Font Size:
Upon returning from their outing with Wang Zhenhe and the others, Wang Qian heard Zhang Weiguo’s words at the door. At that moment, she genuinely didn’t feel he was being arrogant. On the contrary, she saw her younger uncle as a man of flesh and blood, loyal and honorable. Those who hadn’t experienced war might not understand this sentiment. In a past life, she had seen Vietnamese soldiers describe Chinese soldiers this way – when you defeat one, a group would recklessly charge in for revenge, displaying the blood and valor of Chinese soldiers. These were qualities truly worthy of admiration.
The senior military doctor, with a smile, observed the soldier eager to return to the frontline. “Comrade Zhang Weiguo, if you want to avenge your comrades, you must wait until you heal. Currently, you are not recovered, and rushing back now would only burden everyone. When you’re better, even if you want to stay here, I won’t allow it. Rest peacefully, maintain this miracle.”
After ensuring everything was in order, including advising Bai Jianing to take good care to prevent infection and providing other instructions, now that Weiguo was awake and the necessary tubes removed, it was time for recovery and recuperation.
Once everyone dispersed, Weiguo had something on his mind. “Bai Jianing, I heard what you said earlier. We made an agreement. I intend to formally propose to your family.”
This time, Weiguo was direct and assertive, openly stating their relationship in front of everyone. Blushing with embarrassment, Bai Jianing wished she could disappear into the ground. Wang Qian, with a smiling face, watched Bai Jianing, now bright red with embarrassment.
“Nurse Bai, as the saying goes, when a man reaches maturity, he should marry, and when a woman reaches maturity, she should wed. If you and my younger uncle can come together, you would be a harmonious revolutionary couple. If you don’t speak up, we’ll take it as your agreement. My mother will soon arrange for a formal proposal to your family.”
Seeing the shy expression of the prospective sister-in-law, Zhang Lan approached, “Nurse Bai, you’ve probably heard about our family situation from Weiguo. I’m his second sister. If you agree, our parents can sit down and have a proper discussion. My brother isn’t getting any younger, and further delay might complicate things.”
Bai Jianing subtly nodded, a bit shyly raising her face. “Second Sister, my family isn’t aware of my relationship with Weiguo yet. I’ll talk to them first, and once I have their response, it won’t be too late for you to speak with them.”
When it came to such a significant life decision, Bai Jianing needed to speak her mind. Even though she was shy, she had genuinely set her sights on this man as someone she could entrust her life to.
Understanding the importance of family approval in such matters, Zhang Lan respected Bai Jianing’s need to communicate with her family first. Some things required the elders’ consent; otherwise, the young couple might face difficulties even if they came together in the future.
“All right, Jianing, it’s essential to discuss this with the elders. Once you’ve talked to them, let me know, and I’ll bring some gifts for a visit.”
With the unspoken understanding between Zhang Weiguo and Bai Jianing, as they gazed at each other, there was a depth of emotion that outsiders couldn’t comprehend. To Wang Qian, it seemed like a deep affection, a silent exchange of love.
In the evening, while out for a walk, the father and daughter planted the small fruit and tea tree saplings they had acquired during the day. Wang Qian even collected some soil where matsutake mushrooms had grown, hoping to find the mycelium within it, ensuring they could enjoy such delicacies even if they are in the northern regions in the future.
Upon returning home, Wang Qian recalled what the old man Wu had mentioned that day and quickly sat down to contemplate the matter of the water barrel.
Taking a pen, she began sketching and writing on the side. Once everything was ready, she handed it to Zhang Weiguo.
“Young uncle, give this to Grandpa Wu when you see him tomorrow. Tell him it was your idea, and from now on, it will be your creation. It has nothing to do with me.”
Zhang Weiguo carefully examined the blueprint and became incredibly excited at just one glance. The detailed annotations provided by Wang Qian made it clear to him what was depicted.
“Qianqian, you…” Zhang Weiguo was so overwhelmed with emotion that he struggled to find words. Wang Qian sat beside him, smiling, “Young uncle, don’t get too excited. Your body isn’t fully recovered yet. It’s just a water barrel. Once you understand it, hand it over tomorrow. It will help the frontline troops get water sooner and reduce casualties.”
To soldiers fighting on the frontline, this blueprint was undoubtedly a life-saving device. Without water, maintaining combat readiness in such arid conditions was impossible. Many soldiers lost their lives trying to fetch water, a tragedy Weiguo had witnessed firsthand. The pain of such losses was unforgettable. Dying courageously in battle was one thing, but losing lives while fetching water felt unjust – losing both water and lives.
“Qianqian, on behalf of all the soldiers, I thank you sincerely. Once this device is made, we can reduce unnecessary casualties,” Zhang Weiguo said with tears in his eyes.
Wang Qian gazed back seriously at Zhang Weiguo. “Young uncle, promise me that this was your own idea. Because I need you to go further. We haven’t grown up yet, and we still need your protection. Only when you become stronger can we gradually grow.”
At that moment, Zhang Weiguo realized the immense responsibility on his shoulders. Thinking of the little girl who dared not reveal her true self even with her hair covering her face, he felt an unwavering determination. He knew he had to become the pillar of support for these children. Only when they all grew stronger could their family avoid suffering.
“Weiguo, we’ll be heading back in two days. Your health seems to be fine. We’re keeping this from Mom for now. It’s almost New Year, so it’s time for us to return. If there’s a response from Nurse Bai, we’ll have Grandpa Wu go and propose for you. Since both families know each other, there shouldn’t be any major issues.”
Although reluctant to see them leave, Zhang Weiguo understood the responsibilities at home, especially with children needing care. Therefore, he didn’t try to keep them back. The following day, Wang Zhenhe took his daughter out for a big shopping spree, stocking up their space. This way, they would have goods to sell once they returned, likely in high demand, beckoning more prosperity their way.
After Bai Jianing returned to the headquarters, her true identity remained hidden from outsiders. No one knew she was the daughter of the Chief of Staff in the army and the only girl among many boys in the family. Her parents cherished her dearly, considering her as precious as can be.
When Bai Qingyuan heard that someone was interested in courting his daughter, his eyes nearly popped out in disbelief. Who dared to set their sights on his daughter? “Damn it, I’ll show that audacious fellow who’s messing with my daughter. I’ll knock his teeth out all over the place.”
As Bai Qingyuan was about to storm out, Bai Jianing firmly held him back. “Dad, why are you like this? The person seems decent to me. If you want to meet him, I won’t stop you. Just be careful not to upset Grandpa Wu when he returns. The person is Zhang Weiguo, and you probably know him. He’s the hero of this battle.”
The ferocious Bai Qingyuan, upon hearing the name, deflated instantly. “Oh, that young man. I know him. Old Wu highly regards him. By the way, daughter, you haven’t disclosed our family background to anyone, have you?”
Bai Qingyuan was concerned that Zhang Weiguo might be interested in his daughter due to their family’s status.
Bai Jianing shook her head. “Dad, nobody knows about my background, not even my colleagues at the field hospital. If it weren’t for telling you about this, I wouldn’t have come to you. Zhang Weiguo has no idea about my identity.”
It wasn’t that Bai Qingyuan was overly suspicious, but as a father, he needed to consider his daughter’s well-being. If someone was interested in their family’s status, it could complicate matters. Power and status could be a double-edged sword, sometimes helpful, sometimes harmful. It all depended on how one perceived it. While Bai Qingyuan thought this way, it didn’t mean others might not have different intentions.
“All right, you’ve handled it well. For now, let’s keep it under wraps. I’ll speak to Grandpa Wu about this. That young man hasn’t graduated from the military academy yet, right?”
Bai Jianing looked at her father with a smile. “Yes, he volunteered to come to the frontlines. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been injured. What a great comrade he is. He managed to get into university; he’s quite clever.”
Bai Qingyuan didn’t deny that those who could enter a military academy were exceptional individuals. If nurtured properly, they could indeed be invaluable talents. At least from Zhang Weiguo’s journey to the frontlines, he appeared to be a passionate young man. However, Bai Qingyuan wanted to confirm the family background with Old Wu. If the family situation was complex, even the finest young man wouldn’t be suitable for his daughter.
“What are you two talking about? I heard you from afar,” Wu Changyong returned holding a pile of items, all gifts from Wang Qian.
“Old Bai, take a look. Zhang Weiguo has invented a new water container design. Come and see,” Wu Changyong handed the blueprint to his old comrade.
Upon seeing the blueprint, Bai Qingyuan couldn’t help but admire, “Marvelous! Why didn’t we think of this before? Simple yet practical. This invention aligns perfectly with the needs of our combat units. I’ll immediately instruct people to start making this. It’s truly a remarkable invention.”
Hurriedly, Bai Qingyuan rushed out. Bai Jianing stayed with Wu Changyong in the tent. “Jianing, I just heard from my niece about you and Zhang Weiguo. Have you told your father about it?”
Zhang Lan was concerned that their departure might delay her brother’s important matters. So, she had asked Old Wu to act as a matchmaker for Weiguo once they left. When Old Wu heard about it, he was delighted. He gladly took on the role, eager to see his old comrade’s reaction to someone vying for his precious daughter’s hand in marriage.