Chapter 16: The Eighteen-Year-Old Woman

In the two months since Wen Yanyan married him, her actions had repeatedly tested his limits.

As the saying goes, good news travels slowly, but bad news spreads like wildfire. Even while he was away on a mission, he’d heard about Wen Yanyan’s misdeeds. He was almost used to it; if this eighteen-year-old didn’t cause some trouble every day, it felt like her life was incomplete.

This was another challenge.

But could she really be that foolish? To spread such private matters, even telling her superiors? He knew she was a bit wild, but not this wild, right?

“No, she didn’t come to me,”

Liu Zhengdong recounted the events at the health clinic that afternoon, adding,

“Wen Yanyan was furious. She said Zhang, the medical worker, deliberately spread the news, and many military wives knew about it. They had a big fight in public.”

Nan Jue had another headache. How did this get out? This was incredibly embarrassing.

Was it Zhang who spread it?

Why were both these women so unreliable?

But he only thought this; he didn’t say a word.

“This has caused quite a negative impact. Zhang has admitted her mistake. She kept crying, and Wen Yanyan is waiting for your decision. I don’t know what to do.”

“Sir, I have no objections to how you handle this.”

Nan Jue stated.

After all, the damage was done; saying anything wouldn’t change it.

“Good. With that, I’m relieved. I will handle this impartially and fairly. Alright, get some rest.”

The call ended.

Nan Jue hung up the phone, lost in thought. He knew Zhang; she was Wen Yanyan’s good friend.

Suddenly, a hand landed on his shoulder. With a soldier’s alertness,

he instinctively dislodged the hand, spun around, and swiftly subdued the arm, recognizing a familiar limb.

“It’s me. We’ve been friends for so many years, how come we lack this basic understanding?”

Lin Sinan quickly identified himself, fearing his arm might be broken if he waited any longer.

“You were eavesdropping?”

Nan Jue flung him off.

“What do you mean eavesdropping? We’re good friends.”

Lin Sinan rubbed his sore arm.

“Good friends don’t need boundaries, do they?”

Nan Jue’s words carried a hidden meaning.

“Of course not. If they do, they aren’t good friends,” Lin Sinan replied.

Nan Jue nodded. So, Zhang and Wen Yanyan were also boundary-less good friends?

However, spiking someone’s drink—Zhang was unbelievable. She didn’t deserve to be a soldier.

“Jue, who called?”

Lin Sinan was curious. He arrived late and was a bit far, so he didn’t hear the conversation.

“It’s none of your business.”

Nan Jue pushed him away, walking out of the village office and saying, “It was the commander.”

“The commander? What did he say?”

Nan Jue didn’t hide anything. As they walked, he recounted the conversation, including the aphrodisiac mishap.

He trusted Lin Sinan wouldn’t spread it.

Nan Jue and Lin Sinan had a life-or-death bond. Years ago, during a fierce firefight, Nan Jue shielded him from a massive explosion.

Lin Sinan was unharmed, but Nan Jue was hit with five shrapnel pieces.

One nearly hit his spinal cord, meaning he almost became paralyzed.

Since then, Lin Sinan had become inseparable, becoming a close confidant.

Nan Jue was naturally cold and reserved, while Lin Sinan was outgoing, quick-witted, and talkative—their personalities were perfectly complementary.

But this time, Lin Sinan was thoughtful, his handsome eyes clouded with a faint haze.

“You… have an opinion?”

Nan Jue was surprised by his silence.

“I do.”

Lin Sinan’s expression was serious.

“What opinion?”

Nan Jue didn’t understand. He was usually quick to offer his analysis.

“You’re blinded by your own situation.”

He sighed.

“Will you say it or not? If not, don’t ever speak again.”

Nan Jue was angry.

“Okay, okay. I think Zhang likes you.”

Lin Sinan finally analyzed.

What?

Nan Jue didn’t speak, but his look at Lin Sinan clearly said, “Are you crazy?”

“Why don’t you believe me? Listen, Zhang’s move was very cunning. She definitely…”

Lin Sinan continued to analyze.

“Shut up.”

Nan Jue strode away, heading towards the camp. This guy was a troublemaker, always exaggerating, connecting everything to him. He had barely met Zhang,

never spoken to her, and didn’t even remember what she looked like. Why would she like him?

Lin Sinan had no audience for his analysis and gave up.

…

Wen Yanyan learned of Zhang Meimei’s punishment the next day. Huang Shuying told her; Commander Liu was efficient.