Chapter 19: The Pink Sachet

He Yunshen was a little annoyed as he looked down at the outline of his “little self” subtly pressing against his military trousers.

This was the first time he had ever lost composure like this in front of Ning Wanwan. In the past, when she had clung to him, all she ever did was repulse him.

Even if she stripped naked, he couldn’t feel a single spark of interest.

But now, Ning Wanwan not only didn’t pester him—she even wrapped herself up like a dumpling—and yet, he lost control.

Thinking of this, He Yunshen stormed off to the kitchen with a dark expression, filled a bucket to the brim with cold water, and returned to the yard.

Under the moonlight, he stood shirtless in the courtyard, his sturdy waist and muscular build on full display.

He raised the wooden bucket over his head, and in the next moment, icy water poured down, soaking him thoroughly and shocking him back to his senses.

Meanwhile, Ning Wanwan had just finished bathing and, after an exhausting effort, managed to wrap herself back up in the floral bed sheet.

She then wheeled herself out of the bathhouse and spotted He Yunshen already changed into his everyday uniform in the courtyard.

His damp black hair still dripped with water, looking like he had just showered.

Ning Wanwan eyed the large puddle in the courtyard and silently grumbled to herself: Are all soldier types this intense? Showering outdoors like this?

Before she could voice her questions, He Yunshen stepped forward and pushed her wheelchair back to the bedroom.

“Rest early. Call me if you need anything.”

And then the dog of a man left with a sour look on his face.

NingWanwan: Who’s he giving that stink face to?! Better be careful or you’ll age early! Hmph!

Annoyed, He Yunshen stayed in the courtyard and did two full sets of military boxing routines before finally heading back inside. By then, the light in Ning Wanwan’s room was already off.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a small pink sachet hanging by her door. Oddly enough, a few mosquitoes seemed to deliberately avoid it, buzzing restlessly on the opposite side of the doorway.

He glanced down at the three red mosquito bites on his arm and quietly crept up to Ning Wanwan’s door, carefully taking the sachet into his hand.

He waved it in front of the mosquitoes, and sure enough, they scattered immediately.

He Yunshen thought to himself, This thing’s magic.

With so many mosquitoes in the southwest region, this sachet was practically a lifesaver.

Feeling a bit guilty, he glanced around and then stealthily tucked the sachet into his pocket.

The next morning, Fang Shaocheng came over with his luggage to say goodbye.

He Yunshen hadn’t left for the base yet and was standing at the doorway chatting with him.

“Yunshen, if Wanwan’s still asleep, don’t wake her.”

“Lanlan was hurt more seriously this time, so your mother and I will take her back to Beijing first. We’ll visit you and Wanwan again next time.”

“Take good care of Wanwan for us. Her health isn’t great, and now that we’re gone, she’ll be relying on you.”

After speaking, he solemnly patted He Yunshen’s shoulder and handed him a letter.

“This is a letter from Wanwan’s biological parents. Please give it to her. We’ll head off now.”

He Yunshen carefully tucked the letter away and walked toward the car. “Dad, I’ll take good care of Wanwan. Get in—I’ll drive you to the train station.”

Fang Shaocheng shook his head and adjusted the gold-rimmed glasses on his nose.

“Yunshen, we’ve made arrangements. There’s already a car waiting at the intersection. No need to send us. You go on with your day.”

“Alright, Dad. Safe travels.”

Fang Shaocheng waved as he walked off into the distance. He Yunshen waved back, watching him disappear before getting into his car and heading for the base.

When Ning Wanwan woke up, Xu Cuihua had already arrived and was tidying up the kitchen.

The house was filled with the aroma of food. Ning Wanwan let out a small yawn, got dressed, and moved into her wheelchair.

To her surprise, she found that her toes could move slightly. Smiling, she realized she was one step closer to getting out of the wheelchair.

Xu Cuihua heard movement and came to the door, smiling brightly. “Wanwan, do you need help?”

Ning Wanwan didn’t reply and wheeled herself to the door. She was wearing a light green dress today, the bright color making her look especially fresh.

Her hair was half down her back, the other half tied with a matching ribbon into a bow.

“Girl, how do you look good in everything? I’m so jealous,” Xu Cuihua praised sincerely while helping push the wheelchair.

“Sis, you’re flattering me. You just don’t like dressing up. If you did, you’d be even prettier than me.”

Suddenly, a tickling sensation crept up her wrist. Ning Wanwan scratched lightly and noticed a small red mosquito bite on her pale wrist.

Wait a minute—she clearly hung the sachet at the door. How did a mosquito still get her?

She looked toward the bedroom door, only to find that the sachet was gone. Only a lonely nail remained on the wall.

Where did it go? Did someone steal it? she wondered, tilting her head in confusion.

Who would just steal a sachet? She sighed. Never mind. I’ll just make a couple more later.

At the dining table, she smiled at the plain breakfast laid out before her. She was used to eating lightly in the morning, so it suited her well.

“Commander He is such a considerate man. This porridge is cooked just right. Wanwan, you’re really blessed.”

Ning Wanwan was enjoying her meal but froze when she heard that. She pointed to the plain porridge and boiled egg on the table.

“Sis, didn’t you make this breakfast?”

Xu Cuihua set down her chopsticks and chuckled. “I came at eight—there’s no way I could’ve cooked such soft porridge in time. Commander He’s been making breakfast these past few days. I just help bring it out.”

Then she added with a grin, “Men like Commander He are rare—so thoughtful and caring.”

Ning Wanwan’s mouth formed a small “O” shape. After a moment of thought, she nodded knowingly.

“Sis, after breakfast, let’s head to the market. There’s barely any food at home. Let’s go buy some vegetables.”

Unaware that Fang Shaocheng and his wife had already left, she was still planning to cook them a nice lunch.

“Sure,” Xu Cuihua responded while sipping her porridge.

Back at the base, wherever He Yunshen went that day, he carried the scent of medicinal herbs.

Deputy Commander Yang and a few battalion commanders kept sneaking glances at him.

This included the husbands of Li Ping and Zhang Yun.

“Commander He, what’s that smell on you? It’s weirdly pleasant,” someone asked.

He Yunshen lifted his sleeve and sniffed on both sides. “There’s no smell. What are you talking about?”

Deputy Yang scratched his head and pointed at He Yunshen’s bulging shirt pocket. “It seems to be coming from there.”

He Yunshen instantly remembered the sachet and stiffened. “Uh… Wanwan sewed it for me. Said it helps keep me alert, so I carry it around.”

Everyone was thrilled—it was the first time He Yunshen ever mentioned his wife.

Deputy Yang, who was closest to He Yunshen, smirked and suddenly bear-hugged him from behind.

“Yang Xugang, you itching for a beating?” He Yunshen growled through gritted teeth.

“Hehe, sorry Commander He, no hard feelings…”

The other battalion commanders burst into laughter and swarmed around, digging into He Yunshen’s pocket.

“Hey, why is it pink?!”