Chapter 59: Regret

Zhou Lin, hearing Zhou Kang’s words, felt a surge of regret and fear. His lips trembled, but he dared not utter another word.

He never imagined things would become so serious. Anxiety spread through him.

“Uncle, does that mean I really have no future in the army?” Zhou Lin’s voice trembled, his eyes revealing despair and confusion. Only now did he realize the irreversible consequences of his actions.

Zhou Kang looked at Zhou Lin, a sense of helplessness and regret welling up within him.

He sighed, speaking earnestly, “No, unless you’re more capable than Leng Mohan, and those above are willing to protect you. Clearly, you’re not better than Leng Mohan, and to avoid offending Leng Mohan, they’ll suppress you even more. This is all your own doing.”

Zhou Lin’s face turned pale. He deeply understood his mistake. He regretted his impulsiveness and recklessness, now trapped in this predicament.

Despondently, he asked, “Why couldn’t I control myself? Why did I have to provoke Leng Mohan?”

Zhou Kang patted Zhou Lin’s shoulder, comforting him, “It’s done. We need to face reality. In the army, there’s only one way to succeed: become stronger. You need to surpass those who suppress you to find a way out. But do you think you can ever surpass Leng Mohan?”

A flicker of unwillingness and determination shone in Zhou Lin’s eyes. He bit his lip, determined to change his fate. He knew that only through hard work and struggle could he overcome the difficulties and escape this predicament.

He took a deep breath and replied, “Uncle, I know I made a mistake, but I’m not worried. My parents and you will find a better way out for me, right?”

Zhou Kang looked at his nephew, Zhou Lin, with a hint of disappointment and regret in his eyes. He sighed softly, “You know yourself, you can’t surpass Leng Mohan, so be prepared for a transfer.”

These words hit Zhou Lin like a hammer.

His eyes lost their luster, his lips trembling slightly. He wanted to say something, but didn’t know how. He knew the gap between himself and Leng Mohan was insurmountable.

Leng Mohan’s talent and ability were far beyond his reach. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t compete. Zhou Kang’s words were like a sharp sword, piercing through his last illusion.

Zhou Lin silently lowered his head, filled with helplessness and bitterness.

He knew Zhou Kang’s words stemmed from concern and realism, but it still made him incredibly despondent. He didn’t want to leave the army, but reality was cruel, and he had to face the fact that he couldn’t surpass Leng Mohan.

Silence enveloped them. Zhou Kang watched Zhou Lin’s pained expression, feeling a pang of sympathy.

He knew his nephew had been disrespectful to his subordinates for the past three years, relying on his uncle’s position. He had initially dismissed it as minor incidents, seeing Zhou Lin only picking on low-ranking soldiers. He had indulged him, never expecting him to provoke Leng Mohan’s wife. Now, he hoped Zhou Lin would accept reality and find a more suitable path.

Zhou Kang looked at Zhou Lin, disappointment in his eyes, shaking his head slightly.

He slowly reached out and patted Zhou Lin’s shoulder, his voice tinged with helplessness, “You’re really not suitable to stay here anymore, but I’ll do my best to find a good way out for you.” Zhou Lin felt a pang of sorrow at his uncle’s words.

He understood his actions were irreversible, regret washing over him like a tide. If he hadn’t provoked that woman, he wouldn’t have clashed with Leng Mohan, nor would he have been forced to retire.

Night fell. The moon hung high in the sky, casting its silvery light across the land. Its roundness and brightness seemed to silently watch over everything.

As everyone watched Zhou Kang and Zhou Lin leave, they each had their own thoughts.

Ou Cheng and Liang Xin saw Luo Jiaojiao for the first time and instantly understood why Leng Mohan would marry her.

Zhou Lin’s earlier advances weren’t without reason. “A beautiful woman is worthy of pursuit,” but he didn’t realize she was already taken and still approached her, clearly courting trouble, and deserved the beating he received.

Zhou Lin’s figure appeared lonely in the moonlight. His steps were heavy and slow, as if carrying the weight of the world.

Each step carried endless regret and self-blame. He knew his future was uncertain. Zhou Kang’s back, on the other hand, conveyed helplessness and heartache. He felt sorry for Zhou Lin, but couldn’t change the cruel reality – that Zhou Lin had indeed made a mistake.

Ou Cheng looked at Luo Jiaojiao gently, his tone full of concern, “Your name is Luo Jiaojiao, right? Can I call you Jiaojiao, like Mohan? You must have been scared by Zhou Lin. Don’t worry, it won’t happen again. The soldiers in the military district are law-abiding; only that fool Zhou Lin would do such a thing. He’ll be leaving soon, and no one will dare to harass you again. Don’t worry.”

Ou Cheng patted Leng Mohan’s shoulder, continuing to comfort him, “If anything happens, tell Mohan; he’ll support you. If Mohan isn’t around, come to me. I’m his commander and a good friend of your father. I’ll protect you.”

Luo Jiaojiao looked up at Leng Mohan, gratitude and dependence in her eyes. Leng Mohan felt her gaze and nodded slightly, giving her a firm response.

Luo Jiaojiao looked at Ou Cheng softly, nodded obediently, and said softly, “Thank you.”

Ou Cheng looked at Luo Jiaojiao, filled with guilt and pity. He said sincerely, “You’re welcome. It’s what we should do. We should apologize to you. You just arrived, and you encountered this. It’s truly unfair to you.” His gaze showed concern and deep self-blame towards Luo Jiaojiao.

Liang Xin nodded in agreement and added, “If you need anything, just tell us.”

Ou Cheng saw Luo Jiaojiao’s discomfort. He smiled at Luo Jiaojiao and Leng Mohan, “You two should go back now.”

“Okay, I’ll take her back,” Leng Mohan nodded, glanced at Luo Jiaojiao, and pulled her home. This time, as before, Leng Mohan walked ahead, holding Luo Jiaojiao’s hand.

The difference was that this time Leng Mohan seemed a little angry, and Luo Jiaojiao followed closely behind. Despite Luo Jiaojiao’s close pursuit, Leng Mohan accommodated her, not taking large strides, maintaining a small distance between them.