Chapter 19: Difficulty

As Qin Lang had said, he was incredibly busy this month. There were times when days would pass before Lin You could see him. During this period, she overheard numerous complaints some people said that Qin Lang treated his team members harshly, was oppressive without reason, and even called him a “smiling tiger.” However, Lin You simply listened without reacting. She knew that Qin Lang wasn’t that kind of person, if he really acted this way, there must be a reason. After all, he had always been respectful toward his comrades and dedicated to the military profession. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have chosen to stay away from his hometown for so many years. Lin You also believed that only through strict training and testing could one become an outstanding soldier. So, regardless of the outside noise, she continued to trust him.

Another training day came to an end. Exhausted, Yang Zhishang lay on his bed, venting, “Why am I putting up with this crap? Points deducted for no reason, and I can’t even question it.”

Yang Pan stayed silent, sitting upright and reviewing new regulations. His mindset was, “A soldier’s duty is to obey orders.” Besides, his past experience with Qin Lang had shown him that Qin Lang was a capable officer. As for the change in Qin Lang’s attitude, he still didn’t fully understand.

Lu Li also remained quiet, absorbed in doing push ups.

Frustrated by the silence, Yang Zhishang turned to the two of them and remarked, “I just don’t get you guys. Don’t you feel any resentment? You really want to stay here that badly?”

Having completed his push up goal, Lu Li replied, “Resentment doesn’t solve anything. We’re on their turf now.” He added, “And as for whether we stay or not, that’s not up to us.”

“Lights out, 52. Put the book down and sleep,” he added.

In the dark, Yang Zhishang’s curious voice persisted: “I heard his wife works at the medical station here.” He continued, “I saw her from behind—great figure. I hear she’s beautiful, too.”

The other two remained uninterested, refusing to respond.

But Yang Zhishang pressed on “That Qin Lang has issues, using his position to bring his wife here. One day, I’ll go see her myself. If I can’t get to him, maybe I’ll get to her.”

Lu Li objected, “That’s not right. His wife hasn’t wronged you.”

Yang immediately countered, “Well, her husband wronged me. Guess she should’ve picked a better man.”

Yang Pan then voiced his disapproval “If you do that, I’d lose all respect for you. Targeting women isn’t a real man’s way.”

Lu Li chimed in, “Rumor has it she’s a military medical Ph.D., transferred here through regular military channels. It’s all legitimate.” He continued, “I suggest you think twice before acting. I’d look down on you too if you did that.”

Yang Zhishang grumbled, “Yeah, right, 52, you think you know everything. Yet you’re the first to talk back to Qin Lang.”

Seeing he wasn’t listening, the other two just went to sleep.

The next day, it started to drizzle. Though the rain was light, the early autumn chill settled in, leaving a damp discomfort that clung to them. Already in a foul mood, Yang Zhishang struggled through the day’s training, making countless mistakes and losing more points.

Danye took note of Yang Zhishang’s behavior and yelled, “Number 48, what’s with you? Your performance is off all day!”

Unfazed, Yang Zhishang sat up and rolled up his pants to show a visible scar, loudly replying, “My ankle was injured once. Rain makes it hurt more.”

Qin Lang approached and examined it, recognizing it as a superficial wound, not the kind of scar left by surgery. He commanded loudly, “Keep training. It won’t kill you.”

Finally, training concluded, and everyone rushed to the cafeteria. Yang Zhishang finished eating first and made his way toward the medical station. Noticing this, Lu Li and Yang Pan exchanged glances, then quickly wolfed down their food to follow him.

Lin You, on duty that day, was reviewing patient files when she heard footsteps. Looking up, she saw a tall figure enter it was Yang Zhishang.

Ignoring Xiao Nan’s questions, Yang Zhishang walked directly to Lin You and glared at her fiercely. Lin You, unsure what he wanted, furrowed her brows and gently asked, “What’s wrong, Lieutenant? Are you feeling unwell?”

Yang Zhishang paused upon seeing her face but answered gruffly, “Can’t you see? My foot hurts!”

He stood there, making no further move. Lin You’s brows knitted in irritation, but she remained professional, replying politely, “Please remove your shoe. I’ll need to take a look.”

Yang Zhishang stayed still, coldly retorting, “My hand hurts. You take it off.” His tone was harsh and commanding.

Suppressing her dislike, Lin You managed a smile. “Lieutenant, your hand seems fine. I’m sure you can manage.”

Hearing the commotion, Xiao an walked over and offered, “I’ll help you.”

Yang Zhishang sneered at Xiao Nan, spitting out, “You’re nothing. You don’t deserve it.”

Lin You quickly helped Xiao Nan up, ready to leave with her. Just then, Lu Li and Yang Pan arrived, pulling Yang Zhishang back. “Come on,” Lu Li urged. “This isn’t the way a soldier should act.”

But Yang Zhishang, beyond reasoning, tried to grab Lin You, who skillfully evaded him. Furious, he sneered at her, “Why’d you marry Qin Lang? With a face like yours, you probably used some trick to snare him. How much does he pay you every month to keep you around? What did you do to get into the army?”

Lin You’s delicate features hardened with fury. She released Xiao Nan and stepped right up to Yang Zhishang, her gaze razor-sharp. The other three, no strangers to intense moments, were stunned by the fierce aura she radiated.

Seeing he still wasn’t intimidated, Yang Zhishang’s vulgar taunt was, “If you keep looking at me like that, I’ll take you right here!”

Without warning, a scalpel gleamed in Lin You’s hand, and she swiftly moved close enough for its blade to graze Yang Zhishang’s carotid artery. Her voice, cold and steely, sliced through the air, “Care to find out if I’ll kill you?”

The speed and force behind her movement left the seasoned men speechless, frozen in the intensity of her stance.

Just then, Xiao Nan had brought over Qin Lang, Danye, and Captain Song, who arrived in time to witness the tense scene. All three men were dumbfounded, never expecting such a lethal skill and icy tone from the usually gentle Lin You.

In the background, no one noticed the glint of admiration in Lu Li’s eyes, nor the trace of delight in his expression.