Chapter 49: Returning to the Base

The three of them prepared to head back to the base. Holding Lin You’s hand, Aunt Lu’s voice trembled slightly. “You have to come back often on your days off, alright?”

Lin You gently patted her aunt’s back. “Auntie, I’ll definitely come back often.”

Uncle Lu, with a serious expression, turned to Qin Lang and said, “I’m counting on you, Captain Qin, to take care of them.”

Qin Lang nodded firmly. “Of course, Uncle.”

Back at home, Lin You immediately changed into comfortable pajamas, flopping onto the bed like a lazy kitten, sighing contentedly, “There’s nothing like being home.”

Closing her eyes, she enjoyed the familiar warmth. Qin Lang sat on the edge of the bed, smiling as he watched her relaxed state. He gently stroked her hair and said softly, “If you’re tired, just rest.”

Lin You nodded, eyes still closed. Qin Lang got up, went to the kitchen, and returned with a warm glass of milk. “Here, have some milk before you nap.”

She sipped the milk, feeling her body relax as drowsiness set in. She placed the empty cup down, snuggled under the covers, and quickly drifted into sleep. Qin Lang, filled with affection, kissed her forehead, turned off the lights, and left the room.

The next morning, as the wake-up bugle sounded, Qin Lang woke up first. Seeing Lin You still asleep, he smiled warmly. Leaning over, he pressed his lips to hers, waking her with a kiss.

Startled awake, Lin You’s eyes met his, and the spark of passion was clear between them. Qin Lang, however, held back, taking a deep breath to steady himself. “Good morning, my love.”

“Good morning, darling,” Lin You responded, her eyes full of warmth.

After breakfast, Lin You headed to the medical unit, surprised to find her colleagues lined up at the door, waiting for her.

“What’s going on?” she asked curiously.

Captain Song smiled, “We’re here to welcome our champion!”

Remembering her recent competition victory, Lin You felt embarrassed. “It was a team effort.”

The head nurse grinned, “Don’t be so modest, Dr. Lin! You and Xiao Bei truly brought honor to our medical unit.”

Her colleagues led her inside, where festive New Year decorations filled the space red lanterns, spring couplets, and the character for “fortune” adorned every corner, filling the room with warmth and cheer.

“Are we already preparing for the New Year?” Lin You asked Dr. Liu, who chuckled, “Yes, every year the base gets ready early. The soldiers all join in, and everyone will be performing for each other, too!”

Lin You furrowed her brows, worried about needing to prepare a performance. The head nurse noticed and said, “Dr. Lin, since you just competed and won for us, you’re excused from performing.”

Relieved, Lin You beamed, “Thank you so much!”

With the New Year approaching, most duties were on hold, and the medical unit was quiet, only occasionally seeing soldiers for check-ups or medication. Meanwhile, her colleagues rehearsed a skit about the bond between soldiers and civilians. Lin You, lacking in performance skills, was grateful for her reprieve.

Later that evening, when Qin Lang returned, he found Lin You at the dining table, lost in thought. He gently tapped her forehead. “What’s on your mind?”

“Do you need to perform, too?” she asked.

Qin Lang shook his head. “No, we’re on duty. Does the medical unit need you to?”

She stood up, smiling. “Nope, the head nurse assigned me to duty instead.”

He raised an eyebrow, amused. “You’re really that happy about it?”

“Of course! I’ve always hated these things,” she replied with a grin.

Laughing, Qin Lang knew her aversion to performing. He headed to the kitchen to bring out dinner, but Lin You suddenly asked, “What’s it like spending New Year’s at the base?”

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, eager to know more. Qin Lang paused, turning to her with a small smile. “Why, do you want to stay here for New Year’s instead of going home?”

Lin You quickly shook her head, and he chuckled at her reluctance before answering, “It’s lively here, even though it’s not as glamorous as the city. Everyone celebrates together with performances, military songs, and other activities it’s a great atmosphere.”

Hearing this, Lin You blinked thoughtfully, then asked, “Is that why you stay here every year? Do you prefer celebrating with the base?”

Surprised by her question, Qin Lang tapped her forehead lightly. “Shouldn’t you know better than anyone?”

Thinking back to his previous visits home, Lin You blushed and looked down.

Soon, the performance night arrived two days before New Year’s. The base was alive with laughter and brightly decorated for the holiday.

As night fell, fireworks lit up the sky outside. Lin You stood by the medical unit’s window, gazing longingly at the colorful display, but tonight was her turn for duty. Captain Song walked in, noticing her wistful expression.

“Go on, Dr. Lin. Go enjoy the festivities outside,” he said kindly.

“But… I’m on duty,” she replied, hesitating.

Smiling, Captain Song patted her shoulder. “It’s your first time experiencing this, go ahead. I’ve been here for years and am used to it. I’ll cover for you.”

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Lin You quickly thanked him, “Thank you so much, Captain!”