Chapter 68 These two are about to have a happy ending!
On Xie Zhongming's left arm, which was wrapped in bandages, a small patch of dark red blood seeped through the white gauze.
He was somewhat weak after the surgery, and his thin lips had a faint color.
But at this moment, all his attention was on Qiao Xingyue's face, which was full of both fierceness and maternal love, and his thoughts were also drawn away by Qiao Xingyue's words.
She said that if the robbers dared to hurt An An and Ning Ning, she would fight them to the death.
The terrifying scene flashed through Xie Zhongming's mind. He gripped the corner of the bed sheet tightly, regretting that he had never visited his relatives in Chadian Village in the past five years. Otherwise, he would not have let her wander alone, give birth to An'an and Ningning alone in a dilapidated temple, and raise An'an and Ningning with great difficulty until now.
If it were a weak and frail woman, let alone raising such a clever and intelligent child, she might not even have any hope of survival.
He was a regimental commander who led troops into battle. He wouldn't even flinch when swords and spears passed through his body on the battlefield. But now, looking at Qiao Xingyue, who had gone from weighing over 200 pounds to her current appearance, his heart felt like it was being squeezed tightly by an invisible hand, feeling both suffocated and painful.
He only resented being drugged by Zeng Xiuzhu and losing his virginity by sleeping with Pangya, ruining his lifelong marital happiness. He never thought that Pangya was also a virgin, that she might get pregnant, or that she would encounter such misfortune. She faced more than just the bullying, harshness, and abuse from Zeng Xiuzhu and Liu Dazhu. Over the years, she had faced countless dangers alone with An'an and Ningning.
“Xingyue…” His voice was so hoarse it was almost incoherent, and his eyes were burning with tears. “I’m sorry to you, and I’m sorry to the two children.”
If he were with her and her daughter, why would she have to rely on her own ruthlessness to protect the two children?
Guilt washed over him like a tidal wave, wrapped in heartache, almost drowning this tough man.
Qiao Xingyue smiled instead.
This smile could be a sign of relief, or perhaps a smile that erases all grudges.
Admittedly, when she learned that he was her man and the father of An An and Ning Ning, she resented, hated, blamed, was angry, and disliked him. She resented his indifference over the past five years, which had caused her and her two daughters to suffer so much hardship.
But in Chadian Village, he took a knife for her, and on the train, he took a bullet for her; he was a man willing to risk his life for her.
If the gleaming knife that night couldn't hurt him, the bullets on the train were enough to kill him; he went without hesitation.
Qiao Xingyue smiled with relief, "It's okay, it's all in the past. If you feel guilty towards An An and Ning Ning, be nicer to them in the future. When you go back, I'll find an opportunity to tell An An and Ning Ning that you are their father."
"Really?" Xie Zhongming suddenly sat up from the head of the hospital bed, his left shoulder, wrapped in thick bandages, tensed up abruptly.
The white gauze instantly blotted out a bright red stain, and the bleeding that had just stopped started seeping out again, causing him to break out in a cold sweat from the pain.
But this pain was nothing compared to the overwhelming joy in my heart.
His cloudy eyes suddenly shone like burning torches, his right knuckles, gripping the blanket, turned white, his Adam's apple bobbed violently twice, and his voice trembled, "Xingyue, do you really agree to let An'an and Ningning acknowledge me as their bastard father?"
Qiao Xingyue thought that if he could risk his life to protect her, he could certainly protect An Anning and Zhou Quan even more.
Over the years, An'an and Ningning have suffered so much with her, and as their mother, she also hopes that An'an and Ningning can live a peaceful life.
She nodded. "I'll find an opportunity to talk to An'an and Ningning properly when I get back."
Xie Zhongming was stunned.
My throat suddenly tightened, my nose stung, and my eyes instantly reddened.
The time he was injured in Shantang Village, he first met the clever An'an and the pale-faced Ningning in that dark thatched hut, and felt a special connection with them.
Before he knew that Xingyue was Pangya, he wished countless times that he could have twin daughters as well-behaved and cute as An'an and Ningning. He even hoped countless times that he could be An'an and Ningning's stepfather.
It turns out that An An and Ning Ning really are his biological daughters.
He longed to be able to kiss An'an and Ningning, and to have them call him "Dad." He dreamed of An'an and Ningning holding him and calling him.
Now Xingyue is finally willing to let the two children recognize him.
He, a tough and unyielding man, suddenly couldn't control the tears streaming down his face.
His left shoulder throbbed with pain from his agitated movements, but he paid no heed. The light in his eyes shone brighter than the military flags on the battlefield. "When we get back, I'll make An'an and Ningning acknowledge me as their father."
"What are you thinking?" Qiao Xingyue glared at him. "I have to lay the groundwork first. If it's too sudden, An'an Ningning might not be able to accept it."
Xie Zhongming wiped away his tears and said happily, "Okay, I'll listen to you. Whenever you say we should recognize each other, we'll recognize each other."
It really can't be too sudden. If An'an and Ningning knew that he had never returned to Chadian Village to visit them, she might harbor resentment.
"You're really obedient." Qiao Xingyue glared at him again. "Then let me tell you not to be so stupid. Why did you rush out to shield me from a bullet on the train? Luckily, it only injured your left shoulder. If the bullet had been a little off course and hit your head or heart, how would I explain it to Aunt Lan and Uncle Xie?"
"Isn't everything alright?"
"Alright, lie down and get some rest."
Qiao Xingyue stepped forward and helped him put down the pillow that was against the headboard.
A slender hand landed on his right arm, supporting him.
"Lie down."
Qiao Xingyue's tone was resolute and left no room for argument.
Her fingertips unconsciously tightened their grip, afraid of touching his uninjured tendons and bones. "The doctor said you need to rest and get some sleep. I'll go to the hospital cafeteria to get you some food later. What would you like to eat?"
Her palms, calloused from years of heavy labor, pressed warmly against his muscular arms.
That soft touch warmed his heart and sent shivers down his spine.
He could clearly feel the curve of her fingers, tracing the contours of his arm muscles, making this tough guy, who had been through countless battles, feel a subtle heat rising in his ears.
"I'll eat whatever you hit."
"Okay."
After helping him lie down, Qiao Xingyue let go of his hand.
Just now, her hand grasped his right arm. The muscles in his arm were firm and powerful. Although he looked so thin, he exuded a sense of strength that could not be hidden.
Qiao Deyue's palms were burning hot, and she suddenly felt a little uneasy. "Okay, you rest, I'll go get you some medicine."
Watching Qiao Xingyue turn and walk out of the ward, Xie Zhongming couldn't help but slightly raise the corners of his tightly pursed lips.
The patient in the next bed, a woman in her fifties or sixties, smiled and asked, "Comrade, was that pretty girl your wife? She's really beautiful."
Xie Zhongming's smile deepened. "She's my wife!"
He was determined to make Xingyue forgive him and make her his wife forever.
The old woman then said, "Comrade, you're a handsome young man. Do you and your husband have a child yet? If you two have a child, whether the child looks like the father or the mother, it will definitely be good-looking too."
When Xie Zhongming answered his aunt's question honestly, his eyes were full of pride and happiness. "We have twin daughters who look just like my wife. They're like porcelain dolls, with big eyes, and they're especially well-behaved and cute."
"Young man, you're so lucky. You married such a beautiful wife, and she even gave you a pair of adorable twins."
"It's truly a blessing I earned in my past life!"
When Qiao Xingyue brought Xie Zhongming's medicine back, she was also carrying a thermos.
She poured half a cup of hot water into Xie Zhongming's enamel mug. The water was too hot, so she blew on it to cool it down. After a while, she handed it to Xie Zhongming and said, "Comrade Xie, your mouth is dry. Have some water."
Seeing Xie Zhongming prop himself up on his right arm as he tried to get up, Qiao Xingyue gently pressed down on his right shoulder. "Lie down, don't move. I just went to the place that sells soda outside and got a straw. You can drink it while lying down."
As she spoke, she put the straw she had gotten from the soda vendor into an enamel mug and held it to his lips.
An older woman nearby saw this and couldn't help but praise, "Comrade, your wife is so good at taking care of people. It's hard to find such a beautiful, considerate, and meticulous wife. You are so lucky."
Qiao Xingyue smiled and said warmly, "Auntie, there's water in your cup. Would you like me to add some hot water for you?"
"No need to trouble yourself, thank you. I've already had a drink. My injury isn't serious; I can be discharged tomorrow. Your husband might need to stay in the hospital for a few more days, right?"
When asked about hospitalization, Qiao Xingyue responded and then said to Xie Zhongming, "Comrade Xie, what's your regimental headquarters' phone number? I need to go to the post office to make a call and have someone from your regimental headquarters tell Aunt Lan and Uncle Xie that you're injured and won't be able to return to Jincheng for a few days."
Xie Zhongming drank some water and looked at her fair and striking face, feeling as sweet as if he had been given honey. "You don't need to call our regimental headquarters, just call my dad's division headquarters."
"Okay, give me your phone number, I'll be there in a bit."
Qiao Xingyue took out her pen and notebook from when she was reviewing her lessons, had Xie Zhongming read out the phone number of Uncle Xie's regiment, and wrote it down. Then she tore the phone number out of the notebook, closed the notebook, and got up.
"You lie down and rest. I'll call Uncle Xie and bring you food when I get back."
As she spoke, she had already walked two or three meters away from the hospital bed. Xie Zhongming, who was behind her, was so nervous that he suddenly stood up and said, "Xingyue, be careful on your way to the post office. Take the bus and don't hesitate to buy a bus ticket."
When Qiao Xingyue turned around, she saw the care in Xie Zhongming's eyes and nodded with a smile, "Okay!"
When Qiao Xingyue arrived at the post office, half an hour had passed. She waited in line, and when it was her turn to make a call, she dialed Xie Jiang's headquarters.
The person who answered the phone wasn't Xie Jiang; judging from the voice, it sounded like Chen Jiahui's father, Commander Chen.
Qiao Xingyue respectfully called out, "Uncle Chen, is Uncle Xie here? I need to talk to him."
"Xingyue?" Chen Shenghua recognized Qiao Xingyue's voice. "Shouldn't you be on the train with Zhongming? Why are you calling the division headquarters? What happened?"
Chen Shenghua had a bad feeling.
Ever since he learned that Qiao Xingyue was a rare talent, Chen Shenghua cherished her as if she were his own daughter.
Before Qiao Xingyue could answer, he asked worriedly, "Xingyue, are you alright? Are you all okay?"
Qiao Xingyue couldn't help but admire Commander Chen; he had guessed it all. "Uncle Chen, on the train, we encountered several hostage-takers. The child being held hostage was only seven years old, and the kidnappers were very wary, so I had to pretend to be a pregnant woman to approach them..."
"Are you alright, Xingyue? Are you hurt?"
Upon hearing what had happened, Chen Shenghua's heart tightened, as if he had heard that his Jia Hui had been injured. He was extremely worried and immediately interrupted Qiao Xingyue.
Qiao Xingyue was very relieved that Uncle Chen was so concerned about her. "Uncle Chen, it's not me who's injured. I've apprehended the kidnapper who took the little boy hostage, but his accomplice shot me from the shadows. But don't worry, it's not me who's injured. Comrade Xie rushed out and took a bullet for me, injuring his left shoulder, but the bullet has been removed. Comrade Xie needs to stay in Kuncheng Hospital for three days, so we might not be able to return to Jincheng for a few more days."
Upon hearing that it wasn't Qiao Xingyue who was injured, Chen Shenghua breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank goodness, you're not hurt."
And one has to admire Xie Zhongming; he's a responsible man who knows how to protect the woman he likes.
Long ago, Chen Shenghua had hoped that Xie Zhongming could become his son-in-law and marry his Jia Hui, but since Xie Zhongming didn't like Jia Hui and liked Comrade Qiao, Chen Shenghua still gave his blessings.
He inquired about Xie Zhongming's injuries, expressed his concern for Xie Zhongming, and said, "Xingyue, your Uncle Xie isn't here right now. When I get back to the compound, I'll go to the Xie family and tell your Aunt Lan and your Uncle Xie. I'll have to trouble you to take good care of Zhongming."
"Uncle Chen, don't worry, I will take good care of Comrade Xie."
After hanging up the phone, Chen Shenghua felt sorry for Xie Zhongming's injury, but also somewhat relieved.
The fact that Xie Zhongming rushed out to shield Xingyue from bullets shows that he really likes her.
In the evening, he returned to the compound and first went to the Chen family's house. He saw Wang Shufen cooking in the kitchen and Jia Hui translating documents at the square table. He stood at the entrance of the main hall without even entering and instructed, "Jia Hui, Zhongming was injured on the train and can't come back to Jincheng for the time being. I'm going to your Uncle Xie's house to tell them about this, so they won't worry if Zhongming and Xingyue don't come home tomorrow morning."
"What? Commander Xie is injured? Is he seriously injured? What about Xingyue? Is Xingyue alright?"
Chen Jiahui immediately put down her pen. Overwhelmed with worry, she suddenly stood up, causing the chair behind her to fall over.
Snap!
Her heart was also struck hard.
Chen Shenghua knew that Jia Hui said she had let go of Xie Zhongming, but she still couldn't let go and was always thinking about him. However, she could tell from her daughter's similar concern for Qiao Xingyue that she truly wished Xie Zhongming and Qiao Xingyue well.
Chen Shenghua reassured her, "Don't worry, Xingyue isn't injured. Zhongming took a bullet for Xingyue and was shot in the left shoulder, but the surgery was successful and the bullet has been removed. He'll be able to return to Jincheng in a few days."
"Fortunately, Xingyue wasn't injured." Chen Jiahui's eyes showed a hint of relief, but also a barely perceptible dimness. Commander Xie was willing to take a bullet for Xingyue, which showed how deep his feelings for her were.
That barely perceptible gloom vanished in an instant, followed by a relieved smile. "Every cloud has a silver lining. It's a good thing, after this incident, Xingyue's attitude towards Commander Xie will definitely change. It'll be good if their relationship is settled sooner, Aunt Lan and Uncle Xie will definitely be pleased."
Chen Shenghua nodded with relief, "Jiahui, I'm relieved that you think this way. Our Jiahui is such a good person, she will definitely meet the man who is willing to take a bullet for you."
After saying that, Chen Shenghua went to the Xie family.
Right now, Huang Guilan was making tomato and egg noodles in the kitchen, while An'an and Ningning sat in front of the stove stuffing firewood into it. When the two children saw Chen Shenghua enter the kitchen, they greeted him sweetly, "Grandpa Chen!"
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