Chapter 70 Acknowledging He's Her Man
As she spoke, Qiao Xingyue reached out and placed her hand on Xie Zhongming's waistband, pulling his pants up a little.
The fluorescent lights above the toilet in the inpatient building of the military compound flickered, casting shadows on the two figures. The light reflected Qiao Xingyue's fair profile as she bent down to zip up his zipper and fasten his belt.
This profile looks the same as usual, but Xie Zhongming's gaze seemed to be burned back.
Just as Xingyue said, they had already done it together, and she had touched him when she performed the surgery, but he still couldn't control the pounding in his chest that felt like a machine gun.
Qiao Xingyue fastened his belt and looked up. The man's eyes were unmoved, his posture was as straight as a pine tree, and he looked calm and composed. His clean facial features were full of the tough and masculine spirit, but his ears were very red, which made him look even more adorable.
She smiled and said, "Commander Xie, your adrenaline is soaring and your heart is racing right now. You don't look like a calm and collected commander who has been through countless battles."
Looking at Qiao Xingyue's bright smile under the light, Xie Zhongming pretended to be calm, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. "Thank you!"
"Alright, go back to your room and rest." Qiao Xingyue stopped teasing him. "Next time you need to go to the toilet, just tell me. You can't even fasten your belt properly, and you won't let me help you. You're being too distant with me."
Xie Zhongming said "okay," and with the gauze and bandages still on his left shoulder, he followed her out of the restroom and back to the ward.
There were other patients in the ward, and this time the two of them tiptoed around, afraid of disturbing others' sleep.
The two lay on a hospital bed, and Xie Zhongming subconsciously took the banana leaf fan from his pillow.
Qiao Xingyue knew what he was going to do, so she quickly grabbed his hand. "You're injured like this, and you're still thinking of fanning me? Stop fanning me, that's an order. Go to sleep."
Xie Zhongming lowered his voice and said gently, "I'm afraid you'll get hot."
"You're hot when I'm hot? You'll only get hotter by fanning yourself, especially since you're injured. You're not allowed to fan yourself."
Although Qiao Xingyue spoke to Xie Zhongming in a commanding and reprimanding tone when she lowered her voice, she felt a sweet warmth in her heart.
The man was always thinking of fanning her, afraid that she would get hot, so he was actually quite considerate.
There was no fan in the ward.
The summer night was indeed sweltering.
With an additional 1.2-meter hospital bed, the two of them squeezed together, arm to arm and leg to leg, unable to move an inch. Xie Zhongming's body was burning hot.
No wonder it's hot!
But at this moment, Qiao Xingyue didn't seem so agitated or uneasy; on the contrary, she felt quite good.
The nurses were supposed to come for rounds at seven in the morning, so Qiao Xingyue woke up around six and went to the cafeteria to buy breakfast for Xie Zhongming. When she came back, Xie Zhongming was no longer in his hospital bed.
The older woman next to her saw her carrying two aluminum lunchboxes as she walked in and greeted her with a smile, "Girl, buying breakfast?"
"Hey, auntie, these buns are for you." Qiao Xingyue casually handed over two large meat buns.
She hesitated a few times, but Qiao Xingyue insisted on putting it in her hand. "It's fate that we're in the same ward, so please don't be so polite, Auntie. Has my husband gone to the bathroom again?"
"I guess she went to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth." The auntie held the big meat bun that she had given her, said thank you, and then said, "Your husband really loves you. Last night, after you two came back from the bathroom, your husband waited until you fell asleep and then fanned you for a while. I've never seen your husband so caring."
Hearing the aunt talk about Xie Zhongming's thoughtfulness, Qiao Xingyue felt a sweet warmth in her heart. Just as she was about to go look for Xie Zhongming, she saw him walking back from outside with an enamel cup and a towel in his hand.
He had his belt fastened, but it wasn't fastened properly.
She quickly stepped forward to help him readjust it, saying, "Okay, let's eat."
"Xingyue." While eating steamed buns, Xie Zhongming wanted to ask her if she disliked him less.
But he swallowed the words back down his throat.
As Qiao Xingyue drank her porridge, she looked up, her long eyelashes fluttering upwards. Her bright and beautiful appearance made Xie Zhongming's heart pound like a machine gun.
He's twenty-eight this year and has never been in such a irrational situation before.
Afraid that she still disliked him, he didn't dare ask that question. He just felt that her attitude towards him had improved a lot in the past two days. When Qiao Xingyue asked him what was wrong, he replied, "Nothing, I just think the steamed buns at the Kuncheng Military Hospital are especially sweet."
When you're with someone you love, everything tastes the best.
Qiao Xingyue didn't find the steamed buns particularly sweet. "These steamed buns aren't as sweet as the ones Aunt Lan makes."
"It's just sweet!"
...
The day after Xie Zhongming was hospitalized, the Kunming Railway Police Department came and presented Xie Zhongming and Qiao Xingyue with banners recognizing their acts of bravery.
The people who came were Director Zhou and Comrade Gao from that day.
When they presented the banner to Qiao Xingyue in their uniforms, their eyes were full of gratitude. "Comrade Qiao, it's all thanks to you two that we were able to catch those top criminals this time. This banner is specially awarded to you by the higher-ups."
Qiao Xingyue accepted the banner with both hands and suddenly felt extremely honored.
In this simple and honest era, she felt the simple and honest charm of the time. This social atmosphere, compared to the indifference of later generations, was truly touching.
If she encounters something like this again, she will definitely step in again to help those in need.
At this moment, Director Zhou handed her another envelope, smiling as he said, "Comrade Qiao, this is a bonus specially given to you by the higher-ups."
Qiao Xingyue quickly declined, "Director Zhou, I'll accept the banner, but I don't need the bonus. I didn't save people for money; it was because that seven-year-old child was so pitiful. I'm a mother myself, with two daughters, and I can't bear to see any child suffer. Besides, my husband is a soldier, and I'm a military wife. As a military wife and a soldier, of course I should rush to help when I see civilians in danger."
Director Zhou was deeply impressed by Qiao Xingyue's level of awareness. After thinking for a moment, he said, "Comrade Qiao, I won't beat around the bush with you. I've reported your situation to the higher-ups, and we'd like you to join our railway police department. If you're willing, you can start directly at the deputy section chief level."
This railway line is frequently the site of major criminal cases.
If a rare talent like Comrade Qiao, who is skilled in medicine, has exceptional physical abilities, high ideological awareness, and is also a woman, were to join them, it would greatly help their work.
Xie Zhongming saw through Director Zhou's intentions at a glance.
He cherished talent just like Commander Chen.
Before Qiao Xingyue could speak, he politely declined, saying, "Sir, my wife just came to the military base with our child. We've been separated for over five years, and it's rare for her to stay with me. Besides, I don't feel comfortable letting her, a woman, risk her life alone out there. I hope you understand."
He didn't give Qiao Xingyue a chance to answer, and went straight to the point.
He was so afraid that his wife would be snatched away by someone else before she even had a few days with him that he didn't care whether Qiao Xingyue agreed or not, and grabbed her hand and held it in his palm.
Director Zhou smiled and nodded in understanding, then turned his gaze to Qiao Xingyue. "Comrade Qiao, what your husband said makes sense. But I still want to retain such a rare talent as you. What do you think?"
Qiao Xingyue glanced at Xie Zhongming.
He was waiting for her answer, his calm and wise gaze filled with deep worry and tension.
That's because he was afraid that if she agreed to Director Zhou's request, they would have to break up again.
She could sense Xie Zhongming's nervousness.
At that moment, that large, calloused hand gripped her tightly, with a firm but gentle touch.
She had no intention of leaving the Jincheng Military Region, where Aunt Lan, Uncle Xie, and the old lady lived. An'an and Ningning would also continue their studies at the Jincheng Military Region.
So, turning to Director Zhou, she said decisively, "Director Zhou, when Comrade Gao suggested that I stay in the railway public security department last time, I already made my position clear. My two daughters are still young and need my care in many ways, so as their mother, I need to stay with them. I hope you understand."
Upon hearing this, Director Zhou sighed regretfully, then nodded in understanding, "It's just that our unit couldn't retain such a rare talent as Comrade Qiao. However, I sincerely wish Comrade Qiao and Comrade Xie a happy and fulfilling life together as a family of four."
Qiao Xingyue said thank you.
Even though she had already rejected Director Zhou and didn't intend to stay in the railway police department in Kunming, Xie Zhongming was still holding her hand, his grip on her hand no less firm.
The taut grip encircled her entire hand, his warm palm pressed tightly against hers. She moved slightly, and he tightened his hold, as if afraid she would slip away.
How afraid was this man of her agreeing to stay with Director Zhou?
Even after Director Zhou forcefully stuffed the 200 yuan bonus into Qiao Xingyue's hand, said a few more words, and left, Xie Zhongming still didn't let go.
Qiao Xingyue gently squeezed Xie Zhongming's palm. "They're gone. I won't go with them. Can you let go now?"
Xie Zhongming didn't let go and asked, "Xingyue, you won't change your mind and want to go with Director Zhou to their railway police department, will you?"
“Working in the railway police department is indeed a highly sought-after job.” As she pretended to ponder, Xie Zhongming tightened his grip on her palm, making her feel somewhat uncomfortable.
She then forcefully shook him off, saying, "Don't worry, Director Zhou has already left. Besides, An'an and Ning Ning are going to stay in Jincheng to study, how could I possibly leave?"
At this moment, Xie Zhongming's tense back finally relaxed, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
When it came to studying, he quickly agreed, "Yes, An'an and Ningning haven't completed the procedures for studying yet. We need to hurry up and get our marriage certificate after we get back to Jincheng."
With the identity certificate issued by Chadian Village, there would be no more obstacles for him and Xingyue to reissue their marriage certificate.
Hearing Xie Zhongming's words, Qiao Xingyue knew he had ulterior motives, but she said nothing and nodded with a smile on her lips.
Seeing her nod, Xie Zhongming finally felt relieved and a great weight lifted from his shoulders.
...
Five days later, Xie Zhongming's injuries had recovered well.
After completing the discharge procedures, Qiao Xingyue and he boarded the train back to Jincheng together.
Arrived in Jincheng the next day.
Before boarding the train, Xie Zhongming went to the post office to call the regimental headquarters, telling Jiang Beiyang and the others the exact time they would arrive in Jincheng, and instructing them to send a car to pick them up and take them back to the compound.
That morning, Jiang Beiyang's second brother, Jiang Beisong, drove a green military-style jeep with Xiao Songhua and Chen Jiahui on an errand.
After finishing their business, they went to the train station to pick someone up.
On the road, Jiang Beisong gripped the steering wheel and drove steadily. "Comrade Jia Hui, I have something to tell you, but don't be sad."
Chen Jiahui sat in the back seat of the car. Xiao Songhua was originally sitting in the front passenger seat, but Jiang Beisong insisted on moving him to the back seat under the pretext of putting something in the front passenger seat.
In fact, Jiang Beisong's purpose was very clear: he wanted to create an opportunity for Xiao Songhua and Chen Jiahui to get closer together.
Over the years, the Jiang brothers, Song and Yang, have seen clearly that Chen Jiahui has liked Xie Zhongming for many years. Even after Xie Zhongming married Pangya, she refused all the offers to introduce her to potential partners in the compound, all because she couldn't let go of Xie Zhongming.
Xiao Songhua, this tough guy, also applied for a transfer to the Kuncheng Military Region when Chen Jiahui applied, all because he secretly liked Chen Jiahui.
Xiao Songhua, however, did not dare to speak.
Jiang Beisong also has a female friend he likes, Deng Yingying, who grew up with Xie Zhongming. However, Deng Yingying has always had feelings for Xie Zhongming. He did confess his feelings, but Deng Yingying rejected him.
Jiang Beisong knew the pain of loving someone you couldn't have.
Although Chen Jiahui and Xiao Songhua were sitting in the back row together, there was a seat between them, and neither of them got close to the other, making them seem particularly distant.
Chen Jiahui responded, "What could I possibly be sad about? Tell me, what's wrong?"
The saddest things had already happened. The first was when Commander Xie said he would consider personal matters after he was promoted to commander, but when she waited until he was promoted, he unexpectedly married Fatty. The second was when Commander Xie was finally going to divorce Fatty, but he fell in love with Xingyue.
Could there be anything more upsetting than these things?
Jiang Beisong thought for a moment and decided to make Jia Hui give up completely. "Comrade Jia Hui, you probably don't know, but Comrade Qiao Xingyue is actually Comrade Pang Ya. They are the same person. An'an and Ningning are actually Zhongming's daughters."
It was Jiang Beiyang who told Jiang Beisong about this.
Jiang Beiyang had instructed Zhongming not to spread the word and to keep Jiang Beisong's mouth shut.
But Jiang Beisong felt that only in this way could Jia Hui completely give up, start over, and possibly be with Xiao Songhua.
Little did he know that when he told Xiao Songhua and Chen Jiahui about this, their first reaction was complete disbelief.
Xiao Songhua spoke, his strong voice carrying a hint of mockery, "Bei Song, do you think we're fools? Comrade Xingyue and Comrade Pangya are completely different people, how could they possibly be the same person?"
Chen Jiahui smiled and said, "Bei Song, I genuinely wish Xingyue and Commander Xie all the best from the bottom of my heart. The other day when they came to my house for dinner, I even arranged for them to sit together, hoping they would get together soon. You're saying this on purpose, you don't mean to think I'm like Deng Yingying, trying to ruin their relationship, do you?"
Jiang Beisong felt uncomfortable when Jia Hui mentioned that Deng Yingying had ruined Zhongming and Xingyue's relationship.
After all, Deng Yingying was the woman he liked, and everyone knew that he had pursued her.
However, Jiang Beisong did not blame Jia Hui.
After all, everyone has different opinions and perspectives.
He patiently explained, "Jia Hui, Ying Ying doesn't have any bad intentions. She's just a bit too direct."
Xiao Songhua disagreed with this view. "Bei Song, I don't think Deng Yingying is a good person. Don't stay single for a long time because of a woman like that, or you'll get hurt by her."
Jiang Beisong: "And what about you? Who is it that keeps you single?"
When the topic of not dating came up, Xiao Songhua secretly glanced at Chen Jiahui, but his gaze was immediately stung by her gaze, and his mind was suddenly in turmoil. "Why are you bringing this up?"
Jiang Beisong continued driving, "Let's not talk about the two of us anymore. Let's talk about Comrade Xingyue and Zhongming. They are husband and wife. Xingyue really is that missing fat girl. Zhongming personally confirmed this."
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