Chapter 14: Zhong Youliang

He Yashu was quite satisfied that no troublesome relatives showed up afterward. Little Zhong Ling, held in her arms, had long since fallen asleep.

Looking at the peacefully sleeping child, He Yashu recalled how Zhong Ling had refused to sleep the night before. The memory left her both frustrated and amused.

“Lingling, Lingling, wake up. We’re almost there.” She gently patted her daughter’s rosy cheeks. Zhong Ling frowned, but when she heard her mother say they were almost there, she suddenly opened her eyes wide.

Seeing her daughter instantly alert, He Yashu held her hand in one and carried their luggage in the other, following the group forward.

“Mom, which one is my dad?” Little Zhong Ling asked excitedly, her big eyes scanning the crowd.

He Yashu was momentarily speechless. Um… could she admit she didn’t actually know which one was her father?

Fortunately, the original host’s memories included Zhong Youliang’s appearance. He Yashu began scanning the crowd, searching based on those memories. Suddenly, someone grabbed her bag, startling her. When she looked up quickly—it was Zhong Youliang. He wasn’t particularly handsome, but his features were well-defined, giving him a rugged look.

Zhong Youliang looked at the travel-worn mother and daughter. He had so much to say, yet didn’t know where to start. It was the ever-chatty but now slightly shy little Zhong Ling who broke the ice:

“Are you my dad?” she asked. She thought to herself: if this man really is her dad, then even if that bad uncle Tiedan bullied her, he wouldn’t be able to beat her dad.

“Yes,” Zhong Youliang answered, greedily taking in the sight of his daughter. Zhong Ling was happy to hear his response but still glanced at He Yashu for confirmation.

“Yes, this is the dad you’ve always been thinking about,” He Yashu said gently, putting aside her complicated thoughts.

“Dad, I finally got to meet you!” Little Zhong Ling threw herself at Zhong Youliang’s leg and burst into loud sobs.

“Don’t cry, don’t cry, Dad is here.” Zhong Youliang was at a loss, awkwardly lifting her up as she bawled in his arms. He looked helplessly at He Yashu for support.

“Okay now, Lingling, look at how many people are around. Crying this loudly—isn’t that embarrassing?” He Yashu knew her daughter was a little girl who cared a lot about her image. Sure enough, upon hearing that, Zhong Ling shyly buried her face in Zhong Youliang’s neck.

With no more crying, Zhong Youliang felt instantly relieved. He smiled kindly at He Yashu and said, “This isn’t the place to talk. Let’s go—there’s a vehicle ahead.”

Silently, He Yashu followed him to the military truck. The troop was out gathering supplies, and Zhong Youliang had informed his superiors that his wife and daughter were coming. They allowed him to join the convoy so he could bring them back with him.

Zhong Youliang sat in the front passenger seat, holding Lingling in his lap. The little girl stared wide-eyed at him, afraid he’d disappear the moment she blinked.

“Captain Zhong, is this your daughter? She’s so pretty,” the driver, Xiao Wang, said admiringly.

He had always thought Zhong Youliang was a bachelor. He hadn’t expected him to have such a beautiful wife and daughter. He was envious.

“Thank you for the compliment, Uncle.” Lingling had been taught proper manners by He Yashu. Hearing the praise, she lifted her little head and sincerely expressed her thanks.

“No need to thank me. What’s your name?” Xiao Wang was taken aback by how polite she was, instantly growing fond of this well-behaved little girl.

“Uncle, my name is Zhong Ling. My nickname is Lingling.” The little chatterbox then happily chatted with Xiao Wang the whole ride.

Zhong Youliang looked at his daughter with deep affection. He thought, My wife really raised her well.

He and He Yashu remained mostly silent throughout the journey. Only when Lingling asked something would they exchange a few words. There was zero communication between husband and wife, but thanks to Lingling, the atmosphere didn’t become too awkward.