RTAMEIN70s Chapter 40

It Worked

Being dubbed as ” living the high life,” Gu Sheng calmly rolled up his sleeves, smoothing out the wrinkles, adjusted his collar, put on his military cap, and his handsome face turned as stern as a knife. “Captain Jiang, I remember you saying that you wouldn’t marry.”

“No need, really no need.” Gu Sheng patted Captain Jiang’s shoulder. “Don’t learn from those vulgar men. That’s what you said”

Captain Jiang said, “Gu Sheng, I used to regard you as my own brother.”

“We swam together, so why should you get out of the water first? You’re responsible for pulling me ashore.”

Gu Sheng gestured with his finger, and the two whispered to each other, “…So, tell me the truth.”

Captain Jiang’s eyes widened. “What truth?”

Gu Sheng said, “You have someone in your heart.”

Captain Jiang was shocked. “…”

“Since you said we swam together before, if I have someone in my heart, then you must have someone too. Otherwise, why would you refuse all those introductions? It’s because the one you want to marry isn’t willing to marry you—”

Captain Jiang immediately covered Gu Sheng’s mouth with his hand, his face turning red. “You little rascal, you’re too perceptive.”

All his inner thoughts were exposed by this brat.

Captain Jiang thought nobody knew, but this kid in front of him knew everything. Captain Jiang felt embarrassed and ashamed, his face alternating between pale, red, and blue.

His stubborn old face was about to be completely lost.

Gu Sheng said, “…Looks like we’re going to have some fun.”

“Captain, you’ve got quite thin skin,” Gu Sheng teased.

Captain Jiang: “You’re going to drive me crazy.”

Seriously, nobody’s marriage has hit me as hard as Gu Sheng’s marriage. They fulfilled their lifelong wish, while I’m still swimming in the water.

“Now that you know my secret, you have to help me solve it!”

Gu Sheng: “…” Since when did I become a forced matchmaker?

“Jiang, Xiao Gu, what are you two talking about?” A middle-aged male voice came from nearby, it was Sun Zhou, a male military doctor from the medical unit.

Sun Zhou was an old military doctor who wasn’t ambitious. He didn’t seek promotions; he was just waiting for retirement. He had a hobby of playing matchmaker with his wife.

He had tried to persuade Captain Jiang to get married several times before, but Captain Jiang always refused. Sun Zhou didn’t believe he couldn’t handle this tough nut.

Captain Jiang stubbornly replied, “Nothing.”

He added unnecessarily, “Who do you think you are? Always thinking about those trivial matters of marriage.”

“Oh…” Sun Zhou pretended, “I thought you were asking Xiao Gu for help to find a wife.”

“Now that Xiao Gu is married, why are you still so stubborn?”

“Are you trying to find out from him how happy it is to have a wife and children?”

“Humph.” Captain Jiang snorted.

“Really, Lao Jiang, if you want to find a wife, you should come to me.” Sun jokingly said, “I know several female military doctors. Instead of asking Xiao Gu to introduce a military doctor, you might as well ask me.”

“As long as you buy me a drink and a pack of cigarettes…”

“Get out of here.” Captain Jiang chased him away.

Sun Zhou chuckled, “Wait until you regret and come begging me.”

After Sun Zhou left, Captain Jiang vented his frustration in front of Gu Sheng, “Do you believe it? Do you believe it? Sooner or later, I’ll have him reassigned to a remote medical clinic.”

In reality, someone with Sun Zhou’s seniority wouldn’t be easy to reassign.

Gu Sheng: “Pfft—”

“Laugh all you want.” Captain Jiang glared at him, lifting his leg to kick Gu Sheng, who dodged and almost lost his balance. “It’s all because of you. I never even planned to get married, but you… it’s all your fault. Ever since you got married, you’ve been flaunting in front of me, begging for a beating.”

“Captain, speak honestly. Since I got married, I haven’t boasted about my wife in front of you. I haven’t even mentioned her.”

“You haven’t mentioned her,” Captain Jiang said with a dark expression, “but your face says it all — ‘I’m living happily, come and envy me.’”

It was strange indeed. Captain Jiang warned Gu Sheng not to flaunt his wife, and Gu Sheng really hadn’t said a word. But the less he said, the more curious Captain Jiang became, scratching his heart and itching his lungs.

He went to inquire about their married life and was so furious he couldn’t sleep.

Gu Sheng had become a devoted husband, the father of twins. His wife was pregnant with twins, and here he was, an old bachelor.

“Captain, you’ve got it wrong. There’s not much benefit to marriage, to be honest. Look at me now. At home, I lend a hand wherever needed. Now that my wife is pregnant, I cook, and I even feel bad letting her do the laundry or wash the dishes.”

Captain Jiang was taken aback. “You’ve turned out to be such a softie, despite coming from our tough regiment.”

In Captain Jiang’s mind, bringing a wife home meant the wife would do the laundry, cooking, and take care of the children. With Gu Sheng’s good family background and handsome appearance, women should be lining up to serve him.

Gu Sheng replied, “Who says I’m not a devoted husband?”

“Get lost with your boasting,” Captain Jiang said, but deep down, he thought having a wife was quite remarkable.

“So it’s good that you’re not married, Captain. Look how carefree you used to be. Now, I only get twenty bucks of pocket money per month. I can’t even afford cigarettes.”

“Wait a minute,” Captain Jiang was surprised. “You still get twenty yuan of pocket money?”

“Your wife is quite generous.”

Captain Jiang, realising he still had twenty yuan of pocket money, thought it wasn’t too bad after all.

Gu Sheng: “…”

“No, I misspoke. I only have two yuan,” Captain Jiang corrected himself.

Staring at each other, Gu Sheng and Captain Jiang, it was Captain Jiang who deflated first. “I want to get married and have your wife help me out.”

“Captain, matters of the heart require proactive efforts,” Gu Sheng nudged him with his elbow. “So, who do you have your eye on at the hospital?”

Gu Sheng could guess the general scope of it.

If Captain Jiang was asking his wife for help, it wasn’t aimless.

Captain Jiang murmured softly, “That woman at your wife’s hospital…”

This surprised Gu Sheng. “I’ve been to their hospital.”

“All the eligible women at their hospital are already married, except for one surnamed Qin—”

“That’s right, the one surnamed Qin.”

Gu Sheng: “She’s already preparing to get married.”

“No, no, I’m not talking about the Qin from the hospital.” Captain Jiang whispered into Gu Sheng’s ear, “She has an older sister.”

Gu Sheng: “You want my wife to ask her colleague’s sister for a matchmaking arrangement?”

“Yes.” Captain Jiang finally disclosed his purpose. “Your wife is a woman. Ask her to use her sister as a connection and help me out.”

“Good buddy, you have to help me out of this.”

***

“Isn’t this a coincidence?” Gu Sheng told Zhan Aiping about it after returning home. She couldn’t believe the coincidence. She had simply chosen a nearby hospital, and it turned out that Captain Jiang’s preferred candidate was her colleague’s older sister.

“Little Qin is about to get engaged to her partner. Should I go and arrange a match for her sister too? Adding joy to their family?” Zhan Aiping rested her chin on her hand. She had lived for so long but had never been approached to introduce someone for matchmaking.

She’s always straightforward and not very good at talking. When she met Gu Sheng, she also went straight to the point and said, “Hey, do you want to marry me?”

Comrade Xiao Zhan is very unconfident about her own marriage and love skills.

“The squad leader thought of asking me to help…” She couldn’t help but say, “Is he really desperate?”

Gu Sheng: “It’s like turning to a quack doctor for a desperate illness.”

She kicked Gu Sheng.

Gu Sheng hugged her with a smile. “If I can help, I’ll help. If I can’t, so be it. After all, you can’t force matters of the heart.”

She nodded. “I don’t even know what their situation is yet. I’ll go ask Xiao Qin first.”

“It’s my first time being a matchmaker.” She was a bit excited and eager to try.

Gu Sheng: “Don’t get too excited.”

“Fifth Brother, give me some ideas, you’re more thoughtful.”

Gu Sheng: “…”

“How about just asking directly?”

“What kind of rotten idea is that?” She thought to herself, rare to encounter such a task, she must handle it well. Even if it’s unsuccessful, she must handle it with dignity. If the woman really doesn’t want it, then she’ll persuade the squad leader nicely.

“You’re also clueless. I’ll go find a professional to ask.”

The next day, she didn’t have to go to work. She went to find Director Li Yuxia. When Director Li saw her, she was very happy. “Xiao Zhan, what urgent matter made you come to me?”

Director Li’s originally heavy heart began to ripple again.

Has this little Zhan finally encountered trouble?

Sure enough, when a couple has children, conflicts arise.

Zhan Aiping went straight to the point and said, “Director Li, I just wanted to ask you about how to introduce someone to others. I want to introduce someone to a potential partner.”

Director Li was stunned. “You’re so young, and you want to introduce someone to others?”

Normally, it’s the military wives with children who do this kind of thing. Young girls are most averse to introducing others to potential partners. Nowadays, young people prefer free love, and they find it bothersome when someone tries to introduce them to others.

Although this is the case, when they get a little older, it’s the organisation that arranges introductions.

“Why can’t I introduce someone to others?”

Director Li said, “You’re still young and haven’t experienced much. Now that you’re still pregnant, don’t think about introducing others to potential partners. Wait until you’ve raised your child and met more people, then you’ll naturally know which two can get along in life.”

“The chores of married life, like buying groceries and cooking, can’t be learned…”

“Dr. Zhan, you’re still too green.”

Zhan Aiping: “…”

Director Li: “Go through some experiences yourself first.”

—Let the couple have an argument first to give her some insight.

“You have no experience at all, and you want to learn how to introduce people to others?”

Unexpectedly, Director Li was particularly stubborn, insisting that she lacked experience and wasn’t suitable for introducing others to potential partners. Zhan Aiping hit a brick wall and had to leave.

“Introducing people to others is quite a skill, isn’t it?”

Seeing her leave, Director Li was particularly pleased. When Political Commissioner Zhang Zheng returned, she ran to tell him, “Do you know what I heard today? Dr. Zhan from Xiao Gu’s family said she wants to introduce someone to others.”

Zhang Zheng said, “Did she say who she wants to introduce someone to?”

“She didn’t say.” Director Li asked, but Zhan Aiping didn’t say.

“Perhaps she’s introducing someone to that Captain Jiang.”

Director Li almost sprayed water out of her mouth. “Introducing someone to that Captain Jiang?”

Political Commissar Zhang: “Yeah, I heard from old Sun that Commander Jiang has been very restless lately, maybe he’s got spring fever.”

Li Yuxia: “…I don’t believe it. No matter what you say, I won’t believe that Commander Jiang needs Doctor Zhan to introduce him to someone.”

—Does he not consider her, Li Yuxia, the matchmaker, worth anything?

“I heard he has his eyes on a military doctor.”

Li Yuxia suddenly understood: “Oh, that explains it.”

Turns out it’s a military doctor, no wonder he went to Zhan Aiping. Zhan Aiping is a retired female military doctor.

“How do you know all this?”

Political Commissar Zhang replied, “Old Sun said it, Military Doctor Sun.”

Li Yuxia frowned, “Why is it that this Military Doctor Sun has nothing better to do all day and knows everything?” He is more like a women’s director than she is.

Not only matchmaking and introducing people, but also mediating disputes between couples. He might as well take her job with his long reach.

Political Commissar Zhang smiled slightly, “Military Doctor Sun said he cares about the mental health of every officer and soldier.”

Li Yuxia: “…”

Actually, these male officers gossip more than the women when they get together, and their information is so up-to-date.

“If Doctor Zhan asks for your help, just give it. Commander Jiang isn’t getting any younger, it’s time for him to get married. Xiao Gu already got married, setting a good example. Everyone should work together to help tackle this tough nut that is Commander Jiang.”

“As long as he has the intention, he won’t have trouble finding a partner.”

Li Yuxia nodded, “You’re right.”

“This is also an organizational task given to you, to resolve Commander Jiang’s personal issues. It’s important for maintaining stability at the rear.”

“Little Zhan is too inexperienced, it’s up to you.”

“Yes, that’s right.” Li Yuxia nodded excitedly. She loves tackling tough challenges.

As long as this man wants to find a wife, she will absolutely make it happen!

“Why don’t you go and ask Commander Jiang directly who he’s interested in?” Political Commissar Zhang was very curious, scratching his head.

Because both Commander Jiang and Gu Sheng used to be so straightforward, then Gu Sheng suddenly married his childhood sweetheart, becoming a lovesick fool, which surprised everyone. Now, Commander Jiang is showing signs of new interest, and many are watching.

Is this thick-skinned old bachelor really going to get married?

“Alright, I’ll wait for little Zhan to come to me.”

Political Commissar Zhang: “What if she doesn’t come to you?”

“Right, you’re right. Tomorrow I’ll go find her. I’ll give her some advice. This kind of thing needs me, Director Li, to handle.”

Li Yuxia became more and more excited, thinking that she must let little Zhan see her capabilities.

It just so happened that Qin Yanfang was recently preparing for marriage, and the man’s family had come over, staying at a house in the town. Qin Yanfang’s older sister also came.

Zhan Aiping didn’t know much about Qin Yanfang’s family, only that it was just an orphaned widow with an old mother, a sister, and a brother. She heard they were talking about marriage but didn’t go back to their hometown; instead, they stayed in town. Her older sister, Qin Lanfang, arrived at the hospital yesterday and stayed with Qin Yanfang.

Zhan Aiping came to the clinic for her morning shift when Doctor Zhou ran over and said, “Qin’s sister is here, they’re really talking about marriage.”

“If she really gets married, Xiao Qin might have to transfer.”

Zhan Aiping was puzzled: “Transfer?”

“Possibly. I heard from the man’s family that he might be working in the county town,” Dr. Zhou thought for a moment and added, “Xiao Qin might try to transfer there too, otherwise they’d be living apart.”

“It seems they didn’t get married earlier because of this issue, being in different towns. Xiao Qin didn’t want to move to his place. Her sister… her sister probably came to persuade her.”

From Dr. Zhou’s perspective, young people have better prospects in the county town. People seek higher ground, just like water flows to lower places; it’s human nature. If he wasn’t getting old, he would consider transferring upwards too, but he was content to stay at the town’s health clinic.

Qin Yanfang and Zhan Aiping—Dr. Zhou had long speculated that Zhan Aiping wouldn’t stay for many years. She would eventually transfer out.

“Xiao Qin has been here for a few years, close to her hometown, making it convenient to go back and take care of things. Staying in the hospital has its benefits too…” Family members needing medication could easily get it from the hospital.

Indeed, Xiao Qin’s family circumstances made it inconvenient for her to leave.

During her shift, Zhan Aiping didn’t see Qin Yanfang and guessed she might be on leave to discuss marriage matters with her fiancé’s family. She sighed, thinking she couldn’t play matchmaker for now.

Since her sister was busy with her own marriage issues, it wouldn’t be appropriate to interfere and suggest a match for her elder sister, Qin Lanfang.

Priorities were important. Zhan Aiping decided to wait until Qin Yanfang’s marriage was settled before asking about her sister’s situation. Since her sister had come to the hospital, she could meet her later.

No rush.

After her shift, Zhan Aiping returned to the hospital residence. Passing by Qin Yanfang’s room, she heard a lot of voices inside, indicating many guests. Back in her own room, she prepared a simple meal for herself, planning to cook some pumpkin and later join Gu Sheng for dinner.

As she finished cooking and was about to eat, she heard a commotion outside. Recognising Qin Yanfang’s voice, she went out to see what was happening.

Stepping out, she saw several people standing at Qin Yanfang’s door. There was a young man, likely Qin Yanfang’s fiancé, with a square face and natural curly hair. Beside him were his parents and his younger brother, a slightly chubby ten-year-old boy.

Confronting them was Qin Yanfang, with another woman behind her, leaning on a cane, looking timid and hesitant to intervene—likely her elder sister, Qin Lanfang.

“Get out! All of you, get out! Don’t ever show up in front of me again!” Qin Yanfang shouted, pointing at them.

“Fangfang, calm down,” her fiancé tried to soothe her.

“Yes, Xiao Qin, calm down.”

“We just want to have a proper talk.”

…

Dr. Zhou and his wife also came out to check the situation. Seeing the scene, it was clear the marriage discussions had fallen apart. Meng Xiaoyun commented, “What’s going on? Marriage is not supposed to be a feud.”

“Yes, yes, the sister-in-law is right,” Zhang Qiaomei, the fiancé’s mother, quickly spoke up. “Yuan, talk to your fiancée. After all these years of feelings, don’t you care about him at all, Yanfang?”

“This is supposed to be a double happiness!”

“Double happiness my foot! Why don’t you marry him yourself?”

Meng Xiaoyun: “What happened? What’s going on?”

Zhan Aiping also approached and supported Qin Lanfang. Qin Lanfang was dressed simply but had made an effort to look presentable, her hair tied up, revealing a somewhat pale face.

Her features weren’t particularly striking, but Qin Lanfang’s face had a comforting, gentle beauty, soft like a cloud. In reality, Qin Yanfang’s looks were more remarkable, but her sister had a more enduring and pleasant appearance, like a lotus flower in calm water.

“Getting married and moving to the county would be a blessing for both sisters, yet she refuses. Sister, please help persuade her,” Zhang Qiaomei urged.

Meng Xiaoyun interjected, “What’s going on here?”

“We found a good match for her sister too, the son of a small factory leader in the county. If her sister marries him, both sisters can get jobs at the factory. Yanfang, you and your sister should think it over. You could bring your mother and brother to live in the county…” To them, the county was already a big place.

Zhang Qiaomei spoke proudly, convinced that the Qin sisters would agree. She thought it was a stroke of luck for the Qin family that the factory leader’s family took a liking to Qin Lanfang, finding her pleasant and honest. With her mobility issues, she’d be perfect for staying home and caring for her husband.

The factory leader promised that if the marriage was arranged, he’d also help Zhang Yuan with his job transfer. Both families could then live in the county, enjoying a good future.

This seemed like a win-win situation, but Qin Yanfang was vehemently opposed.

“Big Sister, isn’t this right?” Zhang Qiaomei asked.

Even Meng Xiaoyun, upon hearing this, knew that such a deal sounded too good to be true. There must be something wrong with the factory leader’s son.

Qin Yanfang’s eyes were red with anger. She wasn’t looking at Zhang Qiaomei but at her fiancé, Zhang Yuan, whom she’d known since high school and dated through vocational school into their working lives: “Eight years, eight years, and I’ve been blind to see you for what you really are!”

“Get out, all of you, get out!” Qin Yanfang’s hands were trembling with rage, wishing she could drive them out with a broom.

Zhang Qiaomei signalled Zhang Yuan to keep quiet. “Xiao Qin, think about your family’s situation and your sister’s. With her condition, she can’t have children. Marrying the factory leader’s son is a good match; his family won’t mistreat her.”

Qin Lanfang, looking anxious, stepped forward to say, “Maybe I should just—”

“Don’t say a word! Aiping, hold her back.” Qin Yanfang grabbed a broom and swung it at Zhang Qiaomei, catching her off guard and leaving a scratch on her face.

“You damn well have your daughter marry an idiot for double happiness!”

Qin Yanfang was furious. The Zhang family proposed that she marry, but only if her sister also married a mentally challenged man.

And Zhang Yuan agreed to this!

He even tried to persuade her that this way, they could all have a “good life.” To hell with that good life.

“You dare hit my mom!” Zhang Yuan’s younger brother, Zhang Cheng, a chubby boy, charged towards Qin Lanfang. Startled, Qin Lanfang was steadied by Zhan Aiping, who then grabbed her cane and struck Zhang Cheng’s leg with it, sending him to the ground in tears and snot.

Seeing this, Zhang Qiaomei became livid. “Your whole family is crazy! A madwoman marrying an idiot is just perfect!”

“Spit!” Qin Yanfang spat in her face.

“You think my sister doesn’t have a match? She has someone she likes, and he’s a regiment commander, a military officer. What are you compared to that? Have your daughter marry an idiot!”

Qin Lanfang’s face turned pale as she heard this, her lips trembling.

Zhang Qiaomei laughed mockingly. “Your sister, with her limp and inability to have children, which commander would marry her? Maybe the commander of the latrines?”

She was convinced Qin Yanfang was lying. If Qin Lanfang had a good match, why hadn’t it been mentioned until now? She believed it was all nonsense!

“Commander Jiang, Commander Jiang Rui, he’s a full regimental officer,” said Zhan Aiping.

Zhang Qiaomei was stunned, as were Qin Yanfang and Qin Lanfang. Everyone around was taken aback, all eyes turning to Zhan Aiping.

Zhan Aiping continued, “It just so happens that I came to discuss a match for their family today. Her sister and Commander Jiang are about to get engaged.”

Zhang Qiaomei asked, “Who are you?”

“Dr. Zhan, have you heard of me?”

Indeed, they had heard of Dr. Zhan, a well-known figure in the county and town, known for her high education, scientific knowledge, background as a retired military doctor, and being a military officer’s spouse.

Her confident assertion made Zhang Qiaomei unsure. Could there really be a Commander Jiang?

“Wow, your sister really has a good match. Why didn’t you tell us earlier?” Zhang Qiaomei forced a laugh. “Then we’ll wait and see. If your sister can really marry a commander, our families can still be connected.”

“Xiao Qin, you and your sister calm down. This is clearly a double blessing.”

“If she can’t marry the commander, marrying the factory leader’s son is good enough. We can all live in the county. Don’t be so stubborn. Your sister will be well taken care of.” Zhang Qiaomei didn’t want to fall out with the Qin sisters yet. She still hoped Qin Lanfang would marry the mentally challenged man for the benefits.

“When you come to your senses, call Xiao Yuan. We won’t hold today’s outburst against you. Our Zhang family is reasonable.” She thought they could sort it out once Qin Lanfang was in their grasp.

As Zhang Yuan left, he looked at Qin Yanfang. “Fangfang, I hope you will consider us more…”

“Eight years of feelings aren’t easy to give up.”

“Please, compromise for me this once.”

Qin Yanfang handed him a broom. “Get out. Don’t let me see you again.”

The Zhang family left, but Zhang Qiaomei turned back with a smug smile, confident the Qin sisters would eventually agree. She believed the talk about Commander Jiang was a lie. Once Qin Lanfang agreed to marry the mentally challenged man, they’d have their benefits.

Qin Yanfang put down the broom, rubbed her nose, and took a deep breath. “Dr. Zhou, stop pushing me to get married. I chose the wrong person. I’ll stay at our clinic. I’m not going anywhere. I still want to wait for a housing allocation.”

Dr. Zhou nodded. “Yes, yes, wait for the apartments!”

Meng Xiaoyun sighed. This situation wasn’t black and white. From one perspective, it might be beneficial for Qin Yanfang if her sister agreed to marry the mentally challenged man. His parents were still minor leaders, which could lead to a better life in the county, allowing the family to reunite.

In some sense, it was a win-win, but Qin Yanfang couldn’t accept it.

Meng Xiaoyun signalled Dr. Zhou to stay silent. These matters were too delicate for outsiders to meddle in. They feared that even if Qin Yanfang refused today, she might change her mind tomorrow.

Qin Yanfang turned and smiled at Zhan Aiping. “Dr. Zhan, thank you for your help. We were so in sync, working together.”

She thought Zhan Aiping had improvised along with her.

Zhan Aiping responded, “I wasn’t improvising. I was telling the truth.”

“What?” Qin Yanfang was stunned, and Qin Lanfang looked at Zhan Aiping in surprise.

“Yes, that Commander Jiang. He really exists, and he indeed asked me to be the matchmaker for your sister,” Zhan Aiping stated straightforwardly.

Qin Yanfang looked at Qin Lanfang. “Is it that Commander Jiang?”

Qin Yanfang knew of him but didn’t know his full name.

Qin Lanfang hesitated and nodded.

Qin Lanfang had known Commander Jiang for many years, back when he was a young soldier who once came to her house to ask for water. At that time, they were just strangers.

A few years later, they met again, and he had been promoted. His first wife had passed away, and his hair was bald and white. They exchanged a few words.

In recent years, they had met occasionally and exchanged a few words. Qin Lanfang even shared a rural remedy for baldness with him, though he joked that it didn’t help him grow hair and asked if she had any other methods.

Commander Jiang had even joked about not finding a wife due to his baldness and asked if she would marry him. Qin Lanfang was startled because she was a lame village girl with health issues and couldn’t have children. She was illiterate, unlike her educated sister. How could she possibly marry him?

She was physically weak, infertile, and a financial burden due to her health issues. Even the villagers didn’t want to marry her.

“No, he would regret it. How could I deserve him? I’m a cripple and can’t have children. Little sister, my life has no hope. You should be with Zhang Yuan—”

“Big Sister—”

“Stop!” Zhan Aiping interrupted them. “As a matchmaker, I should be speaking from that angle, but as a doctor, Qin Lanfang, I don’t believe you are incapable of having children. I just examined you, and your condition isn’t permanent. You’re just weak and need nourishment.”

“Emotions and mental state affect physical health, Qin Lanfang. Don’t carry too much burden in your heart, and try to stay positive.”

“Also, your leg can be treated. Although it might not return to normal, it can improve to the point where you won’t need a cane.”

Although Zhan Aiping came to discuss a match, seeing Qin Lanfang’s condition, she felt it was more important to address her health first.

Qin Lanfang was taken aback. “…There’s no need for treatment.”

Rural people often fear medical treatment and avoid doctors unless absolutely necessary. Despite her leg issues, she could still manage daily life.

Qin Yanfang was anxious. “Treat her! Why not treat her!”

Qin Lanfang protested, “It can’t be cured. Don’t waste money. I’m fine as I am.”

Zhan Aiping asserted, “I can treat it. How about this? I’ll treat your illness, and you only need to pay for the medicine. You go and meet with Commander Jiang, so I can also fulfil my task.”

If this could complete her matchmaking task, it seemed quite manageable.

Qin Lanfang’s face turned red. “No, no, no…”

“Yes, yes, yes!!!” Qin Yanfang agreed eagerly. “I’m done with that scumbag and never want to see him again. You go and date! I’ll supervise your dates every day! I’ve been dating for eight years; you must make this work!”

“If my sister doesn’t get married, neither will I!”

The Qin family consisted of the two sisters, a widowed mother, a younger brother, and a big yellow dog. Qin Lanfang, naturally shy and timid, felt both fear and a peculiar sense of anticipation at the thought of Jiang Rui, such a prominent man.

She had always been the one to retreat.

Qin Lanfang, already thirty but still looking and acting like a timid young girl, hesitated.

“Then I’ll go back and tell Commander Jiang that you agreed to date him,” Zhan Aiping declared.

Qin Yanfang decisively said, “It’s settled then!”

Qin Lanfang stayed silent, her ears turning red. Seeing this, Zhan Aiping thought that silence implied consent; no need to push her for a verbal confirmation.

“…Alright,” Qin Lanfang finally whispered, fearing Zhan Aiping might misunderstand.

Her face flushed completely after she spoke.

Zhan Aiping smiled. “Great!”

This matchmaking business was going quite smoothly for her.

That evening, Zhan Aiping sat in the car heading back to the camp, feeling cheerful and excited. She genuinely believed that Commander Jiang and Qin Lanfang might make a good match.

—Zhan Aiping felt she might have a knack for matchmaking.

Her first attempt at matchmaking seemed successful.

She couldn’t wait to tell Gu Sheng at home and have him inform Commander Jiang that Qin Lanfang agreed to date him.

Back at the camp, Zhan Aiping got off the car, feeling refreshed and thrilled. She couldn’t wait to share the news with Gu Sheng.

When she arrived at her house, she found it empty; Gu Sheng hadn’t returned yet. After feeding the chickens and ducks, Li Yuxia, the director, unexpectedly came over.

“Xiao Zhan, Dr. Zhan.”

“Director Li, what’s up?”

Li Yuxia was visibly excited. “About the matchmaking you mentioned yesterday.”

“I can teach you how to do it.”

Zhan Aiping shook her head. “No need, I’ve already successfully matched someone!”

Considering the numerous matchmakers in the camp, who would bother asking her again? Probably only Commander Jiang, who thought differently.

“No need to learn.”

“You… you successfully matched someone?” Li Yuxia was stunned.

Zhan Aiping nodded. “Yes.”

Li Yuxia was incredulous. “You matched Commander Jiang?”

Zhan Aiping was puzzled. “You… you knew it was Commander Jiang?”

Did Commander Jiang seek help from someone else too?

Li Yuxia was dumbfounded. “It’s really Commander Jiang?”

Zhan Aiping: “?”

**Nomad: I’m a bit confused about Qin Lanfang’s occupation, when the political commissioner and Director Li were talking about her they mentioned her as a military doctor but here she calls herself an illiterate village girl…. Hopefully in the other chapters they will sort it out. Or maybe they were confused with her sister? But then again she is an accountant not a doctor…