Chapter 28: Support Mission

The rest days were far too short. Lin Yiqiao had only been back in the army for a few days when she heard news of Qi Jun’s transfer. She had known about it for a while, so it didn’t come as a surprise.

The newly appointed regiment commander was a very serious man—especially strict with their female soldier company.

Only now did Lin Yiqiao realize just how kind Qi Jun had actually been to them. Under the new commander, their training tasks were getting more intense by the day. Daily mountain drills had become the norm. Even as company commander, Lin Yiqiao shamelessly stuck to the back of the formation but still found herself struggling to keep up.

While crouched down catching her breath, she suddenly remembered how Qi Jun had mentioned transferring her. She started seriously considering it—but… wasn’t that a little bad? She hadn’t even had the full “company commander experience trial” for a month yet.

“Quick! Meeting, meeting!” Dong Jianhua and a few others came to call her.

As soon as she heard “meeting,” Lin Yiqiao pushed herself up from the ground with a lifeless expression and jogged off in a line with the other company commanders toward the regiment commander’s office.

Inside the office, a few people stood in proper formation around the desk, hands behind their backs.

Commander Liu Guanshan capped his pen and spoke, “I’ve called you all here today for an important mission.”

He picked up a red-sealed document from the desk. “Do you all still remember the Changping earthquake two years ago?”

Everyone’s expressions immediately turned serious. “Yes, we remember.”

That earthquake had been devastating—not only did many civilians die or get injured, but countless first responders were killed during the aftershocks. It was a painful memory.

“The task assigned to our 32nd Regiment is to fully assist in the rebuilding of Changping,” Liu Guanshan said, glancing at Lin Yiqiao. “Especially your female soldier company—this is your first major mission since your formation. Everyone’s watching to see how you perform! Can you complete this task successfully?”

“We can!” the group answered in unison.

“Good. Then I won’t waste time. Get the word out immediately, have everyone prepare. We’re leaving soon—no delays!”

Everyone filed out of the commander’s office with solemn expressions.

“Well, looks like we’ve finally got some real work,” a few company commanders joked with their arms slung over each other’s shoulders.

Lin Yiqiao wasn’t in the mood to chat. She went straight back to the training field to announce the news and dismissed the team.

This mission was clearly unavoidable. After resting in her dorm for a bit, Lin Yiqiao packed up and made a trip to her aunt’s house.

The moment she stepped inside, she was greeted by the delicious aroma of food. Qian Ru, hearing the commotion, came out of the kitchen with a smile.

“Just in time for dinner! Go wash your hands!”

Lin Yiqiao eagerly washed up while Qian Ru quickly brought out the food: soft white steamed buns with freshly stir-fried green peppers and eggs.

She started eating without even lifting her head. “This is too good, Auntie! Your cooking beats the state-run restaurant any day.”

“Sweet-talker,” Qian Ru laughed. “I only made one dish since I thought it’d just be your uncle and me. Next time let me know you’re coming so I can make something special.” She scooped her a bowl of porridge.

“Ugh, Auntie, you have no idea—I’ve been suffering in the army,” Lin Yiqiao whined like a spoiled child.

“Suffering? You’ve still got all that soft meat on your arms.” Qian Ru pinched her fair skin and teased, “You little rascal, and now you’re even a company commander?”

Lin Yiqiao buried her head in her food and glanced at her aunt, not daring to answer.

“Be honest—did Qi Jun help you get that position?”

“Well, yeah, Auntie. He said it’s because I earned merit,” Lin Yiqiao said proudly.

“Merit? From that time you went into the detention center?” Qian Ru said with a smirk.

Lin Yiqiao went silent and picked at the green peppers.

“But if it worked, then good. Shows he cares about you. You’re a lucky girl, you know how many women are dying to marry Qi Jun? Do you know what kind of family background it takes just to be considered for him?” Qian Ru tapped her on the head.

Lin Yiqiao pouted and stayed quiet. Qian Ru noticed the watch on her wrist and took her hand. “He bought this for you?”

“Mm-hmm.” Lin Yiqiao proudly extended her arm.

“Qi Jun’s really generous with you. You better hold onto him.”

Hmph. That’s nothing. He bought me an even better one, Lin Yiqiao thought smugly to herself, smiling sweetly. “Got it, Auntie.”

“Oh right, Auntie—our regiment’s going to Changping in a few days to help with rebuilding. We might be gone for a month.”

“Changping?” Qian Ru paused, suddenly thoughtful. “Wasn’t that where Qi Jun’s former fiancée died?”

“Huh?” That was news to Lin Yiqiao. “Zhao Hui died in Changping?”

“Yes. She was an army doctor. One of the first to go for disaster relief.”

Seeing Lin Yiqiao fall into thought, Qian Ru gently held her hand. “Don’t worry. Men forget old flames the moment they meet someone new. And with someone as pretty as you, he’s bound to be completely smitten.”

“That’s true,” Lin Yiqiao said, not really bothered by it.

After dinner, she didn’t stay long. Before leaving, she had called Qi Jun on the military line—he said he’d be back at the compound that evening.

“Not waiting for your uncle to come home?” Qian Ru asked while clearing the table.

“No, the army wants us back quickly. You rest well, Auntie. I’m off!”

Lin Yiqiao jogged out the door. Of course, she didn’t head back to base. She turned and went straight to the small building in the center of the compound.

Once near, she immediately sensed the presence of guards hidden in the shadows—Qi Jun’s protection detail.

Unfazed, she walked up to the courtyard gate and knocked softly.

The door opened quickly, revealing a pair of long, straight legs. Without thinking, she threw herself into the man’s arms.

Qi Jun caught her and closed the door behind them.