Chapter 22

Lin Xiang had no idea she had mistakenly walked into a battlefield of romantic rivalry. She was solely focused on enlisting He Hongyuan’s help to find Zhou Yuezhu, given his familiarity with the military district’s layout. Without a second thought, she grabbed his arm on reflex.

However, to the onlookers, this was an earth-shattering event. Meng Jing and Jiang Xiurong had already been competing with each other—now, out of nowhere, another beautiful stranger had appeared.

No matter what, there was no way Captain He would tolerate a woman grabbing him like that.

And yet, what happened next stunned everyone.

They watched as he tilted his head slightly, listening to what the woman said, and then—shockingly—allowed himself to be pulled away.

He actually ran off with her… just like that!

A chorus of sharp intakes of breath spread through the crowd. Pairs of gossip-hungry eyes darted between Meng Jing and Jiang Xiurong, then to the dark-faced Chief of Staff Jiang Zhenghao, before finally settling on the retreating figures of He Hongyuan and the mysterious woman. Everyone was deep in thought.

This incident alone would give them something to talk about for at least ten days!

As one of the people involved, Meng Jing felt a surge of unwillingness. She had been admired and adored wherever she went since childhood, yet she had suffered a setback with He Hongyuan. It was difficult to accept, but she refused to let it show.

She wouldn’t allow herself to be looked down upon. Maintaining her composure, she lifted her head and turned away, acting as if she hadn’t been affected in the slightest. She walked off to listen to the model opera playing over the loudspeaker.

Before leaving, she smiled faintly and said to the crowd, “That’s Captain He’s relative. Maybe it’s something urgent.”

Someone in the group recalled hearing about a visiting relative of Captain He. So this was the rumored beautiful girl!

Jiang Xiurong reacted similarly. She didn’t make a scene, but there was a hint of displeasure in her gaze as she calmly sipped her tea.

—

Away from the social gathering, Lin Xiang was still gripping He Hongyuan’s arm, her mind preoccupied with finding Zhou Yuezhu. The scorching heat made her palms slightly sweaty, and her hand remained tightly pressed against his solid arm until his cool, indifferent voice broke the silence.

“How long do you plan on holding onto me?”

The moment he spoke, Lin Xiang snapped back to reality. In her urgency, she had unknowingly dragged him along with her. It truly hadn’t been intentional.

But now wasn’t the time to dwell on that. The blazing sun scorched the earth, and waves of heat radiated from the stone-paved road. Licking her dry lips, she asked, “He Hongyuan, do you remember if there are any empty rooms nearby where someone could rest?”

If she recalled the plot correctly, Yuezhu had accidentally drunk a few sips of drugged tea, while the soldier who had been targeted had consumed an entire bowl. The situation escalated quickly, and it was only because someone passing by a nearby bungalow had heard suspicious noises that the incident was eventually discovered.

Unfamiliar with the military district, Lin Xiang had to rely on He Hongyuan to lead the way. After a brief pause, she added, “Just now, Yuezhu mentioned feeling unwell from the heat. She probably found an empty room to rest. I’m worried about her and want to check on her.”

It was a reasonable excuse.

He Hongyuan hadn’t expected this to be her concern. After a moment of silent contemplation, he took large strides toward the left side of the hall and said flatly, “It should be in the resting rooms in the back.”

To the left of the military hall’s entrance, there were several resting rooms. They were rarely used and mostly served as temporary meeting spaces. Each room contained chairs and sofas, making them suitable for brief breaks.

Lin Xiang quickly followed He Hongyuan, praying she would make it in time—before a tragedy could unfold.

She remembered the book describing how this fiasco had ruined multiple lives. The two drugged individuals had been discovered in a compromising state, and due to the scandal, the woman had drowned herself in despair. The soldier, wracked with guilt and knowing he could never match the woman’s status, faced immense pressure. After being disciplined by the military and dealing with her death, he ultimately chose to retire and return to his hometown. As for the woman’s true love, he was so devastated by the ordeal that he lost his life in battle a year later.

Such a tragedy had destroyed several lives. Lin Xiang clenched her fists and quickened her pace, wishing she could fly to the scene.

Her guess was correct. As they neared the row of four white-walled bungalows, she spotted a soldier moving erratically in front of one of the closed doors. Her eyes lit up with urgency.

Even from a distance, the soldier’s unsteady stance hinted at his loss of control. Normally, he would have walked with discipline, but now he seemed unable to control his limbs, fumbling with the door in an increasingly aggressive manner.

“He Hongyuan, look over there! Doesn’t that soldier seem off? Hurry, let’s check it out!”

As she saw the door being pushed open, her anxiety spiked, and without waiting for a response, she took off running.

He Hongyuan had sharp eyesight and had already noticed the soldier’s abnormal state. At first, he thought the man had secretly drunk alcohol in broad daylight and was now too intoxicated to walk straight.

Soldiers were supposed to be on standby at all times, meaning drinking was strictly forbidden—especially to the point of drunkenness. Seeing a fellow soldier in such a state made He Hongyuan frown in disapproval. Just as he was about to intervene, Lin Xiang sprinted off ahead of him.

Under the glaring sun, a streak of red dashed forward. Her twin braids swung in the air, forming elegant arcs as she ran.

Lin Xiang reached the bungalow in no time. The moment she stepped inside, she heard a hoarse, panicked voice yell—

“Get out!”

The drugged soldier was flushed red, his eyes bulging as if about to pop out. His entire body radiated heat as he stared at Zhou Yuezhu, who was lying on the sofa. She, too, seemed unwell but still retained some consciousness.

“Yuezhu! Let’s go home!” Lin Xiang breathed a sigh of relief upon realizing she had arrived in time. She quickly stepped forward to help up Zhou Yuezhu, whose flushed face and restless discomfort were evident, preparing to leave this place of trouble.

As for the soldier, the fact that he still retained some sense of reason was a good sign. The rest could be left to He Hongyuan.

Having consumed several sips of the drugged tea, Zhou Yuezhu was somewhat disoriented. Half-supported, half-embraced by Lin Xiang, she moved toward the door. She was aware that something was wrong—her body felt as if it was burning from the inside, filling her with unease and agitation.

Initially, she had thought the heat was due to the weather and had sought to rest in the lounge. But unexpectedly, a soldier had barged in, panting heavily, giving her quite a scare.

Luckily, her sister-in-law had arrived in time, easing her anxiety.

Lin Xiang internally sighed in relief as she guided Yuezhu outside, feeling triumphant that she had prevented a tragedy. Joy welled up in her heart—until…

The drugged soldier suddenly lost control. Letting out a muffled groan, he lunged toward Lin Xiang and Yuezhu!

Lin Xiang instinctively tightened her grip on Yuezhu and shielded her behind her own body. But before she could react further, a dark shadow loomed over them.

Her heart pounded in alarm. The soldier was losing his battle against the drug’s effects, entirely consumed by its influence.

In a split second, Lin Xiang maneuvered Yuezhu toward the corner, pressing against the wall to steady herself. The soldier’s uncontrolled movements caused him to stumble forward, missing his mark. But he quickly prepared to lunge again…

Lin Xiang suddenly remembered He Hongyuan was behind her. Just as she heard his heavy footsteps approaching, she cried out in alarm, “He Hongyuan—!”

All she could do was pray he would reach them in time.

The expected attack never came. Instead, Lin Xiang felt herself being shielded by a strong arm. A rough, calloused hand gripped her firmly, swiftly pulling her and Yuezhu behind him.

She looked up and saw a broad, imposing back—one that radiated a sense of unwavering security.

He Hongyuan protected them with one arm while blocking the deranged soldier with the other. His expression was dark and serious as he commanded, “You Wei, calm down!”

For a fleeting moment, the soldier named You Wei seemed to regain some clarity. His bloodshot eyes focused blankly on He Hongyuan as he stammered, “He—He Captain… You should go! Leave!”

Unfortunately, his lucidity lasted mere seconds. Overwhelmed by the burning heat surging through him, his face twisted in agony. He gasped for breath, struggling desperately against his own body. Then, as if driven by sheer instinct, he moved to attack again.

Lin Xiang’s breath hitched. A man completely overtaken by the effects of the drug was terrifying. But He Hongyuan—this living “demon king” of the military—wasn’t to be trifled with either.

Without hesitation, He Hongyuan seized You Wei’s arm and delivered a precise strike to his neck. In an instant, the man crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

He Hongyuan stared at the fallen battalion commander, noting his unnaturally flushed face and the visible redness along his exposed arms. His eyes darkened as he quickly pieced things together.

Lin Xiang, now seeing You Wei knocked out, finally allowed herself to relax.

With the immediate danger eliminated, her tense nerves slackened like a snapped string. She nearly collapsed from the rush of relief.

“I’ll take Yuezhu home first,” she said, glancing at the unconscious You Wei. But before she could move, He Hongyuan stepped in front of her, deliberately blocking her view.

Their eyes met. Lin Xiang noticed that his expression was grim—more so than usual.

Although he always carried a serious demeanor, this time, he was clearly furious.

“Mm.” He Hongyuan was seething at the disgraceful situation that had unfolded within the military. But he spared only a brief glance at Yuezhu’s condition. As a man, it wasn’t his place to intervene. Instead, he instructed Lin Xiang, “Take her home to rest. Make sure she drinks plenty of water and gets some sleep.”

“Got it. I understand.”

Lin Xiang glanced once more at You Wei, who was still unconscious and breathing heavily. She hesitated for a moment, debating whether to warn He Hongyuan that the man had been drugged. But seeing He Hongyuan’s sharp gaze, she figured he had already deduced as much. So, she remained silent.

After all, He Hongyuan was meticulous and highly perceptive. The less she said, the better.

—

Avoiding the crowds, Lin Xiang carefully led Zhou Yuezhu toward the family quarters. Since Yuezhu hadn’t consumed much of the drugged tea, her condition wasn’t severe. However, it was still best to avoid running into anyone.

After some effort, she managed to get Yuezhu back to the Zhou family home. Luckily, her parents weren’t there, sparing them from a barrage of questions. If they had seen Yuezhu in this state, it would have caused quite a commotion.

The Zhou family’s two-story house was quiet and empty. Lin Xiang helped Yuezhu onto the sofa and then grabbed the large enamel cup filled with cool water from the living room table. She poured a glass and handed it to Yuezhu.

Yuezhu, parched and burning with heat, gulped down the water in large sips. Only after finishing several cups did she begin to feel slightly better.

Lin Xiang then went to the kitchen, dampened a towel with cold water, and gently wiped Yuezhu’s face and hands.

If the drug’s effects had been stronger, a cold shower might have been necessary. But that would have been rather harsh—she could easily catch a chill if not careful.

Thankfully, since Yuezhu hadn’t consumed much of the tainted tea, cooling her down with water and rest seemed sufficient. As Lin Xiang continued to wipe her down, the flush on her face gradually faded, and her breathing steadied.

Her dazed almond-shaped eyes slowly opened. Still groggy, Yuezhu blinked and mumbled, “Xiang… Sister Xiangxiang? Where… where am I?”

She took a slow look around, her gaze widening in surprise.

She was home?

She had just been shyly chatting with Shen Jianming when he was called away by a comrade to help muster the courage to talk to other female comrades. Left alone, she wandered nearby, waiting for Shen Jianming to return so they could find a quiet place to be together.

As she waited, the heat made her thirsty. She happened to see some tea in the lounge, so she poured herself a cup and took a few sips. Gradually, she began to feel hotter and more uncomfortable.

Lin Xiang reached out to feel her forehead—there was still some residual warmth. Not wanting to say too much, she simply said, “You’re feeling overheated. Get some good rest.”

With that, Lin Xiang helped Zhou Yuezhu upstairs and settled her in a room. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she seemed exhausted, closing her eyes and breathing softly in her sleep.

Lin Xiang let out a long sigh of relief—finally, everything was truly safe.

After ensuring Zhou Yuezhu was comfortable, Lin Xiang quietly closed the door and went downstairs. A lingering sense of fear mixed with relief washed over her—this potential disaster had been averted, and everyone could now remain unharmed.

Outside, the sun still shone brightly, scorching and unyielding, as if nothing bad had ever happened.

Now that Yuezhu was stable, Lin Xiang thought for a moment before heading back toward the lounge. She needed to check on He Hongyuan and You Wei.

About half an hour earlier, the lounge had been chaotic, but now it was completely empty—both He Hongyuan and You Wei were gone. Lin Xiang pushed the door open and carefully searched the room, checking if anything belonging to Yuezhu or You Wei had been left behind. She needed to ensure everything was cleared to prevent any gossip or rumors in the future.

Sure enough, Lin Xiang found a handkerchief—a pink checkered one that Yuezhu always carried. It must have slipped from her pocket while she was resting on the sofa. It had fallen beneath the couch, unnoticed by anyone.

She picked it up and tucked it into her pocket before scanning the room once more. Her eyes landed on an enamel cup sitting on the small tea table beside the sofa. The tea inside had cooled, with fresh green tea leaves floating on the surface. The amber liquid seemed ordinary, yet it had been unknowingly laced with drugged powder, dissolving into it completely.

Not knowing where He Hongyuan and You Wei had gone, Lin Xiang hid the enamel cup in the grass outside the lounge. If an investigation was needed later, it could serve as evidence. After all, the person who had drugged the tea had yet to be caught.

With this in mind, Lin Xiang decided to return to the social gathering. If the culprit had acted impulsively out of anger, they would now be on edge and more likely to reveal a clue.

Just as she reached the entrance of the event, she ran into Shen Jianming, who was anxiously looking for Zhou Yuezhu. It was only then that Lin Xiang remembered—the two had planned to meet outside.

Thinking quickly, she lied, saying that Yuezhu had suffered mild heatstroke and had gone home to rest. Hearing this, Shen Jianming was relieved and thanked her.

As Lin Xiang reentered the gathering, she found the hall still brimming with an air of budding romance. Men and women, some shy and some bold, engaged in lively conversations, their interactions carrying a warmth that felt more like spring than summer.

At the front right corner of the hall, a large speaker played revolutionary songs, filling the space with a lively atmosphere that intertwined with the laughter and chatter of the crowd, creating a harmonious scene.

At the center of attention were the key figures of the earlier incident—the original protagonists of the novel.

Meng Jing had failed in her attempt to invite He Hongyuan but remained unbothered. She leaned gracefully against the table, her slender fingers tapping lightly along with the rhythm of the song playing on the speaker.

“A great river, its waves are wide, the wind blows the fragrance of rice flowers on both shores…”

A few familiar soldiers had gathered around Meng Jing, expressing their concern. With her striking beauty and bold, charismatic personality—like a rose in full bloom—she naturally became the center of attention. She never lacked admirers.

After all, she was the female lead of the novel, radiating an undeniable main-character aura. With her excellent family background and stunning looks, she was adored wherever she went—a classic “beloved by all” heroine.

Yet, despite all this, she had repeatedly suffered setbacks when it came to He Hongyuan. The frustration in her heart only grew stronger over the years, fueling her persistence.

Casually chatting with those around her, she was soon met with a snide remark from Jiang Zhenghao, whose face had turned visibly sour.

“Meng Jing, what’s so great about He Hongyuan? You’ve met all kinds of men, yet you keep chasing after him time and time again?”

“And what does that have to do with you?” Meng Jing shot back without hesitation. She and Jiang Zhenghao had grown up together, constantly bickering. Their relationship had always been filled with quarrels, a habit ingrained over more than a decade.

Their voices weren’t exactly quiet, and many people nearby overheard them—including Lin Xiang, who was now caught up in the drama.

She remembered the plot from the book. The original male and female leads had always fought growing up. It wasn’t until Jiang Zhenghao got older that he started realizing his feelings for Meng Jing. However, due to their long history of bickering, he never confessed. Meanwhile, Meng Jing remained oblivious, thinking of him only as a childhood friend who enjoyed disagreeing with her.

Wow—what a classic case of childhood sweethearts entangled in a lifelong love-hate relationship.

It might be frustrating at times, but it was also undeniably sweet. No matter how much they fought, they always came back to each other in the end.

Jiang Zhenghao couldn’t stand seeing Meng Jing—a girl who had been spoiled and adored since childhood—repeatedly rejected by He Hongyuan. But Meng Jing, oblivious to his feelings, remained fixated on He Hongyuan. Frustrated, Jiang Zhenghao’s usual patience disappeared.

Blocked by Meng Jing’s words, he was momentarily speechless. With his temper flaring, he turned on his heel and stormed off, leaving behind only a sharp remark.

“You think I want to care about you?”

Lin Xiang watched Jiang Zhenghao’s expression—it seemed like he was about to go settle the score with He Hongyuan. After all, on her second day on the island, she had already seen him warning He Hongyuan. Without hesitation, she followed him.

If she couldn’t find where He Hongyuan was, perhaps Jiang Zhenghao could.

====

Jiang Zhenghao’s luck wasn’t bad. He had only just stepped out of the hall when he caught sight of He Hongyuan heading toward the break room.

He Hongyuan had come from somewhere unknown, his military uniform trousers still damp from water stains. His expression was serious and intense as he strode forward with purpose.

“He Hongyuan!” Jiang Zhenghao had a good relationship with his comrades. Though he came from a privileged military family, he had no airs about him and could get along with even the newest recruits. He was well-liked in the army, and whenever his name was mentioned, people would praise, “Staff Officer Jiang is a good man.”

In contrast, He Hongyuan was ruthless to everyone. Anyone who spoke of him would always remark, “That Captain He is really tough.”

At first, Jiang Zhenghao and He Hongyuan had a neutral relationship—mostly because He Hongyuan wasn’t particularly close to anyone. The only people he interacted with more frequently were the regiment’s staff officer Zhang Huafeng and political commissar Jiang Weijun. However, once Meng Jing started pursuing He Hongyuan, Jiang Zhenghao became an observer. After seeing He Hongyuan reject Meng Jing multiple times, he found himself increasingly displeased with the man.

Now, with a sharp shout, he quickened his pace and swung a punch without hesitation.

Lin Xiang, watching from behind, widened her almond eyes in shock. Was the original novel’s male lead really such a hothead? He was going straight for a fight?

Faced with Jiang Zhenghao’s aggressive punch, He Hongyuan swiftly raised his palm to block it, furrowing his brows and glaring. “Staff Officer Jiang, have you lost your mind?”

His tone was one of reprimanding an unruly subordinate, which only infuriated Jiang Zhenghao further.

“What do you think?” Jiang Zhenghao didn’t relent, continuing his assault. He Hongyuan, however, deftly deflected each move, maintaining a defensive stance.

Both were skilled fighters, top contenders in military training matches. Their blows were powerful and precise, exchanging attacks with intensity. After a few rounds, He Hongyuan’s temper flared as well—he stopped merely defending and started counterattacking.

If this were a TV drama, Lin Xiang would have watched with rapt attention. But witnessing it in real life made her nervous. Jiang Zhenghao was genuinely enraged, throwing serious punches. She worried He Hongyuan might take a hit, so after a brief moment of thought, she suddenly shouted into the air:

“Meng Jing, you’re here?”

The moment Meng Jing’s name was mentioned, Jiang Zhenghao hesitated for an instant and immediately withdrew his attack.

In contrast, He Hongyuan’s expression remained unchanged. His oncoming punch did not pull back in time.

With one releasing and the other striking, He Hongyuan’s punch landed squarely on Jiang Zhenghao’s jaw. A dark bruise instantly formed at the corner of his mouth, and he stumbled back a step.

Jiang Zhenghao wiped at his mouth, quickly turning around to search. But the area was empty—there was no sign of Meng Jing. The only person there was the woman who had dragged He Hongyuan away earlier.

Lin Xiang flashed him a sheepish smile, while Jiang Zhenghao, realizing he had fallen for a trick, scowled. He turned toward He Hongyuan, who was also looking her way, his deep gaze unreadable.

Lin Xiang blinked at him as if to say—see? I helped you land a punch on Jiang Zhenghao.

But He Hongyuan didn’t seem to understand her look. Instead, he coldly averted his gaze.

Lin Xiang pouted. So ungrateful!

What she didn’t see was the faint twitch at the corner of He Hongyuan’s lips after he turned away.

By now, Jiang Zhenghao had sobered up. Fighting with a comrade in the army could lead to disciplinary action. He let out a heavy breath, stared at Lin Xiang for a moment, then turned back to He Hongyuan and gritted out, “Since you have a girlfriend now, stop messing with Meng Jing.”

He Hongyuan’s cold expression remained unchanged as he responded, “I’ve never messed with Meng Jing.”

Watching Jiang Zhenghao storm off, He Hongyuan sneered, “If you’re a real man, go and tell her that yourself.”

Lin Xiang noticed Jiang Zhenghao pause mid-step, as if He Hongyuan’s words had struck a nerve. He clenched his fists briefly before relaxing them and walking away.

With Jiang Zhenghao gone, only Lin Xiang and He Hongyuan remained, standing a few steps apart.

Inside the hall, laughter and conversation continued. Outside, it was quiet and still, save for the distant sound of a bugle call and soldiers shouting commands during training.

A warm breeze, tinged with heat, swept over Lin Xiang’s face, adding a rosy hue to her fair complexion. She squinted slightly against the sun and raised a hand to shield her eyes. Taking the opportunity, she turned to He Hongyuan with a smug smile. “Captain He, I helped you out.”

He Hongyuan saw her expectant look—her face, kissed by the sun, carried a delicate flush, and her posture under the scorching heat had an air of unintentional charm. Yet, without a word, he led her toward the shade, responding casually, “You’re quite capable. Aren’t you afraid Jiang Zhenghao will hold a grudge?”

Lin Xiang thought to herself—Jiang Zhenghao, as the novel’s male lead, got along well with everyone. He was easygoing and kind, except when it came to Meng Jing. That was the only time he acted irrationally, which was why he had a grudge against He Hongyuan.

This was just the author giving the male lead a small flaw. But plenty of readers found it endearing—after all, wasn’t it sweet that even the most perfect protagonist would break his usual demeanor only for the female lead?

“That’s unlikely, right? Staff Officer Jiang isn’t that petty. I’ve heard he’s a military brat who calls everyone his brother, is extremely loyal, and gets along with everyone. Anyone who mentions him only has praise…” Lin Xiang said with a slight smile.

But before she could finish, He Hongyuan’s cold gaze swept over her, immediately silencing her.

Forget it. These two clearly don’t get along. Lin Xiang thought it best to keep her mouth shut.

She was here for something that had happened that morning. “Captain He, where’s Vice Commander You? Have you taken care of everything? I found a tea cup in the rest area and thought it might be useful, so I hid it in the bushes over there.”

You Wei had been drugged and drank an entire cup of tea, far more than Zhou Yuezhu had. It would take some effort for the effects to wear off.

At the mention of You Wei, He Hongyuan’s gaze turned cold, his expression growing even more serious. “Mm. He and Yuezhu were both drugged. I threw him in the river to cool down for a bit. He’s in the infirmary now, getting an IV.”

Someone had actually dared to drug military personnel and their families inside a military district—and not just any drug, but a potent veterinary sedative. He Hongyuan’s expression darkened, and under the blazing sun, the sharp line of his jaw appeared even more severe.

“Don’t let this get out. It wouldn’t be good for Yuezhu or You Wei. I’ll handle it.” After all, the two of them had nearly been trapped alone in a room together. If Lin Xiang hadn’t suddenly had the idea to drag him along to look for someone, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

You Wei was a soldier with a fairly strong will, and even he had barely retained a sliver of rationality. But there was no guarantee he could have resisted the drug’s effects completely. Given the situation at the time, if they had stayed there any longer, Yuezhu would have inevitably been harmed.

Lin Xiang deeply despised such despicable tactics. She made sure to add a subtle reminder, “We have to catch the person behind this. But what was their motive for drugging them? Were they trying to ruin their reputations? But You Wei drank a much larger dose than Yuezhu. Maybe the real target was Vice Commander You, and Yuezhu was just caught up in it by accident?”

He Hongyuan had already questioned You Wei after he had sobered up a little. You Wei had no idea who would have drugged him. He Hongyuan had also asked him to recall whether he had offended anyone recently or had any unusual encounters at the social gathering that day.

You Wei was generally an easygoing person who hadn’t made any enemies. The only conflict he’d had was that morning at the event when he had politely turned down a female comrade. The woman in question was the younger sister of the regiment commander’s wife and had come to visit. Over time, she had taken a liking to You Wei and expressed her interest in him. However, since he had no feelings for her, he had been honest and rejected her.

Now, hearing Lin Xiang’s speculation, He Hongyuan was even more convinced that the prime suspect was Captain Li’s sister-in-law.

—

The lively day of social events came to a grand conclusion. By the next day, Lin Xiang had already heard plenty of gossip—who had gotten together with whom, which two people were a perfect match, and so on.

She was staying at the military guesthouse, where most of the neighboring rooms were occupied by military wives. Their husbands held ranks below vice commander, so they weren’t eligible for assigned housing, and their wives could only stay at the guesthouse for about a month at a time.

“Comrade Lin Xiang, when are you heading back from your visit? Or are you planning to find someone here?” One of the more enthusiastic military wives asked, sounding naturally friendly.

“I’m thinking about looking for a job.” Lin Xiang smiled as she packed up, preparing to go visit Zhou Yuezhu.

“Finding a job isn’t easy. I heard they’re really competitive.” The visiting military wives, though not stationed here permanently, had heard plenty of such things.

Lin Xiang wasn’t too worried. “I’ll try my luck.”

In her heart, though, she thought: Too bad I can’t land the most handsome one.

So frustrating!

“If nothing else works, you should consider a soldier. You look so pretty—you’d match well with anyone. Our battalion commander is really handsome—tall, strong, and already a battalion commander at such a young age. Want to meet him? I heard he’s about to be put in charge of recruitment soon. He’s very capable—higher-ups think highly of him.”

“Recruitment?” Lin Xiang pondered. She and He Hongyuan were absolutely impossible, and she had accepted that. She wasn’t the protagonist, so there was no need to act like one. It was better to move on and find another path. “Sure, I can meet him.”

Might as well take the chance to ask about job opportunities.

“Great! Are you free at noon? Let’s have lunch together. Battalion Commander Song is really handsome. He even asked me to help him find a match. His parents have passed away, so there’s no one to arrange things for him.”

“Alright, I’ll come find you later.” Lin Xiang made a mental note. Blind dates? She was already used to them. At the very least, she could use the opportunity to gather information about recruitment. Not a bad deal.

—

After a day of rest, Zhou Yuezhu was feeling much better. She had gone to the military hospital for a check-up in the morning and had just returned home when Lin Xiang arrived.

She had already heard about being drugged with a veterinary sedative and remembered the terrifying moment in the rest area. The thought of it still made her shudder.

“Sister Xiangxiang, thank goodness you and my cousin showed up! Otherwise…” Zhou Yuezhu had never even held hands with a man before. Even just exchanging glances with Shen Jianming was enough to make them both blush. The events of the previous day had truly shaken her.

“As long as you’re okay, that’s what matters.” Lin Xiang reassured her, hoping this incident wouldn’t leave her with psychological scars. “It was an emergency at the time, but everything’s settled now. Try not to dwell on it. Just focus on moving forward. Besides, Comrade Shen Jianming is absolutely devoted to you.”

“Sister Xiangxiang, don’t tease me!” But Lin Xiang’s lighthearted comment helped Zhou Yuezhu gradually relax.

They had decided not to tell Zhou Yuezhu’s parents about the incident. She didn’t want them to worry, and both He Hongyuan and Lin Xiang respected her wishes. Within just half a day, He Hongyuan had swiftly tracked down Captain Li’s sister-in-law, He Fang.

He was an imposing figure to begin with—his mere presence was enough to make the guilty He Fang tremble. A few sharp words from him, and she completely crumbled, confessing everything on the spot.

He Fang, taking advantage of her visit to her sister and brother-in-law, was determined to marry a soldier and move with the army. She set her sights on You Wei, who had once come to her brother-in-law’s house to report on work. However, You Wei had no interest in her. Yesterday, at the social event, He Fang once again tried to express her feelings but was rejected, and in a moment of impulsiveness, she resorted to drugging him.

However, she was not particularly bold. After seeing You Wei drink the tea, she started panicking and ran off in fear without even disposing of the remaining tea. By sheer coincidence, Zhou Yuezhu ended up drinking it instead.

Now that she was being interrogated by the stern-faced He Hongyuan—who could make even spies crack under pressure—He Fang had no chance of holding out.

“Co…Captain He, I didn’t mean to! I just accidentally put a little in…” He Fang, worried that her sister and brother-in-law would find out, tried to downplay the situation. “But nothing serious happened, right? I won’t do it again, I promise!”

But He Hongyuan wasn’t buying any of it. He remained unmoved despite her tearful attempt at persuasion. “Drugging soldiers and their families on a military base and expecting to brush it off lightly? Try telling that to the police.”

Without any leniency, He Hongyuan immediately informed Captain Li and formally reported the case to the authorities. Since He Fang wasn’t part of the military, she couldn’t be disciplined directly by him, so he handed her over to the public security bureau.

He Fang, along with her belongings, was effectively “thrown out.” Lin Xiang later heard the news from Zhou Yuezhu.

“I heard that He Fang’s sister wanted to plead for leniency, asking Captain Li to speak to my cousin and just send her back home instead of involving the police.”

Lin Xiang was furious. “How could they just let it go? There’s no way Captain He would agree!”

Zhou Yuezhu nodded like a pecking chick. “Of course not! Once my cousin makes a decision, no one can change it. Captain Li wanted to smooth things over for his wife’s sake, but my cousin just said one sentence.”

Lin Xiang was curious. “What did he say?”

Zhou Yuezhu straightened her back and deliberately deepened her voice to mimic what she overheard yesterday. “Plead for leniency? If you want to plead, take it up with the police. Captain Li, you should be glad this matter didn’t blow up further and cause irreparable consequences—otherwise, you’d be implicated too.”

Lin Xiang’s lips curled into a smile, both amused by Zhou Yuezhu’s imitation and impressed by He Hongyuan’s firm stance.

“Zhou Yuezhu, what are you saying about me behind my back?”

He Hongyuan strode in with large steps, standing at the doorway of the Zhou family home, looking at the two women in the living room.

With the sunlight behind him, his tall figure cast a broad shadow, enveloping them in his presence.

“Cousin, I was praising you!” Zhou Yuezhu laughed nervously, trying to flatter him. “If you don’t believe me, ask Sister Xiangxiang.”

Lin Xiang immediately noticed He Hongyuan’s gaze shift to her. Naturally, she had to back Zhou Yuezhu up. “Yes, we were praising you.”

She hadn’t expected He Hongyuan to respond so idly, “Oh? What were you praising me for? Let’s hear it. Yuezhu, stay quiet. Lin Xiang, you say it.”

Zhou Yuezhu: “…”

Lin Xiang: “…”

Thrown into the spotlight, Lin Xiang quickly scrambled for flattering words. “We praised you for being wise and mighty, decisive and efficient, upholding justice, and truly a great soldier of the people—a wonderful cousin to Yuezhu!”

Zhou Yuezhu, unwilling to be outdone, added with a cheeky grin, “And Sister Xiangxiang’s perfect match!”

Lin Xiang’s expression changed instantly. She reached out and tickled Zhou Yuezhu’s waist, making her laugh and plead for mercy before giving her a warning glance to stop talking nonsense.

He Hongyuan was not someone she could afford to provoke! Especially since he was already set on annulling their engagement.

After the playful moment, Lin Xiang subtly glanced at He Hongyuan, only to be surprised—his usually cold gaze had softened, a subtle smile playing at the corner of his lips.

Wow, was the sun rising from the west today?

The infamous “black moonlight” was starting to look like a “white moonlight”! Handsome, no doubt about that!

Since Zhou Yuezhu had recovered well and was eager to see her crush, she checked her plum-blossom wristwatch, realized it was time, and grabbed her small purse before dashing out the door. “Cousin, Sister Xiangxiang, I gotta go—you two take your time chatting!”

Lin Xiang watched Zhou Yuezhu, dressed in a cinched-waist, fitted pale yellow dress, moving gracefully with her skirt fluttering as she ran toward her beloved. She genuinely felt happy for her.

“This whole incident was thanks to you,” He Hongyuan suddenly said, breaking Lin Xiang’s train of thought.

“It was just a coincidence,” Lin Xiang didn’t want to dwell on the matter too much, fearing he might grow suspicious of her. “Captain He, you were the one who handled things cleanly and decisively.”

“I see you’re quite capable yourself. Your family must be in an uproar.” He Hongyuan’s words carried meaning—he was clearly referring to what she did in Xifeng City. She was certainly someone who acted swiftly and decisively.

Lin Xiang couldn’t help but defend herself. Sure, she was bolder than most women of this era, but given that she had no emotional ties to her so-called family and they had treated her terribly, she had no reason to hold back. “They were horrible people! Was that even a father? He treated me worse than a stranger’s daughter. And my stepmother had all sorts of schemes. If I hadn’t acted decisively, I wouldn’t even be standing here—I’d already be married off to that disgusting, fat, lecherous factory director’s son.”

He Hongyuan’s gaze flickered slightly. He watched as she spoke, her lips parting and closing, unable to hide her grievances.

“You did the right thing,” he said in a deep voice. “You did well.”

“Huh?” Lin Xiang had been planning to keep complaining to win some sympathy and make He Hongyuan less suspicious of her. But now, hearing his words and looking up, she saw nothing but firm approval and admiration in his eyes.

Those sharp, intense eyes seemed to soften, making one forget that he was the brooding and obsessive “black moonlight” character in the novel.

“If I were you, I would have made them suffer even more,” He Hongyuan said flatly, his words cutting deep.

Whoa, still the same him! Even a casual remark sounded like he was ready to destroy her scummy father and wicked stepmother.

Lin Xiang checked the time—she still had a meeting with some Captain Song in the afternoon. She got up and said her goodbyes, “Captain He, I’ll be heading back now.”

He Hongyuan lifted his head, watching her leave. As the figure in red disappeared through the doorway, his sharp gaze caught sight of a glaring crimson scratch on her fair, almost blindingly white arm.

Yesterday, when Lin Xiang had shielded Zhou Yuezhu to prevent You Wei from lunging at her, her arm had scraped against the wall, leaving a wound. It wasn’t serious, so she hadn’t paid much attention to it. But her delicate skin made the injury stand out.

After returning to the guesthouse, she rested for a while before heading out with a friendly military wife.

What she didn’t know was that shortly after she left, He Hongyuan showed up at the guesthouse. Finding no response after knocking on her door, he approached the front desk and inquired with the receptionist.

The guesthouse staff were also military wives, earning a small wage while helping out.

He Hongyuan placed a bottle of antiseptic on the counter. “Sister Yang, if Comrade Lin Xiang returns, please pass this to her.”

Sister Yang nodded immediately, experienced in handling such tasks. “Captain He, got it. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she gets it.”

He Hongyuan nodded his thanks before leaving.

Approaching lunchtime, instead of heading to the mess hall, he made his way to the post office outside the base to make a phone call.

After some effort, he got through to the head of the educated youth office in Xifeng City. Director Dong was quite surprised. “You brat, what’s got you calling all of a sudden?”

Who randomly made calls like this? Did he have money to burn?

It had to be something important.

The educated youth office had been extremely busy lately, arranging for urban youths to be sent to the countryside, organizing batch after batch. It wasn’t an easy job.

He Hongyuan chuckled twice before getting straight to the point. “Old Dong, you guys have a certain Lin Jianxin, the son of a third-class lathe worker at the steel plant, who voluntarily signed up for relocation, right? Where was he assigned?”

Director Dong, now in his forties, had once fought alongside He Hongyuan on the battlefield. He owed his life to him. However, his injuries prevented him from continuing high-intensity military training, so he opted for retirement and was assigned to the educated youth office in Xifeng City, where he oversaw all relocation matters.

He naturally had no memory of individual cases, so he had a clerk look into it. What he found raised an eyebrow—Lin Jianxin had been assigned to a relatively well-off rural area, a place usually reserved for those with connections or those who had greased some palms.

This kind of under-the-table maneuvering was deeply entrenched and beyond any single person’s control. Director Dong had long turned a blind eye to such matters.

Unclear whether He Hongyuan was concerned or displeased about this particular case, he replied cautiously, “He got a good place, won’t suffer too much.”

He Hongyuan understood immediately. “Bribed someone?”

Director Dong chuckled. “You really know everything, huh? It was handled by people below me.”

He Hongyuan didn’t particularly care about corruption, but he still said, “Spots like these must be hard to get, right? City youths shouldn’t fear hardship; they need proper re-education. I heard Lin Jianxin signed up voluntarily—shouldn’t we honor his commitment by sending him somewhere truly challenging? It wouldn’t be fair for his family to secure an easy post for him, don’t you think?”

Director Dong’s eyelid twitched. He had no idea what Lin Jianxin had done to offend He Hongyuan. Though younger than him, He Hongyuan was known for his decisive and forceful actions. Even Dong himself couldn’t compare.

This was also the first time He Hongyuan had ever asked him for a favor, so of course, he wouldn’t refuse. “You’re right. We should stamp out this kind of practice. We’ll use him as an example. But I’m curious—how exactly did he piss you off?”

A certain young woman’s voice seemed to echo in He Hongyuan’s mind, muttering indignantly about how her so-called father and stepmother had mistreated her, how that damn brother of hers wanted to take her job so he could stay in the city and enjoy an easy life.

He didn’t answer directly, only smirked slightly. “Why would he have offended me? I just believe that such a dedicated volunteer should be given the opportunity to fully contribute to rural development.”

Director Dong: ?

Do I look like I’d believe that?

Still, he turned around and immediately ordered his staff to move Lin Jianxin from the most comfortable placement to one of the harshest rural assignments.

The clerk in charge of placements had initially accepted a bribe from Lin Jianxin’s parents, agreeing to secretly assign him to an easy location where he wouldn’t have to suffer too much. But now…

Director Dong tapped his fingers on the desk and said sternly, “You all need to be more mindful of your actions. Stop taking bribes to make arrangements like this. Lin Jianxin signed up late—he shouldn’t have gotten a good placement to begin with. This is queue-jumping.”

Hearing this, the clerk didn’t dare hesitate any longer and quickly made the changes, transferring Lin Jianxin to one of the most difficult areas.

After hanging up the phone, He Hongyuan felt rather pleased. After having lunch at the mess hall, he checked the time and headed to the guesthouse again.

The weather was hot, and Lin Xiang should have returned by now after lunch.

Yet, her door remained unanswered.

He Hongyuan approached the front desk and asked the receptionist, “Sister Yang, do you know where Lin Xiang went?”

Sister Yang chuckled and said, “Captain He, you’re asking the right person! Sister Liu introduced her to a potential match, so she’s gone out to meet him.”