Chapter 78: Battlefield

Since the two battles the year before last, although there hasn’t been large-scale warfare on the border in recent years, minor skirmishes have been ongoing. Soldiers and officers have been rotated from various military regions.

When Commander Ding mentioned it, Ji Duo understood what he meant, “When is the latest I can give you a reply?”

This surprised Commander Ding a bit, “Didn’t you write a petition?”

At the beginning of the rotations, new soldiers and young officers from various military regions wrote petitions expressing their willingness to go to the front line and sacrifice for the country.

Commander Ding knew Ji Duo as a decisive and trustworthy person, so he expected an immediate agreement.

But back then, Ji Duo was alone. Now, he had his closest loved one.

Ji Duo didn’t speak, and Commander Ding collected his surprise, “By next Monday at the latest, give me a reply so I can report it.”

He added, “This is a great opportunity for you. You’re too young for this position.”

Ji Duo was indeed very young. To advance further from his current position as a regiment commander, he needed something substantial, like military achievements.

Ji Duo understood and thanked him before leaving.

Outside, he ran into Old Zhou, “Did Commander Ding talk to you?” Without specifying, “They talked to me too.”

Ji Duo just responded with a “Hmm.”

“He wants my reply by next Monday.”

“By next Monday?” Old Zhou was surprised, “I thought you’d agree immediately.”

Not just Commander Ding and Old Zhou, even Ji Duo himself a year ago would have been surprised to hear this. But he said, “I’ll discuss it with my family.”

It was Lin Qiao’s first day at school, so he didn’t want to ruin her good mood. Ji Duo waited another day and, after work, had Xiao Fang take him to Lin Qiao’s house near Qing University.

The small courtyard was locked, and Lin Qiao hadn’t returned. Ji Duo didn’t have Xiao Fang drive but walked to Lin Qiao’s university.

Lin Qiao finished her work and left the lab around 8 PM.

Knowing she hadn’t applied for a dorm, a senior student asked, “Is it okay for you to go alone this late? Do you need us to walk you?”

“No need.” Lin Qiao shook her flashlight and smiled, “I live nearby, just a few minutes away.”

Turning around, she saw a familiar tall figure under a tree.

She was surprised, thinking she was mistaken, but the man walked over and asked, “Finished?”

Mature, handsome, and imposing, he made the senior students stop talking.

Lin Qiao said goodbye to them, “My husband is here to pick me up.”

“See you tomorrow.” They nodded, realizing she was married so young.

“Why are you here?”

“Do you always stay this late?”

Walking a bit further, Lin Qiao and Ji Duo spoke almost simultaneously. After speaking, they both fell silent, giving the other a chance to speak.

They looked at each other, and Lin Qiao finally said, “The lab is busy.”

Ji Duo nodded, “Why don’t you apply for a dorm?”

Applying for a dorm would mean she wouldn’t have to return late, showing his concern for her safety.

Lin Qiao agreed, and Ji Duo stopped walking, looking at her seriously, “Qiao Qiao, I have something to discuss with you.”

With few people around during the summer break, they walked to a nearby artificial lake and sat down.

A cool breeze from the lake brushed past, and Lin Qiao took a light breath. “Go ahead. What’s so urgent?”

Although the man hadn’t mentioned anything, his precise timing in meeting her meant he had been waiting downstairs for quite a while.

Ji Duo didn’t beat around the bush, “The front-line commanders are rotating, and Commander Ding wants me to go.”

It was an answer Lin Qiao hadn’t expected, but given his profession, it wasn’t entirely surprising.

Lin Qiao fell silent for a moment. She felt more worry than reluctance. Even though she had moved to live at the school, meaning they would be apart, at least he would be safe.

When he first went on a mission, she didn’t feel this way at all. Back then, she still saw him as the male lead from the original book, believing he would be fine; otherwise, how would the story continue?

But now it was completely different. Whether he would be in danger was uncertain. It was only today, at this moment, that she truly realized she had married a soldier.

Lin Qiao heard her own calm voice, “I understand.”

Liu Cuiying had said that every military wife should be prepared for her husband’s deployment to the battlefield at any time.

But Ji Duo told her, “I haven’t given him a reply yet.”

Lin Qiao was stunned, turning to meet his gaze, “I wanted to discuss it with you first.”

Still sitting upright, with the serious demeanor of an old cadre, but his words were different from before. He wasn’t just informing her or even making decisions without telling her, but rather discussing it with her.

This left Lin Qiao momentarily speechless. After a while, she asked, “What if I disagree?”

“You won’t.” Ji Duo’s tone was firm.

Lin Qiao knew what she wanted. She wouldn’t give up university for him and their marriage, and she wouldn’t let him give up his duties as a soldier for her and their marriage. They were alike in their core, both having strong, independent spirits.

But his certainty and understanding annoyed Lin Qiao, “What if I just disagree?”

This time, the man paused and frowned slightly, “Then I’ll fight for it.”

He wasn’t joking. He was serious, even having thought of his arguments, “The country needs me, and I can’t refuse. Besides, I want to go. I’m a soldier, and I’ve been ready to go to the battlefield since the day I enlisted.”

It sounded more like he was expressing his own wishes than fighting for it.

Lin Qiao didn’t relent, even raising an eyebrow, “What if I still disagree?”

This time, the man was silent for even longer, his gaze fixed on her face. Seeing she was unmoved, he asked, “Then, should I try to coax you?”

There was a hint of hesitation in his voice, probably because the word “coax” had never existed in his twenty-eight years of life.

Lin Qiao didn’t speak, waiting to see how he would coax her.

Ji Duo was indeed stumped, frowning for a long time before softly calling, “Qiao Qiao.”

Realizing it didn’t seem effective, he changed the term of endearment to “Baby.”

The man, in his military uniform, with a serious expression and tone, calling her “baby,” was too much for Lin Qiao to hold back her laughter.

After laughing, she noticed the man looking at her, “Is this okay or not?”

“No,” Lin Qiao stifled her laughter, “If you coax a child like this, wouldn’t you scare them to tears?”

Unexpectedly, Ji Duo’s gaze deepened, “Then I need to have a child first.”

What was a serious topic suddenly became a bit ambiguous with his words; even the breeze on her face felt warmer.

Lin Qiao looked up at Ji Duo, and he looked down at her, “Let’s go back.”

“Okay.”

They stood up and walked back to Lin Qiao’s small courtyard near the school, accompanied by the sounds of summer night insects.

Lin Qiao had obviously put more effort into decorating this courtyard. Despite the tight schedule, she had placed a large water tank in the yard and planted water lilies inside.

Entering the house, there was a wicker rocking chair in the corner, making the place feel warm and homely, unlike their home in the military, which was practical but seemed to lack something.

Lin Qiao turned on the light and looked back at the man following her. “It’s late. Should I ask what time you start work tomorrow?”

If she asked that, it meant she wanted him to stay the night.

Ji Duo didn’t know if there was another meaning behind her words; his gaze was intense, but he finally said, “I didn’t bring any protection.”

He hoped they could have a child, preferably a daughter like her, but not now, not when he was about to go to the battlefield. He didn’t want Lin Qiao to go through pregnancy, childbirth, and possibly raising a child alone…

This rational restraint had always been his shining point, and Lin Qiao smiled, “I know. I didn’t mean anything else.”

Even though she was also refusing, Ji Duo’s expression still paused.

Lin Qiao’s expression became serious, “But if you don’t want to go, I won’t stop you. Do you know why?”

“It’s not because I’m going to the battlefield.” Ji Duo understood her somewhat.

“Right.” Lin Qiao looked at him seriously, “It’s because this time, you discussed it with me first instead of waiting until everything was settled to inform me.”

They both had their own principles. Just as she wouldn’t give up her studies for him, he wouldn’t give up his duties for her.

What Lin Qiao wanted was never for him to give up his principles for her, but an attitude, a respect for his wife and lover as equals.

Like this time, he would go to the front line, but at least he knew to discuss it with her first.

Just as her attitude softened, not because of his coaxing or moving words, but because of his honesty when Ji Ze came to him, his respect for her in buying the house, and his willingness to step back and try to change himself to live well with her.

“Ji Duo, if this were just a cooperative marriage, I wouldn’t ask these things of you, just like you wouldn’t initially expect me to rely on you.” Lin Qiao looked up, speaking so openly for the first time, making Ji Duo silent for a long time before he reached out to touch her head, “Hmm.”

“Then come back safely,” Lin Qiao’s voice softened, “I’ll be waiting to see how you perform.”

This sentence finally revealed some softness and the worry hidden beneath her rational exterior.

Ji Duo’s hand paused as he touched her hair, then he cupped her face and kissed her hard on the lips, “Hmm.”

The next day, Ji Duo gave Commander Ding a clear reply, stating that he would comply with the country’s arrangements and was willing to go to the front line.

When the news came out, Liu Cuiying was the first to call Lin Qiao. She reached her at her new home near Qing University and offered her comfort.

Next was Xu Li, who came to Qing University to wait for her, “Did the second son discuss this with you?”

“He did,” Lin Qiao said, “I support all his decisions.” Just like he supported her decision to study.

“That’s good. I thought he might have made the decision on his own again.” Xu Li sighed, hugging Lin Qiao’s shoulder and patting her back, “It’s hard for you, being with someone like the second son who doesn’t care about the family.”

She then softly comforted, “The big battles are over. It’s just small skirmishes over there. He’ll come back safely.”

It was unclear if she was comforting Lin Qiao or herself, as it was her only son going to the front line.

Lin Qiao hugged the old lady back, her voice more certain, “He will come back safely. He promised me.”

Xu Li had spent her life sending off her husband and now her son. She needed comfort more than Lin Qiao, but at the critical moment, she came to comfort Lin Qiao first.

Back at the old house, the old man of the Ji family was much calmer, “As a soldier, you must be prepared to go to the battlefield.” Then he sternly gave his son a lot of battlefield precautions.

“He didn’t sleep half the night, thinking about it by lamplight,” Xu Li whispered to Lin Qiao, “He also wants you to visit more often when he’s not home so he knows if you have any difficulties.”

The old man of the Ji family had this personality, feeling he owed more to the weaker members and treating them better.

Recently, every time Lin Qiao came back, there were dishes she liked on the table. The old man spoke to her kindly, almost as if coaxing her, making her think he was talking to Ji Ling several times.

Finally, Xu Li couldn’t stand it anymore, “Enough, the child is here to eat, not to listen to your lectures.”

The old man of the Ji family turned his head and saw Lin Qiao, his tone inexplicably softening, “Then let’s eat first.”

For this meal, the old couple didn’t call Ye Minshu or Ji Ling; only Ji Ze, who had received the news, returned to see his uncle off. Although he came back, he didn’t say much and didn’t seem to be in good spirits. Throughout the meal, he barely looked at Ji Duo and Lin Qiao.

After the meal, he was about to leave, and Ji Duo used the excuse of going out for a smoke to follow him into the courtyard, “Still haven’t let go?”

Though softly spoken, this question startled Ji Ze, making his face pale. He looked at his uncle, trying to stay calm, “What do you mean by ‘let go’? I’ve already transferred out of the military.”

Ji Duo’s gaze seemed to pierce into his heart, “You know that’s not what I meant.”

Originally, he didn’t want to bring it up, but since he was going to the front line and didn’t know when he would return, some things had to be addressed.

Ji Ze probably hadn’t realized it himself at first, but he regretted the arranged marriage. He couldn’t deny it, from admitting in the study that Lin Qiao was excellent to repeatedly inviting her to factory ribbon-cutting ceremonies. He even kept the name “Muzi” when applying for a business license.

A young man rarely meets such a brilliant and outstanding girl, who was originally his fiancée but married someone else. It’s hard not to wonder what if he hadn’t refused back then. It wasn’t necessarily love, but the thought still left a bitter taste.

Ji Ze knew this but would never admit it, “You’re overthinking. I just haven’t been sleeping well lately.”

This was true; he hadn’t been sleeping well, with dark circles under his eyes.

But the reason for his sleeplessness…

Ji Ze didn’t know what was wrong with him. He dreamed repeatedly of not refusing and marrying Lin Qiao but forgot the details upon waking. This constant cycle made his regret inescapable, making him feel guilty whenever he saw Lin Qiao and Ji Duo.

“It’s best if I’m overthinking.” Ji Duo’s sharp black eyes stared at him for a long time before finally looking away.

Ji Ze didn’t dare stay any longer, saying, “Come back safely,” and quickly leaving.

The night before departure, Ji Duo stayed at the small courtyard near Qing University and personally took Lin Qiao to school the next morning.

“You’re busy here, no need to see me off.”

Lin Qiao nodded.

“I’ll write you letters from there, don’t worry.”

Lin Qiao continued to nod.

“If you need anything, call our parents, don’t keep quiet.”

Lin Qiao still nodded.

Ji Duo had nothing more to say, “Don’t you have anything to tell me?”

“I do.” Lin Qiao looked up at him, “Don’t forget your promise. I’ll be waiting to see how you perform.”

This time, Ji Duo stepped forward and hugged her, not caring if anyone was around, “Okay.”

After hugging, he took a few steps back, ready to leave, but saw a familiar boy with peach blossom eyes, carrying a backpack, walking in from the school gate.

Ji Duo frowned, “Why is he here?”

“The notice just came in. He was admitted to Qing University, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. He must be here to check out the school,” Lin Qiao said.

Ji Duo: “…”

Qi Huaiwen was indeed admitted to Qing University. Including him and Li Xiaoqiu, the school had six students admitted to Qing and Peking University this year, two in liberal arts and four in science. Two of the four science students were from Lin Qiao’s class, and the other two were from Class Three and Class Two.

When the admission notices arrived at the school, Vice Principal Qi had been busy posting photos on the honor roll.

“This year is great, a big harvest,” Principal Zeng said, watching him post the photos.

“It is a big harvest,” Vice Principal Qi said, just finishing posting Qi Huaiwen’s photo, his eyes lingering on his son’s photo with a smile. “Not only did we get two more Qing and Peking University admissions, but the undergraduate rate is also higher than last year, especially in Lin Qiao’s class.” He didn’t need to say it; the longer honor roll compared to last year spoke for itself.

“I remember Huaiwen had a deskmate.”

“You mean Liang Jun? He didn’t get in, but he was close and is preparing to retake the exam.”

For a student with such low grades, it was surprising he made it to the college entrance exam and was only a few points short.

Principal Zeng sighed, “Lin is a good teacher.”

“And will be a good professor and scientist in the future.”

“Yes, a good professor and scientist.”

When the future good professor and scientist Lin Qiao received Ji Duo’s first letter, the school had just officially started.

In fact, it was the undergraduate students starting, and Lin Qiao was the only one admitted as a graduate student this year.

The man, usually not talkative, wrote quite a lot in the letter. He also included a local leaf in the envelope. Lin Qiao casually made it into a bookmark and placed it in her most frequently read book.

The second letter arrived three months later, and the first snowflake fell in Yandu. Lin Qiao had moved from being a novice assistant to officially conducting experiments. She spent every day in the lab recording data, and time flew by, so she received the ninth letter.

“Everyone, let’s push a bit more. Two more high-temperature resistance tests and chemical corrosion resistance tests, and the other data will meet the standards.”

In the lab, Zhang Changning let out a long breath. The assistants and students researching with him until now also smiled.

Two years, over eight hundred days and nights of repeated experiments, finally yielding results.

Someone wiped the sweat from their forehead and asked Zhang Changning, “Will the mentor treat us to a meal when this research is done?”

“Yes,” Zhang Changning said, “at the cafeteria.”

Everyone was disappointed. But apart from research, he didn’t care about food or clothing, often not shaving for days, and would indeed only treat people to the cafeteria.

After finishing everything, Lin Qiao stayed behind as usual to check the equipment and clean the lab.

This year, she had just advanced to her third year of graduate school, already a senior among seniors, but she still worked as meticulously as before.

Seeing this, Zhang Changning said to her, “When the paper is written, I’ll list your name second in the research team.”

Lin Qiao was somewhat surprised, yet not entirely.

They were working on aerospace-grade adhesive-based carbon fiber, also known as the “protective suit” for missiles, an important coating material that enhances missile accuracy. It is made from natural fibers, first treated at low temperatures and then processed at high temperatures in a non-oxidizing gas. Having encountered this in her previous life, she made several constructive suggestions during the research process, including the selection of non-oxidizing gases and temperature choices.

Lin Qiao nodded and glanced at her watch, “It’s time for your medication.”

Zhang Changning paused, reluctantly took the medicine from his pocket, and poured water from a thermos, looking very unwilling.

He often forgot to eat when busy, leading to stomach problems. He didn’t like taking medicine, and recently, it got so bad that he fainted in the lab. A hospital check revealed he was close to stomach bleeding, so Lin Qiao had been monitoring his medication intake.

A few days ago, his wife came to the school and thanked Lin Qiao for helping to keep an eye on him.

Zhang Changning was stubborn. He only listened to his students, feeling embarrassed to refuse them, but he ignored everyone at home.

After watching him take the medicine, Lin Qiao took off her lab coat and picked up the letter she had just received.

“Your husband hasn’t returned yet?” Zhang Changning couldn’t help but ask.

He had heard Lin Qiao was married, but she spent more time in the lab than anyone else and rarely went home. Only later, through Yan Maoshan, he learned she was a military wife, and her husband was commanding on the front line.

“They say he’ll be back soon, but I don’t know the exact time.” Lin Qiao smiled and said goodbye to her mentor. Shortly after leaving the lab, she heard someone ahead asking for directions, “Comrade, excuse me, where is Professor Yan Maoshan’s office?”

The voice sounded familiar, and she instinctively looked up, freezing in place.

The person who was asking glanced at her and also froze, “Qiao Qiao?”