Chapter 56: Distant Memories

Xiao Nan and the others were stunned at the scene, their expressions full of surprise and curiosity. So, they knew each other all along!

Sensing the eyes on them, Lin You quickly introduced, “This is Wang Xin, my senior from graduate school.” She then turned to Wang Xin. “Senior Wang, these are my colleagues.”

“Hello, everyone.” Wang Xin nodded politely.

“Hello!” Xiao Nan and the others replied in unison.

Lin You looked at him for a moment. He was as handsome as ever, with maturity and strength that the years had added to his presence. His crisp white uniform seemed to glow in the sunlight, making him appear radiant.

Xiao Nan and the others stared at Wang Xin, unable to hide their admiration for his appearance.

Lin You teased, “Senior, just like back then, you’re still turning heads everywhere you go.”

Wang Xin laughed softly, his eyes lighting up. He gazed at Lin You with a smile. “You’re still the same as ever, always teasing me. And you’re as beautiful as you were then.”

After a moment of staring, Lin You shifted the topic, feeling a little awkward. “So that’s why I lost track of you all these years you joined the Navy Special Operations.”

Wang Xin’s expression softened. “Yes.” His eyes searched hers. “But what about you, Lin? How did you end up at a field health station? I thought you’d continue with your doctorate.”

She chuckled. “I got transferred here. Besides, my husband is here too.”

A subtle hint of sadness flickered across his face. Back in graduate school, he’d admired her intelligence and kindness, even wanting to confess, but learned she was married. Seeing her now, happy as ever, he knew he had to let go of what was long hidden in his heart.

“Lin, you look really happy.”

She smiled. “I am, my husband treats me well. And you? Are you married yet?”

He shook his head. “Not yet.”

Just then, a voice called from behind him, and he responded, “Coming!” He turned to Lin You. “Sorry, I have to go. Let’s talk soon.”

She nodded. “See you later.”

As he left, Xiao Nan remarked, “I think he likes you.” The others nodded in agreement.

Lin You laughed, “No, you’re imagining things.” Then, she teased, “He’s still single. Should I introduce him to one of you?”

They shook their heads quickly. “He’s way out of our league!”

Afterward, Lin You returned to the clinic, lost in distant memories. During her first year of graduate school, he was already assisting in surgeries with Professor Song. He was always considerate, supportive of the junior students. Lin You had admired him deeply, even imagining her ideal partner to be like him handsome, kind, and thoughtful. She had sensed he might feel something for her, too, but they’d left it unspoken.

Later, rumors of her marriage spread, and he began distancing himself. After graduation, they lost contact entirely. She was saddened by the distance, but grateful that the separation could help them both move forward.

To her surprise, he had reappeared. Yet, despite his lingering sadness, her heart belonged fully to Qin Lang. It was better to clarify things, for both their sakes.

That evening, Qin Lang surprised her by coming to pick her up after work.

“Aren’t you busy? How did you manage to come?” she asked.

“I was nearby,” he said, taking her hand and leading her home.

The weather had warmed, and Lin You loved the fresh scent of spring. She walked beside him, hand in hand, as he kept an eye on her expressions, ensuring she was her usual self.

“What do you want for dinner? Or should we go out tonight?”

“Let’s have that pork we bought last time and give our hardworking Qin team leader a reward,” she teased.

He grinned, thrilled that he was still her priority. “Sounds perfect.”

Laughing, he took her hand and playfully led her home at a run.

After dinner, Qin Lang didn’t leave. Instead, he carried her straight to their bedroom.

“The dishes” she protested, but he paid no mind, holding her close.

Later, lying on his chest, Lin You drowsily murmured.

“Wife,” Qin Lang said softly.

“Hmm?” she responded.

“Wife.” He repeated, his voice gentle.

“Hmm?”

He called her again, just wanting to say her name. She looked up, amused. “What is it?”

“Nothing,” he replied, holding her close. “I just felt like saying it.”

“Then, husband,” she echoed with a smile.

“Yes?”

“Love you.”

He held her tighter, a deep contentment in his voice. “I love you too.”