Chapter 21: Relieving Stress

Over time, Lin You realized she had overestimated her ability to cope. Whenever she closed her eyes, she could see Yang Zhishang’s terrified gaze staring back at her. Exhausted physically and mentally, she found herself trapped in fear, unable to shake it off.

Qin Lang, busy with training, noticed her exhaustion but didn’t realize the extent of her inner turmoil. The prolonged stress and sleeplessness finally took a toll on her health, and she fell ill.

When Qin Lang returned home after training, he found Lin You lying alone in bed, pale and sweating. He quietly approached, gently shook her shoulder, and asked with concern, “Yoyo, are you okay?”

Lin You, her voice hoarse and lips chapped, murmured, “I have a fever. I already took some medicine. I just need to sleep it off.”

Qin Lang frowned, feeling her feverish forehead, and hurriedly soaked a towel, placing it gently on her forehead. He also wiped her sweat as she rested. Noticing dark circles under her eyes, he felt puzzled, he couldn’t recall her ever being like this before.

With Qin Lang by her side, Lin You finally slept soundly. When she awoke, it was afternoon.

Seeing her awake, Qin Lang checked her forehead again to confirm her fever had gone down and sighed with relief. “Feeling better? I made some porridge and cooked a few dishes. Would you like to eat?”

“Yes.”

He carefully helped her to the table, and Lin You slowly ate what he had prepared, her appetite better than usual. Seeing her recover, Qin Lang felt at ease.

After she had eaten, Qin Lang sat beside her on the couch, holding her in his arms. Then he shared a story of his past to comfort her

“The squad leader once took me on a mission at the border. It was my first time… to take a life. Although it was a long range shot, the terrain was steep, and the suspect fell off a cliff, landing just five meters away from me.”

“That was my first encounter with death, with blood everywhere and his disfigured face. Only his furious, resentful eyes revealed he was a desperado.”

“For a long time, I couldn’t get those eyes and that disfigured face out of my mind. Just thinking about it made me feel nauseous.”

Lin You lay quietly, listening to his heartbeat, sensing the fear and helplessness he must have felt. She gently patted his back, as if trying to ease his painful memory.

Qin Lang took her hand and kissed her forehead, indicating he was okay.

“Later, the squad leader took me to an abandoned basement. Although it had been cleaned, the scent of blood and violence lingered. It was where desperados had imprisoned young girls. Though rescued, most of them, scarred by their trauma, took their own lives shortly afterward.”

Noticing Lin You’s empathy, he continued, “If those criminals had been stopped before they could harm others, it would have saved countless lives.”

“My duty, my mission, is to save as many lives as possible, with no fear.”

Lin You understood why he shared this story with her, nodding in acknowledgment.

“I understand.”

“Luckily, Yang Zhishang revealed his true character. If he had been chosen, he would have abandoned his comrades in real battle.”

Qin Lang nodded approvingly. “Special forces always operate as a team. No one completes missions alone, we rely on mutual trust.”

“Someone like Yang Zhishang, who can’t control his emotions, would be a liability on the battlefield.”

“Even without you, he wouldn’t have made it. His points were about to run out.”

“So his departure isn’t your fault, and maybe his fear will help him realize there are always stronger people out there. It might help him down the line.”

Lin You agreed, her eyes steady as she met his gaze. She hesitated, then asked, “Was he really sent to the military court?”

Qin Lang’s lips curved into a slight smile. “The review found no major issues, so he was sent back to regular soldier duty. His skills are strong, but he lacks respect for his comrades.”

Then, Qin Lang asked, “Do you understand why I train them so strictly, even pressuring them to build resilience?”

Lin You thought deeply. After a moment, she looked at him and said, “Because special forces face real combat and need stronger mental resilience. You do this to prepare them for harsh realities, to help them protect themselves and others.”

Qin Lang was moved by her understanding. He held Lin You tightly, cherishing their shared understanding. Tilting her chin up, he gazed into her eyes and gently kissed her. In that moment, only this connection could express his deep love and gratitude.

With Qin Lang’s care over the following days, Lin You recovered quickly and was soon back at work.

Meanwhile, the special forces selection ended, with Qin Lang choosing only four candidates, including Yang Pan and Lu Li.

One day, while Lin You was chatting with Xiao Nan, the two men walked in. Lu Li greeted her first, “Hello, sister in law!”

“Hello.”

Yang Pan seemed shy, glancing at her before quickly lowering his gaze, which made Lin You and Xiao Nan smile at his endearing innocence.

Curious, Lin You asked, “Did you come to see me?”

Lu Li lowered his head, looking somewhat guilty. “We wanted to apologize for not being able to help you last time.”

Lin You hadn’t expected them to feel so responsible and quickly reassured them. “It’s fine. It was a tough situation for everyone.”

Even so, Lu Li and Yang Pan remained solemn. Xiao Nan intervened, “She said it’s fine, so don’t worry. Lin You is known for her good natured patience.”

Afterward, Lu Li whispered something to Yang Pan, who then left. Yet, Lu Li remained, looking hesitant.

Curious, Lin You asked gently, “Is there something else?”

Taking a deep breath, Lu Li mustered up the courage and asked, “Sister in law, could I talk with you privately?”

Lin You nodded and followed him to the stone table outside the infirmary.