Chapter 36 Exit

Su Niannian’s heart seemed to break. She leaned against Gu Zhiye’s broad chest, their warmth blending together. Fearful of being noticed by anyone, she buried nearly half of her face in his neck. The slight rustling of grass was enough to make her nervous and silent, until, in a weak voice, she whispered, “I can walk by myself… really, I’m not kidding.”

Gu Zhiye turned his head, his jaw casually grazing her cheek. “No one’s looking. Don’t worry.”

As for Deputy Leader Zhang, who had already run far ahead, he was the last thing on Gu Zhiye’s mind. Just moments before, the man had solemnly taught him how to maintain a marriage — how to be gentle, considerate, comforting — their marriage was a well-observed mess in everyone’s eyes. If it hadn’t been for actually seeing it, nobody would believe these two had ever shared a bed. This small ancestor was so indifferent, forcing him to chase after her just to see her…

Such an experience was a first in his twenty-five years.

But Gu Zhiye hadn’t forgotten his mission. When there was about a kilometer left, he promptly put Su Niannian down and used a wooden stick to keep a respectful distance between them. Su Niannian glanced at his sculpted jawline and said softly, “Gu Zhiye, you’re kind of… conflicted.”

He responded matter-of-factly, “Actually, I’m fine with whatever, but I need to protect your reputation, Su Niannian — unless you want it to be made public…”

“What?” Su Niannian limped forward and followed him, not yet understanding his intent. The two fell into silence until, suddenly, Liu Tao and Liao Yu appeared in the distance.

Liu Tao was panting and worried. “Niannian, are you all right? We heard you injured your foot, and the team leader asked us to come help.”

“Captain Liao, please keep your team members under control. Don’t let them cause trouble.” Gu Zhiye’s expression changed in an instant — from gentle to icy — a pulse appeared at his temple, and with great patience, he tossed away the stick before striding forward, as if staying even a moment longer would be pure agony.

He certainly lived up to his nickname, “Hell King”— Liao Yu, normally calm, was worried just looking at him. “Are you all right? I should’ve stayed with you. Don’t overthink things. Gu Zhiye might be tough, but he’s a responsible person. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have gone back to find you after you fell behind.”

“…” Thinking back to the moment when the man quietly carried her for nearly two kilometers, Su Niannian fell into a heavy silence.

Her face grew warm as she whispered, “He… he is kind of tough.”

Clearly, the man in front paused, causing Liu Tao to hurriedly cover Su Niannian’s mouth, afraid she might say something more.

…

Liao Yu was correct — Gu Zhiye was indeed a responsible person. After settling in the soldiers after their march, he rushed back to help set up tents in the art troupe. The soldiers couldn’t rest in the open for two nights, after all, so Deputy Leader Zhang had borrowed some tents from the rear department.

Gu Zhiye chose the one for Liu Tao, Su Niannian, and their friends to demonstrate with. In the silent afternoon, he, wearing a short green army shirt with his muscular arms exposed, efficiently pitched the tent. The women nearby clicked their tongues in awe, many boldly casting glances at him.

He pressed stones down on the corners of the canvas, veins creeping up his forearms. His busy form was undeniably attractive. Su Niannian’s eyelashes trembled as their gazes briefly met. His, filled with a deep, fleeting softness, seemed to reach into her heart — but just a moment later, he turned away, indifferent.

The accompanying medic briefly treated Su Niannian’s injured ankle and reminded her, “It’s not a big deal, but you should avoid strenuous activity.” In short, this training was not meant for her. As a dancer, her legs were everything. The moment the medic finished, Liao Yu, as the team leader, was already thinking about a way to enable Su Niannian to take a break gracefully, without drawing suspicion.

Meanwhile, Jiang Xiaofei from Squad One made a move. While Gu Zhiye was demonstrating how to set up a tent, Jiang Xiaofei rushed forward — the best way to uncover her “rival” was to observe their reaction. If there was something unusual, it was bound to show. Jiang Xiaofei made a show of acting weak. “Deputy Leader Gu, I… I’m not quite sure how to set up the tent. Could you demonstrate it once more?”
“That’s a no.” Gu Zhiye’s patience was gone.

He turned his back just as hurried footsteps drew close. “Here we come… I knew it! Finally, I’m going to see it.” Jiang Xiaofei bit her back molars — but instead, it was Deputy Leader Zhang, his face thunderous, who appeared in view. In a rush, he grabbed Jiang Xiaofei and tugged her aside. His normally kind demeanor was gone. “A young woman should know discretion! Jiang Xiaofei, if you continue to be forward, I’ll have a word with your father!”

He kept his voice down, but everyone nearby heard him. Jiang Xiaofei was humiliated, glancing back just in time to see Gu Zhiye’s mocking expression. Stamping her foot in resentment, she held back the rest — not realizing there was a true romantic competitor somewhere in the crowd. Jiang Xiaofei turned and walked away in a rush.

Gu Zhiye swallowed, raised his hand, and nodded in thanks toward Deputy Leader Zhang.

Deputy Leader Zhang was expressionless. “Don’t thank me just yet. I know your signalman is following you at a distance. You saw today’s incident. Our new superstar, Su Niannian, injured her foot and must withdraw from this training. So… I’m afraid I must trouble you, Gu Zhiye, to escort her back. Thank you for understanding.”

He made sure his words were spotless — nobody could find a fault in them. Everyone saw the moment Gu Zhiye reluctantly fell into silence. The atmosphere fell heavy.

He sighed. “All right.”