Chapter 30 : Claiming Sovereignty

As the four of them chatted, time passed unnoticed and When the nurse came to change Fan Yanxing’s dressing, they were shocked to realize that it was already evening.

“Yanxing needs a dressing change. Should we step outside?” Chu Qi suggested, unsure of Fan Yanxing’s injury and aware that there was a woman present.

“There’s nothing to avoid. Just taking off his shirt,” the nurse said nonchalantly, stopping the others who were about to leave and indicating that they should continue chatting. “Just pretend I’m not here. It’ll be done quickly.”

Upon hearing this, everyone stopped moving toward the door. Since the nurse had made it clear, leaving now would seem distant.

Through their conversation, Liang Qingqing learned about the relationship between Fan Yanxing and Chu Qi. The two had grown up together in the same compound, with a deep bond. After becoming adults, one went to the countryside and the other joined the military, leading busy lives with only occasional letters exchanged.

Fortunately, earlier this year, Chu Qi was transferred to the military district in Fucheng County. This proximity made it easier for the two to reconnect. That’s why, when Fan Yanxing encountered trouble, he immediately thought of asking Chu Qi for help. Not only was Chu Qi nearby, but he also had the means to assist, making him the best choice.

Liang Qingqing’s gaze lingered on Chu Qi’s face and she couldn’t help but assess him in her mind. Given that he lived close to Fan Yanxing, his family background must be significant and he surely wasn’t lacking in any regard.

Though he wasn’t as handsome as Fan Yanxing, Chu Qi was rugged and well-built. Moreover, his uniform indicated he was an officer, not an ordinary soldier. Young as he was, with family support, his future prospects were certainly promising.

As she thought, Chu Qi seemed to notice her gaze. He suddenly turned his head toward her. Liang Qingqing intentionally didn’t look away but instead stared directly at him, even smiling slightly. The breeze from the window lightly brushed her loose hair, accentuating her delicate fair face and the alluring curve of her chin. Her plump cheeks and gently slanted eyes made his heart skip a beat.

With such beauty, it didn’t take much to stir a man’s interest, especially when he already had feelings for her.

As expected, Chu Qi’s gaze began to wander and he dared not meet her eyes. If his skin weren’t so dark, his face might have already turned red.

It was clear that he was somewhat flustered and awkward. Being around someone like that made interactions quite easy. If Liang Qingqing shifted her attention, handling Chu Qi would be much simpler than dealing with Fan Yanxing. After all, she still didn’t fully understand Fan Yanxing’s thoughts. It felt like there was a thin barrier between them that she couldn’t quite break through, and every time she thought she had pierced it, he would patch it up.

Amid her contemplation, Liang Qingqing unconsciously rubbed her fingertips together, not noticing she had been staring at Chu Qi for a while. Chu Qi, feeling increasingly uncomfortable under her gaze, cleared his throat, straightened his posture and stood even more rigidly than in his usual military stance.

The others noticed this as well. Liang Junqiang furrowed his brows. Even someone as laid-back as he was recognized that Liang Qingqing’s behavior was somewhat impolite. Just as he was about to speak up, a deep voice from nearby preempted him.

“Qingqing, can you pass me the ointment?”

When Liang Qingqing heard this, she was momentarily stunned and then quickly realized her mistake. She had been considering switching targets right in front of the person she was supposed to be pursuing and had been staring at another man, especially when that man was Fan Yanxing’s close friend.

Wasn’t this not only undermining herself but also Fan Yanxing?

“There’s medicine in the drawer. Please hand it to me,” Fan Yanxing repeated politely. He noticed that Chu Qi’s gaze was still on Liang Qingqing and his hand which was resting on the bed, suddenly clenched tightly, as if asserting his claim, and he called out again, “Qingqing?”

That endearing term was something Liang Qingqing had suggested earlier.

“Oh, okay.” Liang Qingqing snapped out of her daze and as Fan Yanxing called her “Qingqing,” her long lashes fluttered. It was unclear if he did it intentionally, but the way he spoke, with that pleasant voice, seemed intimate, like whispering between lovers.

She brushed a strand of hair from her face and bent down to search the drawer for the ointment. Her slender waist was accentuated by the oversized hospital gown, making her figure even more alluring. However, after only a brief moment of admiration, she straightened up as the small box was easily visible among the few items inside.

“I found it.” Liang Qingqing turned around, her eyes slightly lowered. After regaining her composure, she looked up to find Fan Yanxing still staring at her. His gaze was fixed and unwavering, making her unsure whether he was observing her or her search for the ointment.

Despite his attention being on her, the meaning behind his gaze was entirely different.

This ambiguity made Liang Qingqing’s thoughts waver. Fan Yanxing seemed deeply interested in her, yet his behavior remained polite and proper, making him difficult to read.

Indeed, the character in the book who rose to such prominence and then transitioned into the business world would certainly be hard to understand. If his inner thoughts were so easily discernible, he would have likely lost his position long ago.

“Thank you.” Fan Yanxing expressed his gratitude, taking the ointment from her hand. Their fingers touched for a brief moment, and even though it was only a short contact, Liang Qingqing felt a slight warmth.

“Qingqing, do you want another peach? I can wash one for you,” Chu Qi said, stepping closer and drawing Liang Qingqing’s attention back to him. His words were directed at her, but his eyes subtly glanced at Fan Yanxing, feeling a storm of emotions within.

Earlier, Liang Qingqing had been closest to the bedside table and since Fan Yanxing was having his bandages removed by the nurse and couldn’t do it himself, it was entirely reasonable for him to ask for her help. Anyone would have done the same, but Chu Qi keenly sensed something amiss.

From his understanding of his close friend, Fan Yanxing’s interruption was clearly meant to break the eye contact between him and Liang Qingqing. This was evident from Fan Yanxing’s expression.

Moreover, Fan Yanxing called her “Qingqing,” yet he had previously stated that he maintained a certain distance from female comrades, even from close friends’ sisters.

Could it be…

As Chu Qi pondered this his expression changed, but then a smile returned to his lips as he considered the Fan family’s situation.

As the saying goes, love requires effort. Even if the opponent is a good friend, one cannot give up!

However, Chu Qi hadn’t anticipated Fan Yanxing’s dirty tactics, denying him a chance to even enter the game! Of course, this was a matter for later discussion.

“I don’t want one. It’s almost mealtime and I might not be able to eat if I have another,” Liang Qingqing declined Chu Qi’s offer.

Fan Yanxing raised an eyebrow, noting Chu Qi’s scrutinizing gaze. He did not avoid the test but instead met it openly.

A single glance was enough for them to understand each other’s intentions.

Two long-blooming iron trees finally blossomed together, which should have been a good thing, but if the flowers were for the same person, it wasn’t so great after all.

Chu Qi was frustrated because he felt his chances compared to Fan Yanxing’s were slim, given that Fan Yanxing was from the same village and had more opportunities to interact with Liang Qingqing.

However, thinking about it, neither of them had found a partner in such a long time, suggesting Liang Qingqing might not have been interested.

Realizing this, Chu Qi felt relieved. Liang Qingqing had been looking at him so intently, and her gaze surely indicated some interest. With time on his side, he planned to visit the village more frequently after his next break, confident he could win her heart.

When he thought about it, he realized that discussing it with his family was different from Fan’s family. His family was eager for him to marry soon. Even if she came from a rural background, he didn’t think it would be an obstacle. After submitting a marriage application, the wonderful days of family life with a wife and children would soon be within reach!

Imagining Liang Qingqing waiting at home with a baby, Chu Qi’s eyes crinkled into a smile. Even though Liang Qingqing had just rejected him, he wasn’t disheartened and continued, “Let’s go to the state-run restaurant for lunch. It’s on me. I know a dish of sweet and sour ribs that’s especially delicious. You’ll definitely like the sweet and sour taste.”

Hearing this, Liang Qingqing, who hadn’t been to a state-run restaurant in this era, was unable to control her excitement. Sweet and sour ribs! She unconsciously swallowed but retained a layer of rationality. “I’m still recovering from my illness, so I shouldn’t go out. How about you go with my second brother instead?”

She glanced at Fan Yanxing, but he was busy unfastening the buttons on his hospital gown and didn’t look up.

Liang Qingqing frowned. Was she subconsciously checking Fan Yanxing’s reaction? Although prioritizing the feelings of the target of her pursuit was unavoidable, it still made her uncomfortable. She used to be the one whose mood others had to consider, but now it seemed she had to consider others’ feelings.

The wheel of fortune turns.

“Indeed, it’s still raining outside.”

Chu Qi was somewhat disappointed but knew from their earlier conversation that Liang Qingqing had had a high fever the night before and was still wearing a hospital gown. He decided not to press the matter and changed his approach. “Then I’ll pack it up and bring it back.”

He could tell that Liang Qingqing liked sweet and sour ribs the brief change in her eyes hadn’t escaped him.

“Then…”

“Brother Junqiang, you and Chu Qi go together. I’ll treat,” Fan Yanxing finally finished unfastening his gown, looked at Liang Junqiang, and then at Chu Qi.

“Don’t try to steal my thunder. It’s only proper for me to host on our first meeting,” Chu Qi said with a smirk, wanting to retort with, “You’re treating? Do you even have money? “

However, noticing Fan Yanxing’s hospital gown and recalling his grudge-holding nature, Chu Qi swallowed his words.

“Then hurry up, or it’ll be dark before you know it.” Fan Yanxing squinted with a sarcastic tone.

Chu Qi was momentarily taken aback, then signaled Liang Junqiang and they headed out. Just before leaving, he turned around and asked, “Qingqing, do you have any food preferences?”

Called out directly, Liang Qingqing shook her head. “No.”

“Is there anything you particularly like?”

“I’m fine with anything I’m not picky.” Liang Qingqing smiled gently, feeling that with someone treating her, she wouldn’t be picky.

Liang Junqiang glanced at Chu Qi and suddenly felt that this newly acquainted “good brother” seemed to be showing excessive interest in his younger sister. Why, among so many people, was he the only one asking about Qingqing?

Being men, he could see through such small tricks.

He felt uncomfortable but thought that his sister was of marriageable age and was beautiful. In his view, none of the rough men in the village were worthy of her. Compared to them, Chu Qi was indeed a rare gem and, moreover, Fan Yanxing’s childhood friend. His character was likely solid.

If Chu Qi did have such intentions…

As long as it didn’t cross any boundaries, he would pretend not to notice the underlying motives and allow the attention.

At this moment, Liang Junqiang didn’t consider Fan Yanxing’s presence at all.