Chapter 128: My Wife Misses Me?

Shen Chuning was truly surprised by the man’s unexpected passion in bed, quite different from his usually serious demeanor.

However, she wouldn’t let him go too far.  After one time, she whined, “Husband, I’m hungry…”

Zhou Yubai, feeling a bit guilty, scratched his nose.

He kissed her forehead, “Wife, wait, I’ll get you something to eat.”

He went to the kitchen.

Soon, he returned with warm water for her to clean up.  Then, he brought steaming buns, soy milk, and a small dish of side vegetables.

It was simple, but Shen Chuning ate contentedly.

“Wife, I’ve talked to Old Li. He’s reported our oil discovery; we should receive a reward.” Zhou Yubai said during the meal.

Shen Chuning’s eyes lit up, “Will this merit a promotion for you?”

Zhou Yubai, amused by her innocent expression, smiled indulgently, “Yes.  Wife, do you want a promotion at the commune? I can help you apply.”

Although the military and local government were separate, if she wanted a position in the commune, he could help.

Shen Chuning shook her head vehemently, “No.  Being an accountant is fine.”

She enjoyed working with numbers.  But she didn’t need power.  She preferred to earn a promotion through her own achievements.  A promotion secured through Zhou Yubai felt illegitimate, even if it was based on her own merit.

Zhou Yubai understood.  He also guessed why she wanted him promoted quickly.

He said, “Wife, I’ll investigate Wang Yumeng’s situation and who’s behind it.”

Shen Chuning was surprised by his perceptiveness.

She nodded, “Mm.”

The experts had confirmed oil reserves of at least 300 million tons.  While smaller than Daqing, the shallower depth made extraction easier.  It met the extraction standards.

After Zhou Yubai reported this, the higher-ups approved preparations, including road construction, and immediate extraction once further exploration confirmed the standards.

Shen Chuning’s eyes shone, “Brother Yubai, does this mean you’ll stay here and not return to the army?”

Zhou Yubai smiled, pulling her close, his voice low, “Wife, do you miss me?”

Shen Chuning glared playfully.  He knew the answer.  What woman wants to be separated from her husband?

Zhou Yubai stopped teasing her, “Wife, don’t worry, I’ll apply for this mission.”

Oil fields require military protection, usually by logistics units.

Zhou Yubai was in a frontline unit.  Staying here meant transferring to logistics.

The next day, Shen Zhengrong saw Zhou Yubai’s application.

He frowned disapprovingly, “Mr. Zhou, are you sure?  Transferring to logistics?”

Frontline units were dangerous but offered more opportunities for merit and promotion.  Logistics units were safer but lacked opportunities for advancement.

Zhou Yubai remained silent.

Shen Zhengrong frowned deeper, “Are you transferring because of Ningning? Does she know this will end your career?”

Zhou Yubai reread his application.

Shen Zhengrong couldn’t stand it, standing up, “If you won’t tell Ningning, I will. She can’t be so selfish, ruining your career to keep you here.”

He was about to leave.  He cherished his sister, but Zhou Yubai was his role model.  He couldn’t let his sister ruin Zhou Yubai’s career.

He believed his sister didn’t understand the implications, and wouldn’t make such an unreasonable request if she did.

“Come back!”

As Shen Chuning reached for the doorknob, Zhou Yubai finally spoke.

Two gossiping soldiers were eavesdropping outside.

Soon, more soldiers gathered, asking, “What happened?  What did Captain Zhou and Deputy Commander Shen say?”

A thinner soldier, his eyes gleaming with excitement, “I didn’t hear everything clearly, but they talked about Ningning. Captain Zhou and Deputy Commander Shen must have argued about sister-in-law.”

“Ah, even heroes fall for beauty!”

Another eavesdropper sighed, “Captain Zhou and Deputy Commander Shen are heroes, winning the army’s martial arts competition every year.  But when it comes to women…”

He shook his head.

“What? Continue, I want to hear what happened with the women!”

A cold voice came from behind.

Qin Yi felt a chill down his spine, his expression freezing.

Another icy voice followed, “I want to hear too. Tell us.”

Qin Yi turned, seeing Zhou Yubai and Shen Zhengrong.  His face was pale, “Captain, Deputy Commander, I…”

“Speak!”

Zhou Yubai’s command silenced him.  He spilled everything they had gossiped about.