," Zhao Shuyi told her firmly. "You won't get uglier, I'll help you."
Xia Mulan nodded and said, "I believe in you. Do your best. It's okay if it doesn't work out; at least we tried."
"Yes, that makes sense. I may need a little more time. You can close your eyes and rest for a bit. I'll apply a towel to your face before I start the massage and acupuncture."
She took the kettle, carried Xia Mulan on her back, and began pouring hot water into it.
The hot water here appears to belong to Xia Mulan's family, but in reality, she replaced it with spiritual spring water that she had prepared in advance in her space when she poured it out.
After wetting the towel, Zhao Shuyi didn't wring it out too much. She carefully wiped Xia Mulan's legs, especially the areas with internal injuries.
She wiped it dry, wrung it out a bit more, and continued applying the compress, trying her best to let her legs absorb the spiritual spring water.
Once it was almost ready, they began acupuncture.
Acupuncture isn't something you just randomly insert needles into. She recently found some medical books among the pile of things she moved from Shanghai, which recorded how to treat many different conditions.
Although Zhao Shuyi wasn't very confident in acupuncture, she was at least at a passing level in her previous life; otherwise, she wouldn't have even been able to graduate.
So she didn't hesitate too much, practiced on a few pieces of pigskin, and then came.
Acupuncture is a skilled art, and Zhao Shuyi was more serious than ever before. Xia Mulan couldn't sleep under these circumstances and kept staring at her.
Zhao Shuyi was a little reserved at first, but she endured it in order to maintain her persona. By the time the needles were inserted into the other person's leg, beads of sweat started to appear on Zhao Shuyi's face.
"Are you alright? Go drink some hot water and rest." Xia Mulan still had the mind to care about her.
"It's okay, I'm just nervous, do you believe me?" Zhao Shuyi had confided in Xia Mulan that she had zero practical experience, so it was normal to be nervous.
Xia Mulan smiled and said, "Why are you so nervous? Do you think my leg is in any worse condition? You've already done a great job by making it change."
She still has the mood to joke around; she's really becoming more and more open-minded.
Zhao Shuyi glanced at the needle and said, "Actually, Sister Mulan, if you had gone abroad for treatment earlier, I can't guarantee that your leg would have recovered to this state, but it definitely wouldn't be visible on the surface."
"Our medical level is still too backward."
Xia Mulan: "You're a student of Traditional Chinese Medicine, would you feel the same way?"
"Both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine treat patients, and in my opinion, there is no distinction between good and bad. However, traditional Chinese medicine has always been based on apprenticeship, and often cannot provide obvious and clear results, which leads many people to distrust traditional Chinese medicine. As a result, fewer and fewer people are learning it, and consequently, fewer and fewer good traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, creating a vicious cycle."
"But Western medicine is different. They have systematic teaching courses and sophisticated instruments. It is undeniable that their methods are effective quickly."
"And if it benefits everyone, why not develop together?"
Xia Mulan: "What you said makes sense and is very insightful."
She finished speaking and sighed deeply.
Before Zhao Shuyi could comfort her, she said sadly, "You can just tell me these things, but don't mention them when you go out. The situation outside is getting more and more tense, and it's best not to mention that your family has been abroad."
Zhao Shuyi's expression also turned serious.
In fact, she already knew the situation, that is, she knew Xia Mulan's character, otherwise she would never have said such things to her.
"I know, Sister Mulan."
The two talked for a while, and Zhao Shuyi didn't ask how she was doing. When the time was up, she stopped the acupuncture and used the time to apply a poultice to her.
Zhao Shuyi treated Xia Mulan every noon, doing acupuncture one day and massage the next.
Whether it's massage or acupuncture, you have to apply a hot compress first. Xia Mulan never asks many questions and is a very worry-free patient.
As she continued with the treatment, she saw the scars fading, so Zhao Shuyi had no choice but to switch to a more effective scar removal cream.
After about a month of treatment, the couple noticed changes in Xia Mulan's body.
In fact, the two of them had noticed it long ago, but they had experienced this hope many times before, and it was still somewhat unbelievable to them.
Until the changes became so significant that they could no longer ignore them.
"Shuyi, I can clearly feel the temperature in my right leg when I soak my feet. Am I really getting better?"
Zhao Shuyi was also very excited, but she was also worried that she would be exposed, so she came up with a plan.
"Sister Mulan, I told you, I can definitely cure you."
Seeing that she seemed a little absent-minded, Xia Mulan asked her, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"
"Sister Mulan."
Zhao Shuyi sat down next to her somewhat nervously.
"It's okay, just tell me what's wrong. Don't be afraid. Tell me, and I'll do everything I can to help you."
"I went out today and heard that people are being arrested all the time. Those people wearing red armbands are not only arresting wealthy capitalists, but also those who have old items. They're even arresting traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. You mentioned my medical books. If I treat your illness now, I hope no one will find out."
Upon hearing this, Xia Mulan's expression also turned serious.
She had heard about these things, but it didn't seem to have affected the family compound yet.
Have you discussed your medical books with anyone?
Xia Mulan shook her head, "I only told you and Gu Yan."
"Then don't take it out again. As for your foot... you don't need to treat it for me anymore. We'll talk about it after this blows over!"
Xia Mulan was naturally reluctant to give up, but it concerned Zhao Shuyi's life and safety, so she couldn't be careless and decided to do it decisively.
"No way!" Zhao Shuyi refused sternly. "We've finally seen results, how can we give up halfway? Absolutely not. Just don't tell anyone that I treated your leg. Don't say that I treated you. I don't plan to make a living from this right now."
"Of course, don't worry. Tao Yuan and I are both tight-lipped. Actually, I think my leg isn't that bad anymore, so I can continue treatment later."
"No, we have to continue treatment. Muscle atrophy is very difficult to recover from, and it was me who begged you, Mulan, to treat it. How can we give up? Mulan, you have to believe me. We'll stay in the house and not tell anyone else."
Xia Mulan could tell that she was sincere and was moved. "Okay, don't worry. No matter what the final result is, Tao Yuan and I will always regard you as our benefactor."
"What 'benefactor' or 'benefactor'? We're friends." Zhao Shuyi said earnestly!
She felt that the couple was really worth getting to know, and that their serious attitude towards work and their everyday interactions made people feel very comfortable.
If Zhao Shuyi hadn't been worried about whether she was capable of handling the current situation, she wouldn't have pulled this stunt.
Lying is the most tiring thing.
Fortunately, we managed to get away with it this time.
For the next period of time, Zhao Shuyi continued to treat Xia Mulan, but everyone became much more cautious.
Xia Mulan used to occasionally meet with guests, regardless of whether she was happy or not, but now she refuses to meet with guests at all, because the rumors circulating about her are very unpleasant.
But Xia Mulan didn't care at all. She was very happy because she felt that her legs were better. She could feel the strength again. Although she could not do much, only someone who had experienced it could understand the feeling of getting better little by little.
She and Tao Yuan also understood why Zhao Shuyi was afraid of those crazy people outside.
They felt that the medical book in Zhao Shuyi's possession must be something extraordinary that had always been coveted.
Having such a treasure in your possession does indeed make you more likely to be targeted, so being careful is the right thing to do.
When Tao Yuan left, the gentle, spring-like feeling from before vanished, and he reverted to his cold, expressionless face that he had before Zhao Shuyi arrived.
This explanation was obviously very good for Zhao Shuyi, but she had no idea that the couple would think this way.
She was naturally happy.
Xia Mulan's recovery proves that her method was correct, and she can help others in similar situations in the future.
After ten years, that medical book can also be used as an excuse.
Zhao Shuyi had arranged everything, but she forgot one person.
Gu Yan.
Gu Yan was always worried about her, and several times he looked at her as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.
"What's wrong? Just say what's on your mind. I can handle it."
Zhao Shuyi had meant to joke, but then suddenly realized, "Could it be that something happened to my parents?"
"No, no, your parents are fine, definitely fine. Grandpa said the photos have already been sent out and you'll receive them soon."
"real?"
Ever since Zhao Shuyi dreamed about the original owner's experiences in her own world, she has become increasingly attached to the original owner's parents.
I just hope they can stay well.
"Of course, why would I lie to you?"
Fearing that she would become preoccupied with worrying about her parents again, Gu Yan had no choice but to bring up his previous concerns.
"Are you sure not many people know that you know about your medical skills?"
Zhao Shuyi was stunned for a moment, not quite understanding.
“I’ve been helping out with Dr. Wang, and a lot of people know that.”
Gu Yan was worried precisely because he knew this.
"I meant that you knew medicine before you came to the family compound."
Zhao Shuyi's eyes flickered. "It seems that... Sister Huang and Doctor Wang know."
"Sister Huang knows that many people probably already know that."
Gu Yan also remembered that when Sister Huang came, they said that Zhao Shuyi knew medicine.
He pinched the bridge of his nose.
Zhao Shuyi subconsciously reached out and smoothed out the wrinkles between Gu Yan's eyebrows.
"It's nothing, as long as people don't think I'm a miracle doctor, there's no problem."
In fact, we have to thank Qian Zhaodi for this.
Ever since I stopped prescribing glucose for her and then took over her job of seeing Company Commander Xia, she's been spreading rumors that Zhao Shuyi is a quack doctor.
Therefore, military dependents are generally reluctant to have Zhao Shuyi help them when they go to the health center.
Many people believe she is a quack doctor.
So be it, he's a quack. This reputation will at least put Gu Yan and the Tao couple at ease.
As for the rest, we'll talk about that later.
A good doctor's reputation can be built with just one case, and there's no need to rush it.
"You should still be careful. Tell me what medicine you need and I'll go find it for you."
Gu Yan stared into her eyes and said very seriously, "You must take good care of yourself, otherwise how can your parents be at ease?"
"I know, thank you."
She and Gu Yan have now truly become life partners, and their partnership is going remarkably smoothly.
The other person cares about her, and she cares about the other person, but the two of them still can't break through the final barrier.
They both knew the other had feelings for them, and sometimes they would even sleep in each other's arms at night.
However, every time they tried to be affectionate, they were interrupted by something, making it seem like they were not meant to be.
However, Zhao Shuyi didn't particularly care. She felt that it was fine for the two of them to stay in this partnership, at least it was stable.
If two people can actually get together later, it means that their fate just hasn't arrived yet.
If things have come to this and we still have to break up, then she can accept it.
Just face everything with equanimity.
Just as the two seemed to have grown closer because of Gu Yan's concern, Gu Yan went on another mission.
Zhao Shuyi exercises, eats, and does things at her own pace every day, and her days are very fulfilling.
After this period of training, she became stronger and more agile.
Whether it was due to the exercise or the effects of the spiritual spring water, she even stopped experiencing menstrual cramps.
Sometimes she could even exchange a few blows with Gu Yan, although he was clearly letting her win.
Even Gu Yan praised her for her rapid progress, which made Zhao Shuyi very happy.
The more she was praised, the more serious she became. She hoped that next time she encountered someone like Cai Da who had ulterior motives, she would kick him away.
That day.
Zhao Shuyi was preparing lunch at home.
Gu Yan brought back some mutton after completing a mission. The mutton was particularly gamey, so she planned to remove the gamey smell first and then make some mutton soup.
Just thinking about that milky white soup made Zhao Shuyi's mouth water.
Just as she was about to clean up, she heard the sound of dishes shattering next door.
Zhao Shuyi put down what she was holding and hurriedly ran over.
Tao Yuan is not home now, so it's just Xia Mulan and Cai Mingliang at home.
"Sister Mulan, what happened?"
Rushing into Xia Mulan's courtyard, Zhao Shuyi found no movement inside. Her heart leaped into her throat, and she pushed open the door as fast as she could.
In the room, Xia Mulan sat on the bed with red eyes, while Cai Mingliang was cleaning up the broken porcelain shards on the floor.
Zhao Shuyi's heart skipped a beat.
What happened?
She stepped forward and said, "Be careful, use a broom to sweep, don't hurt your hands."
Tsai Ming-liang choked up as well, saying, "I threw away the large pieces of porcelain and swept them up immediately." He then ran out.
Something's not right.
Something's not right.
Zhao Shuyi sat down next to Xia Mulan.
"What's wrong, Sister Mulan? Did Xiaoliang make you angry?"
Xia Mulan shook her head and looked at Zhao Shuyi with teary eyes and vulnerability. Zhao Shuyi had never seen her like this before and was at a loss for what to do.
"What...what happened?"
"Shuyi, just now, I stood up. I can stand up."
Zhao Shuyi's pupils suddenly contracted.
"You've stood up?"
Is the spiritual spring water really that effective?
"That's wonderful!"
"Yes, Shuyi, thank you so much. I don't know what I would have done if it weren't for you."
It turned out that Tsai Ming-liang had wanted to move the stool, but he forgot to remove the bowl on the stool first. He was about to fall to the ground when Xia Mulan quickly got up and grabbed him.
"The water in the bowl was just poured out. I was just... just worried that he would get burned, but I didn't expect to stand up by myself."
Her voice was trembling as she spoke; she was clearly extremely excited.
"That's great! This means our treatment is on the right track. If we persevere a little longer, we might actually get better."
Zhao Shuyi thought for a moment and said, "But Sister Mulan, you shouldn't think about standing for too long or rushing to practice walking. I'm worried that you haven't fully recovered yet. We can practice after you've recovered for a while. Everything will be fine."
"Okay, I'll listen to you."
"Oh! I have something cooking in the pot. I'll go back first. We'll eat something delicious later. Xiao Liang, clean up carefully so you don't get hurt."
"good."
Zhao Shuyi was in a great mood after receiving the good news.
Seeing a patient go from being completely dead to regaining their vitality is truly a joyful thing.
Life is a cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death; we cannot escape illness and death. But to slow down this process or make it more comfortable is probably the meaning behind what she will do in the future.
This incident truly shocked both families, but everyone felt it was best not to publicize it. They decided to wait until things were really better before making any decisions, or to observe the situation outside.
Life went on as usual.
Xia Mulan got better day by day, and when the weather turned cold, she was able to walk a few steps slowly in her room with the help of a cane.
However, no one was in a hurry to tell anyone, as they had heard that the situation outside was becoming even more serious.
After finishing their treatment that day, the two were chatting at home when they faintly heard a knocking sound coming from outside.
Tsai Ming-liang came running into the courtyard with a thud.
"Aunt Zhao, you have guests at your house. It's Aunt Wu and a pretty aunt."
"Aunt Wu? Aunt Wu from Uncle Zhang's family?"
Zhao Shuyi asked the question as she walked out.
She didn't know many people with the surname Wu, but Wu Qin, the wife of Regiment Commander Zhang, was one of them.
However, the other party was a rather quiet and reserved woman who rarely went out. Zhao Shuyi also rarely went out, so the two did not interact much.
When Zhao Shuyi went out and saw the beautiful aunt in Xiao Liang's eyes, her eyes lit up and she realized what was going on.
"Comrade Zhang Yue!"
"Comrade Zhao!" Zhang Yue was particularly excited to see Zhao Shuyi. "I've finally seen Comrade Zhao again."
She was as enthusiastic as ever.
Zhao Shuyi hurriedly welcomed the two of them home.
"Why didn't you write a letter before you came? I could have picked you up."
Since they first connected through those anti-fraud stories, they have been frequently in touch through letters and have become quite good pen pals.
Speaking of this, Zhao Shuyi suddenly realized that the other party seemed to have not replied for a long time.
Could something have happened?
"I thought sending a letter would be too slow, so I thought I'd give you a surprise."
Although Zhang Yue was smiling, her smile was clearly forced, indicating that something had really happened.
She didn't say anything, and Zhao Shuyi didn't ask either.
But as they talked, they inevitably started talking about the situation outside.
"It's too chaotic outside right now. Ever since the committee was established in September, there's been a huge uproar. I probably won't be able to help you publish those things."
Zhang Yue said with a troubled expression, "I think the content is good and there won't be any problems, but I'm afraid that some people with ulterior motives will make a big deal out of it."
Zhao Shuyi roughly understood what had happened to her.
“It’s okay. If it can’t be published, it can’t be published. We just wanted to help more people, but the current situation might not be appropriate.”
In fact, under these circumstances, everyone is subject to very strict checks no matter what they do, and fewer people are going out. Perhaps the situation of those who take photos of beggars is better.
That's the only way I can comfort myself.
"Yes, if there's an opportunity in the future, it will definitely be published again. I still support your creative work, myself..."
She seemed to only then realize that her sister-in-law was beside her, and she couldn't continue speaking.
Zhao Shuyi smoothly changed the subject, "So, are you here to relax for a while, or is there some business?"
Her expression darkened further when this was mentioned.
"I'm here to get married, and I'm not leaving afterward, Comrade Zhao. I'll be hanging out with you guys from now on."
Zhao Shuyi was truly stunned; this was all too sudden.
Judging from her aggrieved look, she was clearly unwilling, this...
Zhao Shuyi didn't know how to answer for a moment, mainly because Wu Qin was still there, and she couldn't say too much, for fear that the other party's family would have objections.
Fortunately, Wu Qin, who hadn't spoken much until now, finally spoke up.
She said, "Comrade Zhao also knows Xiaoyue's fiancé; he is Company Commander He Xu."
"Oh? It's him."
Has he already been promoted to company commander?
When she first came here, He Xu often followed Gu Yan around with a group of junior soldiers. Later she found out that he was the deputy company commander and had now been promoted to company commander.
It is indeed quite good.
"What's he like?" Zhang Yue asked somewhat nervously.
It seems they aren't particularly resistant.
"You haven't seen it yet?"
"No, my brother and sister-in-law said it's fine, and I believe them."
That's what she said, but her face clearly showed her displeasure, which amused Zhao Shuyi.
If Zhao Shuyi were to be arranged like this, she would also be unhappy. But something must have happened in their family, otherwise, given how protective Commander Zhang is of his sister, he wouldn't have just married her off like that.
With Wu Qin present, Zhao Shuyi could only say the good things.
"He Xu is indeed a very good person. When I first came here, he helped our family repair the yard and build walls very diligently. Gu Yan said that he is also very capable and a very promising young man. Moreover, he is tall and big and loves to smile. He's a good guy."
As soon as Gu Yan and his wife entered the courtyard, they heard his wife praising He Xu like that, and his brows furrowed involuntarily.
Meanwhile, He Xu, standing next to him, was walking with his arms and legs moving in unison.
It was Zhao Shuyi who noticed them first.
“You’re back.”
Was this a deliberate attempt to meet at their house?
This was so sudden.
"Sister-in-law, Sister-in-law Wu, Comrade Zhang... Comrade Zhang." He Xu was visibly nervous, his face flushed red.
Zhao Shuyi was trying to suppress her laughter, thinking that she couldn't refuse someone's request at a time like this, but Zhang Yue burst out laughing, which made everyone laugh.
He Xu was even more embarrassed, looking like a fully cooked shrimp.
Zhang Yue smiled, but her ears were bright red, so she didn't seem to mind.
Wu Qin said, "Didn't you want to go out for a walk? Why don't we have Company Commander He take you out for a walk, and then we'll eat here in a bit."
Zhang Yue's face turned a little red. She wanted to laugh again, and her whole expression was somewhat comical. He Xu also laughed.
"Alright, thank you, Company Commander He."
The two people left.
Zhao Shuyi clearly saw Wu Qin breathe a sigh of relief.
Seeing her look over, Wu Qin said shyly, "Thank you, Comrade Zhao, I really don't know what to do." After saying that, she smiled shyly and sat there without intending to say anything.
Zhao Shuyi finally understood.
This Comrade Wu Qin seems to be a socially anxious person.
No wonder she avoids coming when everyone is together; the few people she was with just now probably felt like a sea of people to her.
"I'll go and start cooking. Gu Yan, go and tell Commander Zhang to come over for dinner later."
"I'll go. I'll talk to him when he gets home," Wu Qin said, seemingly mustering her courage.
"Anything is fine."
"Then I'll be going now."
Wu Qin left in a hurry.
Zhao Shuyi and Gu Yan looked at each other in bewilderment.
"What's going on? Is she afraid of me?" Gu Yan asked.
Zhao Shuyi shook her head. "She probably just doesn't like interacting with people. What's going on? How did Comrade Zhang Yue end up with Company Commander He?"
Gu Yan would usually tell Zhao Shuyi about people she knew.
“Zhang Tuan had previously tried to match them up, but since Comrade Zhang was working in Shanghai, he didn’t bring it up much. I didn’t tell you until it was settled. I didn’t expect that when I came back from a mission, they had already submitted their marriage application. I suspect that something might have happened to the Zhang family.”
Just like Zhao Shuyi thought.
"I see. So, do you think they're a good match?"
"I don't know. Whether they are compatible or not is up to them to get along. I think they are both pretty good. Zhang Tuan and his wife are not difficult to get along with. On the surface, they seem okay."
"Our thoughts are actually quite similar."
Seeing that she was about to wash the rice, Gu Yan quickly took over the task, saying, "I'll do it. We're a couple, so it's normal for us to have similar ideas."
Zhao Shuyi paused.
That's a strange statement, rather ambiguous.
Seeing that she didn't speak, Gu Yan turned his head to steal a glance at her, and then their eyes met. Gu Yan immediately turned his head away.
That's too deliberate!
Zhao Shuyi laughed, and Gu Yan felt embarrassed.
He didn't speak or look at her, just busy with his own things, only asking what she needed to do when there was nothing else to do.
Busy as a diligent little bee.
Zhang Yue and her companion didn't stay outside for long. After returning, they went to the kitchen to help.
The small kitchen suddenly felt extremely crowded.
"You two go ahead with your work, I'd like to have a chat with Zhang Yue."
Zhao Shuyi gave the men a chance to shine.
Zhang Yue felt a little embarrassed; she couldn't just push all the work onto them.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Shuyi pulled her away, saying, "It's okay. In our family compound, a good man is one who is willing to work. Don't spoil men in the future."
Zhang Yue knew she was implying something, and her face turned red again.
After pulling her inside, Zhao Shuyi poured her some water and gave her some food before asking, "How was he? Did you find him alright after spending time with him?"
"It's alright." Zhang Yue lowered her eyes to eat the candy, hiding her embarrassment as she met Zhao Shuyi's teasing gaze.
That's how people are these days. Some get married after meeting only once or twice. No wonder they feel embarrassed.
"You just mentioned that his expression was particularly unpleasant, and I thought you were very unwilling."
"It's not that I'm unwilling, but I've never even met him, I've only seen a photo of him. How would I know if he's suitable?"
Zhang Yue sounded somewhat discouraged.
"It seems like my family is being targeted. My parents rushed to send me here to get married in order to protect me. Actually, any normal man would have been fine."
"I can't choose either."
Zhao Shuyi moved her lips, but found she had no idea how to persuade him. Come to think of it, wasn't she in the same boat?
"Don't worry too much. As long as you're here to live a good life, you'll definitely live a good life."
"Well, Comrade Zhao, you and Battalion Commander Gu, who is now Deputy Regiment Commander Gu, did you also get married through a blind date?"
Zhao Shuyi can talk about these things without batting an eye.
"You could say that. We were betrothed as children by our families a long time ago, but I hadn't met him much since that time I met you."
"He treats you well."
Zhang Yue had always thought Gu Yan looked fierce and not very considerate, but he was genuinely kind to Zhao Shuyi on the train, even if he didn't do much, she could still tell.
"Actually, He Xu and I have met before."
Zhao Shuyi raised an eyebrow. Didn't you just say you'd never seen it before?
“I’ve been to the family compound before and I saw Deputy Regiment Commander Gu then. My brother said that He Xu was right next to him then, but I don’t remember much about him.”
So that's how it is. If you've seen it before but don't remember it, then you haven't really seen it.
"I've always thought that soldiers are all big and burly, dark-skinned lumps, like old cured meat. They sizzle and ooze oil under the sun, just like my brother. I don't like soldiers at all."
"I like the type who wears a white shirt, looks clean and neat, and can read to me and recite poetry. Who would have thought that I would end up marrying a soldier?"
After saying that, she said somewhat cautiously, "You don't think there's something wrong with my thinking, do you? I don't think there's anything wrong with them at all. It's just that I don't like their appearance. Although they changed like this to protect the country and us."
But she just doesn't like it.
"Of course not." Zhao Shuyi really didn't expect this girl to be so honest.
Those who say they like reading and reciting poetry, aren't they just like that scumbag Gao Zhiyun?
I guess all young girls are like that; they'll know what's good once they get married.
Zhao Shuyi felt that she should help her get out of this misconception.
"I used to think the same way you did, that the kind of person who reads books and wears glasses is so refined and ascetic."
"Exactly, unlike them, they look so smelly."
Zhao Shuyi shook her head. "But they're healthy. Think about those weak scholars, what can they do? Your husband is strong. He can lift you up with one arm, hug you and kiss you. Look at his back, his buttocks, his abs, tsk tsk."
Zhang Yue stared wide-eyed at Zhao Shuyi in disbelief.
Gu Yan, who was about to knock on the door, was also stunned.
Zhao Shuyi realized she had gotten too carried away and couldn't control her mouth. She pursed her lips and concluded, "Anyway, you'll know when you get married. It's better to be a soldier like them. Those bookish scholars who only know how to read pretentious poems are so weak."
Zhang Yue realized what was happening and asked, "Comrade Zhao, is he really that good?"
"It seems you and Deputy Regiment Commander Gu have a good relationship," she teased Zhao Shuyi.
Zhao Shuyi shot herself in the foot by using her tactic of changing the subject.
"Are you planning to work here?"
"Yes, my brother said he'd help me find a job in the publicity department."
"That's good."
Hearing the two change the subject outside the door, Gu Yan didn't knock and went in, but turned back to the kitchen.
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