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Zhang Weiguo didn’t look down on trading just because he was a soldier. Before joining the army, he even helped his mother sell things at the market, so he was familiar with the ins and outs of business.
In Wang Qian’s eyes, her younger uncle wasn’t narrow-minded. Many people these days look down on traders, considering them to have no social status. Some even label traders as profiteers or speculators.
In the evening, Wang Qian, writing on behalf of Zhang Weiguo, composed a letter to his classmate at the military academy in Xinjiang. Whether it would lead to anything would depend on the response received.
Now that Zhang Weiguo was awake, Wang Qian refrained from sending anything to the space. Zhang Lan and the others could only keep him company in the hospital room. His body was starting to heal as he felt more itchy than in pain these days.
Early in the morning, Wang Qian was awoken by Zhang Lan, who helped her brother wash up. Wang Qian used her small hands to lightly scratch him all over because he was feeling itchy. Unable to scratch too hard, she gently relieved his discomfort. Zhang Weiguo, feeling not fully satisfied, remarked, “Qian Qian, scratch a bit harder. I’m so itchy. If you keep scratching me like this when I’m older, I might end up feeling even itchier.”
Wang Qian gave him a reproachful look. “Uncle, your wounds are healing. You shouldn’t scratch too hard. If the doctor sees you doing that, you’ll be scolded.”
Seeing his niece’s hair covering almost her eyes, Zhang Weiguo couldn’t discern her face. He remembered her being very pretty when she was younger, wondering why she looked so unkempt now.
“Qian Qian, why don’t you trim your bothersome bangs? How did your mom let you become increasingly untidy?” Zhang Weiguo exclaimed.
Wang Qian couldn’t help but smile wryly. “Uncle, if I cut my bangs and tidy up, won’t I need a bodyguard following me around?”
With that, she lifted her hair to reveal a delicate face. Even Zhang Weiguo found it astonishing. “Qian Qian, you should keep it this way. Otherwise, if I’m busy in the army, I won’t have time to be your bodyguard. Stick to this style. Don’t cut your hair.”
At that moment, Zhang Weiguo even worried about Mingcheng and Mingyuan. Having a sister like Qian Qian would require a lot of attention. He mused that it might be better if she looked a bit less attractive so that their family wouldn’t have to worry too much.
“Sis, I’m starting to worry about finding a son-in-law for you. With Qian Qian like this, who would be suitable?” Zhang Weiguo expressed his concerns.
Zhang Weiguo found himself worrying about his young niece. While Zhang Lan was wiping her brother’s face, she reassured him, “Why worry? We have you as her uncle. With so many people in the army, we’ll find a suitable match. Plus, she’s still young. I want our precious girl to stay at home for a few more years. No rush. We’ll take our time finding the right match for our darling daughter.”
With Zhang Weiguo’s comment, Wang Qian felt a bit shy. Despite living two lives, she hadn’t had the chance to date in her previous life before arriving here. The idea of finding a partner hadn’t crossed her mind yet. She was still young, and there was plenty of time to think about it later.
Gazing at Zhang Weiguo with her lively eyes, Wang Qian teased, “Uncle, don’t just talk about me. You’re not getting any younger. It’s time for you to find an aunt for me. When do you plan to get married? Grandma often talks about wanting grandchildren. You better hurry up. Need any help?”
Faced with his playful niece, Zhang Weiguo was at a loss for words. This young girl, just now talking about her own matters, had now shifted the focus to him.
However, upon reflection, he realized how clever she was. She could navigate conversations adeptly, even handling family matters efficiently. Could it be that he might rely on this child to solve his own issues in the future?
With a solemn expression, Zhang Weiguo looked at his niece and said, “Qian Qian, you really put me on the spot there. I actually have something to ask for your help with. What do you think about Bai Jianing becoming your aunt?”
Seeing Zhang Weiguo’s expression, Wang Qian couldn’t help but grin. “Uncle, you’re serious about this? It’s a bit challenging. What’s there to fear for a man like you? Do you really need my assistance? When it comes to pursuing a wife, that’s something you should handle yourself. It’s a matter of a man’s dignity. But I can certainly offer you some advice.”
Wang Qian leaned in and whispered her devised tactics into Zhang Weiguo’s ear.
Zhang Weiguo was left speechless after hearing her plan. “Qian Qian, is this idea feasible?”
It wasn’t that he doubted her, but Wang Qian was just a teenager with no experience in this area. Her thoughts were likely those of a child. If things went wrong, it could tarnish his reputation for a lifetime.
Seeing Zhang Weiguo hesitating, Wang Qian scolded him sternly, “Uncle, you’re not getting any younger. When do you plan to act? If you wait until you’ve recovered and return to school, it might be too late. A real man takes action bravely. This is about marriage, not a trivial matter. Delaying could cost you the opportunity, and even if it doesn’t work out, at least you tried your best. You won’t regret it in the future.”
Wang Qian’s words had the desired effect, and Zhang Weiguo immediately agreed. Zhang Lan, observing quietly, didn’t show much concern. She trusted her daughter’s judgment and didn’t immediately question her or her brother about what transpired. She had faith in her daughter’s competence, aside from the one instance of skipping school.
After arranging everything, Zhang Weiguo continued to pretend to be unconscious with closed eyes. Zhang Lan wasn’t sure of his intentions, but since it seemed to be her daughter’s idea, she chose not to expose it to her husband.
When Bai Jianing arrived, Wang Qian informed her that the family wanted to go out for a walk and asked her to look after Zhang Weiguo.
Leading Zhang Lan outside, Wang Qian glanced back at the ward with a smile. “Mom, let’s go out. Whether it works out or not depends on Uncle’s performance.”
At the hospital entrance, someone was waiting to deliver matsutake mushrooms for Wang Zhenhe. After receiving the goods and paying, Wang Qian discreetly stored them in her space where no one could see. The trio then went for a stroll nearby. Wang Qian thought of bringing some fruit trees into her space during this opportunity, ensuring they could enjoy a variety of fruits at home without needing to purchase them later.
White Jianing took over the task of caring for Zhang Weiguo. Sitting by the bedside, she carefully observed the motionless man lying there, with his handsome features. From the moment she first saw Zhang Weiguo, she began to pay attention to him. As he had been approaching her actively, she had silently started to develop feelings for him, finding comfort and happiness in his presence.
She held Zhang Weiguo’s hand tightly against her cheek, whispering, “Weiguo, please wake up soon. I have so much to tell you. You’ve been asleep for too long. You can’t stay like this. If you sleep more, our Weiguo will turn into an old man.”
Even though Zhang Weiguo pretended to be unconscious, he felt touched by her words. However, he remembered what his niece had advised him and maintained a neutral expression.
“Jianing, don’t leave me. I haven’t told you I love you yet. Don’t go…”
His murmurs on the hospital bed gave Bai Jianing a glimmer of hope amidst her anguish. “Weiguo, I won’t leave. I’ll stay by your side. I won’t go anywhere. I’m yours, and no one can take that away from you. Please wake up soon. You have to protect me.”
Knowing they were alone in the hospital room, Bai Jianing poured her heart out, and at that moment, Zhang Weiguo tightly held her hand. “Jianing, I heard everything you said. Let’s keep our promises.”
On the bed, Zhang Weiguo, who had been keeping his eyes closed, suddenly opened them and began to speak, startling Bai Jianing. Blushing, she playfully swatted Zhang Weiguo, saying, “You sneaky devil, trying to scare me like that.”
However, as he spoke, Bai Jianing remembered something and leaped out of bed, calling out as he ran, “Doctor, Doctor, come quickly! Comrade Zhang Weiguo has woken up.”
The corridor echoed with her excited, somewhat loud voice. Upon hearing the news, the doctors in the room rushed out to Zhang Weiguo’s ward.
“Where? Let’s see what’s going on.”
Excited and surprised, the doctors had almost given up hope on Zhang Weiguo waking up. His sudden recovery filled them with unexpected joy and astonishment.
As everyone rushed into the room, Zhang Weiguo was looking around with wide eyes. “Comrade Weiguo, do you feel any discomfort now? Any pain or swelling in your head?”
As the doctors entered, they found Zhang Weiguo looking alert and clear-eyed. They quickly surrounded him, beginning to inquire about their concerns.
After assessing himself, Zhang Weiguo responded, “I feel comfortable now. Besides feeling sore and itchy all over, my mind is clear.”
The senior military doctor examined him carefully and couldn’t help but exclaim, “It’s truly a miracle. Young man, you are incredibly fortunate. In all my years as a doctor, I’ve never encountered a case like yours. It seems the ginseng brought by your sister is truly precious. Several severely injured soldiers who drank the ginseng soup yesterday all felt better. Comrade Weiguo, welcome back to duty.”
The senior military doctor seized the opportunity to playfully joke with Zhang Weiguo. He admired this young man, a high-achieving student from a military academy who voluntarily applied to serve on the front line, showing dedication and solidarity.
Zhang Weiguo earnestly inquired, “Doctor, when can I return to the front line? My comrades cannot have sacrificed in vain. I must go back to fulfill the missions they were unable to complete.”