Chapter 86

Wang Dahe looked troubled, still stubbornly avoiding the truth, “I really have something urgent.”

Jiang Weiyu blocked his path, determined not to let him go without an honest answer. “Do you even realize how bad you are at lying? The moment you lie, your eyes start darting all over the place, giving away your guilt. Stop hiding it. Spill it now, or you’re not leaving today. And even if you run away now, I’ll wait for you at your dorm. Let’s see how you plan to dodge me then.”

The thought of Jiang Weiyu showing up at his dorm made Wang Dahe uneasy. His roommates would surely jump to all kinds of conclusions, and he wouldn’t be able to explain his way out of it. With a helpless tone, he asked, “You’re a girl, don’t you care about your reputation?”

Jiang Weiyu glared at him, “You’re the one forcing me.”

Wang Dahe felt the weight of unfairness. “Who’s forcing who here? Can’t you just pretend like you don’t know?”

Jiang Weiyu was firm, “No, I can’t. Spill it. I’ve got bigger tricks up my sleeve, so don’t push me.”

Realizing he couldn’t keep it a secret anymore, Wang Dahe had no choice but to confess, “The deputy commander has gone missing.”

“What?!”

Jiang Weiyu’s eyes widened, and she blurted out in shock, “What do you mean missing? Explain it clearly—how did he go missing? When? Where? Is he injured? What’s the military doing about it? Have they sent out people to search for him?”

A barrage of rapid-fire questions came at Wang Dahe, leaving him momentarily stunned. He collected himself and replied, “It’s been over a week. I can’t tell you the details, but don’t worry too much. Two other people disappeared with the deputy commander, and with his skills, he’s probably fine. They might’ve just been delayed by something unexpected.”

Jiang Weiyu, anxious and frustrated, couldn’t hold back her anger at his vague reassurance. “What do you mean by probably? This is a life-or-death situation, and you’re saying probably? How irresponsible of you! You’re my brother-in-law’s subordinate, and he’s always treated you well. Yet you don’t seem worried at all. I completely misjudged you!”

Wang Dahe, unfairly scolded, felt both wronged and speechless. “When did I say I wasn’t worried about the deputy commander? I’m extremely anxious! The political commissar has already sent people to search for him. If I hadn’t been injured, I would’ve gone with them.”

How could he not be worried about the deputy commander’s disappearance? He immediately applied to join the search mission, but the political commissar refused, insisting he recover from his injury first. It was incredibly frustrating—he only hurt his right hand, and yet they sent him back to the base to rest for a few days.

Jiang Weiyu calmed down a bit and gave a small, awkward smile. “Sorry, I lost my temper earlier. Do you really think my brother-in-law is okay?”

Wang Dahe scratched his head, “I have a feeling that the deputy commander got caught up in something and can’t get away for now. He probably hasn’t contacted the military because he’s worried about tipping someone off. Let’s wait a little longer and see. I’ll ask the political commissar again tomorrow.”

His words didn’t provide much reassurance—it was all just speculation.

Jiang Weiyu pressed further, “Do many people know about my brother-in-law’s disappearance?”

Wang Dahe replied, “Not many. The political commissar has kept it quiet.”

Jiang Weiyu warned Wang Dahe, “For now, don’t show up in front of my sister. I’m afraid she’ll start worrying if she finds out.”

With Chenchen still being so young, if—heaven forbid—something really happened to her brother-in-law, what would her sister do?

It was such a stressful thought!

Wang Dahe nodded and patted his chest, “I’ll keep my lips sealed, I promise.”

Jiang Weiyu shot him a skeptical look. After a few scares, he had already spilled everything. How could she trust him to keep a secret?

Jiang Suihan tapped her chopsticks against the bowl in front of Jiang Weiyu, “What’s wrong? You seem distracted. Is it something from work?”

Jiang Weiyu shook her head and smiled, trying to cover it up. “No, I just suddenly remembered that I might’ve left out an important point in tomorrow’s lesson. I’ll need to prepare better later.”

Jiang Suihan cast a doubtful glance at her cousin. She felt like Jiang Weiyu was hiding something, but since she didn’t want to talk, Suihan didn’t press her. The young girl was growing up, after all—it was normal for her to have her own thoughts and worries.

Jiang Weiyu lowered her head and continued eating, sneaking a glance at her sister. She let out a slight sigh of relief, but at the same time felt guilty for lying. She wasn’t sure if she was doing the right thing.

Watching Jiang Weiyu’s shifting expressions, Jiang Suihan could tell her cousin was really troubled by something. The way she looked so conflicted—it seemed like whatever was bothering her was serious.

By seven in the evening, Chenchen still hadn’t gone to bed. The three Jiang siblings were all gathered around, chatting and playing with the little one.

Suddenly, Jiang Weiyu asked, “Sister Suihan, how did you meet my brother-in-law?”

Jiang Suihan smiled softly, “We met a couple of times when we were young, but after that, we didn’t see each other for years. Then, one day, he came to my family and said he wanted to marry me. I thought about it for a night and agreed.”

Jiang Weiyu was a bit taken aback, “That’s it? Nothing more?”

Jiang Suihan half-jokingly said, “He’s good-looking and a soldier, so I feel safe. I don’t have to worry about unemployment in the future. His monthly salary is enough to support the family. The elders of the Xu family also agreed to our marriage. Besides, my dad also wanted me to marry into the Xu family before he passed away. After weighing the pros and cons, getting married was the best choice for me at the time.”

Jiang Wei Yu didn’t expect her cousin to give such an answer. It was unexpectedly rational. It seemed that there was not much personal emotion involved in this marriage. It was more of a most rational decision made under the circumstances at the time.

After a moment’s pause, she asked again, “So, do you like him?”

Jiang Suihan hesitated briefly, then smiled, her eyes curving like crescent moons, “Yes, I do. Didn’t I just say he’s handsome? I’m simple like that—I like good-looking men. Plus, he’s kind, helps with the housework, takes care of the baby, never gets violent, brings home treats when he finds something tasty, and makes me ginger tea when I don’t feel well. He’s very patient with Chenchen too.”

As she continued listing Xu Zhao’s good qualities, Jiang Suihan realized just how much he had gradually become a part of her daily life.

Jiang Wei Yu felt like she was being attacked by dog ​​food from all directions and regretted why she asked this question just now. She didn’t want to see her cousin show off her affection.

Jiang Suihan, noticing her expression, looked at her with suspicion. “You’re acting a bit strange today. You act strangely and ask strange questions.”

Jiang Weiyu froze. Could her cousin have figured something out?

Jiang Suihan stared at her, “Wait… don’t tell me you have someone you like?”

Jiang Weiyu nearly choked on her saliva and quickly shook her head, denying it. “No, absolutely not!”

Jiang Suihan’s gaze remained doubtful. “Are you sure?”

Jiang Weiyu raised her hand and swore, “I swear, no way!”

The next morning, Jiang Weiyu showed up with dark circles under her eyes. Jiang Suihan couldn’t help but laugh, “What, did you stay up all night like a thief?”

Jiang Weiyu glared at her. Last night, she was chased by someone in her dream all night long. Those people kept chasing her all the way and said that they wanted to date her, which scared her to death.

There was a knock at the door. Jiang Weiyu went to open it and saw Wang Dahe standing there. She frowned, “What are you doing here?”

Wang Dahe spoke urgently, “There’s news about the deputy commander.”

Jiang Weiyu glanced toward Jiang Suihan, who was preparing milk for Chenchen, and lowered her voice, “Tell me quickly.”

Wang Dahe, seeing that she wanted to push him out, hurriedly said, “Let me in first. I’ll talk to my sister-in-law.”

Jiang Suihan called out, “Weiyu, who’s at the door?”

Jiang Weiyu opened the door fully. “It’s Wang Dahe.”

Jiang Suihan, unaware that Wang Dahe had been on the same mission as Xu Zhao, thought he was just visiting for some other reason.

With little time to waste, Wang Dahe quickly explained, “Sister-in-law, the deputy commander is injured. He’s recovering in a hospital in Yun City. The doctor says it’s not safe to move him, and they need a family member to go take care of him.”

For a few seconds, Jiang Suihan’s heart seemed to stop. She was anxious but forced herself to stay calm. “I’ll pack right away and leave as soon as possible.”

Jiang Weiyu, holding Chenchen, followed behind her. “What about Chenchen? Should we leave him at home?”

Jiang Suihan looked at her son, troubled. Once she left, Jiang Weiyu would still have to teach, and Jiang Leyun also had classes. Neither of them would have the time to take care of Chenchen full-time.

Gritting her teeth, she said, “I’ll take Chenchen with me.”

Jiang Weiyu frowned, disagreeing. “Sister, you’re going to the hospital to take care of brother-in-law. How can you manage with Chenchen? It’s better to leave him here. I’ll ask for some time off from school, and other teachers can help with my classes.”

Jiang Suihan shook her head, “We don’t know what the situation in Yun City is like. It’s fine if it’s just a few days, but what if it’s ten days, two weeks, or even a month? You can’t keep asking others to cover for you. Besides, Chenchen is used to sleeping with me at night. If he doesn’t see me, he’ll cry nonstop, and you two won’t be able to handle him.”

Chenchen had always been a bit crafty. During the day, he could happily play with his aunt and uncle, but come nighttime, he needed his mother. If he didn’t see her, he would scream until it hurt everyone’s ears.

Jiang Weiyu still thought it was unsafe for a young woman to travel alone with a baby. After some thought, she said, “Then I’ll take a leave and escort you there. Once we’ve settled things, I’ll come back on my own.”

Jiang Suihan disagreed, “That’s too much trouble. It’s just as unsafe for you to travel alone by train.”

They had so much to pack—especially Chenchen’s clothes, diapers, formula, bottles, and thermos. It was too much for Jiang Suihan to carry while also holding the baby.

Wang Dahe took the luggage from Suihan’s hand. “Sister-in-law, the political commissar has arranged a car to take you to the train station, and the tickets have already been bought.”

Outside, a car was parked with a young soldier standing beside it. When he saw Jiang Suihan holding Chenchen, he flashed a bright smile. His dark skin made his teeth appear especially white.

Wang Dahe loaded the luggage into the car. “Sister-in-law, this is Comrade Shao Jianjun. He’ll escort you all the way to Yun City and then return. You can rest assured about your safety.”

Suihan nodded, “Please thank the political commissar for me.”

It seemed the political commissar, knowing she would be traveling with Chenchen, wasn’t at ease and had arranged for someone to accompany them.

Yun City, Municipal Hospital.

“Comrade Xu, you’re injured, let me feed you.” A young nurse with freckles on her face held an aluminum lunchbox in her left hand and offered a spoonful of food with her right hand.

Xu Zhao leaned back, turning his head away, and said coldly, “Thanks, but I have my own hands.”

The nurse’s expression shifted slightly, but she continued smiling. “You’re hurt, it’s inconvenient for you to eat. I’m a nurse; taking care of patients is my duty. I really admire soldiers like you. Without you, we wouldn’t have the peace we enjoy today. Please, let me do my part to help, okay?”

Xu Zhao’s face grew even colder. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly sensed something and glanced toward the doorway. There stood someone unexpected.

“Why are you here?”

Jiang Suihan walked in calmly, with a baby strapped to her back and carrying luggage. She sized Xu Zhao up for a moment, then casually glanced at the nurse. “It seems like I’ve come at a bad time.”