Chapter 92 Giving Gifts
It was that experience that earned Li Chongshan great merit, leading to his exceptional promotion and being sent to a military hospital for systematic training, thus embarking on the path of a military doctor.
However, when Li Chongshan fell ill, he learned after a check-up that he had a family history of kidney disease.
This disease is like a maggot clinging to the bone; as one ages, it gradually reveals its true, hideous nature.
After fully understanding the illness, Li Chongshan could imagine his fate in this life. No one knew better than him what the outcome of this disease would be.
He didn't want to be a burden to the team, so he took the initiative to request a career change at the peak of his career.
His superiors couldn't get the real reason out of him, but out of a desire to value his talent, they gave him a high position, hoping he could continue to shine in his management role.
When he first became an official, Li Chongshan still carried the spirit he had left behind on the battlefield.
He only cares about results, doesn't pay attention to details, and even has a bit of a "bandit" air.
So although he handled the tasks at hand very well and efficiently, he also offended a lot of people as a result.
Given his personality, he's not afraid of offending people; after all, that's how he's always gotten by.
Later, the young Li Chongshan once again handled an emergency resource allocation matter in his efficient manner, during which he unexpectedly became involved in the power struggle at the top.
He managed to get through it thanks to his past achievements and qualifications, but he implicated his subordinates who thought they were strictly following the rules and regulations.
This subordinate had repeatedly tried to remind him, and even stop him, from returning to the proper rules and procedures, but he rudely refused.
Finally, the subordinate couldn't withstand the pressure from his superiors and chose to commit suicide at the prime of his life...
After that incident, the young Li Chongshan began to slowly change.
He became increasingly taciturn, rigid, and focused more on rules and procedures.
It seems that only by tightly binding oneself within rules and regulations can one avoid implicating innocent people again due to one's own rule-breaking.
He buried his true, vibrant self deep inside, wrapping it in a cold, hard shell.
In the end, he became the Team Leader Li that everyone fears and finds unapproachable.
But deep down, Li Chongshan also misses the version of himself that was daring, energetic, and passionate.
That self who firmly believed that as long as the goal was right, one could disregard everything?
Not long ago, he heard Xia Fanxing say something at the door of the conference room, and he unconsciously stopped in his tracks.
He looked at Xia Fanxing and saw in her pure focus on saving lives, her courage to challenge Qin Wanqiu's authority, and her calm and composed personality even in the face of injustice.
Xia Fanxing is like a mirror, reflecting his long-buried past.
He gazed at Xia Fanxing, but he wasn't really looking at her. Instead, through her, he seemed to see his younger self.
Therefore, Li Chongshan stepped forward almost involuntarily.
He wanted to do everything within the rules to protect Xia Fanxing.
This might not only be for Xia Fanxing, but also for the young Li Chongshan that he had buried deep in his heart.
The young Li Chongshan changed direction halfway through his journey.
So he wanted to see Xia Fanxing go on, go further and further.
·
The canteen at the regimental headquarters was bustling with activity.
Soldiers and staff members ate and chatted around a long table, creating a lively atmosphere.
Xia Fanxing and Xie Jingchen sat facing each other in a relatively quiet corner.
Xie Jingchen sat upright, his brow furrowed slightly as he ate, and his movements were much slower than usual.
He was silent for a moment, then his gaze fell on Xia Fanxing, and he said in a low voice, "Fanxing, I have already inquired. Qin Wanqiu's coming down is Director Lei's intention."
His voice was a deliberately suppressed calm, but Xia Fanxing could still hear a hint of tension in it.
Xie Jingchen paused, his gaze fixed on Xia Fanxing, as if he didn't want to miss any subtle expression on her face, and continued, "...Director Lei wants to match me up with Qin Wanqiu."
Despite Xie Jingchen's best efforts to control himself, his slightly pursed lips and unconsciously quickened speech betrayed his nervousness about the words.
More specifically, it's not about being nervous about the word itself, but about the impact that word will have on Xia Fanxing.
He quickly added, "Don't worry, Fanxing, I've already clearly refused Director Lei. I'll handle this matter; you don't need to worry about it, and I won't let it affect you."
Xie Jingchen was afraid that Xia Fanxing would misunderstand, so his tone was particularly firm.
Seeing his reaction, Xia Fanxing couldn't help but chuckle softly.
Because of Qin Wanqiu's arrival and targeting, she had already developed a subtle dissatisfaction.
But it was rare for her to see Xie Jingchen so tense, and her dissatisfaction quickly dissipated.
She even had the leisure to joke with Xie Jingchen: "I know. Who told our Commander Xie to be so sought after? Looks like I'll have to keep a closer eye on him."
She spoke these words casually, her eyes filled with trust and understanding.
Without her needing to explain further, Xie Jingchen could tell that she wasn't angry at all, nor had she misunderstood him.
Moreover, her use of the phrase "to attract attention" also conveyed a sense of intimate playfulness.
Upon hearing this, Xie Jingchen's ears burned slightly, and his usually taut jawline relaxed almost imperceptibly.
The inexplicable anxiety in his heart was gently dispelled by her joke.
"Hmm." Xie Jingchen smiled faintly, which was his response to her teasing.
He picked up a piece of food and gave it to Xia Fanxing, then started talking about what happened at the meeting.
“I heard that Team Leader Li Chongshan personally spoke up for you and even went against the majority opinion to let you stay. It was indeed a very unexpected thing. According to his usual style, he shouldn’t have done this.”
“I know, I overheard people talking about him in private. He used to be a very rigid and strict leader.” Xia Fanxing put down her chopsticks and frowned slightly. “And I also noticed that when he left, his hand was on his lower back, and his face looked unusually sallow.”
"He was probably enduring the pain, and I suspect that some old ailment may have relapsed. I think that, both morally and practically, I should find an opportunity to thank him and also see if there's anything I can do to help him."
Xie Jingchen remained silent for a long time before finally shaking his head.
He said thoughtfully, “Team Leader Li has a special identity and an unpredictable temperament. It would be too risky for you to approach him on your own initiative. How about this, if you really want to thank Team Leader Li in this way, then prepare some soothing ointment or herbs, and I will find a suitable time to give them to him. That would be safer.”
"Okay." Xia Fanxing nodded.
This method is indeed safer and will not attract criticism.
After discussing business, the slightly tense and heavy atmosphere immediately eased considerably.
Looking at Xie Jingchen's cold and handsome face, Xia Fanxing felt a slight stirring in her heart and a wicked thought came to mind.
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