Chapter 337 A Bowl of Braised Food Expresses Longing
The third day arrived quickly, and Lu Jingyan spent the entire afternoon busy in the kitchen.
He rolled up his sleeves and stood in front of the stove, his movements clumsy but extremely earnest.
The braised pork sizzled in the pot, filling the entire yard with its aroma.
He flipped the meat with a spatula, the veins on his hands bulging, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.
Su Wantang leaned against the kitchen door frame, watching his busy figure, feeling an indescribable bitterness in her heart.
"Don't stand there, sit down and rest." Lu Jingyan turned to look at her, his tone carrying a commanding tone.
"I'll just look around, it's not tiring."
"No, what if my legs get swollen from standing for too long?"
He put down the spatula, walked a few steps to her, and half-forcefully helped her to sit down in a chair.
Su Wantang grabbed his wrist.
"You still haven't told me how long you're going to be gone this time."
Lu Jingyan remained silent for a few seconds, then placed his palm on the back of her hand.
"One month, at most one month."
“One month…” Su Wantang murmured repeatedly, her fingertips tightening slightly.
"I'll be back as soon as possible." Lu Jingyan squatted down, his gaze level with hers. "Wait for me at home, don't go anywhere."
Su Wantang nodded, her eyes welling up with tears.
Lu Jingyan looked at her, his Adam's apple bobbing a few times, but he didn't say anything. He just got up and continued cooking.
When dinner was served, the table was full of Su Wantang's favorite dishes.
Sweet and sour pork ribs, steamed sea bass, garlic broccoli, and a bowl of steaming chicken soup.
Lu Jingyan kept serving her food, one bite after another, until the bowl was soon piled high with food.
"That's enough, that's enough, I can't finish all of this." Su Wantang pressed his hand down.
"You need to eat more; the baby needs nutrition."
"But I really can't eat anymore."
Lu Jingyan put down his chopsticks and stared at her for a few seconds.
"Then I'll feed you."
Su Wantang was stunned, then burst out laughing.
Are you stupid?
"Even if she's stupid, I have to feed her." Lu Jingyan said, picking up a piece of pork rib and bringing it to her mouth. "Open your mouth."
Su Wantang bit into the rib and chewed slowly, but tears suddenly fell down her cheeks.
Lu Jingyan immediately panicked.
"What's wrong? Is it not tasty?"
Su Wantang shook her head, choking back tears, and said, "It's delicious, but... but I just can't bear to see you leave."
Lu Jingyan put down his chopsticks and pulled her into his arms.
"Don't cry, I'll be back soon."
"You've said it will be quick many times, but it always takes so long."
Lu Jingyan hugged her tightly, resting his chin on the top of her head.
"This time is different. This time I will do everything I can to get back."
Su Wantang buried herself in his arms, her tears soaking his clothes.
After dinner, Su Wantang insisted on helping him pack his luggage.
Lu Jingyan couldn't persuade her otherwise, so he could only let her sit by the bed and direct her while he tidied things up himself.
"Did you bring enough changes of clothes?"
That's enough.
"Where's the first-aid kit? Your injury from last time hasn't fully healed yet."
"I brought it."
"And..." Su Wantang paused, "Where's your lucky charm?"
Lu Jingyan pulled out a small cloth bag containing a peace charm that Su Wantang had sewn by hand.
She took it and gently ran her fingers over the crooked stitches.
"My sewing isn't very good, please don't mind."
"How could that be?" Lu Jingyan took the amulet and put it in the inside pocket of his military uniform. "Keep it close to your body, and you won't lose it anywhere."
Su Wantang looked at him, her eyes reddening again.
Lu Jingyan walked over, took her hand, and kissed it lightly.
"Stop crying, I can't stand seeing you cry."
"Then don't go."
"Wantang..."
"I know you have to leave, I was just... just saying." Su Wantang took a deep breath and wiped away her tears. "I won't hold you back."
Lu Jingyan pulled her into his arms, placing his hand on her swollen belly.
Was the baby fussy today?
"It's alright, it just kicks me a few times occasionally."
As soon as she finished speaking, she felt a distinct fetal movement in her belly.
Lu Jingyan froze, the force emanating from his palm making him stiffen completely.
"He kicked me." His voice trembled. "Wantang, he kicked me."
Su Wantang smiled.
He's saying goodbye to you.
Lu Jingyan leaned down and pressed his face against her stomach.
"Baby, Daddy has to go out for a bit. Be good at home and don't bother Mommy."
His voice was soft, with an unprecedented gentleness.
Su Wantang stroked his hair, feeling a bittersweet mix of emotions.
It was late at night, and the two lay in bed, neither of them able to fall asleep.
Lu Jingyan turned to hug her, his hand gently stroking her back.
"Are you scared?" Su Wantang suddenly asked.
What's there to be afraid of?
"I'm afraid something might happen."
Lu Jingyan remained silent for a few seconds.
"I'm afraid, but I'm even more afraid that something will happen to you at home and I won't be there for you."
Su Wantang turned around to face him.
"I won't get into trouble, and neither will you."
"Um."
"Lu Jingyan, promise me that no matter what happens, you will come back alive."
"I promise you." Lu Jingyan raised his hand, his fingertips stroking her cheek. "You also promise me that you will take good care of yourself and the child."
"I promise you."
The two stared at each other, an indescribable emotion filling the air.
Lu Jingyan leaned down and kissed her lips.
The kiss was light and slow, filled with a deep sense of reluctance.
Su Wantang responded to him, her fingers climbing up his shoulder, feeling the tension in his body.
Lu Jingyan's breathing gradually became heavy, his palms tightened, but he restrained himself and relaxed them.
“I can’t…” his voice was hoarse, “you and the child…”
“I know,” Su Wantang interrupted him. “I just want to be closer to you.”
Lu Jingyan hugged her even tighter, resting his chin on the top of her head.
"Wantang, wait for me to come back."
"good."
Moonlight streamed through the gauze curtains and fell upon the two of them.
Lu Jingyan got up just as dawn was breaking.
He moved very gently, afraid of waking Su Wantang.
But Su Wantang wasn't asleep at all. She opened her eyes and watched him put on his military uniform and fasten his belt.
"You're awake." Lu Jingyan turned around and sat down by the bed.
"Um."
"Sleep a little longer, it's still early."
"I'm not going to sleep anymore." Su Wantang sat up. "I'll take you home."
"No need, you can rest at home."
"I want to deliver it."
Lu Jingyan couldn't dissuade her, so he could only help her get out of bed and get dressed.
At the entrance of the compound, Gao Jianjun had already driven his car over.
He saw Su Wantang and immediately jumped out of the car.
"Sister-in-law, why did you come out? It's cold outside."
"It's nothing, I just want to see him off."
Gao Jianjun scratched his head and wisely walked to the side.
Lu Jingyan held Su Wantang's hand and stood at the gate of the courtyard.
"Let's go back, it's windy outside."
"Stand a little longer."
"Wantang..."
"Just for a little while."
Lu Jingyan sighed and took off his coat, draping it over her shoulders.
"Then get dressed."
Su Wantang tightened her coat and looked at him.
Be careful on your way.
"Um."
"Send me a telegram when you arrive."
"good."
"Also, don't push yourself too hard; if you get injured, be sure to tell us."
"I know."
Before Su Wantang could say anything, Lu Jingyan suddenly leaned down and kissed her forehead.
"I'm leaving."
He let go of her hand, turned around, and got into the car.
The car started and slowly drove out of the courtyard gate.
Su Wantang stood there, watching the car drive further and further away until it disappeared completely from sight.
She looked down at her stomach and patted it gently.
"Baby, let's wait for Daddy to come back."
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