Chapter 2 – Surgery

The fact that she had managed to catch another transfer vehicle—already a stroke of great luck.

The two of them usually weren’t very talkative, and now the atmosphere was awkward. Zhou Yanjing clenched his hands, then reached out, wanting to hold hers. But just as he extended his hand halfway, a sudden shout rang out from outside:

“Help! Someone help my mom!”

Zhou Yanjing frowned.

“What’s going on?” Shen Liwu asked in confusion.

Taking the chance, Zhou Yanjing grasped her hand and, while turning to go, said, “Let’s go check it out.”

She was pulled out the room, stumbling a little, her gaze fixed on the large hand wrapped around her wrist. She didn’t shake him off.

…

The entire compound was stirred by the shouting—people rushed out of their houses like bees from a hive, asking anxiously:

“Gangpan, what are you yelling about? What happened to your mom?”

“What? What’s wrong with Wu Fen? What happened?” Zhang Damei shouted with her loud mouth.

“Oh no, Wu Fen is the political commissar’s wife—don’t tell me something serious happened?”

“Gangpan, tell us, what’s wrong with your mom?”

Gangpan, wiping at his tears, replied in panic, “My mom’s bleeding a lot, she says the baby’s coming, but she can’t move. She told me to get help.”

Wu Fen and Commissar Liang had two sons already, and they’d long hoped for a daughter. This pregnancy, they were praying for a girl—who could’ve expected something like this to happen?

Upon hearing that, Shen Liwu immediately rushed inside, and the others followed her.

Wu Fen had already collapsed on the floor, unconscious. There was a pool of fluid—likely amniotic fluid—on the ground.

“Oh no! Wu Fen, sis, wake up!” Zhang Damei shouted in fright at the sight of her passed out.

“What do we do? She’s unconscious, and there’s no doctor. We don’t know what to do!” Lin Xiuying panicked.

Shen Liwu checked her over quickly and found the situation critical. She turned to Zhou Yanjing, her tone grave: “Go to my suitcase and bring me my silver needles and medical tools. She’s lost too much blood—we have to stop the bleeding immediately. There’s no time to get her to the hospital. We need to do an emergency C-section now, or both mother and baby will be in danger.”

Zhou Yanjing knew she had studied medicine and didn’t doubt her for a second. He had been silently waiting for her diagnosis ever since he entered.

The moment she finished speaking, he turned and ran to get the equipment.

“Who is she?” Lin Xiuying finally asked aloud.

Zhang Damei, stunned by Shen Liwu’s beauty, said, “Whoa, she’s gorgeous.”

While administering basic first aid to Wu Fen, Shen Liwu explained, “I’m Shen Liwu, Zhou Yanjing’s wife. I just arrived today to join the military family.”

Everyone’s hearts skipped a beat when they heard she was Zhou Yanjing’s wife.

Rumor had it that Captain Zhou’s wife didn’t like him, and the day they got married, she had a pretty sour attitude.

Who would’ve thought this delicate-looking young woman was not only stunning but also skilled in medicine? No wonder Captain Zhou wasn’t interested in those who tried to flirt with him.

Zhang Damei, without thinking, blurted out, “Wife? Then what about Jiang Wei?”

The moment she said that, someone immediately shot her a look. Seriously—mentioning Jiang Wei right in front of Captain Zhou’s wife? Looking for trouble?

Shen Liwu paused at that name. Jiang Wei?

Zhou Yanjing’s lover?

If he really had someone he liked, then what was all that chasing after her in the past life supposed to mean?

The thought flashed through her mind for only a second before she dismissed it. In this life, unless she heard Zhou Yanjing admit it with his own mouth, she wouldn’t believe it.

Lowering her head again, Shen Liwu focused on administering first aid and added, “I need alcohol. Liquor will do—bring as much as you can.”

“Captain Zhou’s wife, are you seriously going to operate on Wu Fen? That’s no joke,” Lin Xiuying cautioned. “Why not just take her to the military hospital? I heard surgeries need several people. There’s only you here. If anything goes wrong, none of us can bear the consequences.”

Others chimed in too: “Yeah! Better to get her to the hospital. If someone dies, how will we explain it?”

Shen Liwu frowned. Wu Fen’s breathing was growing faint. She asked, “How far is the military hospital? How long would it take to get there?”

“At the fastest, two hours.”

Two hours—far too long. She wouldn’t make it.

“No, that’s too far. She won’t survive that long. Are there any military doctors nearby? I need someone to assist me.”

“Doesn’t seem like it. Heard they’re on leave,” someone muttered.

No military doctors?

That made things worse.

Shen Liwu scanned the crowd and said firmly, “This is a matter of life and death. We can’t wait any longer. Help me lift her onto the bed. I need help with the surgery.”

No one responded.

“We all live in the same compound—are you really going to just stand by and watch her die?”

No one wanted to see someone die, but they didn’t want to risk themselves either. If something went wrong during surgery, it could be their necks on the line.

Shen Liwu clenched her teeth and said, “If anything goes wrong, I’ll take responsibility.”

“I’ll help,” Zhang Damei spoke up. “Wu Fen’s always been good to everyone. She helped me when I was in trouble—I can’t just watch her die.”

“Count me in. I… I’m not afraid,” Lin Xiuying added.

Others quickly joined:

“Me too.”

“I’ll help.”

“We’re in.”

Shen Liwu’s eyes gleamed with determination like a blade cutting through the crowd’s hesitation and fear. Her fingers gently pressed on Wu Fen’s wrist, feeling the faint pulse, her brows furrowed tightly.

“We can’t wait anymore,” she said softly, but the words hit everyone like a hammer to the chest.

Zhou Yanjing strode back in, carrying her suitcase.

He set it down quickly, opened it, and handed her the silver needles and surgical tools.

“What do you need me to do?” His deep voice was steady and strong.

Shen Liwu looked up at him—there wasn’t a trace of hesitation in her eyes.

“You’re more familiar with the tools. Hand them to me as needed. Also, get some hot water and clean towels.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she lowered her head.

Operating alone greatly increased the difficulty, and even with years of experience, beads of sweat dotted her forehead. Yet her gaze remained sharp and calm as ice. She knew—every second was a race against death.

She picked up a silver needle with steady fingers, her eyes scanning Wu Fen’s acupoints, then swiftly inserted the needle into her skin.

Once the baby was out, Lin Xiuying caught sight of the lifeless form and blanched.

“Oh no—the baby’s dead!”

“Don’t disturb her,” Zhou Yanjing said in a low voice, his gaze fixed on Shen Liwu’s movements. His hand clenched slightly.

After stabilizing Wu Fen’s condition, Shen Liwu turned to resuscitate the child.

“Don’t panic!” Shen Liwu’s voice was cold and resolute as her fingers swiftly checked the child’s mouth and nose to ensure nothing was obstructing the airway. Then she gently laid the child on the table, placed her palm on his chest, and began applying pressure with measured force.

Everyone stood to the side, hands covering their faces as tears silently streamed through their fingers. “Heaven help us, this child must be okay…”

Zhou Yanjing stood behind Shen Liwu, his gaze locked tightly on her. He knew that at this moment, there was nothing he could do—except silently support her.

Time ticked by, and the room was deathly quiet, save for Shen Liwu’s breathing and the sound of chest compressions.

Suddenly, the child’s body gave a slight tremble, as if he had gasped.

“He’s alive! The child’s alive!” Zhang Damei shouted in excitement, her voice trembling as she nearly jumped up.

Shen Liwu exhaled in relief and continued checking the child’s condition. His breathing gradually steadied.

“Thank goodness… thank goodness…” Lin Xiuying wiped her tears, finally breaking into a smile.

Zhou Yanjing stepped forward, holding Shen Liwu’s shoulder gently. “Are you okay?” he asked in a soft voice.

Shen Liwu nodded. Though the sweat on her forehead hadn’t dried, her eyes were still unwavering. “The child is stable for now. Wu Fen still needs further care.”

She turned back to Wu Fen’s bedside and resumed stitching.

By the time everything was done, Commissar Liang was already waiting outside. Upon hearing that both the mother and child were safe, he arranged for them to be sent to the military hospital.

Shen Liwu and Zhou Yanjing returned to their small courtyard. Night had fallen, and the yard was silent. Moonlight scattered across the pebbles, casting silver glimmers. Zhou Yanjing followed behind Shen Liwu, walking quietly, afraid to disturb her thoughts.

Once inside, Zhou Yanjing was the first to speak. “You did well today.” He paused, his tone tinged with worry. “But next time, don’t push yourself like that.”

Shen Liwu looked up at him. There was a trace of exhaustion in her eyes, but more than that—resolve. “I can’t stand by and do nothing. If it were you, you wouldn’t just watch either, would you?”

Zhou Yanjing was silent for a moment before nodding slowly. “You’re right. But what worries me is… you. What if something had happened…” He didn’t finish the sentence, only looking at her deeply.

Shen Liwu stepped closer, meeting his eyes. “I know what you’re worried about. But I can’t refuse to do what’s right just because I’m afraid of what might happen. Besides, I’m not alone. I have you behind me, don’t I?”

The night deepened. Outside, cicadas chirped in waves. A light breeze fluttered through the mesh window, bringing a hint of coolness. Inside, the dim yellow light fell softly between them, the air thick with an indescribable tension and tenderness.

Zhou Yanjing’s eyes flickered slightly. His throat bobbed as if words were caught there, but didn’t come out. He lowered his gaze, his voice hoarse: “Yes. I’ll always be behind you.”

Shen Liwu’s lashes trembled lightly. A thin mist rose in her eyes. She took a deep breath, her fingertips curling slightly as if suppressing some emotion.

She didn’t say anything more, just nodded gently and said with a soft hint of playfulness, “I’m hungry, Zhou Yanjing.”

She hadn’t eaten since getting off the train, and after the surgery, she was now absolutely starving.

Zhou Yanjing froze. The tension in his eyes slowly melted into warmth.

“I’ll make you some noodles,” he said and turned toward the kitchen.

A moment later, he reappeared. “I need to borrow some noodles. Wait for me at home.”

He rushed out quickly, looking completely normal on the outside.

Only he knew how hot his ears felt.

Pathetic—just a little pout from his wife and he lost all composure, even forgetting they didn’t have any noodles at home.

Soon, he returned with the noodles. Shen Liwu leaned against the kitchen doorframe, watching him bustle about. His movements were quick and practiced, as if he had replayed this scene in his mind countless times. Flames danced on the stove, and steam gradually rose from the boiling pot, blurring his outline.

She had never imagined that one day, she would quietly watch him cook for her. Her past life felt like a distant dream—those years of avoidance, coldness, and misunderstanding now seemed absurd.

Zhou Yanjing added a handful of noodles to the pot, gently stirring with his chopsticks, creating a soft clinking sound.

Soon, a steaming bowl of noodles was placed on the table. He pushed it in front of her and said softly, “Eat while it’s hot. Be careful, it’s hot.”

Shen Liwu nodded, picked up her chopsticks, and blew on a mouthful of noodles before putting it in her mouth. The rich aroma filled her mouth, and the warmth spread from her stomach throughout her whole body.

She couldn’t help but sigh softly, “So good.”

Zhou Yanjing sat across from her, eyes gentle, lips curved into a faint smile. In this moment, he felt completely content, as though all the waiting and suffering had been worth it.

As Shen Liwu ate, she suddenly looked up with a playful glint in her eyes. “Why are you staring at me? Aren’t you going to eat?”

Zhou Yanjing shook his head. “I’m not hungry. You eat.”

Shen Liwu put down her chopsticks and said seriously, “Eat with me. There’s too much for me alone. But… I already had a bite. If that bothers you…”

Zhou Yanjing immediately cut her off, his voice low and firm. “It doesn’t bother me. If you can’t finish, I’ll eat the rest. Be good, eat up. It won’t taste good once it’s soggy.”

“Okay.” She thought to herself, We’re husband and wife. Sharing food isn’t a big deal.

Zhou Yanjing lowered his head, the corners of his lips curling into a faint smile. This kind of mundane interaction felt incredibly precious.

He couldn’t help sneaking a glance at her. Under the warm light, her side profile was soft and quiet. Her long lashes cast shadows beneath her eyes, the tip of her nose slightly upturned, and a bit of soup clung to her lips, making her look rather adorable.

“Zhou Yanjing,” Shen Liwu suddenly said gently.

“Hmm?” He looked up, eyes focused on her.

“The noodles today were really good.” She smiled slightly, warmth in her gaze. “Thank you.”

Zhou Yanjing’s heart gave a slight tremble, as if something had lightly plucked at it. Looking at her smile, his throat tightened, and his voice turned husky: “As long as you like it, I’ll make them for you every day.”

Her smile deepened. “I’m your wife. If people find out you’re cooking for me every day after training, won’t they say you’re henpecked?”

Henpecked?

If she wanted to “henpeck” him, he’d be more than happy.

Zhou Yanjing’s eyes darkened slightly, his voice low and gentle: “Whether I can be managed or not depends on the person… and the method.”

There was a hint of expectation in his words. His gaze burned into her, as if he wanted to take in every little expression on her face.

Shen Liwu’s hand paused slightly. Her chopsticks hovered over the bowl, and for a second, the air seemed to freeze. Her heartbeat skipped, and a faint blush crept up her cheeks and ears. She lowered her head and took a sip of soup.

“Then I’ll have to think carefully about how to manage you,” she said softly, teasingly, though with a trace of probing.

A flicker of amusement flashed in Zhou Yanjing’s eyes, his voice deep and magnetic: “I’m ready anytime.”

Since joining the military camp, she seemed to have changed a lot. At the very least, she no longer pushed him away.

That was a good sign.

After eating about half, Shen Liwu stopped. “I’m full.”

Zhou Yanjing looked at the small half bowl of noodles left in front of her and frowned slightly. “That’s it? Didn’t you say you were starving?”

She chuckled softly, her voice lazy. “I was hungry. But now I’m kinda stuffed.”

Zhou Yanjing didn’t say anything more. He reached over, pulled her bowl in front of him, and picked up the chopsticks, naturally digging in. His movements were swift and straightforward, exuding the boldness of a soldier.

Shen Liwu blinked, slightly surprised, then quietly watched as he cleaned out the bowl, not even leaving a drop of soup behind.

Zhou Yanjing set the bowl down, looked at her with an open expression, and said plainly, “Wasting food is shameful. If you can’t finish it next time, save it for me.”