Chapter 3

Going home was impossible.

After enduring the rough journey—trains, trucks, tractors, ox carts, and long walks—Lin Ting finally arrived at Huo Xiao’s former military unit, seven days later.

Although she was from the countryside, she had been spoiled by her parents and never worked in the fields. Studying had been the hardest thing she had ever done.

Now, after just a week of hardship, she was utterly exhausted.

She had considered calling the army to ask for a ride, but the idea seemed inappropriate. If there was no available transport, requesting a special pickup due to Huo Xiao’s status as a martyr felt wrong.

Thankfully, she had arrived.

Looking at the soldiers standing tall with their guns at the military gate, Lin Ting took a deep breath, swallowing her grievances. At least she had made it—half the battle was won.

Encouraging herself, she adjusted her bag and staggered toward the gate.

Meanwhile, in the Third Regiment’s brigade command office, Commander Deng Hongjun was complaining about the new deputy commander.

Dressed in a slightly worn military uniform, Deng Hongjun was thin, with deep-set eyes on a long face, but he stood straight and looked energetic. His voice was full of frustration: “Back when Huo Xiao was here, I never had to clean up his mess. He handled everything in advance…”

Brigade Commander Wei Tao, standing by the window with a teacup in hand, watched the soldiers training outside. Without turning, he replied, “At least I still help you from time to time, right?”

Deng Hongjun lowered his voice slightly. “I don’t expect the new guy to help, but he should at least do his job properly. It’s been two or three months, and he’s still reckless. I can’t tolerate him. Who backed him? Commander, you should get me someone else!”

Wei Tao wasn’t surprised.

The new deputy commander had some connections, but he wasn’t incompetent—otherwise, he wouldn’t have been promoted. Deng Hongjun was simply used to working with Huo Xiao and found the newcomer lacking in comparison.

But officers as exceptional as Huo Xiao were rare. The strong bond between him and Deng was built over years of cooperation.

Besides, once Huo Xiao returned from his secret mission, he would be promoted to regiment commander and likely transferred elsewhere. Their partnership would inevitably end.

Wei Tao sipped his tea calmly and spoke unhurriedly. “Old Deng, as leaders, we need patience. If the newcomer doesn’t know something, teach him. With time, he’ll adjust.”

Deng Hongjun slammed the table. “Nonsense! Why doesn’t Huo Xiao need to be reassigned?!”

Wei Tao sighed, turned to Deng, and said awkwardly, “Huo Xiao… is an outstanding comrade, but he…” He stopped himself—Huo Xiao was set for promotion, but this wasn’t the time to say it.

Deng Hongjun, unaware of the inside story, deflated like a punctured balloon. His eyes turned red, and he stammered a few times before giving up. Shoulders drooping, he turned to leave.

Just then, Deng’s guard ran up. Seeing the open door of the brigade commander’s office, he saluted. “Report!”

“Speak!” Deng Hongjun roared.

The guard hesitated, glanced at the brigade commander drinking tea, then said, “Commander, Deputy Commander Huo’s sister-in-law is at the gate. She’s waiting.”

“Puff—cough, cough, cough!” Wei Tao choked on his tea.

Deng Hongjun was shocked. “Who? Huo Xiao’s wife?!”

Wei Tao, one of the few who knew where Huo Xiao really was, suppressed his cough and asked urgently, “Why is she here?”

The guard hesitated, eyes full of admiration. “She said… she’s here to collect Deputy Colonel Huo’s belongings.”

Deng Hongjun’s pupils shrank. Without another word, he rushed out.

Wei Tao pondered for a moment, then quickly put on his military cap and followed. Before leaving, he turned to the guard. “Notify the political commissar. Just in case… if she starts crying, Old Hong can handle it.”

_

The gate was some distance away.

By the time they arrived, Lin Ting had been waiting for nearly half an hour.

Two middle-aged soldiers in uniforms with four pockets approached. With no visible ranks, Lin Ting couldn’t tell their positions. She handed over her letter of introduction and greeted them politely. “I apologize for coming unannounced, leaders.”

No crying, no complaints.

The officers relaxed—facing a composed young woman instead of an emotional scene.

“It’s okay. It’s good to come and see,” Wei Tao said, feeling inexplicably guilty. He signaled the guard to take Lin Ting’s package.

“Yes, yes! It’s good that you came,” Deng Hongjun added awkwardly, rubbing his hands. “I packed Huo Xiao’s things myself, but I’m clumsy. You should check if anything’s missing.”

So he’s really gone…

Lin Ting’s expression darkened slightly. It wasn’t about personal grief—she just wished every soldier could return home safely.

Wei Tao noticed her reaction. He knew she still had hope. But while Huo Xiao was alive, he was on a classified mission. Only Wei Tao, Old Hong, and their superior knew the truth.

For now, he could say nothing.

With a smile, he said, “Comrade Lin, you must be exhausted. Let’s settle you in first. We can talk later.”

Lin Ting, her legs heavy from travel, exhaled subtly. “Thank you for your help.”

“No trouble at all. It’s our duty.” Wei Tao led the way to the staff quarters.

_

Family members visiting usually stayed in single dormitories, but Lin Ting’s case was special. Wei Tao arranged for her to stay with his wife.

Lin Ting, unfamiliar with military customs, assumed this was standard and followed silently.

The family compound was near the gate.

As they walked, they introduced themselves. Lin Ting soon realized that the approachable officer who had been speaking so warmly was the brigade commander himself. The thin man beside him was Captain Deng, Huo Xiao’s direct superior.

She hadn’t expected such high-ranking officers to personally greet her.

Then it clicked—this was because of Huo Xiao.

She thought, He must have been even more outstanding than I imagined.

“We’re here,” Wei Tao said as they arrived.

His house wasn’t the two-story type seen in later TV dramas but a simple three-room brick house. Painted white, with neatly arranged furniture, it was clean and tidy.

Lin Ting suddenly felt self-conscious. After days of travel, she looked dusty and disheveled. She regretted not stopping to freshen up at a guesthouse earlier. But the thought quickly passed—personal safety was more important.

As Zhao Fengying, Wei Tao’s wife, welcomed her, Lin Ting hesitated. “No, I’m covered in dust. I’ll just sit on the stool.”

To avoid further insistence, she quickly took a seat on a wooden bench. “Sorry to bother you, sister-in-law.”

She truly meant it. If not necessary, she wouldn’t have come. The journey was exhausting, and she didn’t want to trouble anyone.

“No need for apologies! Our army is a big family,” Zhao Fengying said warmly. “You’re Huo Xiao’s wife, so you’re my sister, too. Make yourself at home.”

Seeing Lin Ting’s discomfort, she didn’t push further. Instead, she turned to prepare a cup of malted milk.

In Zhao Fengying’s heart, she admired the disheveled and exhausted girl.

She understood the hardships of the journey better than anyone. It had been long and difficult, and Xiao Lin must have suffered greatly.

Deep down, she believed Xiao Lin was genuinely happy for Huo Xiao.

Thinking of this, Zhao Fengying, who was old enough to be Lin Ting’s mother, felt even more pity for her. After handing over the malted milk and receiving a shy “thank you,” she couldn’t help but feel compassion.

Wei Tao sat on a nearby sofa and spoke gently, “Your sister-in-law is right. Comrade Xiao Lin, if you have any difficulties, just tell us. The organization will help if possible.”

Deng Hongjun nodded in agreement.

These words touched Lin Ting. She had a simple request—to buy a sleeper ticket under her leader’s name for the return trip. But it wasn’t easy to ask, so she simply held the malted milk and smiled. “Thank you, Sir.”

“Alright, Xiao Lin, you need rest. You all go do your work. Let her recover first,” Zhao Fengying said. As a female comrade, she was thoughtful and noticed Lin Ting’s exhaustion. She knew the girl just wanted to wash up and sleep, so she urged the men to leave.

Wei Tao had already planned to do so and stepped out.

After walking a distance, he stopped Deng Hongjun, who was about to head home, and whispered, “Old Deng, call Huo Xiao’s village to confirm her identity and report her safe arrival.”

Deng Hongjun frowned. “Are you suspicious of this girl?”

She seemed too calm. When soldiers died, their families usually reacted with grief or anger, demanding more pension. This female comrade, Lin Ting, was too composed. Then again, Huo Xiao had been gone for almost four months. Maybe she had already come to terms with it.

Wei Tao shook his head. “Just a precaution. We can’t afford any mistakes regarding Huo Xiao.”

Hearing this, Deng Hongjun didn’t ask further. He simply nodded and went back to his office.

Wei Tao watched him leave before turning to his partner, Lao Hong.

Better safe than sorry. He hoped their suspicions were unfounded.