Ultimately, with pressure from his family, Zhang Yanming was demoted from deputy regiment commander to company commander. Under public scrutiny for making such a significant mistake, especially during a sensitive time when the country was wary of its neighbor, managing to keep a position as a company commander could be seen as a success. However, Zhang Yanming could not accept this outcome at all.
Particularly after receiving a phone call from his home, where his grandfather harshly reprimanded him. “For the sake of a woman, you’ve become a joke to the entire unit. It was a waste of all the effort I’ve put into you, and I even embarrassed myself in front of others to take care of you.”
“I’m telling you, you better behave while in the military. I’ve noted that you secretly registered to marry that woman without telling the family. Once the storm passes, you will divorce her immediately.”
Zhang Yanming gritted his teeth, his rebellious demeanor radiating defiance. “Grandfather, I love her.”
“I don’t care if you love a cat or a dog. Remember, our Zhang family absolutely does not need a woman who cannot bring you any help as your wife.”
After hanging up, Zhang Yanming’s face darkened as if ready to devour someone, filled with resentment at his elders intruding on his marriage. Yet he refused to yield; the more they pressured him to give up, the more determined he became not to.
His stubbornness only fueled his family’s anger. Lin Shiheng quickly received news that the Zhang family had withdrawn their support for Zhang Yanming. He was not surprised; the Zhang family was a large clan where everyone either thrived or suffered together. The things Zhang Yanming said were seen as the sentiments of the Zhang family, and even if the lower ranks were unaware of Zhang Yanming’s true lineage, those with military positions like Lin Shiheng were well aware.
Zhang Yanming was favored, but this favoritism could not negate the impact of his words on the Zhang family. If he had just softened his approach and apologized sincerely, perhaps his elders would have had a change of heart, but his rebellious nature made it impossible for him to bow down.
In the original plot, after Zhang Yanming left with Miao Xing, they didn’t go public with their relationship due to the influence of the original protagonist. Instead, they continued to enjoy a clandestine romance, relishing the thrill of their affair.
Due to the original protagonist’s departure, Zhang Yanming quickly took over as the primary regiment commander. With the backing of his family, he steadily ascended to a position that made the Zhang family proud and relieved. He no longer needed external assistance, and at this point, even if he declared he wanted to be with a girl with no family background, no one would question or oppose him.
However, Zhang Yanming was still unseasoned; with a tarnished reputation in the military and having lost the support of his biggest ally, he found himself stripped of all the protective advantages he once had. To rise again, he had to rely solely on his own efforts.
According to Lin Shiheng’s observations, Zhang Yanming didn’t seem like someone who would double down and work harder in adversity. He had long grown accustomed to his family’s support and looked down on others from his high position. When the privileges he once enjoyed were stripped away, all he felt was resentment towards those who no longer extended their favors to him.
As time went on, Lin Shiheng’s fears became reality. Zhang Yanming seemed to transform into a drowning dog overnight; all the higher-ups who used to protect him now cleared the dangers away from him. Dangerous assignments were no longer withheld, and now he faced the same treatment as everyone else. Whatever tasks fell to other company commanders were now also assigned to Zhang Yanming.
Having enjoyed a life of luxury, he could hardly endure this suffering and quickly sustained numerous injuries. Yet, these injuries were not severe enough to warrant time off for rest, leading him to continue being sent out on missions.
He believed the normal treatment he was receiving was a deliberate attempt to sabotage him since he had never encountered such cruelty before. In his outrage, he even created disturbances that caught the attention of senior officials, turning himself into a laughingstock within the military.
Lin Shiheng also became the focus of attention for many, as Zhang Yanming claimed that Lin Shiheng was the one trying to undermine him. However, according to their observations, Colonel Lin didn’t pay him any mind; he had completed several missions excellently and had even received first-class honors. By all rights, he could have been promoted by at least one level, but it seemed that the higher-ups wanted to wait a bit longer.
After all, Colonel Lin was still quite young, but his performance and capabilities had earned him quiet admiration from many officers.
Especially because Lin Shiheng not only excelled in combat and leadership skills but also maintained a very upright character. It was heard that when Zhang Yanming was still a deputy regiment, he had frequently tripped him up and later attempted several smears and defamation against him. Although no one took it seriously, if it were them, they would have been quite angry indeed.
Previously, the Zhang family had been backing him, but now that support had dissipated. This left a perfect opportunity for Lin Shiheng to retaliate against Zhang Yanming, who had targeted him countless times before. Surprisingly, he did not act against Zhang Yanming.
If he sought revenge on Zhang Yanming out of spite, although it wouldn’t be considered a major offense in the eyes of some of the higher-ups, it would leave him with a reputation for being vengeful and reckless. By allowing things to slide, he appeared magnanimous and gracious to the elders.
In the end, the news had almost been confirmed that come year-end, Lin Shiheng would at least be promoted by two levels.
In the eyes of many, Lin Shiheng should have been enjoying his triumph, yet he was accompanying his wife for a prenatal checkup.
“She is very healthy; the adult’s health is also looking good.”
The man in crisp military attire visibly relaxed, gently helping his wife to stand up before asking, “Doctor, with my wife’s situation, is there a limit to the time she can spend reading each day?”
The doctor in the white coat smiled and replied, “As long as she stops when she feels tired, it’s fine. Does your wife enjoy reading?”
“Yes.” Speaking of this, Lin Shiheng looked indulgently at his wife beside him, “She holds onto her books every day and won’t let go. The school teachers say she is too dedicated.”
He Xuezhu blushed a little, speaking in a soft voice, “I’ll rest whenever I feel tired.”