Chapter 10

Yan Hongmei was the wife of the military commander. She herself was a chief physician, constantly surrounded by flattering people. In recent years, she had lived in luxury, forgotten her roots, and developed a proud and harsh personality.

Back then, she pointed at Bai Lu and cursed him viciously.
“Your parents were both orphans. When you were just one year old, they died in battle. If it weren’t for my Lao Bai pitying you and taking you in, you would’ve been eaten by wild dogs.”

“That’s right. Me taking your military credit is you repaying the Bai family’s kindness. Who knew you’d be such an ungrateful wolf, even daring to report me.”

Bai Yan had probably long known that Bai Lu wasn’t his biological brother, so he showed no shock at the news.

“You’ve done something like this—of course the Bai family can’t keep you anymore. There’s still one relative listed in your father’s file. Go to him and fend for yourself.”

Everyone who went to war left a relative’s address, in case they died and the unit needed to contact someone.

Bai Lu’s biological father had no other relatives except Gu Yuanbao, so that address was listed.

With just a few words, Yan Hongmei decided Bai Lu’s future. From start to finish, Bai Lu didn’t speak a word, nor did he show any strong emotion.

Over the years, Commander Bai had treated him fairly well, but nowhere near as kindly as he treated Bai Yan. As for Yan Hongmei, she had always been completely biased toward her own son.

Bai Lu had sensed this long ago. So when he learned the truth, he wasn’t surprised.

“Fine, I’ll leave. But before I go, I need to say goodbye to Commander Bai.”

After all, Commander Bai had raised him from the age of one, paid for his education, and helped him get into the army. Bai Lu would always be grateful for that.

“Old Bai’s gone to another military district. He’s not in the capital.”

A flicker of panic flashed through Yan Hongmei’s eyes. Commander Bai didn’t know about this yet—it was something she had decided on her own.

But as a propaganda officer, how could she not cover all her bases?

Yan Hongmei found Song Qianqian and put on a gentle and kind demeanor.
“Qianqian, Auntie knows you and Bai Lu grew up together and have a deep bond. Although he’s only my adopted son, I’ve always treated him as my own. Who knew he would hurt Bai Yan over some military credit?”

“I’m just sending him to Gu Yuanbao to scare him a little. Talk to him on the way. As long as he admits his mistake, the Bai family will still welcome him back.”

Song Qianqian immediately agreed. She truly liked Bai Lu. If he were still the commander’s son, even if just adopted, she would be willing to marry him.

Yan Hongmei, however, never intended for Bai Lu to return. She was only laying the groundwork for when Commander Bai returned to the capital and asked about him.

She’d simply say Bai Lu was sent to reflect on his actions, and she even asked Song Qianqian to persuade him.

She knew Bai Lu’s character. Once he learned the truth, he would never return.

Bai Lu saw through both Yan Hongmei and Bai Yan’s true faces and packed a few sets of clothes before heading to Ankang Brigade.

He just hadn’t expected Gu Yuanbao to have already passed away.

When Bai Lu finished recalling everything, the Song siblings were already arguing furiously.

“Song Qianqian, if you still can’t tell right from wrong, I’ll send you back immediately.”

“Why should I go back?” Song Qianqian burst into tears. “Auntie Yan is so upright—how could she lie? Before I left, she even asked me to persuade Bai Lu!”

“Enough, stop arguing. I’m an orphan. I don’t have any brothers or sisters. Don’t call me ‘brother’ again.”

Bai Lu’s voice was cold, sharp like knives, each word stabbing into Song Qianqian’s heart.

“Junjie, please help me get the wheelchair out of the car.”

Bai Lu didn’t spare a glance at the heartbroken Song Qianqian. They had known each other since childhood, but that was all—just acquaintances, not childhood sweethearts as she liked to imagine.

Song Junjie didn’t want to deal with his sister anymore. He got out quickly and brought the wheelchair down.

“Luzi, let me carry you out,” Song Junjie offered, arms open.

“No need. I’m not crippled yet.”
Bai Lu had injured his right leg. Using his left leg for support, he got out of the car and sat in the wheelchair himself.

At that moment, Gu Sanyong had just finished speaking with the two female educated youths. Zhang Aizhen helped Leng Xue set up her bedding. The couple drank some water, then prepared to head home.

Leng Xue saw them off at the door—just in time to spot Gu Beilu, sitting in the wheelchair, with gauze over his right eye, looking seriously injured.

No wonder the King of Hell had said the spring water from the space could heal him.

Leng Xue didn’t have time to feel sad. She was busy calculating how best to greet her lover.

But before she could come up with a plan, Gu Beilu spoke first.

“Comrade, may I ask—what’s the name of the brigade leader of Ankang Brigade, and where does he live?”

Note:

• Bai Lu and Gu Beilu are the same person. The male lead is called “Gu Beilu” in the female lead’s internal monologue and later officially changes his name in the next chapter.
• “Luzi” is a nickname for Bai Lu used by his close friend Song Junjie.