Chapter 24: Temptation

As they descended the mountain, Qiong Hua ordered them to take the stairs down.

“Is she doing this on purpose?”
“Absolutely, just jealous of how pretty Dr. Lin is.”
“What a petty person.”
“If I were the squad leader, I wouldn’t like her either.”

Lin You listened to the murmured complaints but said nothing. She felt that since Qiong Hua had already allowed them a rest at noon, there was no need to push back further. Besides, she was beyond exhausted tired, thirsty, and itchy from the prickly heat covering her skin. She conserved her energy, hoping to get to the base soon.

At the mountain base, Qin Lang had found Wen Xin.

“Wen Xin, why didn’t you answer earlier?”
“My communicator broke. I just got a replacement and was setting it up.”
Qin Lang sat down, asking, “So why did Qiong Hua take the medical team into the mountains?”
“She mentioned it was to familiarize them with the environment for future rescues. Last time, it took them forever to find a patient with a fracture up there.”

Qin Lang nodded, recalling the incident. “Why the first day? And with full packs?”
“I wasn’t aware she started today, nor that they didn’t take a car.”
“She told me she’d ease them into it,” Wen Xin added, “but this could wear them down before the two weeks are even over. They still need to handle emergencies.”

Back at the base, Lin You’s team saw a vehicle.

“Is it really for us?” asked Xiao Nan excitedly.
Dr. Liu tapped her head lightly, saying, “What are you thinking? Think she’d actually let that happen?”

As they approached, they saw that it really was their team’s vehicle. Dr. Xu leaned out, saying, “Come on, time to get you all home.”

On the drive back, Lin You finally relaxed, resting against Xiao Nan and Dr. Liu, too tired to move. “Xiao Nan, just… let me lean here…”

Everyone was exhausted, but few had much of an appetite. They ate just enough to stave off hunger. Lin You, moving gingerly, headed to the treatment room. When she removed her shoes and socks, her feet were covered with blisters.

The head nurse came in, gasping when she saw Lin You’s feet. She carefully tended to each blister, disinfecting with gentle hands and sighing as she worked.

“So, today must have been your longest walk ever,” she remarked.

Lin You shook her head. “Not quite, but the most sunburned.”

At home, Lin You couldn’t wait to shower, hoping to soothe her sunburned, irritated skin. She emerged, wearing a strappy nightgown, and collapsed into bed.

When Qin Lang returned, he noticed her bruised feet, the prickly heat, and her sunburned ears and cheeks. He was relieved he’d realized the base leader’s true intentions in time, sparing Lin You even greater hardship.

He fetched the first aid kit, disinfecting her wounds and massaging her muscles to relax her.

In the morning, she woke as the bugle sounded, spotting Qin Lang by her side. She reached out to him, whispering his name.

“Feeling better?” he asked gently.

She stretched, feeling somewhat recovered but still sore, especially her feet. Remembering the day’s training, she clung to Qin Lang’s neck, trying to sit up. Unable to support herself on her blistered feet, she leaned her weight onto his back.

“Qin Lang…”

Qin Lang turned, catching her as she leaned on him, her face against his chest, savoring his warmth.

He gazed down at her, his heart stirring. He tilted her face up, inspecting her sunburn, which had mostly faded back to its usual fairness.

Lin You rested her head on his shoulder, her voice soft, “Qin Lang, do I have to go to training?” She looked up at him, eyes full of hope.

Qin Lang kept silent, curious to see what she’d try next.

Lin You’s eyes sparkled mischievously as she drew closer and whispered, “Please?” She leaned in, her lips brushing his neck, lightly teasing.

Unable to resist, he tightened his grip around her waist, kissing her deeply, pulling her closer.

Caught by surprise, she melted into his embrace, responding eagerly as their breaths grew short. His hands traced her back, feeling her warmth, until they were both lost in the moment.

The morning reveille sounded, breaking the spell. They exchanged smiles, sharing a tight embrace.

Qin Lang’s voice softened, “From now on, Wen Xin will lead your team’s training. You’ll start morning exercises at 6:30. I’ll take you there myself.”