Chapter 37

Zhang Luzhang carefully examined the relationship report again, pointing at the woman’s name on it as he asked, “Your lover is a doctor from our island? Who is this comrade Su Xi? Why don’t I remember her?”

When Yan An heard Su Xi’s name, his sharp eyebrows slightly arched, and he turned to look at Xie Zhen. He had never imagined that his friend would be connected to his own benefactor.

Both he and Xie Zhen were taciturn by nature, with proud tempers. If they didn’t think highly of someone, they wouldn’t waste words on them. However, they greatly appreciated each other’s abilities. Despite the competition between their teams, they got along quite well in private.

Whenever there was a chance, he would invite Xie Zhen over for a meal at his home, but he had never heard Xie Zhen mention Su Xi.

Before Xie Zhen could clarify things for him, Yan Guoqing chuckled and spoke up first: “Remember that doctor Su Dong who treated your rheumatism before?”

Zhang Luzhang, who had recklessly fought in battles in his younger days, enduring harsh conditions and even lying in the snow for two or three days at a time, didn’t think much of it back then. But as he grew older, his body could no longer bear the strain. The frequent rains on Hongjun Island made it worse, causing him sleepless nights from the pain.

The higher-ups wanted to transfer him to a place with better weather, but he stubbornly refused, insisting that he had built Hongjun Island with his own hands like it was his child, and he wouldn’t leave.

With Yan Guoqing’s reminder, Zhang Luzhang recalled the doctor who had treated his leg a few months ago. It wasn’t that his memory was particularly sharp, allowing him to remember someone he had met only once several months ago. It was simply because Doctor Su was truly remarkable—gentle, elegant, and handsome. With the similarity in their names, Zhang Luzhang wondered, “Could it be that this Su Xi is…?”

Yan Guoqing nodded and said, “She is Doctor Su Dong’s little sister. I heard that Doctor Su Xi is only 20 years old and has already graduated from the Military Medical University with a master’s degree. She’s just as talented as her brother.”

Xie Zhen responded coldly, “You’ve done your research well!”

With a proud smile, Yan Guoqing replied, “Of course!”

After speaking, he patted Xie Zhen’s shoulder forcefully and said, “You’ve got a good eye and acted quickly! You have no idea how many people have their eyes on Doctor Su Xi. Several of my men wanted to pursue her, but you, you sly fox, beat them to it.”

Xie Zhen’s sharp gaze swept over him, his thin lips curling slightly, and he said in a cold tone, “Oh, that’s quite impressive. Who are they? I happen to be free lately, so I can help you improve your soldiers’ combat skills.”

Remembering the times when he had sparred with Xie Zhen and been on the receiving end of some dirty tricks, Yan Guoqing shuddered. Who would dare to fight him?

When the burly and somewhat simple-minded man suddenly realized what he had just blurted out: ‘Oh no, did I just betray my comrades? ’

“Good, good! As expected of our Hongjun Island soldiers, and as expected of Xie Yanluo! Hahaha!” (“Yan Lou” refers to Yama, who is the King of Hell or the ruler of the underworld in Buddhist, Taoist, and Chinese folk beliefs. It’s a way of saying that Xie Zhan is someone not to be trifled with, as his presence or actions are as impactful and final as the judgments of Yanluo Wang.)

Zhang Luzhang didn’t pay attention to the exchange of looks between the two; instead, he clapped his hands and laughed heartily. He was very pleased with Xie Zhen’s quick actions. A good soldier must be swift, precise, and ruthless in all matters.

Xie Zhen glanced back, his lips slightly curved. “So, since my relationship is just starting and still unstable, it’s really not appropriate for me to host the art troupe. It’s better to let the First or Second Battalion take it.”

“This…” Zhang Luzhang, holding the still-warm relationship report, looked awkwardly at Yan An and Yan Guoqing.

Yan An pressed the brim of his hat and said with a stern expression, “My wife just got pregnant, and I want to spend more time with her.”

Zhang Luzhang then turned his gaze to Yan Guoqing.

Unwillingness spread across Yan Guoqing’s dark and rough face as he muttered, “I… my wife is pregnant too.”

“Get lost! I didn’t know you hadn’t been sterilized yet. Don’t I know you’ve had a vasectomy? You didn’t even bother to think of a better excuse. Tell me, how did your wife get pregnant? Aren’t you afraid she’ll find out and give you a beating?” Zhang Luzhang laughed and cursed at Yan Guoqing’s nonsense.

Amid Yan Guoqing’s sheepish grin, Zhang Luzhang made his decision: “Enough of this! It’s a great opportunity, and you’re all just trying to pass it off. Yan Guoqing, your Second Battalion will be responsible.”

Yan Guoqing wanted to argue further, but Zhang Luzhang had already waved his hand dismissively: “Hurry up and leave; stop being an eyesore here.”

Xie Zhen and Yan An, who were in perfect sync, stood up. Both men were over 1.9 meters tall, with long legs and towering figures. They easily lifted the still-struggling Yan Guoqing, a big man standing at 1.8 meters, and carried him out as if he were weightless.

From a distance, Zhang Luzhang could still hear Yan Guoqing’s roar: “You two bastards, you tricked me again! If you’ve got the guts, let me go. We can settle this openly. Ah, Xie Zhen, you bastard, you attacked me again!”

Zhang Luzhang shook his head with a smile. Yan Guoqing was still too honest. Although Yan An and Xie Zhen usually spoke the least, they were actually full of mischief.

He walked to the window and watched from afar as the three of them played, fighting in the distance, a smile of contentment appearing on his weathered face.

This wasn’t just a retreat by the First and Third Battalions; it was an opportunity for the Second Battalion to shine.

If Yan Guoqing performs well this time, it’s possible that he might get a promotion or be transferred to a better location. After all, he wasn’t young anymore.

As he aged, he lost his ambition and only wanted to guard Hongjun Island for the rest of his life.

However, the conditions here were indeed harsh, and Yan Guoqing had already dedicated ten years to Hongjun Island. That was enough. As the leader who had once mentored him, Zhang Luzhang naturally hoped that this young man could move up in the ranks.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Today is Sunday, and three doctors have taken turns resting. Normally, they are not very busy on weekends; otherwise, such a rest schedule wouldn’t have been arranged.

But for some reason, there were an unusually large number of patients today.

The on-duty doctors, along with Su Xi, the intern, had been running around busily the entire day.

Fortunately, Su Xi’s professional skills were up to par. Though she was still an intern who had to go wherever she was needed, she managed to handle everything smoothly.

Hospitals back then weren’t like those of later times, with various departments. There were only seven or eight doctors here in total.

According to the veterans, the medical staff allocation was already considered sufficient for the stationed military personnel, given the shortage of medical talent at the time.

It was only because a special forces unit had been added here last year that a few more doctors had been brought in. Before that, there were even fewer.

By the time everything was done, the clock had already struck 5:45 p.m.

After saying goodbye to the director, who had invited her to the cafeteria to eat together, Su Xi dragged her sore legs to the sink to wash and disinfect her hands.

When she returned to the office to tidy up, she found Xie Zhen sitting at her desk. She had no idea how long he had been there.

A smile blossomed on Su Xi’s face, and her steps became lighter. “When did you get here?”

Xie Zhen stood up and gently took her small hand, frowning slightly. “Just now. I came to pick you up after work. Why are your hands so cold? Are you feeling cold?”

Su Xi instinctively glanced around and, seeing no one nearby, replied with relief, “No, I just washed my hands. It’s August; how could it be cold?”

She couldn’t be blamed for being overly cautious; people in this era were very reserved. Even couples who had been married for years would walk several meters apart in public.

Xie Zhen chuckled and said, “True, I was just worried.”

He raised his hand and gently brushed the birthmark under the corner of her eye, his voice soft as he reassured her, “Don’t worry, there’s no one around.”

He would only allow himself to lightly touch her when he was certain they were alone. He would never let her be put in a position where she’d become the subject of gossip.

Su Xi’s eyes curled into crescent moons, her watery black pupils sparkling, making her look irresistibly sweet.

Xie Zhen’s gaze deepened, and the large hand hanging by his side twitched slightly. In the end, he restrained himself and did nothing more.

Su Xi, unaware of his inner struggle, took out her white coat and placed it in a cloth bag to take home for cleaning.

After tidying up the medical records on her desk, the two of them finally walked out together.

The nurses they passed by whispered as they watched the couple’s backs:

“How did Doctor Su end up dating Xie Yanluo? He’s so fierce.”

“Exactly. I’ve heard from the soldiers that Commander Xie is really stern.”

“What do you know? You can’t judge a man by his looks. Someone like Commander Xie is the best kind of man. Why would you want a man who’s gentle with everyone? Only the one who’s good to his partner is worth having,” the older head nurse commented.

“Is that true?” one of the younger nurses asked. “Does that mean someone as gentle as Doctor Su Dong isn’t good?”

The head nurse was stumped for a moment before rolling her eyes. Didn’t they see Doctor Su Dong’s aloofness alongside his gentleness? These naive young girls say, “You’re still young. You’ll understand what makes a good man when you’re older.”

“Shh, stop talking! Captain Xie turned around and looked at us!”

“Oh no, we’re in trouble!”

Su Xi couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Her senses were much sharper than those of ordinary people, and whenever she focused, she could hear sounds from a great distance.

The nurses’ voices weren’t exactly quiet, and she couldn’t help but laugh at their mix of awe and wariness for her partner.

The sound of her laughter was enchanting, and a look of helplessness crossed Xie Zhen’s handsome face. He, too, had clearly heard the gossip behind them.

He looked down at the girl beside him. Her smile was as bright as blooming peach blossoms, so radiant and alluring.

He couldn’t help but smile himself, his inky black eyes filled with affection. Just as he was about to say something…

A commotion erupted at the hospital entrance: “Help. Somebody help. Where are the doctors? Please help.”