Chapter 29 Wounded
Lu Ye was away on a mission, and the matter of seaweed artificial cultivation lingered in Jiang Suining's mind, making her restless.
She knew she couldn't figure this out on her own. After thinking it over, she decided that since her sister-in-law worked for the Women's Federation and was straightforward and enthusiastic, she could talk to her about it.
Lian's sister-in-law was naturally aware that the island's supply and marketing cooperative was buying seaweed. The seaweed purchase was to support the prevention and treatment of goiter in iodine-deficient areas. Her husband, Old Zhang, had mentioned this more than once at home, saying it was a major event that benefited the country and its people.
Upon hearing Jiang Suining's bold ideas about artificial breeding, Sister-in-law Lian first widened her eyes in surprise, then her face showed an expression of admiration.
She took Jiang Suining's hand, her voice full of surprise: "Little Jiang, I really didn't expect that you, a young comrade who has only been at the labor protection factory for a short time, would not only be good at drawing, popular, and efficient, but also have such great ideas!"
Developing kelp farming is indeed a good thing that benefits the country and its people. Even Sister-in-law was quickly calculating in her mind that there were still many wives in the military family compound who were idle and had no work. If this farm could really be set up, wouldn't it provide many job opportunities for military families? This good thing that would benefit many people made her feel excited.
"This is a good idea!" Sister-in-law Lian was secretly delighted, but she remained outwardly calm. After all, this was no small matter, and she couldn't make the decision alone. She needed to go home and discuss it with Lao Zhang first. So, she suppressed her excitement and said gently to Jiang Suining, "Jiang, your idea is excellent, but this can't be rushed. It involves many aspects, so we have to proceed step by step. Here's what I'll do: I'll have Lao Zhang inquire privately about how to apply for this and what procedures are required."
When Jiang Suining heard that Sister-in-law Lian was willing to help and that they would need to ask Commander Zhang to intervene, she felt much more at ease. Commander Zhang carried weight in the military region; if he was willing to help, the matter would be more than half successful.
A few days later, one evening, Sister-in-law Lian arrived at Jiang Suining's house beaming. Before she even entered, she excitedly exclaimed, "Little Jiang, good news! It's done!"
Jiang Suining was preparing dinner in the kitchen when she heard the noise and came out wiping her hands. She didn't react for a moment: "Sister-in-law, what's done?"
"It's a seaweed farm!" Sister Lian walked into the house with a beaming smile, poured herself a glass of water and drank it down in one gulp, then began to speak animatedly, "After you told me that day, I went home and mentioned it to Lao Zhang. He didn't say anything at the time, and I thought he was just listening casually, but I didn't expect him to take it to heart! Now it's been decided from above, and the logistics department of the military region will be directly in charge of this matter! Technicians, site planning, and construction funds will all be arranged and implemented by the logistics department!"
Jiang Suining's smile froze slightly. Directly led by the military region's logistics department? That would naturally be more efficient and provide better support. However, this would mean that the project would become a plan and task entirely led by the military region, leaving her completely out of the picture.
Sister-in-law Lian didn't notice Jiang Suining's subtle emotional change. She put down her water glass and continued enthusiastically, "As for the workers, it's all settled. We'll prioritize selecting from our military dependents, and they'll only be able to start working after passing unified training and assessments. Xiao Jiang, you were the one who first came up with this idea, and you deserve a lot of credit. Although we don't understand the specific technology, I think you're perfectly capable of handling the recruitment and initial training! I've already recommended you to the higher-ups, and if it's approved, the project team will second you over."
Jiang Suining paused for a moment, feeling somewhat hesitant. She had originally wanted to be more deeply involved in the actual construction and subsequent operation of the farm, rather than just being responsible for administrative work such as recruitment and training.
When her sister-in-law saw that she didn't agree immediately, she thought that she was worried about not doing well, so she comforted her, "Don't worry, the training teachers and logistics department will make unified arrangements. Recruiting people is even simpler. It's mainly about mobilization and registration. As long as you are willing to sign up and meet the requirements, you can participate in the training. Anyway, there will be an assessment at the end."
Jiang Suining knew that her sister-in-law meant well and was trying to secure an opportunity for her, so she suppressed her slight disappointment, smiled, and agreed, "Okay, sister-in-law, if I'm seconded, I'll do my best in terms of organization, coordination, and personnel management." She paused, but couldn't help asking, "However, why did the military region's logistics department end up taking the lead in this matter? I was originally thinking about whether we could cooperate with the local commune..."
"Oh, my silly sister!" Sister-in-law Lian pulled her close and said frankly, "When you mentioned it the other day, the first thing that came to my mind was all those military dependents who are unemployed! This is a perfect opportunity! When I mentioned it to Lao Zhang, he also felt that this was a good thing to solve the employment problem for military dependents and stabilize the military's home front. It's legitimate for the military region to handle this, and the efforts will be greater. It will definitely be much faster to get things moving than coordinating with the local authorities!"
Jiang Suining listened, feeling somewhat amused and exasperated. So this was the root of the problem. But then she thought, even her sister-in-law and Commander Zhang meant well, and in this era, having a collective or state-run organization lead such projects was indeed the safest and most efficient approach. It seemed the time was far from ripe for that vague idea about future development that had been lingering in her mind. Oh well, she silently comforted herself; the most important thing right now was to get this done.
The logistics department of the military region acted very efficiently. Three days later, the "Nan'ao Island Kelp Artificial Cultivation Project Team" was officially established, with its office located on the first floor of the logistics department. Jiang Suining, as a seconded personnel, went to attend the team meeting early on the first day.
The conference room wasn't very large, with several long tables pushed together and covered with a dark green velvet cloth. When Jiang Suining arrived, quite a few people were already seated inside, all dressed in crisp military uniforms, sitting upright, and the atmosphere was serious. Standing at the door, she felt that her civilian clothes were somewhat out of place with the environment inside, and hesitated for a moment.
The soldier seated at the head of the table, around thirty years old, had dark skin and deep wrinkles on his forehead that seemed unusual for his age, giving him a rather serious appearance. He looked up and saw Jiang Suining, but a rather friendly smile appeared on his face: "You must be Comrade Jiang Suining, on loan from the labor protection factory? Welcome, welcome, please come in!"
"Ren Gang, deputy director of the logistics department, will temporarily serve as the team leader for this project." Ren Gang stood up and shook hands with her, his attitude very amiable. "I heard that this great idea for seaweed farming was originally yours? You're truly a promising young man, with a very active mind!"
Jiang Suining's eyes twitched almost imperceptibly. This Team Leader Ren didn't look very old, but he spoke with an air of being an old man. She remained calm and quickly said humbly, "Team Leader Ren, you flatter me. I just brought up an immature idea. I will need your and the other team members' guidance in the future."
Several more people came in, and the two stopped talking.
Jiang Suining found a seat with her name on it and sat down. After the meeting started, she realized that because the technical staff had not yet arrived, many specific tasks could not be started immediately. The main purpose of this meeting was to clarify the initial division of labor and responsibilities of each member of the group.
After the meeting, Jiang Suining left the logistics department building and walked along the tree-lined path beside the playground toward the labor protection factory, still pondering the work arrangements for the next day. As she walked, she saw Sister Lian riding a bicycle, rushing towards her with obvious anxiety on her face.
Jiang Suining stopped with a smile, about to greet her, when she saw Sister-in-law Lian slam on the brakes in front of her, turn the car around, and shout urgently, "Xiao Jiang! Quick! Get in the car and come with me to the hospital! Lu Ye is injured!"
Sister-in-law Lian sensed the unusual silence behind her and knew she was scared. While pedaling hard, she quickly reassured her, "Don't worry too much! I heard there were no serious injuries, and the person has already been taken to the hospital for emergency treatment!"
Emergency treatment? That means serious injury! Jiang Suining's heart was in her throat, her voice trembling without her even realizing it: "Sister-in-law, what exactly happened?"
"I don't know the specifics either. Old Zhang mentioned it briefly. It seems he was injured during a hostage rescue mission..." Even my sister-in-law doesn't know much about military missions.
The two rushed to the military hospital. Lu Ye had just finished surgery and was being wheeled back to his ward, still in a drowsy state as the anesthesia had not completely worn off.
Zhuang Lina stood by the bed with the medical record book, making notes. When she saw Jiang Suining come in, she closed the book and instructed, "Comrade Jiang, Chief of Staff Lu's surgery was very successful. The bullet was a penetrating wound. Fortunately, it did not damage any vital organs or major blood vessels, but he lost a lot of blood. He needs to rest well, especially in the next few days. You must not let him move around too much to avoid tearing the wound."
A penetrating wound! Jiang Suining's heart clenched suddenly. Her gaze fell on Lu Ye's bloodless face, his tightly pursed lips dry and chapped, causing her a sharp pain.
She suppressed the stinging in her nose, thanked Zhuang Lina, walked to the bedside, and gently took Lu Ye's hand that was sticking out of the blanket, only to feel a chill.
Seeing this, Commander Zhang, wanting to ease the tension, sighed and said, "Xiao Jiang, don't get too worked up. Lu Ye is tough! He's survived much worse injuries on missions before..."
Before he could finish speaking, his sister-in-law yanked his arm forcefully. She glared at her husband, and Commander Zhang, still not realizing what he'd said wrong, protested, "Why is she glaring at me? I didn't say anything wrong. That time he..."
Looking up, he saw Jiang Suining's tears falling silently like beads from a broken string. Commander Zhang immediately fell silent and awkwardly rubbed his hands together.
"Xiao Jiang, it's alright, don't listen to Lao Zhang's nonsense!" Sister-in-law Lian quickly stepped forward, put her arm around Jiang Suining's shoulder, and gently comforted her, "Lu Ye is in good physical condition, he will definitely recover quickly. Right now he needs your care the most. If you get sick from being sad, who will take care of him?"
These words jolted Jiang Suining awake. Yes, now wasn't the time to dwell on her own sadness. She forcefully wiped away her tears and forced a smile: "Sister-in-law, you're right. I'm fine. With Lu Ye like this, I'd like to take a few days off to take care of him. But I just got seconded to the project team, and I'm afraid asking for leave now might have a bad impact..."
“Don’t be afraid!” Commander Zhang immediately interjected, his tone resolute. “The project team leader is Ren Gang, right? I’ll personally ask for leave for you! Everyone can understand special circumstances!”
“The technicians haven’t arrived yet. The project team is mainly focused on preparatory work in the early stages, and the recruitment and training I’m in charge of hasn’t officially started yet either… I’d like to ask for five days off first to see how Lu Ye is recovering.” Jiang Suining tried to make her voice sound calm.
"Leave the leave to me, you just focus on taking care of Lu Ye," Sister-in-law Lian assured him, patting her chest.
Jiang Suining's mind was completely focused on Lu Ye on the hospital bed. Upon hearing this, she nodded gratefully, then her gaze returned to her husband's pale face.
About half an hour later, Lu Ye's eyelashes fluttered a few times, and he slowly opened his eyes.
Jiang Suining burst into tears of joy and immediately leaned closer, calling softly, "Lu Ye! Lu Ye, you're awake? How are you feeling?"
Sister-in-law Lian quickly went out to call the doctor. Zhuang Lina and the nurses came in soon and performed a series of examinations on Lu Ye. She said to Jiang Suining, "Don't worry, his vital signs are stable. It's normal to feel some pain when the anesthesia wears off. Next, just rest and replenish your nutrition. For the next few days, eat some light and easily digestible liquid or semi-liquid foods."
"Okay, I understand, thank you, Dr. Zhuang." Jiang Suining's heart finally settled down. She sat back down on the edge of the bed, took Lu Ye's hand, and asked in a choked voice, "Does it hurt a lot?"
"It doesn't hurt." Lu Ye weakly forced a faint smile, trying to raise his hand to touch her face to comfort her, but his body was too weak from blood loss, and his arm only lifted slightly before falling back down.
Seeing his weak movements, Jiang Suining felt a pang of sadness. She gripped his hand tightly, and tears welled up uncontrollably again. She quickly lowered her head, not wanting him to see her swollen eyes.
"I'm really fine, don't worry..." Seeing her like this, Lu Ye felt anxious and pained, and struggled to sit up.
"Don't move! Lie still!" Jiang Suining quickly pressed down gently on his shoulders to stop him from moving. "Are you hungry? I'll make you some millet porridge when we get back?"
"Don't bother, I'll go home and cook it, then I'll bring it over." Sister-in-law Lian pressed down on Jiang Suining, who was about to get up. "You stay here and keep Lu Ye company, don't go anywhere."
At this point, Jiang Suining stopped being polite to Sister-in-law Lian, thanked her, and saw her and Commander Zhang out of the ward.
Only the two of them remained in the ward. Jiang Suining closed the door, returned to the bedside and sat down, but no longer held Lu Ye's hand. She just lowered her head and remained silent.
Lu Ye keenly sensed that something was wrong with her and asked cautiously, "Sui Sui, what's wrong? Don't worry, I really..."
Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Suining's emotions, which she had been suppressing, finally broke down. From the shock she felt when she heard the news of his injury, to the heartbreak she felt when she saw him unconscious, to the elation and fear she felt after he woke up, all sorts of emotions intertwined and now turned into grievance and fear. She could no longer control herself, and large tears fell onto the sheets, her shoulders trembling slightly.
"I, I'm fine..." She knew she shouldn't cry in front of him, but she couldn't help it. She wiped her tears haphazardly with the back of her hand and said in a thick nasal voice, "You, you don't need to worry about me. Just lie there and don't move. Let me cry for a while, and I'll feel better after I've cried it all out..."
Seeing her crying so heartbrokenly, Lu Ye felt an overwhelming pang of heartache. He knew she must have been terrified, and he was even more anxious. However, he was too weak to even raise his hand to wipe away her tears. He could only weakly call her name again and again: "Sui Sui, don't cry, Sui Sui, it's my fault..."
Jiang Suining had a good cry, and the pent-up frustration and fear in her chest seemed to flow away with her tears. She got up and went to the washroom to wash her face with cold water. Looking at her red and swollen eyes in the mirror, she took a deep breath and returned to the ward.
She walked to the bedside, deliberately putting on a stern face: "Lu Ye, listen to me! If you ever dare to get yourself injured like this again, I... I really won't want you anymore!"
Lu Ye panicked and quickly promised, "No! Sui Sui, I promise you! I'll be extra careful from now on and I'll never get hurt again so you won't worry!"
Seeing his eager and earnest expression, Jiang Suining finally smiled through her tears. She knew that a soldier's promises might not be entirely reliable in the face of danger, and that she only wanted him to make a guarantee so that he would be more cautious in future missions.
At noon, Sister-in-law Lian brought over some soft, sweet millet porridge and some light side dishes, along with a message that she was taking leave.
Commander Zhang had personally called Ren Gang to explain the situation. Ren Gang expressed his understanding and support, and asked him to tell Jiang Suining that the recruitment work she was in charge of could only begin after the technicians arrived and conducted on-site inspections to determine the initial scale of the breeding operation. He told her to focus on taking care of her family and not to worry about her work.
Jiang Suining was finally relieved. For the next five days, she stayed by her side at the hospital almost every step of the way.
Lu Ye felt heartbroken seeing her increasingly prominent dark circles under her eyes. He urged her several times to go home and rest properly, but she was always worried and insisted on staying by her bedside.
In fact, the regiment arranged for soldiers to take turns guarding her, but Jiang Suining only felt at ease when she guarded her personally.
Later, Lu Ye pretended to be angry and threatened to refuse treatment and demand to be discharged from the hospital, which barely persuaded her to go home and sleep for a few hours every day.
Ten days later, Lu Ye's injuries had stabilized considerably, and he was able to walk slowly with assistance, and his complexion had also improved a lot.
Jiang Suining, who had been anxious for more than ten days, could finally relax a little.
Meanwhile, the kelp farming project team has already arrived and conducted a preliminary survey of the sea areas around the island suitable for farming. They have selected an experimental area, and the construction planning drawings have been completed. Various building materials have begun to be transported in, and the infrastructure construction work for the farm is about to begin.
Jiang Suining had already taken half a month's leave and felt embarrassed to take any more. Seeing that Lu Ye was recovering well and could basically take care of himself, and that the caregivers arranged by the team were also very attentive, she discussed it with Lu Ye and returned to the project team to cancel her leave and get back to work.
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