Chapter 35 Autumn Training

… Liu Tao discovered Su Niannian’s small weakness — her love for sweets. The snacks that the sisters had finished just last time had barely been gone when, in the blink of an eye, there were already another three packages sitting in her cabinet, much to Liu Tao’s astonishment.
Su Niannian, although openly stating that she came from a poor countryside family, with her aura of prestige and lavish lifestyle, made even Liu Tao, her close friend, suspicious. How could someone with her background have more ration coupons than a family with two salaried workers? It was truly puzzling…

Before Liu Tao could dwell on it, the brisk arrival of autumn training disrupted everyone’s routines, and their collaboration with the provincial team was temporarily put on hold.
Deputy Head Zhang personally led the team alongside the nearby soldiers who were training in the mountains outside Qingyang, stating it was meant to improve the soldiers’ physical fitness under the guidance of the army. With soldiers acting as a strong backup, safety was not a concern.
Zhang, wearing a somewhat ingratiating expression, fell in step with Gu Zhiye’s company. The promotion order had come down — Gu Zhiye was to be promoted to deputy group leader — but due to marriage-related issues, he would be temporarily deployed elsewhere afterwards. His time in Ningcheng was limited.

Deputy Head Zhang glanced back at Su Niannian, who was lagging at the rear alongside the rest, then turned his gaze back toward Gu Zhiye. The man remained impassive, habitually delivering cutting criticism to soldiers who fell behind, a tactic meant to keep everyone motivated. The contrast between him — at ease — and Su Niannian — panting with a red face — was dramatic.
Zhang sighed inwardly. It was no wonder their marriage was a mess.
He knew Gu Zhiye was a person of strong principles; in fact, the sweets that had been delivered a few days prior were forced upon him by his brother-in-law. In nearly a month at the troupe, Gu Zhiye had barely set foot there — much to the concern of their political commissar. What a mess! So tiring…

Zhang was just about to go over and ease the tension when a charming silhouette darted forward, blocking Gu Zhiye’s path. The woman’s voice was sweet, dripping with softness:
“Deputy Head Gu, can you help us demonstrate how to set up a tent later?”
She was relentless — a true talent!
Gu Zhiye furrowed his brows. The moment he was about to respond, Zhang rushed over, grabbed the woman, and said in a stern voice, “Comrade Jiang Xiaofei, pay attention to discipline. Gu’s already married. How many times do I need to say this?”
Gu Zhiye didn’t even spare them a glance and kept walking forward with the rest of the team. Jiang Xiaofei, meanwhile, was exasperated. She pressed her red lips together and said in a charming voice, “Maybe you should grab a megaphone and announce it to the whole troupe!”
Of course, Jiang Xiaofei knew that Gu Zhiye was married — someone not to be entangled with — but his previous trip to A city and this training made her suspicious. There must be someone in the troupe who was connected to him.
Did that person know he was married? Did they realize they might destroy the future of a promising soldier?

Jiang Xiaofei let her gaze sweep over Second Squad. The engaged Su Niannian was immediately eliminated — weak, delicate, sheltered — someone who hadn’t gone out much except to practice their routines. So… the rest…
She was determined to uncover that person!

Meanwhile, Su Niannian remained oblivous to Jiang Xiaofei’s resolve. All she cared about was keeping up with the team. In order to avoid suspicion, she hadn’t even gone to see Su Jianshan in a while — putting all her energy into her routines instead.
When the training began, it was a given that Su Niannian fell to the rear — much to her embarrassment.
Her best friend Liu Tao kept up with her, until their teacher scolded them. So Liu Tao reluctantly rushed forward, while Su Niannian fell farther and farther back.
She was struggling to keep up — panting, sweaty, and with a piercing pain starting to gnaw at her abdomen.
Strands of damp hair clung to her face as her view grew blurry.
She pressed a hand to her stomach and began to move slowly.

“Stomach ache?”
Gu Zhiye’s voice was calm and steady — a contrast to his previously intimidating demeanor.
He fell into step with her, his shirt’s sleeves casually rolled up, the muscles of his arms glimmering with a faint sheen of sweat.
He was not much more at ease than the rest.
Su Niannian’s heart pounded, but she turned him away. “Watch your discipline. I don’t need your care, nor am I under your command.”
Gu Zhiye’s eyelids drooped briefly; his breath faltered just a bit.
He turned and directly placed himself in front of her. “It’s Team Leader Zhang who asked me to look after you.”

The morning sunlight fell upon Su Niannian’s lashes, casting a delicate shadow.
Flames of nervousness rose to her cheeks, adding a rosy hue.
Fearing a misunderstanding, Gu Zhiye rushed to clarify: “He already knows our relationship.”
“…”
Su Niannian pressed her lips together.
“That just makes it even more confusing. What are you going to scold me for this time?”
Gu Zhiye’s furrowed brows slowly softened at her words.
He turned his head to watch the team in the distance.
Su Niannian, not seeing him respond, grew nervous — afraid he might scold her — and darted to the side.
Perhaps it was pure bad luck — even a sip of water could choke you — but when she hopped aside, there was a clear “crack” from her ankle, followed by a rush of piercing pain.
She hunched down in agony.
Gu Zhiye’s strong hand grabbed her arm, and in a moment, he held her safely in his embrace.
Sitting in his arms, with his hard, muscular form against her, Su Niannian felt his fingertips briefly linger over her injured ankle. His voice was deep: “Don’t try to move… you sprained it.”
“It’s not intentional.”
“It doesn’t matter.”
Gu Zhiye effortlessly lifted her up in his arms.
Zhang, who was just turning back to check on the team, quietly turned away and kept running forward…