Chapter 23

The guesthouse is quiet and peaceful. Sunlight shines through the windows onto the wooden stair railings, leaving mottled light and shadows.

At this moment, Duan Xuewei, the military dependent who had been properly settled in a room on the second floor yesterday, slowly walked down the stairs.

The staff in charge of reception had already known in advance the story of this military wife taking her child to look for her husband, and they couldn’t help but feel a deep sympathy in their hearts.

Just think about it, this poor mother and her two children traveled thousands of miles from their distant hometown to find their husband and father, but what greeted them was the man’s attitude of being reluctant to acknowledge their existence. It is really sad.

Duan Xuewei was seen walking down the stairs slowly, wearing a dress that had been washed to a slightly white color.

Her steps seemed heavy, as if carrying the hardships and helplessness of life.

When she walked downstairs, she hesitated for a moment, then asked softly:

“Excuse me, ma’am, but where can I find hot water?

I want to make a bowl of fried rice for my children so they can fill their stomachs first.”

When saying this, Duan Xuewei’s tone was a little cautious, and she didn’t dare to look anyone in the eye. She looked like an honest and well-behaved traditional woman.

The enthusiastic receptionist quickly responded:

“Hey, big sister, please don’t be so polite and don’t be nervous!

The leader has already informed us that we must do our best to meet the various daily needs of you and your two children.

How about this, I’ll go to the kitchen in the back and get you a kettle of hot water. Do you think one kettle of water is enough?”

Having said that, she prepared to go to the kitchen.

Hearing this, Duan Xuewei was immediately flattered. She nodded repeatedly and said:

“Thank you, sister. Thank you so much! A pot of water is definitely enough, more than enough.”

At this moment, her eyes were full of gratitude, and it seemed that it was about to overflow from her eyes.

However, just as the receptionist turned to leave, Duan Xuewei’s eyes, which were originally filled with gratitude, suddenly flashed with an imperceptible sense of success.

That expression was fleeting, and if you didn’t pay special attention, it would be difficult to detect the clues.

Huo Junxiao, Huo Junxiao, if you don’t come to the guesthouse to pick up my three children, mother and me, to join the army and live in the family compound, your reputation will get worse day by day!

If you dare, fight me with your future, otherwise…

In room 204 on the second floor, sunlight shines through the window onto the wooden floor, creating patches of mottled light and shadow.

At this time, a pair of cute and pretty brother and sister were lying on the windowsill, looking curiously at the Xi Zhou environment downstairs of the guesthouse.

My sister blinked her bright eyes and suddenly pointed at a tall tree in the distance and asked:

“Brother, look, there are so many green balls hanging on that tree. Are they delicious fruits?”

The brother looked in the direction his sister pointed, thought for a moment, and replied:

“Didn’t Mom tell us yesterday that those are coconuts and we can eat them, but they’re just too tall, so Mom told us not to climb the tree to pick them.”

My sister nodded obediently, and then said expectantly:

“Oh, so that’s how it is. Then when Daddy acknowledges us, can I ask him to pick one for us to try?”

Hearing this, my brother’s face darkened instantly, and he snorted coldly and said:

“Humph, that man only cares about himself. He doesn’t care about us siblings and mom at all!”

The younger sister seemed a little frightened. She timidly grabbed the corner of her brother’s clothes and asked in a low voice:

“Brother, does Dad really not like us? What if Dad doesn’t want Mom and us anymore? Then do we have to follow Mom back to our hometown in the countryside and continue to be bullied by others?”

The brother patted his sister’s shoulder gently and comforted her:

“Don’t be afraid, sister. I’m here. I believe that man will figure it out sooner or later.”

However, when the little girl didn’t notice, a deep gloom flashed across her brother’s eyes imperceptibly.

If that cruel man dared to abandon his mother and leave them, he would never let it go!

He swore that he would make this irresponsible man pay the price!

After all, how could a guy like this who abandoned his wife and children be qualified to be an officer in the army?

Since the three of them, mother and son, were living such a difficult and painful life, he would never let that hateful man have an easy time!

At the same time, in the spacious and solemn conference room of the military district.

The man who had not slept all night slowly stood up and walked towards the window with a tired face and heavy steps.

His bloodshot eyes stared at the curtains, as if they were a barrier separating two worlds.

Then, with his slightly trembling hands, he pulled suddenly, and in an instant, dazzling sunlight poured in like a flood, illuminating the entire room.

The house was filled with a strong smell of tobacco, and the cigarette butts piled up in the ashtray gave off a suffocating smell, making the already stuffy air even more terrifying.

The man just stood quietly in front of the window, letting the scorching sunlight shine on him, as if trying to use it to dispel the haze deep in his heart.

All night long, countless thoughts churned in his mind, like millions of ruthless ants frantically gnawing at his already exhausted heart.

His thoughts were in a mess, with his emotions and reason constantly pulling and fighting against each other.

Dark blue stubble crept up his cheeks, as messy and chaotic as his extremely decadent mood at the moment.

However, after a long and painful struggle, reason finally prevailed.

He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.

Although he was still reluctant in his heart, he knew that if he could not make a decisive decision, not only would his personal love life be ruined, but even his career, which he had worked so hard to build, would be ruined.

“Report to Captain Huo, the commander wants to see you.”

Suddenly, a loud announcement came from outside the door.

The man’s body trembled slightly, then he quickly turned around and responded:

“receive.”

Then he quickly walked to the window and pushed it open hard, letting the cool breeze blow in.

The fresh air that filled his nostrils gradually brought some clarity to his confused mind.

He secretly warned himself that he must never lose his way because of emotional problems again.

After all, he shoulders important responsibilities and missions. Although family matters are difficult to give up, they are insignificant compared to the interests of the country and the army.

Moreover, he believed that she would understand his difficulties and support all the decisions he made…

Right?