Chapter 32: Do you think I don’t dare to teach you a lesson?

“Comrade Lin, do you have some time later? I want to talk to you.”

From Yu Jingchuan’s perspective, Chen Xiuyuan’s ears were red, and he looked nervous.

Yu Jingchuan instantly guessed Chen Xiuyuan wanted to confess his feelings, and he unconsciously clenched his fists, secretly hoping for Lin Yitang’s response.

He didn’t believe she hadn’t noticed Chen Xiuyuan’s intentions.

“Okay, go eat first, then we’ll talk.” Lin Yitang agreed.

Chen Xiuyuan smiled and left the kitchen, his walk clumsy from nervousness, looking somewhat comical.

Yu Jingchuan leaned against the wall, unnoticed by Chen Xiuyuan, who was lost in his romantic fantasy.

Lin Yitang sighed. She wasn’t blind.  She hadn’t noticed Chen Xiuyuan’s feelings before, but now she did. 

Honestly, Chen Xiuyuan was a good man, sincere, but she’d been given a second chance at life and didn’t want to waste time on romance.

She would reject him tonight to avoid future trouble.

Lin Yitang chatted with Wang Guihua for a while. When Chen Xiuyuan came to get her, she left with him.

They walked out of the canteen. The gentle breeze was refreshing.

Chen Xiuyuan led her to the training ground, stopping under a tree.

“Comrade Lin, I… I want to tell you I like… like you! Will you be my girlfriend? I’ll take good care of you! I’ll listen to you. Can you give me a chance?”

Nervous, Chen Xiuyuan’s voice trembled, and he couldn’t look her in the eyes.

Lin Yitang hesitated before saying, “Chen Xiuyuan, you’re good and excellent, but I don’t want to consider a relationship right now.”

Chen Xiuyuan was disheartened.  “It’s okay, I can wait!”

Lin Yitang shook her head. “Don’t waste your time on me. You’ll find someone better.  Let’s just be friends.”

Lin Yitang’s frankness made it clear she wasn’t interested. Chen Xiuyuan deflated. He was sad but forced a smile.

“Okay, I’ll listen to you.”

“I’m going home. You should go back to the dorm.”

Lin Yitang waved goodbye and quickly walked towards the base gate. For her safety, Qin Liangxin had arranged transportation.

Lin Yitang was tired and wanted to shower and rest, so she walked quickly.  The base was dimly lit at night. 

Lin Yitang wasn’t scared, just worried about falling.

Rounding the office building, an arm suddenly reached out from a side path, pulling her aside.

“Ah!” Lin Yitang screamed, her heart leaping into her throat.

“Don’t shout, it’s me.”

A strong, warm embrace.  A familiar voice reassured Lin Yitang, but anger followed.

“Yu Jingchuan, what are you doing? Are you crazy?”

Lin Yitang elbowed him, breaking free.

“You just saw Chen Xiuyuan?” Yu Jingchuan asked, his gaze fixed on her face in the darkness.

“What’s it to you?”

Lin Yitang ignored him and turned to leave, but strong arms pulled her back.

“Lin Yitang, you really want to date Chen Xiuyuan? I knew you were scheming, seducing me and Chen Xiuyuan. 

You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? I warned you to stop your dirty tricks.  Do you think I won’t punish you?”

“Yu Jingchuan, let go of me!”

She struggled, but her strength was no match for his. He held her tighter.

His gaze was dark, like he was looking at prey. He detested her intensely, not wanting her to touch anyone close to him.

Lin Yitang was frightened. “Chen Xiuyuan and I have nothing to do with each other! Let me go!”

Yu Jingchuan’s expression softened slightly, his muscles relaxing.  Lin Yitang broke free and glared at him.

“Commander Yu, what do you want? I haven’t bothered you, yet you provoke me! I’m not that cheap!

Since you despise me so much, fearing I’ll touch you or your best friend, I’ll stay far away from both of you! Are you satisfied now?”

Lin Yitang couldn’t hold back her tears. A dull pain shot through her heart.

Yu Jingchuan opened his mouth to explain but didn’t know what to say.  Tears streamed down her face.

Feeling pathetic, Lin Yitang wiped her tears, kicked him, and ran. Yu Jingchuan, seemingly unfazed by the kick, chased after her.

Unseen in the darkness, a figure emerged…

Lin Yitang ran to the base gate.  Qin Liangxin’s car was waiting, driven by a young soldier.  Seeing her red eyes, he asked, “Comrade Lin, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Please take me home.”

Lin Yitang got in.  The soldier was about to start the engine when Yu Jingchuan ran up.

“Commander Yu?”

“You get out. I’ll take her home.”

Yu Jingchuan gave the order. The soldier hesitated, looking at Lin Yitang and Yu Jingchuan before getting out.

Yu Jingchuan got in the driver’s seat. Lin Yitang wanted to get out, but he locked the doors and drove away.