Chapter 379 – Too Obviously Happy

“Director, this isn’t about a reward,” Li Yiyi tried to stall a bit longer, hoping she could somehow weasel her way out of this.

But Director Cheng was an old fox and wasn’t giving her any room to maneuver. “Dr. Li, I don’t want you to go either. You’re a well-known figure in our hospital. With you here, our reputation shines brighter. But this assignment came from above—neither of us has a say, we just follow orders.”

Li Yiyi looked at him, clearly acting troubled as he said this, and gave him a deadpan stare. Finally, she answered helplessly, “Got it. When do I leave?”

“Tomorrow. They’ll send someone to pick you up from home at 7 a.m.” The moment she said yes, Director Cheng responded with obvious delight.

Hearing the cheer in his voice, Li Yiyi narrowed her eyes. “Director, why do I get the feeling you’re happy I’m being sent off somewhere? Weren’t you just saying I’m the hospital’s poster child?”

“Was I?” Cheng Wei immediately cursed inwardly. He’d shown way too much enthusiasm—she’d clearly picked up on something.

“Oh, definitely,” she said, her eyes narrowing further. “Director, are you hiding something from me?”

Cheng Wei forced a dry chuckle. “What could I possibly be hiding from you? Anyway, if you’ve got stuff to do, go on. I’ve got things to take care of too, so I won’t keep you.”

With that, he spun back around and sat down at his desk, quickly picking up a file and pretending to read it with great focus.

Li Yiyi watched him, even more suspicious now. “Director, your file is upside down.” With that, she finally turned and walked out of the office.

Cheng Wei glanced down at the file in his hands. “No it’s not…” Then, realization hit like a brick. He looked toward the door she’d just exited from and muttered with a mix of frustration and amusement, “That Dr. Li—she’s gotten sly too.”

—

That evening, Li Yiyi rode her bike back to the staff housing compound, just like usual.

As soon as she got home, the rich smell of dinner hit her nose, instantly awakening the hunger from a long day of work.

The three elders at home hurried over to help her carry her things.

“Why’d you buy so much stuff?” Mother Jiang looked at all the bags and asked in surprise.

“It’s not that much. I’m heading out on a work trip tomorrow and will be away for a while. I stocked up on everything we might need while I’m gone.” She’d bought everything—cooking oil, salt, sauces, vinegar—from the supermarket inside her space.

“You’re leaving tomorrow? Your hospital’s really too heartless. You just got back, and now they’re sending you off again,” Auntie Huang said, full of concern.

Li Yiyi smiled. She knew Auntie Huang was just worried about her. “They didn’t have much choice. It’s an important assignment.”

Later, just as they were sitting down to eat, before Li Yiyi had a chance to bring up her trip, Jiang Hong beat her to it—announcing that he would be going on a mission the next day.

“You two really are something—totally in sync!” Auntie Huang chuckled.

Jiang Hong looked over at his wife in surprise. “You’re heading out too?”

Li Yiyi nodded. “I was planning to tell you over dinner. Didn’t expect you to get in first.”

He immediately asked, concerned, “Where are you going? Is it dangerous?”

“A small mountain village in City X. Shouldn’t be too dangerous—I’ll be going with a team sent from above,” she replied after thinking it over.

“You’re going to City X too?” Jiang Hong’s eyes lit up in surprise.

Li Yiyi caught his use of the word “too” and stared at him intently. “What do you mean too? Are you also going to City X?”

Jiang Hong thought about it. The more he considered it, the more he felt their missions might overlap.

He grinned. “Yep, we’re also headed to City X. Higher-ups want us to send a unit to protect some researchers. What’s the name of the village you’re going to?”

Excited by the coincidence, Li Yiyi quickly told him, “Shanghe Village. We’re going to a place called Maya Mountain. Is that where your mission is too?”

As soon as he heard the name, Jiang Hong felt the universe was being unusually kind to them. “We’re going to the exact same place—same mountain and everything,” he said with a laugh.

“No need to say more. It’s clearly the same spot. This is great—you two will be together, so everything will be much safer,” Auntie Huang said happily for them.

The young couple looked at each other in surprise.

—

That night, even when it was time for bed, the two of them were still awake, lying in bed talking about the coincidence.

“The bottle of medicine I just gave you—make sure you keep it safe,” Li Yiyi instructed seriously while resting in his arms. “We don’t know what the situation will be like, and it’s up in the mountains—plenty of snakes and who knows what else. That medicine is for emergencies, so don’t lose it.”

Jiang Hong listened carefully. He understood now—those bottles were life-saving.

“Wife… do you have any more of that medicine? Could you spare a bit more?” he interrupted, looking a bit embarrassed.

Li Yiyi glanced up at his handsome, sheepish face and instantly guessed why he was asking.

“You’re asking for your squad, right?” she asked.

Caught red-handed, Jiang Hong blushed and nodded slightly. “Yeah… I want it for them. Like you said, there’ll be lots of snakes and danger. I can’t just ignore that.”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got plenty. I’ll give you a few more bottles tomorrow morning before we leave. You can hand them out to your brothers,” she replied.

Jiang Hong was so thrilled he grabbed her face and kissed her twice. “Thank you, babe! You’re amazing. I’ll thank you on their behalf too.”

Li Yiyi pushed him away quickly. “No need to thank me. They’re protecting us by going into danger—it’s only right.”

After that, the couple cuddled and slept soundly through the night.

—

The next morning, when Li Yiyi woke up, Jiang Hong was already gone.

She got out of bed and went outside, where Auntie Huang told her that Jiang Hong had left early to go back to the military base.