Chapter 18: The Return

After receiving a call from Qin Lang, Lin You couldn’t contain her excitement in the days that followed. Knowing he’d return in about half a month, she wore a constant smile, eagerly anticipating his arrival.

Even Captain Song couldn’t resist teasing her

“Dr. Lin, what’s got you so happy? Care to share the joy with everyone?”

Looking a bit embarrassed, Lin You replied, “It’s nothing.”

Captain Song, however, exposed her secret mercilessly, “Isn’t it because the squad leader is coming back soon? A lot of new recruits are staying in the temporary barracks.”

Lin You blushed, lowering her head shyly. Captain Song continued

“A new round of training is about to start, and the squad leader will begin training the rookies again.”

After he left, Lin You turned to Xiao Nan and Xiao Bei, puzzled, “Who are the ‘rookies’?”

Xiao Nan and Xiao Bei exchanged a glance, laughing as they explained, “The new recruits. They still have to go through rigorous training before officially joining.”

Xiao Bei added, “It’s a tough process sometimes only a few make it through.”

Lin You nodded, beginning to understand. Special forces training clearly demanded a lot.

Dr. Liu chimed in with a smile, “Dr. Lin, soon you’ll see proud instructors and some very dejected recruits.”

Lin You imagined these “kings of soldiers” facing setbacks from Qin Lang’s intense training.

Half a month quickly passed.

One evening, Qin Lang returned, leading a soldier, Yang Pan, through the base and explaining basic procedures. As they reached the dormitory, Qin Lang called out

“Dan Ye, the recruits are all here. Mission accomplished.”

Without further explanation, he turned and jogged off, leaving Yang Pan confused about his departure.

Lin You was finishing a surgery as Qin Lang arrived at the family quarters. Assuming she was out for dinner, he decided to shower first. When she still hadn’t arrived, he set off toward the infirmary to find her.

At the intersection, he spotted Lin You walking alone toward him. Running over, he called out joyfully, “Honey, I’m back!”

Hearing his voice, Lin You’s excitement was evident as she smiled brightly. Before she could move, Qin Lang reached her, lifting her in a spin as his laughter filled the area.

Nearby soldiers, witnessing the reunion, clapped and joined in the cheer. Blushing, Lin You gently patted his shoulder, whispering, “Qin Lang, put me down! There are so many people here.”

Respecting her shyness, Qin Lang set her down and guided her quickly toward the family quarters.

At a distance, Qiong Hua and Instructor Ye Qing observed. Ye Qing turned to Qiong Hua with gentle advice

“Qiong Hua, let it go. The squad leader is clearly in love with Dr. Lin.”

A bitter expression crossed Qiong Hua’s face, and she argued stubbornly, “So what? She may be pretty, but I know him better than anyone.”

Ye Qing sighed, recognizing her persistence.

Once inside, Qin Lang couldn’t wait any longer and pushed Lin You against the door, capturing her lips passionately. His longing was evident, as if he wanted to pour all his pent up emotions into that one kiss, assuring himself she was truly there.

Lin You wrapped her arms around his neck, responding with equal warmth, showing him just how much she had missed him too.

His kisses grew gentler, as he cherished her presence, touching her as though she were something precious. He whispered softly, “Did you miss me?”

Feeling dazed from his affection and the warmth of his touch, Lin You struggled to respond.

Seeing her flustered silence, he deepened his embrace and murmured with gentle persuasion, “Tell me, did you miss me?”

Lin You, feeling both overwhelmed and delighted, managed a soft, “Yes, I missed you very much.”

Her words lit a spark in Qin Lang, igniting a powerful wave of desire.

Meanwhile, Yang Pan was shown to a three person dorm room. He was now designated as No. 56, joining No. 52, Lu Li, and No. 48, Yang Zhishang.

Lu Li, a dual degree Ph.D. in military engineering at just 25, greeted Yang Pan warmly. However, Yang Zhishang, unresponsive and distant, didn’t even glance in his direction.

Yang Pan, however, took it in stride, unpacking as he recalled the lieutenant’s words “Treat this as a mission, and don’t let anything distract you.”

Later that night, after sharing his lingering passion with Lin You, Qin Lang held her close and shared his plans for the next three months

“The upcoming months will be focused on training new recruits. There may be nights where we have to work late and almost no weekends.”

Lin You gazed at him curiously, wondering why he was telling her all this.

Gently kissing her closed eyes, Qin Lang continued, “So, sometimes I’ll be staying in the dorms, and there may be days you won’t see me at all.”

Lin You nodded, showing her understanding. As long as he was still stationed nearby, she felt at ease.

Qin Lang looked at her seriously and reminded her, “You might hear complaints about me, but I need you to ignore them. Don’t argue with anyone, alright?”

Lin You nodded obediently, her only wish at that moment being to close her eyes and rest.

But Qin Lang, not yet satisfied, began another round of tender kisses. Pausing briefly, he asked softly, “Did you eat yet? Are you hungry?”

Lin You shook her head slightly, whispering, “No, I’m fine. Are you?”

Qin Lang smiled mischievously, brushing her sensitive waist with his fingers. She caught his hand, feeling her cheeks warm.

With a playful tone, he whispered, “Once I’m full, you can sleep, and I’ll cook us something.”

Understanding his double meaning, Lin You’s cheeks grew even redder.

With their hearts entwined and their laughter filling the quiet night, they knew their love had grown even stronger during their time apart.