Chapter 27: Falling Ill

The next day, it seemed that everyone arrived at the medical station early, as if to prepare for Qionghua. Lin You, however, arrived late due to Qin Lang’s “endless fussing” the night before.

Seeing Qionghua already waiting, sternly looking at her, Lin You sheepishly joined the lineup.

Xiao Nan whispered, “Dr. Lin, why are you late? Didn’t we agree to meet early?”

“I forgot to reset my alarm,” Lin You murmured, holding up her hand briefly in a promise, “Tomorrow I won’t be late.”

Qionghua approached them, her sharp gaze fixed on Lin You as she demanded loudly, “Dr. Lin, are you proud of being late?”

Lin You looked up, meeting Qionghua’s eyes for a second, then quickly lowered her gaze.

Qionghua took Lin You’s silence as guilt and continued more strictly, “Do you understand that as a soldier, punctuality is a basic discipline?”

Lin You took a deep breath, summoning courage to answer, “I’m sorry, Instructor Qionghua. I promise it won’t happen again.”

“Good,” Qionghua replied, “You’ll do an extra hour of training this noon.”

Lin You couldn’t help but feel resentment toward Qin Lang he just didn’t know when to stop. She observed Qionghua, thinking how compatible she seemed with Qin Lang, they must have plenty of common ground.

Since arriving at the base, her relationship with Qin Lang had developed rapidly. Often it was Qin Lang pursuing her, but she realized she was just as filled with feelings for him. Though just last night she had been irritated, she had melted under his passion. Qin Lang had even warned her “Next time, if you bring up anyone else at a time like this, it won’t end as easily as tonight.”

Qin Lang had certainly used every means to get her to comply with things that made her blush. Reflecting on Professor Song’s words about a woman’s happiness having a career and a devoted partner she understood the truth in Qin Lang’s response to her doubts “Without love, there’s no desire.”

Thinking of Wen Xin’s unrequited love for Qin Lang for the past ten years, she couldn’t help but admire her dedication. Perhaps Wen Xin really was what Xiao Nan described as “a love struck soul.”

That morning, Lin You worked hard to keep up with Qionghua’s intense training. She managed to get through the extra hour at noon but was noticeably exhausted by the afternoon. Yet, determined not to show weakness, she forced herself to keep pace.

During a break, Xiao Nan noticed Lin You’s pale face, drenched in sweat, and asked worriedly, “Dr. Lin, are you okay? Should you take a rest?”

Lin You weakly shook her head but was interrupted by Dr. Liu’s stern voice.

“Dr. Lin,” Dr. Liu advised, “you didn’t rest at noon, and the sun’s still intense. You’re clearly struggling. I’ll ask for permission for you to rest.”

Before Lin You could respond, Dr. Liu was already heading to Qionghua.

Qionghua came over, and Lin You quickly stood up.

“Dr. Lin,” Qionghua sneered, “you can’t even handle an hour of extra training. With a physique like that, how did you get into a military medical school? Both as a soldier and as a military spouse, you should have extraordinary resilience and strength. Set a good example, don’t give up so easily.”

Unable to stand Qionghua’s tone, Xiao Nan retorted, “Dr. Lin is covered in cold sweat and might faint any moment. If that happens, it won’t benefit anyone. The squad leader might even blame you.”

Lin You quickly tugged on Xiao Nan’s arm, signaling her to stop speaking.

Qionghua’s face turned darker as she replied, “If you’re so concerned about her, fine you’ll join her in punishment. You too, Dr. Liu.” She pointed at Dr. Liu and commanded, “You both will run 3000 meters. Start now!”

Lin You hurriedly approached, pleading, “No need for that I’ll go by myself…” Then she jogged toward the track.

After several laps, she felt like her soul was leaving her body, her vision darkened, and she collapsed to the ground.

Everyone from the medical team rushed over, shouting, “Dr. Lin… Dr. Lin…”

Even Qionghua was worried about Lin You’s condition and quickly carried her to the medical office.

Captain Song assessed her, “She’s experiencing exhaustion, she needs to rehydrate.”

Turning to Qionghua, he added, “There are only three days left. Dr. Lin needs time to recover, so let’s exempt her from the remaining training. I’ll make the request.”

Qionghua seemed reluctant but, seeing the captain’s firm stance, agreed.

Later, as Nurse Deng removed Lin You’s jacket, everyone noticed the small marks on her neck and chest. Dr. Liu quickly covered her with a blanket, murmuring, “The squad leader really has no sense of restraint.”

Everyone else in the medical unit nodded in agreement. Qionghua’s face darkened as she awkwardly left the room.

When Lin You woke up in the evening, her limbs felt sore, but she shook her head to assure she was fine.

Dr. Liu approached with a teasing smile, “I was the one who changed your clothes saw everything I shouldn’t have.” She whispered in Lin You’s ear, “You and the squad leader are really in love, covered in love marks.”

Blushing furiously, Lin You didn’t know how to respond.

The head nurse nudged Dr. Liu, also teasing Lin You, “Getting shy now won’t help.” The surrounding staff chuckled.

After returning to work, Lin You learned that Qin Lang had been sent on a temporary mission. While worried for his safety, she encountered Qionghua one afternoon.

“Dr. Lin,” Qionghua initiated, “can we talk?”

Lin You nodded.

As they walked, Qionghua remarked, “Dr. Lin, with your weak constitution, you’re really a delicate beauty not worthy of the squad leader.”

Lin You, who had initially expected a different conversation, was irritated by Qionghua’s condescending comment. Did Qionghua think Lin You’s good nature meant she could bully her without rebuttal?

“Whether I’m worthy or not, we’re already married,” Lin You replied. “And your admiration will only keep you watching us be happy.”

“I used to admire your perseverance,” she continued, “but the way you insult me over and over is that how you show your love for Qin Lang? If you can’t accept his loved one, then your so called love is just selfishness. You don’t deserve to love him.”