Confidence
Li Yuxia came to talk to Zhan Aiping, and she had prepared extensively in advance. She had simulated various possible reactions from Zhan Aiping in her mind and even written notes because she was determined to tackle this tough issue.
While she was crafting her words in her mind, she also observed her surroundings. The new home of Gu Sheng and Zhan Aiping was neatly arranged, indicating that it was the work of a meticulous person. Looking at Zhan Aiping, although she had a cloth in her hand, her hands were delicate and fair, and her fingertips were as pink as petals.
These were beautiful hands, soft and tender, clearly not accustomed to doing rough work.
What Li Yuxia didn’t know was that Zhan Aiping had carefully nurtured her hands over time to achieve their current state. Upon closer inspection, there were still calluses on the palm, but the back of her hands was fair and lovely.
Li Yuxia cautiously said, “Little Zhan, I’ve come to talk to you about your work. The Military Hospital has considered it and thinks that you might not be suitable to stay there. What are your thoughts? Where would you like to be placed, the county hospital or the township hospital…?”
“I understand,” Zhan Aiping nodded. “I can go to the nearest township hospital. I asked, and it seems to be about half an hour’s bicycle ride away. It seems that vehicles from the camp pass by the city in the morning and evening…”
Zhan Aiping could guess that this might be the result. She was one of the most outstanding students from the Military Medical University back then. She stayed in Shanghai and was expected to excel in her field, but in the end, she voluntarily gave up surgery. Her teacher must have been disappointed in her.
While the conditions at the Military Hospital were good, the township hospital, despite being small and rundown and lacking a proper operating room, might be the place where she could truly shine.
With her combined knowledge of both Western and Traditional Chinese medicine, and her experience in Shanghai, Zhan Aiping had reviewed numerous teaching materials. While teaching medical students, she realised she had the potential to be a good teacher as well. In township hospitals where there were few doctors and varying levels of medical knowledge among village practitioners, she might have the opportunity to take on both a medical and teaching role.
Being an excellent doctor was great, but cultivating a batch of excellent doctors would be even better. No matter how skilled an individual doctor was, there were limitations. The era needed more doctors with a certain level of basic medical knowledge.
In the military hospital, there was fierce competition for advancement, but in a township hospital, she would have more freedom, both in terms of time and management.
Li Yuxia was left speechless. She had a whole speech prepared, but she couldn’t seem to get a word out.
“Have you really made up your mind?”
“Comrade Xiao Zhan, you really need to think it through. This… you shouldn’t have any emotional issues.”
Zhan Aiping smiled and said, “Director Li, don’t worry. I have no emotional issues. You can go back. This is my decision.”
Seeing her radiant smile, Li Yuxia felt her whole body stiffen. She remembered the brochure she had prepared. Was this tough nut really softened so easily?
She claimed to have no emotional issues and even volunteered to go to the township hospital.
In front of Zhan Aiping, Li Yuxia, the director of the Women’s Federation, felt:
—Utterly inadequate.
Li Yuxia’s head was buzzing with thoughts. She didn’t know whether to stay or go. She couldn’t believe it had been resolved so easily. She repeatedly asked Zhan Aiping several times, but Zhan Aiping, holding a feather duster, was in a relaxed and happy mood, insisting that she had no emotional issues and had thought it through.
Li Yuxia: “…”
Just as she was about to leave, a duty soldier rushed in and said, “Captain Gu rushed to the military hospital in a fit of anger. We couldn’t stop him.”
Well then.
While there were no emotional issues here, there seemed to be emotional issues there. Li Yuxia regretted not being able to have a heart-to-heart conversation with Gu Sheng.
Zhan Aiping put down what she was holding. “I’ll go to the military hospital.”
Li Yuxia followed her. “I’ll go with you.”
—It looks like things are about to get interesting!
Her eyes shone like stars. This married couple was about to have a conflict, and the pile of things she had prepared would come in handy.
Zhan Aiping and Director Li left the family housing area together and borrowed a jeep. The driver, Zheng Hua, drove them to the hospital. It was an old, dilapidated vehicle with peeling paint in many places. As it drove on the road, it made loud and crisp noises from the collisions. It was a spare car on the verge of being scrapped.
Director Li pressed her hand against the window to steady herself and couldn’t help but ask the young comrade in front, “Do you really know how to drive?”
Zhan Aiping, sitting calmly, didn’t move a muscle.
In this day and age, this beaten-up car couldn’t cause a major accident. There weren’t even two cars on the road, so even if there were an accident, it wouldn’t be too serious.
“Xiao Zhan, you—” Zhan Aiping was just too composed. Li Yuxia thought to herself that she couldn’t let herself be outdone by a younger girl.
“—Bang!”
Perhaps even the heavens couldn’t stand Zhan Aiping’s composure. There was a loud noise, and the car started swaying from side to side. The people inside the car were jolted left and right, and after a sudden brake, the car barely stopped on the road.
A tire had blown out.
The driver, Zheng Hua, had an unpleasant look on his face. He got out of the car and checked. “Ladies, we have a flat tire. Please wait here for a moment. I’ll go find someone—”
Zhan Aiping spoke up, “Is there a spare tire in the car?”
“There is, but I—” He wasn’t very skilled…
Zhan Aiping glanced at him. “You injured your hand.”
“I hit it just now, and I can’t use it now.”
“Give me your hand.” Zhan Aiping’s tone was calm and emotionless. She grabbed Zheng Hua’s hand and pressed it in a certain spot. Li Yuxia immediately heard a series of pig-like squeals, causing her to take a step back involuntarily.
Zhan Aiping applied a medicated plaster to his hand and then released it. “You’re good now. Go rest.”
Zheng Hua: “…”
He was somewhat afraid of this pretty young army wife. She had been quite ruthless.
Ruthless, precise, and fierce.
Li Yuxia said, “Xiao Zhan, you… you even carry medicated plasters with you?”
Zhan Aiping casually replied, “I also carry needles with me.” As a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, carrying needles was a must.
Li Yuxia: “…!”
She was now very curious about the clothes that Zhan Aiping had personally made.
Zhan Aiping opened the trunk. Typically, in such scrapped old cars, the tools for repairing the vehicle would definitely be available because they were frequently needed for repairs, and people were reluctant to throw them away.
She pulled out the repair kit, rolled up her sleeves, and half-knelt on the ground, getting to work directly.
Li Yuxia watched on, muttering to herself. She turned to look at Zheng Hua, who was crouched on the ground, and then at Zhan Aiping, who was dressed like a lady. This delicate young army wife, with her energetic and efficient attitude just now, seemed even more like a soldier than an actual soldier.
And then there was Zheng Hua, beside Zhan Aiping, looking like a shy young girl.
Li Yuxia: “…”
As the director of the Women’s Federation, who should she focus her efforts on?
Li Yuxia turned to look at Zheng Hua on the ground. This young comrade had a round face and looked quite tender. She put on her usual work smile and spoke gently, “Xiao Zheng, it’s not your fault. You shouldn’t have any emotional issues…”
Zheng Hua: “…”
“Sis, sis, I… I don’t have any emotional issues.”
Li Yuxia: “…You’re practically broadcasting it on your face!”
Zhan Aiping replaced the spare tire and also fixed up the old car while she was at it. She couldn’t stand to see it in such a sorry state! Men loved their cars, and even though Zhan Aiping was a woman, she loved cars too. When she was a child, she dreamed of driving tanks, airplanes, rockets, and cannons. The birthday gifts her mother gave her at the age of five were tank and airplane models.
Although she never got to touch tanks or airplanes as she grew up, she still had a deep interest in cars. She often went out for a drive just to enjoy the breeze. She even knew how to repair and modify cars.
Zhan Aiping quickly fixed the car, and then she invited Li Yuxia and Zheng Hua to get back in. Zheng Hua hesitated, “I… I…”
His confidence was shaken, and he didn’t feel very comfortable driving anymore.
“Director Li, please sit in the back, and Xiao Zheng, sit in the front passenger seat. You can navigate, and I’ll drive.”
Li Yuxia: “Can you really drive, Xiao Zhan? Do you know how to drive?”
“It’s such a simple thing, how could I not know? Get in.”
Li Yuxia hesitated but sat in the back, still unsure. Zhan Aiping took the driver’s seat, started the engine, and the old car began to shake as it continued on the mountain road. This time, it was much smoother than when they had first set off.
Li Yuxia: “!” Zhan Aiping drove even more steadily, and she wondered how Zheng Hua had been driving. He had gone slow and then fast, nearly making her feel motion sick.
Zheng Hua: “…Sis, you’re quite skilled at driving.”
Zhan Aiping held the steering wheel with a blank expression, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. The old car couldn’t pick up much speed, but it moved steadily along the mountain road. If they weren’t in a hurry to get to the military hospital, it would feel like they were taking a leisurely drive through the mountains.
Unlike the tall and varied buildings in Shanghai, here they were surrounded by lush mountains and forests, a picturesque view for any photographer. In the distance, there was a pristine forest with occasional hints of village smoke rising into the air.
On the side of the road, two men heard the clattering sound of an old car and stopped in their tracks, waving to flag them down. “Comrades! Comrades! Stop the car!!”
These two young men wore rolled-up grey shirts with knee-length pants. They had straw hats on their backs, and their skin was deeply tanned from the sun. They were two young lads.
Zhan Aiping stopped the car.
The two people were stunned, how come the driver was a beautiful girl? And there was a young soldier in the passenger seat.
Because the two men’s gazes were too direct, the face of the young soldier Zheng Hua was turning red.
He must be feeling emotional!!!
One of the two men, He Wenliang, tentatively spoke, “Comrade, it’s very urgent, we want to go to the military hospital, can you give us a ride?”
“We heard that two trucks carrying young people had an accident on the mountain road, and dozens of people were injured. We want to go donate blood!”
Zhan Aiping said, “Get in the car, we’re also going to the military hospital.”
Li Yuxia opened the back door, letting them both get in. The three of them squeezed into the back. Hearing that something had happened, Li Yuxia also felt anxious. He Wenliang asked, “Are you also going to donate blood?”
Li Yuxia: “……?”
Zhan Aiping, the driver, said, “I’m a doctor.”
Zheng Hua coughed, “I have a broken hand, I’m a patient.”
“Oh, I see.” So, they were taking a patient to the hospital.
Zhan Aiping continued driving, and before long, they had arrived at the military hospital. At this moment, the military hospital was in complete chaos because there were too many patients brought in. Besides the young people who were involved in today’s accident, there were also dehydrated soldiers from long-term training, and militiamen who had fallen from high scaffolding during farm construction…
Minor injuries mixed with severe injuries, doctors in white coats were busy everywhere, one area needed help, another needed assistance, people were coming and going in a chaotic manner. The operating rooms were already full, and surgeries were even being conducted outside where there were no proper conditions.
Zhan Aiping and He Wenliang guided them to the blood donation area. Li Yuxia and Zheng Hua followed suit. Zhan Aiping navigated through the hospital building with ease, and when she came out, her hair was tied up under a cap, she was wearing a white coat, and her face was covered with a mask, concealing her pretty face, revealing only her eyes.
“Minor cases over here, severe cases over there…”
“Make way, make way…”
“Here comes another one.”
Several people carried a person on a stretcher, and someone else covered the person’s wound with their hands. Zhang Jun, a relatively new intern, felt overwhelmed. His hands were covered in blood, his face was splattered with blood, and in his mind, he desperately tried to recall what he had learned from his textbooks about how to handle such situations…
“The injury is on a major artery, the bleeding won’t stop.”
“Someone, help with the bleeding control!”
Zhang Jun looked around, but he couldn’t spot any familiar faces. Everyone was busy, and no one could spare a moment. His heart raced as he tried to figure out what to do, but his hands were trembling uncontrollably, making him hesitant to take action.
Helpless, was he going to just stand there and watch him—
Just as he was about to release his grip, he felt the warmth and moisture under his hand, and the metallic scent of rust lingered around him. The strong smell of blood filled the air, creating a sense of despair as warm blood seeped through his fingers.
“Make way!” At that moment, someone approached him, their voice steady, carrying an inexplicable sense of calm and authority.
Zhang Jun turned to see a pair of beautiful eyes, mesmerizing like stars in the sky, reflecting the galaxy. His heartbeat slowed for a moment.
Who was this female doctor in the hospital?
Zhang Jun, being relatively new, couldn’t recognize her under the mask. He assumed she was just another doctor at the hospital.
“You step aside, and I’ll take over.”
“I…”
Zhan Aiping took over his hand, using a tourniquet and a needle she had in her hand to temporarily stop the bleeding for the patient beneath them. Zhang Jun stared in amazement at the long needle gleaming with light.
“Cooperate with me.”
“Prepare for surgery on the patient.”
As Zhan Aiping picked up the surgical knife once again, she realised that she wasn’t feeling any panic. It was strange, perhaps she would be flustered before or after, but when she actually held the knife, she was calmer and more composed than anyone else.
Everything felt so natural, like a seamless flow. Her mind had a clear structure, and each step of the procedure proceeded smoothly. Her hands were nimble, following her thoughts without any hesitation, as if she had rehearsed this countless times in her mind.
The seconds on the watch in her pocket ticked away, and she lost track of the passing time. The surroundings became incredibly quiet.
Only when a figure passed by, did Zhan Aiping subconsciously glance back and exchanged a look with someone several meters away.
—The angry Captain Gu had been temporarily conscripted.
She quickly averted her gaze and focused on her work, pushing all other thoughts aside.
She performed three surgeries in a row, coordinating smoothly with the doctors around her. When everything was finally over, Zhan Aiping sighed with relief and looked outside. It was already nightfall, and the dim lights illuminated the hospital corridor.
Many people were squatting in the corridor, and the bustling crowd had returned to a state of calm.
Zhan Aiping breathed a sigh of relief and only now realised that she seemed to be permeated with the smell of blood. A doctor invited her to join them for a meal, but Zhan Aiping declined because she wasn’t part of their group.
She rubbed her nose and thought, “Thank goodness it’s not the smell of barbecue.”
Zhan Aiping hadn’t felt hungry yet. She walked to the third-floor office of the hospital director, where two individuals were present. One wore glasses, a white coat over military attire, with a stern expression. This was Director Xu Zhengang. The other man, also in military uniform, had dried bloodstains on his clothes. He stared at her without blinking.
Zhan Aiping removed her mask and saluted both of them.
They returned her salute, and Director Xu spoke, “Comrade Zhan Aiping, you can stay at the military hospital—”
“No, Director Xu,” Zhan Aiping interrupted. “I’ve thought it over. I want to become an ordinary doctor in a township hospital. Once I take off this military uniform, it will be difficult to put it back on. My teacher was right; I should be responsible for my choice.”
Zhan Aiping walked out of the director’s office with the man beside her. The hospital corridor was dimly lit, illuminating the white walls. The air was always filled with the scent of disinfectant.
In the distance, the dense forest was shrouded in darkness, and the trees that were vibrant during the day now formed eerie, ghostly silhouettes, rising and falling. They connected to the distant mountains where the stars occasionally flickered.
The night breeze brushed against their faces. Zhan Aiping held hands with the man beside her, their fingers intertwined. The bloodstains on their clothes were hidden by the dim light, making them barely noticeable.
Gu Sheng spoke, “You’re not leaving yourself any room to retreat. Do you know the conditions in a township hospital?”
Zhan Aiping raised an eyebrow. “We’re in this together.”
Gu Sheng chuckled. “The day you cry and beg Director Xu to take you back, I’ll be there, watching and laughing at you.”
“That day will never come,” Zhan Aiping huffed.
“Becoming a barefoot doctor, indeed,” Gu Sheng turned to her. “It’s the first time I’ve seen you in a white coat.”
In the hospital corridor, the dim light tinged Zhan Aiping’s white coat. Some strands of hair stuck to her face from sweating earlier. Her straight nose and slightly tired but radiant eyes were still captivating.
Zhan Aiping asked with pride, “Do I look good in a white coat?”
“Just as bad as when you wear military attire,” Gu Sheng replied.
“That’s exactly what I wanted to hear,” Zhan Aiping said.
“It used to smell like mud and sweat, and now I can’t even describe the smell,” Gu Sheng remarked.
“It’s the smell of someone who can treat you,” Zhan Aiping quipped.
Gu Sheng smiled, leaned down, and lightly pecked her lips. Zhan Aiping was about to say something when both their stomachs growled.
They exchanged glances and then headed to the hospital cafeteria, where they had cold rice and cold dishes, including leftover radishes and potatoes. The couple sat on the steps to eat.
Zhan Aiping took a few bites and commented, “The cafeteria chef’s cooking hasn’t improved.”
The hospital food was indeed not very appetising!
They had initially planned to have a feast at home.
Gu Sheng said, “It’s edible.”
Zhan Aiping pleaded, “Give me a piece of meat.”
“You’re snatching food like a tiger. Fine, I’ll share with you. After all, I adore my wife.”
Zhan Aiping smiled and picked up a piece of meat from his plate, putting it into her own bowl. “The meat I snatch from your plate tastes the best. I married you just to eat a piece of meat from your bowl.”
“Such a freeloader.”
Zhan Aiping lowered her head and chewed on the meat. “I’m shameless.” Who in the 70s and 80s didn’t crave meat? She wanted chicken wings and drumsticks.
“You little trickster.” Gu Sheng finished his meal quickly and then remembered today’s events. “You see, your suturing skills, your needlework, and you still want me to make clothes for you. What are you up to?”
“Do you know why my suturing skills are good?”
“Why?”
Zhan Aiping snorted and thought to herself that it was all because of being provoked by someone. Previously, she had been ridiculed by a certain someone for her poor suturing skills, implying that even he could do better. Since you’re so skilled, then go ahead and make the clothes yourself.
That damn competitive spirit!
If Gu Sheng hadn’t joined the military, he would have been an excellent surgeon. However, he had no interest in reading medical textbooks.
“Dreamt that you broke your leg, and I had to stitch it up for you.”
Gu Sheng replied, “Thanks for that.”
After finishing their meal, the couple took a walk around the hospital to aid digestion. Zhan Aiping held a telescope in her hand, and she made Gu Sheng crouch down while she sat on his shoulders to look at the stars in the sky.
The stars in the sky were numerous and beautiful, the Milky Way shone brightly, and the moon was quietly positioned on the side. Away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, this kind of night belonged to nature, with a clean and pure sky.
Gu Sheng obediently carried her while he said, “Are you taking a walk or are you taking me for a walk?”
“We’re walking together. I just wanted to ride on your head and act like a tyrant. Finally, my wish came true.”
“Still acting like a tyrant. Think about your miserable days ahead, Comrade Zhan.”
Gu Sheng sighed, “I can accept a long-distance relationship, but I won’t accept a divorce.”
Zhan Aiping continued to gaze up at the sky. “Just shut up.”
“Do you realize how silly you are? You were an excellent graduate from the Military Medical University, and now you’ve ended up like this. The hospital doesn’t want you, the school’s teachers won’t accept you, and you’ve come all the way here to be a field doctor.”
“But let me tell you some news: Xue Ningjia has gone to the far northwest.”
This time, Zhan Aiping was genuinely surprised. Xue Ningjia had gone northwest, hadn’t she taken Zhan Aiping’s position in the Shanghai Military Hospital? “Does Teacher Sun also know about all this?”
Gu Sheng replied, “She used quite a few tricks against you, didn’t she? Originally, that surgery was supposed to be hers—”
“It’s also because I was too competitive when I was young,” Zhan Aiping continued, picking up the telescope. “Well, this is also good. I can shine and contribute with her at the border of our motherland.”
“You want to shine and contribute? Are you a lightbulb?”
Zhan Aiping held the telescope in one hand and playfully patted his face with the other. “Comrade Gu, don’t underestimate me. I have ambitions.”
Gu Sheng chuckled, “What ambitions do you have?”
“I want to become a general’s wife,” Zhan Aiping said casually. “To be a general’s wife, you have to marry a lieutenant first, accompany him in the border regions, in the forests, in the deserts, for about twenty years.”
Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow. “You have quite the confidence in me, don’t you?”
“Well, I don’t have a choice. When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” Zhan Aiping replied.
Gu Sheng grabbed her hand and said, “Hold on to your ambitions, Comrade Zhan.”
“Comrade Gu, maintain your drive so that when I become the hospital director, you won’t still be just a little company commander,” Zhan Aiping said.
Gu Sheng’s mouth twitched. “You’re quite confident in yourself.”
He squinted his eyes and asked, “How did it feel to perform surgery with a scalpel today? Are you tired?”
“I’m tired, but it feels great. Using a scalpel is truly addictive.”
“Then you’re in trouble. Township hospitals don’t even have an operating room.”
Zhan Aiping was very relaxed about it. “We’ll have steamed buns and bread.”
After their walk, they remained in the hospital. The hospital was crowded, and the hallways had people and doctors monitoring the patients. Zhan Aiping and Gu Sheng, like others, found a corner to spend the night together.
Zhan Aiping lay on Gu Sheng, whispering in his ear, “The bed collapsed on the first day, and the second day we’re sleeping in the hospital. Shouldn’t we go worship the Buddha?”
“Be good. We are party members, and we’ll defeat all demons and monsters.”
*
After Zhan Aiping and Gu Sheng left, Director Xu made a phone call to someone in Shanghai.
Before he could speak, the person on the other end said, “What’s up? She’s come to beg you, huh? Tell her to come see me in person.”
Director Xu said, “Not quite, Old Sun. Your student is quite independent. She insists on going to the township hospital.”
There was silence on the other end of the phone.
“Young people are stubborn. They won’t turn back until they hit a wall. Let her try it; she’ll regret it sooner or later.”
“To spite us, she married someone randomly and travelled so far. If she were my own daughter, I’d have smacked her by now. She’ll come crying to me to come back.”
Director Xu hesitated, “Well, actually, this young man isn’t bad. He even raised his voice at me just now. I can see that they have genuine feelings for each other.”
“Don’t talk nonsense. You’re blind.”
“I’ve seen the surgery she performed; it’s impressive. She’s worth you keeping in mind,” Director Xu continued. “I guess she won’t last more than three months at the township hospital. When she comes to beg me, I’ll let her be my student.”
“You must be dreaming.”
Director Xu hung up the phone.
He was secretly pleased, thinking that he might gain another good student.
*
The next morning, Zhan Aiping and Gu Sheng woke up early, quickly freshened up, and then Zhan Aiping checked on the patients again. On the way, she encountered the male doctor from yesterday, Zhang Jun, who looked at her hesitantly and said, “You’re very talented.”
“Do you, do you also know traditional Chinese medicine?” Zhang Jun asked.
“Are you a new doctor here?”
Zhan Aiping shook her head and said, “No, I’m a doctor from a nearby township hospital. I came here to help yesterday.”
“You—” How could such a talented doctor be from a township hospital?
After she found that the postoperative conditions of the patients were good, Zhan Aiping felt completely relieved. Reflecting on the events of the previous night, she realised that it was a great feeling. She enjoyed the sense of complete concentration.
As Zhan Aiping was preparing to leave, she encountered another familiar face. It was inevitable when you attended a military academy; after graduation, you were assigned to various locations across the country, and you could easily run into old classmates and comrades everywhere.
It was another female military doctor, with short hair, and Zhu Dongxia was delighted to see her. “Zhan Aiping, I never expected to meet you here, and I never thought we would be working in the same hospital and become colleagues in the future.”
They had been classmates in the same class, and female military doctors were a rarity. Zhan Aiping was the most outstanding among them. Not only was she attractive, but she also excelled in everything, always striving for excellence. She excelled in physical fitness and her medical studies, even surpassing her male classmates.
The fact that she was able to stay in Shanghai was the envy of many. As for Zhu Dongxia, she was considered a less outstanding student, going with the flow. She had been assigned to a grassroots unit in Yunnan Province and later married a male military doctor from the hospital, eventually transferring to the military hospital herself.
Zhu Dongxia considered herself a very lucky person. She believed that every step she had taken was the right one. However, she never expected to encounter Zhan Aiping here. Now, Zhu Dongxia was ecstatic, as the outstanding and the least outstanding from their class had ended up with the same fate, working together in the same hospital.
As for Zhan Aiping, what did she have? She had played a good hand of cards poorly and was now entering the military hospital, where even the hospital director would give her a hard time. On the other hand, Zhu Dongxia, the less outstanding student, was fortunate enough to have a flourishing love life and career, pushing someone like Zhan Aiping into the dust.
Thinking about this feeling, Zhu Dongxia couldn’t help but feel extremely happy. She secretly gloated, believing that no matter how hard you tried, if luck was not on your side, all your efforts would be in vain. This was the outcome, and she was fortunate enough to have a good life without much effort, a satisfying job, and a loving husband.
Even though Zhan Aiping had married someone like Gu Sheng, who was he? Many doctors and nurses in the hospital liked him for his good character, looks, and family background. But he was not a good match, could he treat his wife well? Moreover, he and Zhan Aiping had almost no emotional connection.
No matter how outstanding Zhan Aiping was, her career and love life were full of obstacles. She had married someone she didn’t love, and she would be unlucky for the rest of her life.
Now, Zhu Dongxia couldn’t wait for Zhan Aiping to enter the military hospital. Since they were old classmates, she could establish a relationship with her. When the time came, she could openly and subtly show off her good luck in front of Zhan Aiping, making her jealous and uncomfortable.
Zhu Dongxia looked forward to seeing Zhan Aiping become a resentful wife in her marriage. The outstanding female student from the past, admired by many male classmates, had fallen into the dust.
The prospect of watching the once most outstanding person become a resentful wife, crushed by her own success, and pouring her grievances to Zhu Dongxia sounded immensely satisfying.
“Zhu Dongxia, I won’t have the chance to work with you anymore. I’ve already taken off my military uniform; I’ve retired. Now, I’m just a military family member, and my husband is over there.” Zhan Aiping smiled and gestured toward her husband.
“Ah?” Zhu Dongxia was stunned. Zhan Aiping wouldn’t come to the military hospital? If she wasn’t coming to the military hospital, then where was she going?
At that moment, Gu Sheng walked over, holding an enamel bowl with steaming noodles in it. He had borrowed it from someone. Gu Sheng handed it to Zhan Aiping and said, “I cooked these noodles for you myself, and I even added a poached egg. Give them a try.”
Zhan Aiping was puzzled. “Where did you get these noodles?”
“I know a few male doctors; I borrowed some utensils and noodles from them.”
Zhan Aiping took the bowl and chopsticks. “You certainly have good connections.” She couldn’t help but admit that Gu Sheng’s noodles smelled delicious. They were meticulously prepared, with long, thin noodles soaking in fragrant broth. A perfectly round poached egg with a white cloud-like surface and a hint of golden yolk sat on top, garnished with chopped green onions.
Her husband was skilful.
“This is Zhu Dongxia, my former classmate, and this is my husband, Gu Sheng.”
Zhan Aiping introduced them.
Zhu Dongxia stared at them in astonishment. Of course, she recognized Gu Sheng. He was frequently talked about by the female doctors and nurses at the hospital. Every time he visited the hospital, many female nurses couldn’t help but sneak glances at him.
Not only was he good-looking, but he also had a great background. Zhan Aiping had actually married such a man.
Gu Sheng had actually cooked noodles for her with his own hands? How was that possible? They had only known each other for a short time, right?
Zhu Dongxia forced a smile and asked, “How long have you two known each other before getting married? My partner and I have been together for several years. Initially, we were both in the hospital and the battalion, and even if we could only see each other once a week, we were overjoyed.”
As for Zhan Aiping, Zhu Dongxia had heard that she was initially going to marry someone else but suddenly changed to marrying Gu Sheng. No one knew how they ended up together, and it didn’t seem like they had much marital affection.
Gu Sheng replied, “Aiping and I have known each other since we were kids, for over twenty years.”
“When I joined the military, I carried her photo with me all the time. You, being Aiping’s old classmate, should know what she was like back then. She looked like a tomboy, and even my comrades couldn’t recognize her as a girl.”
“Really?” Zhu Dongxia became more confused the more she heard. Zhan Aiping and Gu Sheng had known each other for so long? They were childhood friends?
“Yes,” Gu Sheng smiled. “Now that she has retired, she is willing to marry me as my wife.”
Having substantial relationships with someone they cared about and becoming a genuine couple, Gu Sheng wanted to share more about their romantic life with others.
Zhu Dongxia remained skeptical. “Zhan Aiping, didn’t you almost marry someone else?”
Zhan Aiping replied, “I wanted to force Gu Sheng to come to Shanghai and marry me on his initiative.”
Over the years, she had never been so honest about their relationship in front of an old classmate.
“Over twenty years of history, I can’t marry anyone else,” Gu Sheng replied.
“I’ll go eat noodles over there. We can chat more when we have the chance.” Eating and chatting with others was not ideal, and Zhan Aiping’s stomach was growling. She didn’t feel like continuing the conversation.
Gu Sheng accompanied her to the noodle stall.
Zhan Aiping asked, “Aren’t you worried that you’ll lose face in front of your younger sister if you say such things to outsiders?”
“What face do I need to save? I’m actually looking forward to her coming. Let them all see how blind they’ve been these years for not noticing how much I love you,” Gu Sheng replied nonchalantly, even secretly anticipating it.
Zhan Aiping said, “…” Did this night lead to a decision to throw caution to the wind?
“When the time comes, we’ll act like a loving couple in front of her, so she’ll know how much her big brother adores his wife,” Gu Sheng continued, seemingly unconcerned. He even looked forward to it.
Zhan Aiping replied, “I suspect she might not believe it.”
“Believe it or not, it’s up to her.” Gu Sheng squinted his eyes. “Let her know that you two can’t be allies. Your ally is me, so don’t interfere in her brother and sister-in-law’s affairs.”
“Okay.” Zhan Aiping took a bite of the fried egg. “What about your father? Yesterday, you mentioned that he…” Might be strict and afraid of displeasing his wife.
Gu Sheng shrugged and said, “Just tell him that it’s because I have such a biological father; like father, like son.”
Zhan Aiping responded, “Comrade Gu… you’re perfect for doing political work. No matter what you say, you’re always right. You should be a political commissar or an instructor.”
There is no Wang who is right, only Gu is right.
Anyway, he let him say everything, twisting words and brainwashing people, all in a systematic way. This person seems very concerned about his image on the surface, but in reality, he has a thick skin.
“It’s clear that everything in our family is right,’ Comrade Zhan. Enjoy your noodles, and when we have some free time after going back, I’ll also cook for you.”
Gu Sheng used to have no interest in cooking, but when he saw that Zhan Aiping could make two decent dishes, he thought he couldn’t lose to her.
This is probably due to a man’s competitiveness!
He, Gu Sheng, never admits defeat.
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