"Xinghe, what are you thinking about?" Aunt Mei nudged her. "Did you hear what we said? When are you planning to work with Commander Jiang?"
Xu Xinghe snapped back to reality, her cheeks burning even hotter. "Not yet... Oh, right, Aunt Mei."
She lowered her voice, "Li Xingzhou and Wang Zhizhi have caused me trouble several times recently. I'm always afraid that they won't be satisfied before they leave and will cause some more trouble..."
Wang Chunmei's eyes instantly turned cold, and she patted her chest to assure them, "Xinghe, don't worry, leave this to me! I'll keep an eye on them and make sure they don't have a chance to pull any tricks!"
Having spent so many years in the military, Wang Chunmei was used to all sorts of human relationships, but she was genuinely kind-hearted. When she heard about this, her first reaction was to keep an eye on the person, without any other thoughts whatsoever. She certainly wouldn't even consider beating the person up.
Other military spouses echoed the sentiment.
"We'll keep an eye on it for you too!"
"My house is right next to theirs, so I'll come and report any disturbances immediately!"
They all remember Xu Xinghe's kindness.
During the snowstorm, if Xu Xinghe hadn't brought out so much food and medicine, the men and children in her family might have suffered from hunger and frostbite.
This little thing is not worth mentioning now.
Xu Xinghe felt much relieved. "Many hands make light work. With the aunties saying that, I feel much more at ease."
The excitement gradually faded away.
The villagers returned to their villages, and the military compound gradually returned to its afternoon tranquility.
Xu Xinghe carried two snowball-like rabbits into the courtyard. As soon as she opened the door, she saw Jiang Linchuan standing under the eaves, raising his hand to smash the hanging icicles.
The icicles fell to the ground, making a crisp cracking sound.
He turned around, and his eyes, which had been filled with coldness, instantly warmed. "You're back."
"Look!" Xu Xinghe held the rabbit in her arms high. "It was a gift from the villagers. I was thinking of making a burrow for it and keeping it indoors. Would that make it more lively?"
Jiang Linchuan glanced at the little guy with long, upright ears, and coughed lightly. "Rabbits have a strong odor, and the windows aren't often opened in winter. Let's keep them in a side room. I'll go and prepare one."
"I'll listen to you," Xu Xinghe said with a smile that crinkled her eyes.
The two found a wooden box, lined it with old cotton wool to make a nest, and placed the rabbit in the second bedroom.
Jiang Linchuan went to the cafeteria to get a cabbage, shredded it into thin strips, and fed it to them.
Xu Xinghe squatted on the ground, watching curiously as the rabbit nibbled at its food.
Jiang Linchuan's gaze fell on Xu Xinghe's small face, and his Adam's apple bobbed slightly. "There's something I need to tell you. I have to leave the military headquarters temporarily after New Year's Day."
"Where to?" Xu Xinghe paused, her fingertips pausing.
"It's not far, I'll be back in about three days." He raised his hand and stroked her cheek, his palm touching her cool skin. "I'm sorry, but after this mission, I can stay with you until the New Year."
"That's good too." Xu Xinghe rubbed against his palm like a clingy kitten, her bright black eyes looking at him. "Don't worry, I can take care of myself."
"Yes, I'll have someone keep an eye on Li Xingzhou."
Xu Xinghe suddenly stood up straight, her eyes darting around, "How about I put this person under my command? I have a feeling Li Xingzhou is up to something, maybe we can turn the tables on him."
Jiang Linchuan frowned slightly. "This is too dangerous."
“But I want to try.” Xu Xinghe pouted slightly, but her tone was very serious. “Based on what I know about Li Xingzhou recently, he’s definitely plotting something bad.”
Someone like him, who considers himself clever and is inherently proud, would never allow himself to leave in such a sorry state; he would definitely try to get back at the last minute.
Xu Xinghe still remembered the look of determination in the other person's eyes every time they saw her before.
This kind of person is like a venomous snake lurking in the shadows, ready to bite her at any moment!
Seeing her insistence, Jiang Linchuan remained silent for a moment before finally giving in, "Alright, I'll have someone follow your arrangements."
Xu Xinghe immediately hugged his waist and buried her face in his thick military coat, "I knew you were the best!"
After leaving the courtyard, Jiang Linchuan went straight to Political Commissar Wang's office. "I won't be going on the mission after New Year's Day."
Political Commissar Wang was stunned. "Why not go? That's a great opportunity to accumulate military merits! If you do well, you can get promoted again in the second half of next year!"
"I don't want to go." Jiang Linchuan's tone was firm, without explanation.
Even though he had arranged for people to help, he was still not at ease.
He would personally guard the place until Li Xingzhou and Wang Zhizhi were completely gone before Xu Xinghe was safe and he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Political Commissar Wang stared at Jiang Linchuan's tense profile for a long time before letting out a heavy sigh, his tone full of helplessness, "Whatever."
He tapped his fingertips on the table, his tone tinged with disappointment. "This mission is simple, and the military merits are substantial. Such an opportunity doesn't come around every year."
Jiang Linchuan didn't reply, only looking down at the ground.
No matter how great his military achievements or how rare his opportunities, in his eyes, nothing could compare to Xu Xinghe standing peacefully in the sunlight, smiling.
Military merits are something you can earn in your lifetime; there's plenty of time to do it.
There is only one Xu Xinghe in the whole world.
If Li Xingzhou takes advantage of her absence for these three days and hurts her, what's the point of climbing higher in the future?
Seeing that he was unmoved by reason, Political Commissar Wang waved his hand and said, "Alright, alright, I know your temperament. Once you've made up your mind, nothing can change it. I'll have someone else take over the mission. You just stay here and keep watch."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
