Chapter 44.2

The first performance was a large choir, organized by the military wives.

Su Xi munched on sunflower seeds while watching with interest.

She was not a professional and, frankly, had no way of judging whether the performance was good or not.

She just felt that the performers on stage showed sincerity and passion unique to that era, something many people in the future had lost.

As the performances on stage changed one after another, Su Xi, although not cheering like the soldiers in the back, clapped her tender hands until they turned red.

Just as she was feeling a bit thirsty and was about to open her canteen for a drink, Xi Yannan, who had been sitting in the front row with the leaders, approached her.

Xi Yannan crouched down and tapped his blushing, excited sister on the cheek, asking, “Where’s big brother?”

Su Xi turned her head and said, “Isn’t he…”

Where did he go? Su Xi looked at the empty seat next to Grandma Chen and paused.

“He was just here. Maybe he went to the restroom?” Su Xi looked toward Grandma Chen.

Grandma Chen was engrossed in the performance. At her age, she had never seen such a beautiful show before.

When she heard her grandson’s question, she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the stage and replied without looking back, “A young man came looking for him just now. He said something to your Big Brother, but I didn’t catch what it was.”

Upon hearing this, Su Xi suddenly remembered Wen Xin’s reminder from the previous day, and her heart skipped a beat.

She quickly turned to Xi Yannan and asked, “Could it be?”

Xi Yannan’s stern brows furrowed tightly. The feeling of his beloved being openly pursued made him feel as though he had been soaking in a barrel of vinegar since last night—an intense sourness.

Fuming, Xi Yannan sat down in Su Dong’s empty seat and snapped at his sister, “Do you think your elder brother is like you?”

Su Xi pouted… clearly feeling the implied criticism.

Well, considering how upset he was, she decided to be magnanimous and not argue over the matter.

But thinking about it, since the situation had already been reported to her elder brother last night, he, with his cunning nature, would definitely be on guard.

Su Xi turned her attention back to the stage, though her focus was somewhat divided.

Minutes passed, and her elder brother still hadn’t returned.

Both Su Xi and Xi Yannan were becoming restless.

Shi Lingling noticed something was off and leaned closer to Su Xi, whispering, “What’s going on?”

Just as Su Xi was about to respond, a piercing female scream echoed from a distance.

“Ah! Pervert!”

At that moment, the stage was in the middle of a scene change, and the sudden scream in the otherwise quiet environment caused many people to instinctively rise and look toward the source of the noise.

Xi Yannan cursed under his breath and swiftly dashed out. Some of the quicker individuals followed suit.

Shi Lingling looked worried, “What’s going on?”

Su Xi didn’t have time to explain. She grabbed Shi Lingling with one hand and held Grandma Chen with the other. After guiding them to Yan An, she pulled Xie Zhen and rushed out.

Major Zhang, who had been stationed on the island for many years and had a naturally dark complexion, appeared even darker at that moment.

It was the high-ranking official who patted Major Zhang’s hand and said, “Let’s wait a bit. With so many soldiers out there, we’ll find out what’s happening soon enough.”

—o—o—o—

About ten minutes earlier, Su Dong had been called away by an unfamiliar young soldier who said the hospital director needed him. He had sensed something was amiss but decided it was best to clarify things, especially given his sister’s reminder and his own jealous feelings. So, he followed the soldier without showing any outward concern.

Indeed, about 20 meters from the performance site, he spotted a strange young woman.

Jin Lingling was fuming. Nothing had gone right for her in the past couple of days, and she wondered if Hongjun Island was cursed for her. She had been about to take the stage, replacing Wen Xin, when she was summoned by the troupe leader and reprimanded.

Despite her usual bravado about her family’s prestige, she knew that if her family found out about her behavior in the performing arts troupe, her outcome would not be pleasant.

What infuriated her most was that Wen Xin, the woman she despised, had managed to heal her injured wrist in such a short time. Jin Lingling even suspected that Wen Xin might have some kind of spell or trick up her sleeve.

Determined not to give up, Jin Lingling had tried to make another move. However, the troupe leader had assigned someone to keep a close watch on her, preventing her from approaching Wen Xin at all.

The final straw was being kicked out of the group dance, leaving her without a single performance. This drove her nearly insane.

At this point, her lackey suggested that she use the opportunity to confess her feelings to Su Dong.

Jin Lingling thought it was a great idea and, for the first time, didn’t criticize her lackey’s suggestion. Thus, Su Dong was called away in the manner described.

The golden autumn sun lazily cast its warmth on the man, making Su Dong, who was already exceptionally handsome, appear like an immortal from the heavens.

Jin Lingling, enchanted, gazed at the tall and elegant figure of Su Dong standing just a few meters away. She felt that Su Dong, dressed in his military uniform, looked even more striking than he did the previous day.

After a moment, she shyly lowered her head and took a step forward.

Then she saw Su Dong take two steps back.

Jin Lingling’s face stiffened. She took another step forward, and once again, the man on the opposite side, with a gentle expression, took another step back.

Jin Lingling…

Su Dong maintained a warm expression, seemingly oblivious to the woman’s awkwardness, and said softly, “May I ask what this comrade needs from me?”

Jin Lingling took a deep breath, trying to forget the earlier scene where the man had avoided her.

She made an effort to smile, her eyes glistening with what seemed like endless affection. She spoke in a soft tone, “Doctor Su, hello. My name is Jin Lingling, a dancer with the performing arts troupe. I’m from City C. It’s a coincidence that you and Doctor Su Xi are military personnel. My family is also in the military. My grandfather is a brigade commander. Yesterday, when I arrived on Hongjun Island, I saw you at the hospital…”

As Jin Lingling spoke, she shot a lingering glance at Su Dong, but other than a polite smile, she could not discern any other emotion on his face.

Her eyes flickered, and she continued with determination, “I think we are a great match. If you’re interested, I believe we could become the best revolutionary comrades.”

Jin Lingling was indeed a force to be reckoned with in certain respects. For example, when pursuing someone she liked, in this conservative era, she would display her advantages and directly make her intentions known.

Su Dong remained unmoved by the girl’s confession, his gaze as indifferent as if the young woman were just another part of the landscape. He calmly said, “Sorry, but I’m already in a relationship.”

Jin Lingling, displaying her magnanimity, persisted, “I don’t mind. Besides, a good bird chooses the best tree to perch on, and marriage is no exception. I believe I am excellent in every way and would be a better match for you than your current partner.”

Su Dong had come to make his refusal clear. Although he did not appreciate the girl’s approach to relationships, he maintained his composure and did not argue. Given that they were not well-acquainted, there was no need for further explanation.

He reiterated, “Comrade Jin, I have a very good relationship with my partner. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave.”

With that, Su Dong turned and started to walk away.

Jin Lingling, in a state of panic, called after him, “Aren’t you afraid I’ll have my family find you?”

Su Dong glanced back, his smile gentle and accommodating, as if addressing a wayward child. “Please go back.”

Jin Lingling watched in disbelief as the man walked away without a second glance. Her initial obsession turned quickly to anger. She was furious at the man’s inability to see her worth. She had already learned that Doctor Su Dong was merely an ordinary person with deceased parents.

In the past, Jin Lingling would never have considered marrying a man from such a humble background. She had always aspired to marry into a prominent family, someone of a higher status than her own, so that the Jin family would hold her in high regard.

However, Su Dong was simply too handsome. For him, she was willing to forgo the life of a wealthy wife in a high-ranking family. Why did he have to be so stubborn?

Moreover, they were leaving the island the next day, and who knew when they would meet again? She wouldn’t even have the chance to make a slow approach.

What if, by the next time they met, he was already married with children?

The thought of that scenario pierced her heart like a knife, causing her to gasp for breath.

The thought was too painful and sharp, driving her to madness.

Jin Lingling scanned the surroundings to ensure no one was watching. Determined, she gritted her teeth and hurried after him.

As she chased him, she began to pull at her clothes, disheveling them. When Su Dong heard her footsteps and turned around, she had already managed to tear her clothes unevenly and even left a few red marks on her neck.

If Su Dong had previously seen Jin Lingling as a woman with some degree of grace, at this moment, his expression turned cold and even disgusted as he perceived her intentions.

He stared coldly at Jin Lingling, who was now frantically disheveling her hair and glaring at him with a mix of desperation and madness.

A faint smile appeared on Su Dong’s lips, but it was now laced with coldness. His tone was calm as he said, “Do you think tearing your clothes and making marks on yourself will somehow make me responsible?”

Jin Lingling lifted her chin, unafraid of exposing her family’s dirty laundry. “Of course. My mother married into the Jin family this way. If I want to, and if I make a scene, you will have only two choices.”

Su Dong raised an eyebrow, his expression one of faint amusement. “So it seems this is a family tradition!”

Then, under Jin Lingling’s angry gaze, she continued, “Let me guess, one option is to marry you, and the other is to go to prison, right?”

The man did not show the expected fear or anger, which made Jin Lingling somewhat hesitant.

She then bit her lip and said, “You’re forcing me into this. If you agree to break up with your partner and be with me, I’ll stop shouting.”

Su Dong confirmed again, “Are you sure you want to shout?”

Jin Lingling gritted her teeth, “So, do you agree or not?”

Su Dong no longer wanted to say another word to such a person. He turned and walked away.

Jin Lingling’s eyes flashed with anger. She hadn’t expected that such a good man would rather go to prison than be with her.

Jin Lingling was someone who, the more she couldn’t obtain something, the more she wanted it in her hands.

Just like many times before, at this moment, her eyes were filled with a frenzied determination: “Ah! Pervert!”

Xi Yannan was the first to rush over. He anxiously looked Su Dong up and down, and upon seeing that his partner was fine, he then cast a fierce look at the woman causing trouble a few steps away.

He could instantly discern the woman’s intentions from her ugly appearance.

Xi Yannan’s eyes rolled with a chilling murderous intent, a gaze only someone who had truly seen blood would have. He stared coldly at Jin Lingling as if looking at a corpse.

Jin Lingling was frightened by such intense murderous intent and took a couple of instinctive steps back.

Although the man in front of her was also outstanding and was a four-pocket officer, she still preferred the gentlemanly demeanor of Doctor Su Dong.

Thinking of this, she seemed to completely forget her previous threats, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at Su Dong, seeking his protection.

Xi Yannan was extremely disgusted by the woman, his fists clenched tightly.

If Su Dong had not continuously reassured him, gently patting his back, he couldn’t guarantee that he wouldn’t lose control and smash his fist at the woman.

After a while, he closed his eyes, suppressing the overwhelming anger, and said nothing as he grabbed Su Dong and turned to leave.

Jin Lingling was unwilling to let them go after causing such a commotion. Despite her fear, she followed behind, crying and making a scene.

Su Dong pulled on Xi Yannan, who was nearly consumed by rage, and said with a hint of amusement, “Wait a minute; we need to resolve this properly.”

Xi Yannan looked at his partner with concern.

Su Dong withdrew his hand from Xi Yannan’s grip and patted his shoulder, reassuring him, “It’s fine.”

At this moment, Su Xi and the others also arrived. Xie Zhen, from a distance, noticed Xi Yannan holding Su Dong’s hand, and his eyes flickered.

Was this the first time the two elder brothers were holding hands?

Was he overthinking it?

There were over a dozen people who arrived, all military officers. Seeing Jin Lingling in a disheveled and tearful state, everyone felt a bit incredulous.

They couldn’t believe that such an incident had occurred on their island, involving soldiers.

The regimental commander in charge of the reception, Yan Guoqing, looked at the disheveled and weeping woman in front of him, feeling a throbbing headache.

Damn it, he had been busy for a month, on high alert to prevent any incidents. Now, with these girls about to leave tomorrow, a problem had still arisen. It was utterly frustrating.

He briefly listened to Jin Lingling’s weeping complaints and impatiently interrupted, “Alright, the performance is about to end. Since you say Doctor Su Dong has assaulted you, do you have any evidence?”

Damn it, he might look rough, but he wasn’t stupid. Doctor Su Dong assaulting her? Was it worth it?

He glanced at her agile eyes and thought she might have tried to seduce him and then turned to accuse him of something.

It had to be said, he had an uncanny ability to guess correctly. No one who could become a regimental commander in their thirties was foolish.

Yan Guoqing obviously wasn’t going to trust one-sided words. He then looked at the clear-eyed, gentle Su Dong and spoke with a slightly softened tone, “Doctor Su Dong, what do you have to say?”

Su Dong shook his head, “I didn’t touch her. She expressed her affection towards me, but since I was already in a relationship, I rejected her. After that, she refused to accept it and then threatened me by making a scene.”

Jin Lingling suddenly covered her face, crying sorrowfully, “I didn’t! I’m from the Jin family. My grandfather is a battalion commander. Would I really throw myself at a small doctor? You assaulted me and are now slandering me. Wuwu… I can’t go on living…”

Yan Guoqing clicked his tongue and ignored Jin Lingling’s melodramatic claims.

He definitely believed Doctor Su Dong. However, since this woman was from the performing arts troupe, he found it difficult to make a decision directly.

So, he turned to his guard, “Xiao Zhang, go and call the troupe’s Captain Ma to my office.”

After giving the instructions, Yan Guoqing addressed everyone, “Since you both have different statements, to ensure fairness, I’ve called in Captain Ma. Now, let’s all go to the office. I’m going to thoroughly investigate this matter.”

As he spoke, Yan Guoqing fixed a stern gaze on both individuals, finally warning, “However, let me make it clear: if certain people stop now, we will not pursue this matter on Hong Jun Island. But if it’s discovered that there was wrongdoing, you understand military discipline. Going to a military court and being expelled from the army is the least of your worries.”

He then gave Jin Lingling a pointed look.

Jin Lingling felt uneasy, but given the situation, she couldn’t give up. She tried to hold her head high, putting on a defiant front.

Yan Guoqing saw her expression and his eyes showed disdain. He thought it was ridiculous that she, with such weak resolve, would dare to cause trouble.

Since this woman wasn’t going to back down until the end, Yan Guoqing wasn’t one to coddle. With a wave of his hand, he led everyone to his office.

Su Xi held Xie Zhen’s hand, walking on Su Dong’s right side. Unfortunately, the left side was firmly occupied by Xi Yannan.

Su Xi poked Su Dong in the lower back, then quickly retracted her finger under Xi Yannan’s glare. She pouted and whispered, “Brother, everything’s okay, right?”

Knowing what his sister was referring to, Su Dong responded with a warm and gentle demeanor, “It’s fine.”

Su Xi smirked, “I just knew that big brother is a fox.”

Su Dong raised an eyebrow, his smile taking on a chilling edge, “Oh?”

Su Xi covered her mouth, her eyes darting around, then subtly pulled her boyfriend in front of her. She felt regretful for letting her true feelings slip, knowing that with her brother’s cunning nature, he would definitely find a chance to get back at her.

Thinking of this, Su Xi peeked out from behind Xie Zhen, clasped her hands together, and gave a sweet, charming smile as she offered a polite bow, trying to win over her brother.

Su Dong: “…”

Xie Zhen… so… cute!

Captain Ma stormed into Yan Guoqing’s office, her entire demeanor wrapped in anger.

In her several decades of life, she had never been so embarrassed.

Yesterday, Wen Xin had warned her that Jin Lingling had taken an interest in a doctor on the island and might cause trouble.

What had she said at the time?

Oh right, she had laughed and said that since the doctor was already in a relationship, Jin Lingling should understand the boundaries in such matters.

Soldiers could not make principled errors; otherwise, they would be punished more severely for breaking the law!

Well, well, well, less than 24 hours after saying that, her face was slapped hard with reality.

She walked into the office, trying to control her anger. After greeting Yan Guoqing, she sat beside him, indicating her intention to stay uninvolved and wait for the investigation results.

Yan Guoqing also wanted to resolve this troublesome issue quickly, and fortunately, Captain Ma was someone who understood the situation clearly.

So he didn’t waste any time. Adhering to the principle of courtesy, he turned to the still sobbing Jin Lingling and asked, “You start. From what I heard earlier, your claim is that Doctor Su Dong asked you out, expressed his feelings, and wanted to become romantic partners with you. But since you didn’t agree, he assaulted you. Is that correct?”

Jin Lingling stammered, “Y-yes… yes… wuwu…”

Yan Guoqing then looked at Su Dong, who appeared calm and composed. He secretly admired Su Dong, noting the dignified presence he had. Clearing his throat, Yan Guoqing said, “Doctor Su Dong, from what I understand, you’re saying that when Comrade Jin Lingling learned you were in a relationship, she still proactively asked you out. After you rejected her, she tore her own clothes and falsely accused you. Is that correct?”

Su Dong nodded.

Yan Guoqing continued, “That simplifies things. Comrade Jin Lingling, let’s not discuss other details for now. As a lady and a self-claimed victim, do you have any evidence?”

Jin Lingling stopped crying and put on a strong, dignified expression, saying, “I was too scared earlier and forgot that there were more people there besides us.”

She paused, casting a final glance at Su Dong as if giving him one last chance.

Seeing that Su Dong didn’t even flinch, Jin Lingling’s eyes hardened, and she continued, “Actually when Doctor Su invited me, I didn’t really want to go. As a woman, it’s not appropriate to meet a man alone, so I asked Zhu Qiaoyan from our performing arts troupe to accompany me. Zhu Qiaoyan was in a room not far from us at the time, so she must have seen everything.”

Yan Guoqing was surprised to hear there was indeed a witness. He asked, “Where is Zhu Qiaoyan now?”

The little sidekick, Zhu Qiaoyan, who had been hiding behind Jin Lingling and trying to minimize her presence, was unexpectedly pulled into this situation. Nervously, she said, “I… I am Zhu Qiaoyan.”

Yan Guoqing, with a stern expression, asked, “Tell us what you saw.”

Zhu Qiaoyan hesitated as she looked at Su Dong and then glanced at Jin Lingling. She had no desire to be involved in such matters, especially when the victim was someone like Doctor Su Dong.

If Jin Lingling succeeded, Doctor Su Dong would be pitiful.

Jin Lingling, displeased with her hesitation, stared at her, her lips moving slightly.

While others might not understand the meaning immediately, Zhu Qiaoyan realized that Jin Lingling was hinting at ‘promotion’!

Zhu Qiaoyan’s eyes narrowed. She thought people act in their own interest. If Su Dong married Jin Lingling, he might rise through the ranks due to the Jin family. Perhaps she would even be thanked as a matchmaker.

Yan Guoqing, unhappy with her silence, slammed his hand on the table and said, “Speak the facts you witnessed. Remember, they must be the facts!”

Zhu Qiaoyan shivered and, despite her conscience, gritted her teeth and said, “I saw Doctor Su Dong tearing at Lingling’s clothes. Lingling didn’t want to, and she struggled fiercely, but Doctor Su Dong still forcefully kissed her.”

The moment these words were spoken, the office fell into a tense silence!

Everyone involuntarily shifted their gaze to the ever-composed handsome man, finding it hard to believe that Doctor Su Dong could be a scoundrel.

Before Yan Guoqing could say anything, Xi Yannan erupted with anger, shouting, “You’re talking nonsense! My big brother would never be interested in such an ugly woman!”

Su Xi… was desperately stifling her laughter!

Jin Lingling was enraged by being called an ugly woman. She threw her head back in fury but still remembered she was in a vulnerable position. She swallowed her anger and looked at everyone with a pitiful expression.

Yan Guoqing glanced at the suppressed Xi Yannan and thought to himself. He noted that Xi Yannan was fortunate to be under Xie Zhen’s influence; otherwise, his volatile temper might not be easily controlled.

In fact, Yan Guoqing was overthinking. Xi Yannan’s fury was mainly due to Su Dong.

There were only a few people in the world who could make him lose his composure, and they were mostly his family members.

Yan Guoqing then questioned the trembling Zhu Qiaoyan, “Since you said Jin Lingling was assaulted by Su Dong, why didn’t you come out to help her or find someone to rescue her?”

Zhu Qiaoyan, feeling guilty and scared, didn’t dare to look up. Realizing she had no way out, she quickly came up with a response, “I… I was too scared at the time. Yes, I was so scared that my legs went weak, and I didn’t think about anything else.”

The others, though feeling that it was somewhat disgraceful for a soldier to be so frightened by such a small matter, could still understand her explanation to some extent.

Yan Guoqing nodded and then looked at Su Dong, “So, Doctor Su Dong, do you have any evidence?”

Su Dong nodded and said gently, “I do!”

Jin Lingling and Zhu Qiaoyan looked up in shock, unable to believe that the seemingly gentle man could have any evidence.

Jin Lingling clenched her fists tightly, her fingernails digging into her flesh without feeling. She repeatedly reassured herself that even if there was evidence and witnesses, as long as she refused to admit it, it would be fine!

Yes, as long as she never admitted it, she thought.

With this in mind, she relaxed her tense muscles and exchanged a knowing glance with Zhu Qiaoyan.

Unbeknownst to them, their expressions were all captured by the experienced military officers. These men, who had navigated through the most dangerous situations, could clearly see right and wrong.

However, this matter concerning Doctor Su Dong was indeed troublesome. Given that it involved a man and a woman, the lack of evidence would damage his reputation and potentially affect his future prospects, even if the issue eventually fizzled out.

Despite the concerns of everyone, Su Dong remained calm. He stood up and walked to the office door. In the puzzled gaze of everyone, he brought in a large object.

Yan Guoqing asked, “Is that… a tape recorder?”

Su Dong nodded, “Yes, and it also functions as a radio.”

Upon hearing this, Jin Lingling’s face went pale. Her lips trembled as she had a foreboding feeling.

As Su Dong continued speaking, his words sent her into despair.

Su Dong methodically threaded the tape and said casually, “While we were talking earlier, I had a friend record everything. I believe nothing could serve as better evidence than this.”

He then pressed the play button, and a slightly garbled voice began to emerge from the speaker.

Jin Lingling, caught off guard by the recording, desperately lunged at the radio, trying to grab the tape.

However, most of the people present were military officers with high physical prowess. Two tall officers stepped forward, their faces stern, and firmly restrained Jin Lingling from struggling.

Zhu Qiaoyan had collapsed to the floor, her eyes filled with regret and fear. She muttered repeatedly, “… It’s over… it’s all over…”

The recording was brief. Su Dong had not spoken much with Jin Lingling.

After everyone had listened, they looked at the two women lying on the floor as if they were dirty rags.

Yan Guoqing’s face, flushed with anger, pounded the table, “Captain Ma, these pests in your troupe are truly despicable. I hope you handle this strictly. Otherwise, I don’t mind taking this matter to the military court myself.”

Captain Ma’s face turned red with embarrassment. This was the most disgraceful moment of her life.

Even though she felt rage bubbling up in her throat, she forced a smile and thanked Yan Guoqing for saving her some face, saying, “Thank you, Head Yan. Rest assured, I will give you a satisfactory response.”

She then stood up and bowed apologetically to everyone.

Yan Guoqing nodded, clearly satisfied with Captain Ma’s attitude. He waved his hand, “Have these two women taken into custody. Don’t let them appear again before they leave the island.”

The two company commanders, holding onto Jin Lingling, each pulled one of the women, leading the weak-legged duo out.

Jin Lingling staggered, her mind buzzing. She couldn’t fathom how a recording device had appeared in what seemed like a foolproof situation.

Desperate, she grabbed the doorframe and asked, “Why did you bring a radio?”

The crowd was curious, but they doubted that Su Dong would be kind enough to explain to Jin Lingling after being so wrong.

To their surprise, Su Dong calmly explained, “Because this isn’t the first time I’ve encountered such a situation, so…”

Su Dong shrugged and sighed, “It’s better to be prepared than not!”

Jin Lingling never expected this would be the reason, and she was led away as if her soul had left her body.

Captain Ma also apologized to the crowd, her face dark with anger, and left in a hurry.

The remaining people looked at Su Dong’s almost otherworldly handsome face, contemplating.

They suddenly found they no longer envied good looks…

Yan Guoqing stood up, laughing heartily, “Let’s go, let’s go! We should go watch the performance. The high-ranking officials are still here, so we’ll deal with this after they leave. But, Doctor Su Dong, don’t worry, the subsequent handling will definitely be overseen by Division Commander Zhang. He is known for protecting his own people.”

With everyone’s minds eased by Yan Guoqing’s reassurances, they quickly composed themselves and left the office, heading towards the stage.

Su Xi, being pulled along by Xie Zhen, gradually fell behind the others.

Su Xi tilted her head and looked at her unusually quiet partner, asking, “Why are you so quiet today?”

Xie Zhen stopped, hesitated for a moment, and then diplomatically said, “Don’t you think… there’s something strange about how Big Brother and Brother acted today?”