“Mother, I’m back…” He pressed his forehead against the cold tombstone, his shoulders trembling violently. “Why didn’t you wait for me… I’m alright, Mother. It’s my fault for making you worry. Look at me…”
The sea breeze howled, like his mother's sigh in his ear.
The wild grass on the grave mound was just sprouting, and the fresh soil still carried a damp, fishy smell.
Zhou Jiuzhen reached out and plucked a blade of grass; what slipped through his fingers was time that could never be grasped again.
He knelt there from the height of the sun until the setting sun dyed the river red, until it got dark, when Ling Huanwu and Guard Wang gently persuaded him to get up.
When he straightened up, the front of his military uniform was already wrinkled from being soaked with tears.
Just then, a commotion came from the seaside.
Zhao Jingxiang led a few men, carrying a large red lacquered wooden box, onto the island. Upon seeing Zhou Jiuzhen, he was first taken aback, then a mocking smile spread across his face. "Isn't this Commander Zhou? Why are you looking so long-suffering after coming out of the inspection team?"
He glanced at Zhou Jiuzhen's wrinkled military uniform, then turned to Ling Huanwu and deliberately raised his voice, "I heard that Regiment Commander Zhou lost his position? Comrade Ling, you have no future with him. I've specially brought betrothal gifts today; I'll make sure you enjoy a life of luxury from now on..."
The surrounding villagers gathered around, all looking indignant, criticizing Zhao Jingxiang for insisting on proposing marriage to someone who already had a partner despite having a serious illness.
Zhao Jingxiang wasn't annoyed at all, calmly patting the box. "See this? This is all my betrothal gift for Huanwu! Zhou Jiuzhen, what do you have to compete with me now? Comrade Ling is stuck with you, all he can do is stay on this wretched island and starve!"
Zhou Jiuzhen slowly turned around. The bloodshot veins in his eyes had not yet faded, but his eyes had been hardened with ice once again.
He didn't look at the boxes, but instead took out a brown paper bag from his inner pocket, pulled out the paper inside, and said in a low but clear voice, "Zhao Jingxiang, who are you saying is unqualified?"
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