Standing by the bed, Lin Shiheng meticulously arranged the sheets with his right hand, his handsome face showing a slight, gentle smile despite the few nurses nearby.
The news of Miao Xing and Deputy Zhang stealing kisses in the little garden downstairs quickly spread throughout the hospital. There was a noticeable shift in the atmosphere; relationships between men and women were no longer shrouded in blame. Holding hands or sharing sweet kisses were often met with innocent smiles, reflecting the sweetness of love. Miao Xing and Zhang Yanmning seemed like a perfect match at first glance, both admirable in their own right. Yet, it was no secret that Miao Xing had previously harbored feelings for Lin Shiheng, a fact even the young nurse was aware of. If it wasn’t for Miao Xing’s candid attitude, she wouldn’t have thought to play matchmaker.
Previously, people praised Miao Xing for her excellent work ethic, beauty, and gentle, caring personality, all the while questioning why Lin Shiheng had never shown interest. Yet, just as Lin Shiheng had been injured, Miao Xing was with Zhang Yanmning, leaving people to speculate ungenerously.
Soon, when word got out that Lin Shiheng had a family, people’s gazes at Miao Xing grew even more peculiar. She felt utterly helpless; even though she had come to terms with her feelings for Zhang Yanmning, it felt terribly wrong to pursue this during Lin Shiheng’s recovery.
Desperate to clarify the situation, she felt trapped after being caught kissing Zhang Yanmning in front of so many witnesses. Despite the fact that it was Zhang Yanmning who had forced the kiss, he seemed to revel in the chaos.
“Isn’t this great?” The handsome man grinned. “Now everyone knows that we’re together.”
“You!” Miao Xing felt both embarrassed and furious, knowing she couldn’t justify her feelings for Lin Shiheng while simultaneously being with someone else. “I’m worried that Shiheng will think too much about us…”
Zhang Yanmning’s smug expression instantly darkened. “Are you still thinking about Lin Shiheng? What’s so special about him?”
“He’s just a regiment leader. If I wanted to, I could easily take his position in a few months!”
His bold words caught Miao Xing’s attention, stirring emotions within her. Her family circumstances were dire; her parents and younger brother all relied on her for financial support. The difference in salary between a regiment leader and a deputy was enormous, despite their seemingly equal rank.
While she hesitated, Zhang Yanmning suddenly produced a gold necklace and fastened it around her neck, his actions leaving no room for refusal.
“You’re upset that Lin Shiheng doesn’t want you, right? Marry me, and I’ll make him regret passing up someone as wonderful as you.”
As Miao Xing touched the golden necklace around her neck, she bit her lip in hesitation before finally nodding.
With her agreement, Zhang Yanmning’s previously cold demeanor softened, and he eagerly returned to the unit to prepare their marriage application. After pursuing Miao Xing for so long, he finally achieved his goal. Even his typically impatience with the subordinates was noticeably diminished, yet his newfound warmth didn’t seem to win the affections of his comrades.
At the military hospital, numerous nurses had relationships with soldiers, and of course, the rumors about Zhang Yanmning and Miao Xing’s closeness while Lin Shiheng lay unconscious couldn’t be kept secret in the unit. Many were aware that Deputy Zhang had taken advantage of the situation.
Having been spoiled since childhood, Zhang Yanmning maintained his bad temper even after joining the military; he was always demanding and cold towards his subordinates. This narrative fit well into the story trope of being indifferent to everyone except for one’s beloved, but in practice, such leaders were rarely liked by their underlings.
Who would enjoy having a boss who would toss you around for minor infractions or splash you with water to wake you up when you were sick?
In contrast, Lin Shiheng, having climbed the ranks from the bottom, understood the struggles of a soldier much better. He usually lent a helping hand and was known for his gentle personality.
After returning from the hospital, he had an even better temperament, always welcoming visitors with gifts in hand, proving that he had fully recovered by inviting everyone to join him on the playground for some friendly competition.
At first, everyone worried they might accidentally injure their recently healed leader, but they soon found themselves getting thoroughly beaten in a five-on-one match.
Then, it became six against one, and then seven against one. With an increasing number of onlookers rushing to join, Lin Shiheng raised his hands and jokingly scolded, “I surrender! You bunch of rogues, this isn’t fair!”
If he continued to fight them, win or lose, all he would be known for was his fighting ability. However, his playful surrender helped cultivate a closer bond with his troops.
No one was afraid of him now, and they chuckled as they closed in around him. “Commander, I thought you were unbeatable; who knew you could lose to seven?”
“Yeah, Commander, why didn’t you use this tactic before? I guarantee if you had, you’d be famous by now!”
“In a one-on-one, I can control my strength. With so many people, it’s hard to hold back. Now, let’s get these folks on the ground into my room!”
This remark reminded everyone that those who had been beaten were now lying on the ground, groaning in pain.
In no time, a group of them hurriedly helped their comrades up, laughing and joking, collecting in Lin Shiheng’s room where he tended to their injuries with medicinal alcohol.
“Ow! That hurts! Commander, please go easy!”
“Good! Just what you deserve!” Lin Shiheng laughed, playfully slapping one of them on the shoulder. “I told you, the more people there are, the harder I hit! Why are you all rushing at me like fools?”
Despite his words, his touch while applying the medicine was indeed gentler.
Even after taking a beating, one couldn’t help but speak with affection, “I never thought you were serious, Commander! You really are something!”
With that, he struggled to give a thumbs up.
“Stop buttering me up; it’s time to get up. This medicinal alcohol is from my wife; a single application will have you feeling like a new person by tomorrow!”