Gu Shaoxuan's troops assisted Yongning Public Security in successfully completing this anti-drug mission. As soon as they arrived at work, the public security leaders presented a banner to the regimental headquarters.
Lu Zhenhua was overjoyed. The leadership attached great importance to this mission, and the higher authorities would definitely reward them. In addition, Gu Shaoxuan and Ding Haotian's surgeries were very successful, so the result was a win-win situation.
He immediately instructed Zhang Xin to quickly write an article to publicly praise Gu Shaoxuan and Ding Haotian's deeds in the military newspaper.
Zhang Xin arrived at the hospital early in the morning. He was getting increasingly annoyed with Ge Qiuqin. Ever since she gave birth to their fourth child, her figure had completely changed. The "spare tire" around her waist was disgusting to look at. In addition, she had developed age spots on her face, making her look like a resentful woman. She was no match for Chen Yan, who not only had a slim waist but also had a head of big, wavy hair that was truly alluring.
Zhang Xin, carrying a notebook and camera, first found Gu Shaoxuan. When he pushed open the door, Gu Shaoxuan's appearance really shocked him. His head was wrapped in gauze, his arms were covered in abrasions, and his legs were swollen like loaves of bread.
"Chief of Staff Gu, you look completely different today. If it weren't for your name on the doorplate, I would have thought I had gone into the wrong house."
Zhang Xin placed a bag of fruit by the bedside; after all, they were comrades-in-arms and neighbors, and it wouldn't be right to come empty-handed.
"Old Zhang, what brings you here?"
"The regiment sent me over to interview the two of you, in preparation for publishing your commendation in the military newspaper. Lie down, put your hands on your chest, and I'll take a good picture of you."
"Forget it, my face hurts just talking, I really don't feel like doing an interview."
Gu Shaoxuan always spoke coldly, and Zhang Xin always felt that he was distant, so she didn't feel comfortable joking with him.
"It'll be over soon, just some simple questions. Would you like me to wash an apple for you first?"
Zhang Xin said.
"Forget it, I have trouble even opening my mouth now, let alone chewing. Just ask me whatever you have questions."
Gu Shaoxuan always felt that it was his duty as a soldier to protect the country and the people, and it was really embarrassing to have his achievements exaggerated all the time. But Zhang Xin had his own work to do, so it wouldn't be right for him not to cooperate.
Qiao Huizhen was feeding Ding Haotian next door. His injuries weren't too serious; he only had a broken leg and a mild concussion.
"Honey, this rice is too dry, I can't swallow it. Can you make me some rice with soup?"
After a night of severe dehydration, Ding Haotian's lips were chapped, and he really couldn't get used to the food in the hospital cafeteria.
"Alright, stop being so picky. I don't have time to cook you a meal with soup. You should be grateful that I even brought you food from the hospital cafeteria. You know that Gu Shaoxuan doesn't even have anyone to take care of him next door, let alone eat."
Upon hearing this, Ding Haotian felt much better; his wife was still the best.
"What about Xia? Didn't she come?"
"She's always talking big, all the time. She's always showing off in front of Yuan Qiang. I just got there and she was already gone. I didn't even see a trace of her. Let me tell you, Xia Enruo is very immoral. She's been having an affair for a long time."
"What? You didn't tell Lao Gu to keep an eye on Xia Enruo?"
"Why didn't you say so? Gu Shaoxuan is stupid and doesn't take it seriously. Now that he's injured, he can't control her anymore. Xia Enruo might have already gone to find that wild man. Who cares about his life or death?"
Ding Haotian never expected Xia Enruo to be such a woman—fickle and promiscuous. Breaking up a military marriage is illegal, so it seems her behavior at the victory celebration was all an act. He used to feel somewhat resentful about Gu Shaoxuan's rapid promotions, but now, hearing about his unhappy marriage, he felt much better.
"In a little while, take some food to Old Gu. How can he not eat?"
Out of consideration for their comrades-in-arms, Ding Haotian couldn't bear to do it.
"I'm not going. If I get food poisoning and my condition worsens, will you blame me?"
"How could having a meal worsen the condition?"
"You don't know, different patients have different conditions and different dietary restrictions. Don't cause trouble for me if the food I bring causes problems."
Qiao Huizhen wished Gu Shaoxuan were dead, so how could she possibly still serve him food? She simply made up a lie to fool him.
"Is it really that serious?"
This was the first time Ding Haotian had ever heard of it.
"Of course you don't know medicine, and besides, are you stupid? If Gu Shaoxuan's health doesn't improve and he becomes disabled, the position of chief of staff will still be yours."
Qiao Huizhen spoke for Ding Haotian, revealing that he had indeed been coveting Gu Shaoxuan's position, though he hadn't said it aloud. If Gu Shaoxuan were truly injured and disabled, it would be a great opportunity for him to be promoted.
"Alright, just pretend I didn't say anything. Get me a glass of water."
Zhang Xin pushed the door open and came in, and saw that Qiao Huizhen was also there.
"Your sister-in-law is here. How are you feeling, Lao Ding?"
Zhang Xin greeted them.
"Come in quickly, Officer Zhang. Why did you bring fruit when you came all this way?"
Qiao Huizhen accepted the fruit and exchanged polite words.
“The Lu Group asked me to come and interview Lao Ding. They’ll publish a commendation in the newspaper in a couple of days.”
Qiao Huizhen was pleased to hear Zhang Xin's words. She liked this kind of praise. The more praise Ding Haotian received, the greater the chance he would be noticed by the leaders and the more opportunities he would have for promotion.
"That's good. Officer Zhang should write a good article about our Lao Ding. He's really had a tough time. If it weren't for the mission, he wouldn't be in this situation. It's true that the more proactive you are in your work, the more danger you face."
Zhang Xin smiled and didn't say anything more.
"Definitely, sister-in-law. I will write it well."
Xia Enruo packed the fish soup and millet porridge she had cooked at home, took the bus back to the hospital, and saw Gu Shaoxuan reaching for the cup on the bedside table, wanting to drink water when she opened the ward door.
"Lie down quickly, I'll do it."
Xia Enruo's voice surprised Gu Shaoxuan.
Why did she come?
Gu Shaoxuan lay down and watched Xia Enruo walk to the bedside.
"I made you some breakfast when I got home, but it was a bit late taking the bus."
Xia Enruo placed breakfast by the bedside, picked up a water glass (the water was already cold), then picked up a thermos and added some boiling water, stirring it with a spoon.
"Drink some water, open your mouth."
She placed the spoon near Gu Shaoxuan's lips.
Gu Shaoxuan stared wide-eyed, unable to believe that Xia Enruo could do such a thing; his mind went completely blank.
"What, are you afraid I'll poison you? Then I'll take a sip."
She took a spoonful and scooped it into her mouth.
"Yes, the temperature is just right."
Gu Shaoxuan came to his senses.
"You've misunderstood, that's not what I meant. I didn't expect you to come."
Xia Enruo fed Gu Shaoxuan water and said:
"You're not thinking that since you're injured, it's a good opportunity to run away with some random guy."
“If you want to leave now, I won’t stop you. I’m injured now and may never be able to stand up again. I won’t hold you back. We were going to get a divorce yesterday anyway. You have the right to pursue your own happiness.”
Gu Shaoxuan has always been strong-willed. Now he's practically a cripple and can't even sit up. He's thought a lot this morning. If he can't stand up and is crippled, he might as well just die. That way, he won't bother anyone to take care of him.
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