Chapter 26: Unexplainable Anger

After Wen Xin left, Lin You’s emotions were in turmoil. She sat dazedly on a bench by the road.

She had always known that Qionghua liked Qin Lang, assuming it was just unrequited. But she hadn’t expected their bond to be so long standing or for there to be such a moving story between them.

Lin You wasn’t angry at Qionghua. Any young girl faced with such a situation would fall in love just as deeply. She herself might have, too. She even knew about the gunshot scar on Qin Lang’s arm, though she had always believed his story that it was an accidental injury during a drill a decade ago. But to find out it was actually from saving Qionghua somehow, it hurt.

She understood it was his duty as a soldier, anyone in his position would have intervened. But she couldn’t help feeling uneasy and frustrated with him for hiding the truth. Why would he lie? Didn’t he trust her to understand?

What bothered her even more was the fact that Qin Lang had been so considerate to Qionghua, a side of him she had never known. The Qin Lang she knew always avoided people who cried, yet he had been comforting and kind to Qionghua, enough for her to fall for him.

She recalled a night ten years ago. Qin Lang was home for New Year’s, and she had a high fever. With her father on duty and Professor Song working the night shift, only Qin Lang was there to help. But instead of finding medicine, he just told her to drink more water. It helped, but he certainly hadn’t gone out of his way to comfort her.

Seeing Lin You deep in thought, Lu Li happened to pass by and noticed her troubled expression.

“What’s wrong, sis in law?” he asked.

She snapped out of her thoughts and stood up. “Nothing.”

Lu Li hesitated, then asked in a small voice, “So… did you ask about that person I mentioned?”

“Oh, right,” she replied, recalling his earlier request. “I asked, but I haven’t heard back yet.”

After nodding, Lu Li cautiously asked, “I heard that you grew up in the squad leader’s family home. Why didn’t you stay with your own family?”

She frowned slightly. “How did you know that?”

“Just something people were saying,” he replied nervously. “So… does that mean you don’t have family of your own anymore?”

Her expression darkened. “Who told you that?”

Lu Li, sensing her irritation, answered quietly, “Qionghua and the others.”

Lin You’s mood soured even further. How did Qionghua know about this? She had never mentioned it. Did Qin Lang tell her? But that didn’t seem like something he’d do.

Lu Li continued, “You could always try looking for them, sis in law. You might still have family around.”

Lin You stared at him and replied bluntly, “What does that have to do with you?” before walking away.

As she walked back to their quarters, her mind lingered on what he had said. She didn’t think her mother’s family would have tried to reconnect, especially after not being there for her in her hardest moments.

In the kitchen, Qin Lang was setting the table. He glanced up at her as she entered, seemingly unaware of her tense mood.

“Back late today. Was there surgery at the infirmary?” he asked.

“Mm,” she replied, before heading to the bedroom to change. When she returned, Qin Lang was at the table.

“Ready to eat?” he asked, motioning her over.

Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she pondered. “What does he even like about me?” she wondered to herself.

Suddenly, he came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. His warm breath brushed her cheek as he held her close. She wriggled a bit to pull away but ended up turning to hug him.

Sensing her resistance, he gave her a quick kiss and took her to the table. But as they settled into the meal, she finally asked, almost in a whisper, “Qin Lang, do you love me?”

He looked up, paused, then softly replied, “Of course. Why would I be here if I didn’t?”

She looked into his dark eyes, her expression a mix of longing and doubt. “What is it that you love most about me?”

With a teasing grin, he leaned in close and murmured, “I love how you look when you’re with me like this just like right now.”

“Then is it just desire?”

He chuckled as he began kissing her neck. “Without love, there wouldn’t be desire, silly.”

Pausing, she finally gathered the courage to ask, “Have you ever liked someone else? Like… Qionghua?”

He stopped, meeting her gaze with a raised brow. “Did she say something to you?”

She shook her head, not wanting to bring up Wen Xin’s conversation. Seeing her slight discomfort, Qin Lang closed the space between them with a passionate kiss, his arms pulling her close until they were breathless.

As she clung to him, their doubts seemed to melt away, at least for a little while.