Chapter 102 The Clever Little Girl
Xia Fanxing had already guessed it.
So she didn't show much surprise.
Xie Jingchen looked at Xia Fanxing with a helpless yet heartbroken expression.
His heart had been in his throat when he saw Lei Ming approaching Xia Fanxing and talking to her from afar.
So he immediately found an excuse about urgent military business and forcibly dragged Lei Ming away.
He knows Lei Ming too well.
Lei Ming is a man of genuine love, but his prejudices and stubbornness are also deeply ingrained.
If he knew that the woman he had just praised was the very same "Xia Fanxing" he had vehemently opposed, who knows what kind of storm it would cause.
Xia Fanxing handed the test report on the squid ink to Xie Jingchen.
Thinking of Lei Ming's undisguised admiration for her, and then of Qin Wanqiu, whom Lei Ming had sent to the regimental headquarters, she couldn't help but smile sarcastically, "This Director Lei has a good eye for people, but he's quite contradictory."
Seeing that Xia Fanxing seemed unaffected, Xie Jingchen took her hand and said firmly yet reassuringly, "Don't worry, I'm here for you."
"Mm." Xia Fanxing nodded.
Seeing that Xie Jingchen had finished reading the report, she asked, "Shall we go back now?"
"Go back." Xie Jingchen gripped her hand tightly.
He hadn't expected this to happen before he came to the division headquarters.
It seems that he can no longer bring Xia Fanxing to the division headquarters before he and Xia Fanxing get married, in order to prevent them from running into Lei Ming again.
·
Before leaving the division headquarters, Xie Jingchen asked Xia Fanxing to wait in the car for a while.
He then went back to Gao Hang's office.
When he went in, Gao Hang was humming a tune and packing up his equipment. Seeing him return, he asked with some surprise, "Old Xie, I thought you guys had just left. What, did you leave something behind?"
Xie Jingchen shook his head.
He took out a small package from his pocket. It was carefully wrapped in thick kraft paper, and the packaging looked very formal.
Xie Jingchen placed the small package on the table and pushed it toward Gao Hang.
The package wasn't big, but it looked heavy.
"Thank you this time." Xie Jingchen's voice was as cold as ever, revealing no emotion.
"What is this? Why are you being so mysterious?" Gao Hang chuckled as he opened the package.
Inside the package were two packs of high-end cigarettes, two beautifully packaged cans of tea, and even a small box of premium chocolates, which are extremely rare in the border regions.
In an era of relative scarcity, especially in border regions, these items would have been considered extremely valuable gifts.
Gao Hang was stunned for a moment, then a ridiculous and mocking smile appeared on his face.
"Wow, Lao Xie, that's impressive! Such a generous gesture? Looks like you'll have to come here more often from now on. If you come a few more times, I'll be rich!"
Gao Hang tried to ease the discomfort caused by the overly formal and expensive thank-you gift with a joke.
Xie Jingchen merely gave a stiff upward twitch at the corner of his mouth as a response to his joke, then turned to leave.
"Thank you, Jingchen!" Gao Hang's smile vanished instantly.
Xie Jingchen paused in his steps.
After a few seconds of silence, Gao Hang's voice trembled slightly: "Do you really have to do this?"
Xie Jingchen stood still, without turning around.
Gao Hang strode up to him, looking at his cold, hard profile, and said urgently and excitedly, "Do we have to be so distant with each other? Do we have to settle everything right here and now, with no favors owed? Do we have to... be even?"
Gao Hang took a deep breath and then sighed helplessly.
His voice lowered, and he asked earnestly yet sadly, "Can't we just get along like friends... no, like ordinary comrades-in-arms? I'm actually quite happy that you think of me when you encounter problems, really."
Gao Hang's gaze involuntarily fell on an old, yellowed group photo that was inconspicuously placed in the office.
Those were a group of spirited young soldiers back then.
He murmured, "It wasn't just me; all the brothers in our dorm back then really thought about you. When we occasionally got together, we'd still talk about you, about how awesome and fearless you were back then..."
"Everyone hopes to have the opportunity to sit down with you again, have a drink, and chat, just like before."
Looking at Xie Jingchen's still tense face, Gao Hang's tone softened, even becoming somewhat wistful: "Old Xie, to be honest, I feel you've changed a bit since I saw you this time. Although you're still as cold as ever, you seem to have become more human."
"Is it because of Comrade Xia? That's a good thing! We all want you to be well, and we also hope that you have someone to talk to. We, we've always been here, as long as you're willing to look back."
These words were like a pebble thrown into a deep pool, stirring up huge waves in Xie Jingchen's stagnant heart.
An indescribable mix of bitterness and warmth surged through his heart, and a feeling swelled violently in his chest, threatening to materialize and burst out of his body at any moment.
How could he not miss those difficult yet pure years?
Who wouldn't want a few friends with whom they can drink and chat without any burden?
Gao Hang's sincerity and his comrades' silent support were like a faint but persistent light, trying to penetrate the thick layer of ice that had closed him off from his own world.
but.
That cold, scathing judgment, deeply ingrained in my heart since childhood, resurfaced once more.
A cursed star, destined to bring misfortune and harm to one's family.
Misfortune befell his loved ones; Ma Nanzheng's leg.
He dared not gamble.
The stars were right beside him, on the same land. If she were to feel unwell or be in danger, he could be the first to notice, arrive at her location, and protect her.
But what about Gao Hang and the others?
They were far away at the division headquarters and various regimental headquarters, each with their own lives and responsibilities.
If they were to encounter any misfortune because of their close relationship with him, he would have no way of knowing in time, let alone being able to reverse the situation.
He could no longer bear the pain and self-blame of being powerless.
Rather than waiting until tragedy strikes and then regretting it, it's better to completely cut off any possible closeness from the very beginning.
Loneliness is the fate he is destined to bear; he cannot drag others down with him.
Thus, Xie Jingchen's newly loosened defenses were once again firmly locked in place by the cold verdict.
He didn't turn around, but instead used a voice even colder and more aloof than before, severing all of Gao Hang's expectations and warmth.
"These are a thank-you gift. You helped me, so it's only right. I won't contact you again unless it's absolutely necessary."
After saying that, he didn't linger and strode out of the office.
His back view was as resolute as a cold knife drawn from its sheath, severing all warmth and expectation behind him.
Gao Hang lowered his eyes and slowly walked back to his office.
He looked at the pile of expensive, yet cold and devoid of warmth, thank-you gifts on the table, and a smile that was more like a grimace appeared on his face.
He was overthinking it; he still couldn't break through Xie Jingchen's frozen heart.
·
Upon returning to the regimental headquarters, Xia Fanxing went straight to Li Chongshan's office without delay.
She solemnly placed the lab report from the division headquarters on Li Chongshan's desk.
Li Chongshan picked up the report and carefully looked at the conclusions.
His face was calm, revealing little emotion, but a cold glint flashed deep in his eyes.
After reading it, Li Chongshan put down the report and looked up at Xia Fanxing.
He suddenly asked, "Why did you come alone? Where is Chen Xiangyang?"
Xia Fanxing calmly replied, "Comrade Chen Xiangyang is quite agitated. I'm worried that after learning the results, he might immediately confront the deputy team leader, which would only alert him. I think Team Leader Li, you might have other plans."
Her words were tactful, but her meaning was clear.
She guessed that Li Chongshan's temporary suppression of the matter must have had a deeper meaning.
Li Chongshan looked at Xia Fanxing, his eyes once again revealing undisguised admiration.
This young woman not only possesses exceptional observational and professional knowledge, but also a composure and insight far beyond her years.
“You guessed right.” Li Chongshan leaned back slightly, tapping his fingers on the table. “This squid ink test report alone can only prove that there is a problem with the ink, but it cannot directly prove that he made it.”
“He can have a hundred reasons to refuse, or even turn around and bite back. It’s too early to take action against him now; it will only make him more vigilant and hide even deeper.”
Li Chongshan's eyes sharpened, like an old cheetah lurking and waiting for its chance.
"What I want is a decisive blow, one that leaves him with no chance of recovery. Therefore, we must remain still for now and secretly gather more evidence. We must not mention this matter to anyone for the time being, especially Chen Xiangyang."
Xia Fanxing nodded. "I understand."
After the business was finished, the atmosphere in the office eased up a bit.
Xia Fanxing noticed the undisguised fatigue in Li Chongshan's eyes and the hand he occasionally unconsciously pressed against his side. She asked softly, "Team Leader Li, did you use the ointment I gave you last time? Are you feeling any better?"
Upon hearing this, Li Chongshan's expression froze slightly, and a fleeting, unnatural look flashed in his eyes.
Last night, his old ailment flared up again, causing him unbearable pain.
Fang Wei hurriedly went to find the old ointment he had used before, only to find that it was almost empty.
In desperation, Fang Wei could only take out the jar of ointment that Xia Fanxing had given him.
Li Chongshan didn't have high hopes for Xia Fanxing's ointment; he was just trying it as a last resort, only using it when all other medicines were out of options.
Unexpectedly, after applying the ointment, the cooling sensation instantly penetrated the muscles, and the speed and effect of relieving the pain were much better than the prescriptions he had used for a long time before.
This surprised him greatly, and even shocked him.
He had already admitted in his heart that Xia Fanxing was indeed a girl with unique qualities.
But the thought of admitting it to himself, especially to this young girl he had once doubted, made him feel somewhat ashamed.
He avoided Xia Fanxing's serious gaze and gave a vague "hmm".
He said stiffly, "I used it. The effect... is okay. Thank you."
This was the closest Li Chongshan could come to expressing affirmation and gratitude.
Xia Fanxing noticed Li Chongshan's unease but didn't point it out. She simply said gently, "It's good that it helps. If you trust me, I can take a closer look at your back next time it's convenient, and perhaps I can prescribe a more suitable medication."
“No need!” Li Chongshan interrupted her almost immediately.
Li Chongshan's tone was somewhat hurried, a subconscious defensiveness and resistance.
His medical condition is his absolute privacy, and also his greatest weakness.
He absolutely could not allow anyone, especially those within the working group, to find out anything.
Seeing Li Chongshan's strong reaction, Xia Fanxing did not insist and simply nodded in agreement.
She said in a calm tone, "Okay, then if you need anything, you can have Secretary Fang come to me anytime."
After Xia Fanxing finished speaking, she politely and decisively took her leave without any hesitation.
Li Chongshan watched as the office door closed gently, his eyes filled with complex emotions.
He had to admit that Xia Fanxing had surprised him time and time again.
She was intelligent, composed, and capable, and... she seemed to genuinely mean no harm; she was simply concerned about his health.
Li Chongshan sat in silence for a long time.
Finally, he shook his head, smiled, and sighed.
·
When Xia Fanxing returned to the dormitory, Su Nianxue was leaning against the headboard reading a book.
Upon seeing her enter, Su Nianxue immediately put down her book, cautiously walked to the door, peeked out and looked around to make sure no one was in the corridor before gently locking the door.
She turned around and said to Xia Fanxing in a low voice, "Fanxing, you've been gone all day, and Qin Wanqiu came looking for you."
Xia Fanxing paused in taking off her coat. "Her? She wanted to see me? What's up?"
"Hmph," Su Nianxue curled her lips, her face full of disdain and speechlessness, "What else could it be? She tried to get close to me indirectly, saying that we are all women and should look after each other when working outside."
"She also said that you have good medical skills and good interpersonal relationships. She is new here and doesn't know much about the situation. She hopes I can talk to her more about the troupe and the hospital."
Su Nianxue imitated Qin Wanqiu's feignedly affectionate tone, giving a vivid performance.
Then she rolled her eyes, making no attempt to hide her dislike for Qin Wanqiu.
"That sounds nice, but you just want me to be your spy, to monitor your every move, and then secretly tell her, right? Do you think I can't tell?"
Su Nianxue puffed out her chest, a hint of pride in her voice. "I called her out on it right away! I said, 'Captain Qin, you want me to keep an eye on Comrade Xia Fanxing and then report her to you, right? Sorry, I, Su Nianxue, can't do that kind of thing, and I don't have that kind of free time.' Guess what?"
Su Nianxue mimicked Qin Wanqiu's momentary freeze followed by a forced composure, delivering a remarkably realistic performance.
"Her expression immediately changed, and she said, 'Comrade Su, how could you think like that? I didn't mean it that way at all! You're just overthinking things!'"
"Then she lectured me with a self-righteous air, turned around and left. She was so hypocritical, I'm speechless!"
After Su Nianxue finished complaining angrily, it was as if she had vented her anger.
Xia Fanxing listened quietly, her face showing no emotional fluctuation, as if she had already anticipated Qin Wanqiu's little actions.
But the look in her eyes when she looked at Su Nianxue was full of tenderness and trust.
Xia Fanxing did not comment on Qin Wanqiu's behavior.
She looked at Su Nianxue's calf and asked with concern, "Don't get angry over someone like that. Does the burn you got last time still hurt? Let me see if it's fully healed?"
Su Nianxue didn't expect Xia Fanxing to change the topic so quickly.
She was stunned for a moment, then her face lit up with a delighted smile. She immediately rolled up her trouser leg to show it off, saying, "It's all better now! Fanxing, your ointment is amazing! There's not a single red mark left, and it doesn't affect my dancing at all. Thank you!"
Her words were filled with gratitude and heartfelt admiration.
Xia Fanxing carefully examined the injury and, after confirming that it was healing well, nodded with relief, "That's good."
After chatting for a while, Xia Fanxing picked up the thermos and went to the water room to get water to wash up.
She had just stepped out when she bumped into Qin Wanqiu, who was also carrying a thermos.
When Qin Wanqiu saw Xia Fanxing, she immediately put on that flawless, formulaic smile, as if her attempt to bribe Su Nianxue during the day had never happened.
"Nurse Xia, need some water? I heard you took the day off? Are you feeling unwell, or is something wrong at home? Do you need any help?"
Although Qin Wanqiu's tone was concerned, her eyes were filled with an insidious desire to investigate.
Xia Fanxing didn't stop walking, her tone calm and even: "Thank you for your concern, Captain Qin. It's a private matter, and I can't say for sure."
After saying that, she was about to walk past Qin Wanqiu.
Xia Fanxing's words and attitude pierced Qin Wanqiu's carefully maintained facade, causing her to immediately break down.
She recalled that Xie Jingchen and Xia Fanxing had left together during the day.
Thinking of Su Nianxue's rejection.
Looking at Xia Fanxing's current unyielding attitude, old and new grudges surged into his heart, and the jealousy and anger he had been suppressing finally broke through his reason.
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