Chapter 31: Guard Du Feng

Zhao Dongmei had gradually calmed down. Especially after hearing the director’s words, she suddenly realized—he was advising her not to continue butting heads with Su Ying.

She lowered her head, hid her true thoughts, apologized to the director, and promised to get along with everyone.

However, once she left the office, her expression changed. If before she thought Su Ying was just a little ant she could crush at will, now she felt like Su Ying had become a flea crawling on top of her—itchy, uncomfortable, and needing to be eliminated.

On Su Ying’s end, things were going well. Everyone in the registration office was treating her nicely. There were three girls working there in total, but only one more who actually handled registrations besides her—a young woman named Qian Duoduo, who had just graduated from nursing school and was assigned here afterward.

“Su Ying, it’s noon, time to clock out. Let’s go eat together in the cafeteria,” Qian Duoduo invited.

Su Ying was still familiarizing herself with the process. Hearing this, she glanced at the wall clock and stood up.

“No thanks, I need to head home. Another time, we’ll eat together then.”

Qian Duoduo’s lips moved as if to say something, but she finally gave in with a helpless smile.
“Alright… The previous girl in this role was really stuck-up and rarely talked to me. I thought once you came, I wouldn’t be ‘single’ anymore—finally someone to chat and eat lunch with. But why do you go home every noon? We have a break room here. You could nap after eating.”

Su Ying smiled, pulled a big red apple out of her satchel, and handed it to Qian Duoduo.
“Here, have an apple. Someone is waiting for me at home, so I need to go. Once I’ve sorted things out at home, I’ll join you for lunch.”

Qian Duoduo eyed the large, shiny apple hungrily but hesitated.
“Isn’t this kind of apple expensive? I’ve seen patients bring similar ones in fruit baskets—they make the whole ward smell sweet.”

Su Ying stuffed the apple into her hands.
“No worries. I have more at home. I’ll head out now. See you this afternoon.”

After Su Ying left, Qian Duoduo clutched the apple and took a big sniff. That’s the smell! She couldn’t wait and took a bite. Her eyes squinted with joy—sweet, fragrant, and absolutely delicious.

Su Ying rode her bicycle to the market. Though the afternoon produce wasn’t as fresh as the morning’s, it was still decent. She bought tofu, potatoes, corn, and a few cucumbers, then rushed home.

Even though the hospital wasn’t far, she had to clean up for Gu Jinghong, cook, eat, do the dishes, and tidy up. Her lunchtime was tight.

As soon as she entered the courtyard, she called out:

“Comrade Gu, I’m back! We’re having stew today—I bought potatoes and tofu…”

But her voice abruptly stopped when she opened the door. She sniffed the air—there was a delicious aroma of food already wafting through the house.
Who was this kind-hearted sister-in-law that came over to cook for Gu Jinghong?

She carried her groceries toward the kitchen, only for the door to open first. A tall, handsome young man stepped out. He was in military uniform—shirt sleeves rolled up to reveal toned muscles. His skin wasn’t pale but had a healthy sun-kissed glow.

“You must be sister-in-law, right? Hello! I’m Du Feng,” he said, saluting her with a bright, sincere smile that revealed perfect white teeth.

Su Ying froze for a moment before straightening up and returning the salute. Though her form wasn’t perfect, it was very respectful.

Du Feng laughed cheerfully.
“Very well done, sister-in-law.”

Su Ying chuckled and quickly put the groceries into the kitchen, sneaking a peek at the steamer. Wow—three dishes and a soup, all looking and smelling amazing.

Du Feng followed her in, still wearing an apron. He crouched down to add more wood to the stove.

“Sister-in-law, go check on the commander. The last dish—braised pork—is almost ready.”

Su Ying gave a sheepish smile.

“Alright then… sorry for the trouble.”

After setting down the groceries, Su Ying walked out of the kitchen but couldn’t help glancing back. She still hadn’t figured out who this man was or why he was suddenly in her house.

Once inside Gu Jinghong’s bedroom, she quietly shut the door behind her.

“Commander, did you have a bowel movement today? You really need to—otherwise, your bowels might dry up. Have you not been drinking enough water?”

She muttered to herself while placing the straw near his lips. But he shook his head.

His clear, cold eyes only focused on her.

Su Ying noticed his lips didn’t look dry, so she lightly touched them with her index finger.

Gu Jinghong’s eyes suddenly widened, his gaze growing more intense.

“Aren’t you thirsty?” she asked, then moved downward, slipping her hand under the blanket to check his lower body.

But she seemed a little off-target and accidentally touched the inside of his thigh. When her fingers brushed against something soft, she jerked her hand back, startled.

She looked up and met Gu Jinghong’s deep gaze.

His eyes were like deep pools, ready to swallow her whole. Feeling guilty, Su Ying quickly looked away and cautiously moved her hand down his leg again.

Then she paused, blinking.

“Commander… you didn’t pee today?”

She lifted the blanket, only for Gu Jinghong to purse his lips and say,
“Du Feng already changed me. No need to clean.”

Su Ying saw that he was cleaned up and had ointment applied to his bedsores. She tucked the blanket back over him and said,
“He came over to help today. Let’s invite him to stay for lunch. He even made braised pork—let’s let him take some home, too.”

In this era, meat was scarce. A meal with braised pork was a luxury. Su Ying thought Du Feng had been very considerate and helpful—it was only right to show appreciation.

Gu Jinghong tilted his head slightly toward her.
“He’ll be staying here from now on. Not going home.”

“…What?” Su Ying was stunned.
He’s staying here? What kind of arrangement is this? Where am I supposed to sleep?

Gu Jinghong replied,
“He’s my guard. He has to live here.”

Guard?

Only then did Su Ying remember that Leng Weimin had been reassigned. Gu Jinghong currently had no personal security detail. Since Su Ying arrived, the sentries outside the courtyard had been removed—only she and Gu Jinghong were living here.

Still, this was a military family compound with guards at the gate. There wasn’t much danger.

Du Feng seemed like a decent guy. At least more pleasant than Leng Weimin. And from the way he had changed Gu Jinghong’s clothes and cleaned him, he seemed very reliable. Plus… he was more handsome than Leng Weimin.

Su Ying’s gaze drifted to Gu Jinghong’s face.
But if we’re talking looks… this man is the real stunner.
Sword-like brows, starry eyes, rosy lips, and straight teeth—like a celestial being.

Even after suffering so long, he had only grown thinner—his face still looked flawless.

Gu Jinghong noticed her staring.
“What are you looking at? Do you have a problem with him staying here?”