Chapter 170 I'd rather stay by your side
Xu Zhili quickly and gently coaxed her, stroking Xu Zhian's sweaty forehead: "An'an, be good, sleep a little longer, we're not home yet."
As she spoke, she gently patted her younger brother's thin back, her fingertips able to touch his slightly protruding spine.
In the dim light inside the carriage, Xu Zhian's face looked particularly rosy.
Xu Zhili's heart softened, and she tucked the coat covering him in even tighter.
Under her gentle comforting touch, Xu Zhian smacked her lips as if savoring something, before slowly drifting back to sleep.
This time, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, with a sweet smile on his face, as if he were swimming in a beautiful dream, having an incredibly wonderful dream. He looked extremely cute.
Xie Yunze's heart tightened. In a panic, he quickly and steadily parked the car on the side of the road, pulled the handbrake, and then eagerly opened the car door, leaning down to get close to Xu Zhili.
Xu Zhili looked up and met a pair of deep eyes.
Xie Yunze had already leaned over at some point, so close that he could see the bloodshot in Xie Yunze's eyes.
Her nose brushed against his, their warm breaths mingling, and they both froze.
In an instant, their eyes met, and time seemed to stand still.
The surrounding air seemed to be affected by this sudden close contact, and an indescribable, subtle atmosphere quietly spread.
Xu Zhili could hear her own heartbeat, pounding against her chest as if it were about to burst out.
Xie Yunze was the first to come to his senses. He abruptly stepped back, a blush creeping across his face. "Ali, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do that."
His voice was somewhat hoarse, carrying the crispness and decisiveness unique to soldiers, yet also concealing a hint of barely perceptible panic.
Xu Zhili lowered her head, using the opportunity of straightening her younger brother's clothes to hide her unease: "N-nothing. An'an is just tired, it's been a bumpy journey..."
Her gaze wandered to the scenery outside the window, but she seemed not to see anything; her mind was already in turmoil from that brief moment.
Xie Yunze stared at her composed demeanor, then suddenly seemed to remember something: "Ahem, you just said it could improve the car's power performance?"
Xu Zhili looked up at him, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, which then turned into understanding.
She gently placed her younger brother's head on the car seat headrest before slowly speaking: "Perhaps it's possible. But to increase the car's speed, simply improving maneuverability isn't enough; we also need to completely overhaul the engine and transmission system."
She spoke casually, as if discussing the weather today.
A hint of amazement flashed across Xie Yunze's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by caution.
“I can apply for the car you need,” he said, carefully choosing his words. “However, a brand new one is definitely out of the question. I can only get you a decommissioned military vehicle. Would you like that?”
"Of course."
Xu Zhili's eyes lit up instantly, like stars suddenly illuminating the night sky. "Retired military vehicles are perfect; the parts are more robust and durable."
She had already planned it out in her mind: with this scrapped car, she could legitimately dismantle and study it.
Although the automotive technology of that era was outdated, military vehicles had a good foundation and a lot of room for modification.
She could easily build a car that can reach speeds of 180 miles per hour, as long as she doesn't use technology that's too far ahead of its time.
Looking into her eyes, which still shone brightly even in the dim light, Xie Yunze felt his heart race once again.
He clenched his fist, his knuckles turning slightly white.
Over the years, he had met all sorts of people, but he had never encountered a Xu Zhili like this before. She was a seemingly weak girl, but she possessed amazing wisdom and courage.
Despite being in a difficult situation, he maintained a calm and composed demeanor.
At that moment, he was absolutely certain that he wanted to spend his life with Xu Zhili.
He knew that she held an extremely important place in his heart.
From that moment on, he made up his mind to wholeheartedly protect her, to protect her joy, her peace, and every little detail of her life, and to always be by her side no matter what.
"Ah Li, I have something I want to talk to you about. Would it be convenient for you to come out for a bit?"
Xie Yunze turned to look at her, his gaze gentle yet tinged with nervousness.
Xu Zhili was slightly taken aback, glanced at her sleeping younger brother, and nodded gently.
She carefully moved Xu Zhian's head away from her lap and gently placed him on the car seat.
The little guy grunted, turned over and continued to sleep soundly, showing no signs of waking up.
After getting off the bus, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the birch forest, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
Xu Zhili narrowed her eyes and realized that Xie Yunze had chosen a very particular parking spot—it was far from the road, yet she could see inside the car at a glance to ensure Xu Zhian's safety.
"Xie Yunce, what is it?" She broke the silence first, her voice filled with curiosity.
Xie Yunze took a deep breath. His straightforwardness as a soldier led him to get straight to the point: "Ali, what would you think if I said I wanted to go with you to apply for a marriage certificate?"
Xu Zhili was caught off guard by these words and took a half step back, her eyes wide open: "Huh? No, how could you suddenly have such a thought?"
Her hand unconsciously gripped the hem of her clothes, her knuckles turning slightly white.
"This is not sudden."
Xie Yunze's gaze was firm and fervent. "From the moment you displayed your talent at the research institute, I knew you were no ordinary woman. Now, enemy agents have their eyes on your abilities, and I really want to protect you. If you could join the army, it would be much safer."
Xu Zhili was silent for a moment, and when she looked up again, her eyes were clear: "Let's put that aside for now. You are only a company commander at the moment, and according to regulations, you cannot have your family members accompany you while you are in the army. Moreover, even if you were the regimental commander now, I would not leave the Xiangyang Brigade."
Her voice was soft yet firm, like a mountain stream, flowing gently yet persistently in its own direction.
"Why?"
A hint of disappointment flashed in Xie Yunze's eyes, but he maintained his composure. "I know this may be too sudden, but I am serious."
Xu Zhili gazed quietly at the vast fields in the distance, a gentle breeze blowing by.
Her voice suddenly became very soft, as if it might dissipate in the wind at any moment: "You know my situation, don't you?"
Xie Yunze immediately understood.
He thought of Xu Zhili's family, and how could she, as a daughter, leave alone to enjoy peace?
"Only if I can solve my mother's and family's problems and stop them from suffering will I be able to consider my own affairs."
Xu Zhili turned back and looked intently at Xie Yunze, "Otherwise, I would rather stay in Xiangyang Brigade forever and accompany them through the most difficult time."
Xie Yunze's heart was struck hard.
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