Chapter 8, finally able to be together

Indeed, Bai Shubei quickly released her in silence and gently stroked her slightly disheveled black hair: "Are you hungry?"

"Sleep." He gently stroked her back, appearing extremely tired, with a tone that conveyed a sense of exhaustion

Bai Xiaoli walked to the refrigerator and opened it, only to find it completely full of fresh ingredients, with very few frozen foods.

She nodded vigorously, then watched as he pressed her down onto the single bed, his handsome features shrouded in a layer of dim yellow light, his voice low and somber: "Wait here."

Bai Xiaoli was even more shocked. The boss got married?! How could there be no news at all?!

Lin Wanqiu did not think too much, she got up and knelt beside him, gently pressing his forehead: "You drank and drove, you must not do that again in the future"

Bai Xiaoli smiled slyly: "They are almost done with their work now, how about... you go find him and give him a surprise?"

He cursed verbally, yet felt a vague sense of unease within. He had indeed considered what the third brother said; it was one thing not to understand Lin Wanqiu's feelings in the past, but now that he knew she actually liked him so much, using her like this made him feel somewhat like a scoundrel

"You are back?" Lin Wanqiu opened her drowsy eyes, gazing at him in the dim light of the night. Noticing his constant frowning, she slowly sat up and asked, "Have you been drinking again? Do you have a headache?"

It was only during the meal that Bai Xiaoli mysteriously told Lin Wanqiu: "Actually, today it was the boss who asked me to come over. He only said to keep you company and didn't mention anything about your marriage, which is really inconsiderate."

Bai Shubei stared at the lead type on the newspaper and gradually fell silent. He had thought about it all night last night, and he had actually made up his mind long ago. He is a scoundrel, but he knows a thing or two about responsibility. Moreover, no one understands better than him what a mother means to her child. He has already had an unhappy childhood, and his child cannot suffer the same fate.

The child now calls out "Mommy" with great ease, while Bai Shubei slightly raises an eyebrow, casting an uncertain glance at the figure in the kitchen: "Does the baby really hope that Daddy and Auntie will get married?"

The group of young nurses chattered away, completely oblivious to the dimming gaze of Lin Wanqiu.

He pulled her into his embrace and then whispered softly at the top of her head: "The road conditions are treacherous; if anything were to happen to you, I would never find peace for the rest of my life"

Gu Anning's voice was somewhat hoarse on the other end, and her speech was not very smooth. After all, she had been in a deep sleep for so many years, and now that she was awake, she still felt a bit dazed. She spoke very slowly: "I just woke up, I miss you, the wedding, I am sorry"

Lin Wanqiu fell silent in sadness, while Lin Zhixia let out a long sigh again, raising her hand to gently rub the top of her head: "Our little girl is getting married, and your brother won't hold you back. I wish you happiness. Wanqiu, you are so wonderful, you will find happiness."

She stood there in a daze, completely forgetting to say something first

The girls were all extremely surprised: "Bai Shubei actually got married, and we had no idea at all"

Lin Wanqiu was somewhat taken aback by her sudden call of "sister-in-law," and then felt particularly embarrassed: "I... what do you want to eat?"

She was holding a prescription and preparing to go to the third floor to collect the medicine. Standing at the corner of the stairs, she lowered her head to organize the list, and just as she looked up, she saw a familiar figure entering the elevator

This time he used the most traditional method, remaining silently above her as he gazed at her.

They seem to have had no discussions regarding the marriage. Although she will undoubtedly comply with his arrangements unconditionally, there is still a sense of being hurried along by someone else.

Lin Wanqiu followed the address provided by Bai Xiaoli and finally arrived at County J after much difficulty. The disaster situation here has now been resolved, yet damaged houses and vehicles are still visible everywhere. Many residents can still be seen sitting amidst the ruins, overwhelmed with grief.

Lin Wanqiu was not good at socializing to begin with, and now being deliberately distanced by him, she could not think of a single topic for a long time, creating an atmosphere that was suffocating and oppressive

Ah, so it is you. One of the girls flirtatiously winked at her, So the person who called last night was you. Everyone was speculating that Bai Shubei had a partner, but it turns out it was all about a lover.

She had no idea about the phone here, and Bai Shubei's mobile phone was always unreachable. Later, although Bai Xiaoli provided her with the phone number and address, she never called him even once, just to give him a surprise

Lin Wanqiu's fair and delicate face appeared breathtakingly beautiful beneath her black hair, evoking a strong impulse to dominate. Bai Shubei reached out to grasp her chin, wrapping his arms around her waist and forcefully pressing her into the mattress.

Bai Shubei uttered a muffled "mm" with a hoarse voice

Lin Wanqiu did not want to think too much, even comforting herself that this call might be from Bai Xiaoli, to inform Bai Shubei in advance that she was coming

Lin Wanqiu felt a heaviness in his chest and said in a muffled voice: "Every day I think about what you are doing at this time. Are you in any danger? I just want to come and see you, just a glance and then I will leave. I never intended to cause you any trouble."

Lin Wanqiu reached out and held his icy fingers, smiling reassuringly: "If I were to really get hurt and bleed, you wouldn't abandon me, would you?"

Her words were disjointed, yet Bai Shubei still understood. Before Gu Anning went "missing," they had already decided to get married. If Gu Anning had not encountered any trouble, she would now be his wife.

The three of them spent the entire day shopping in the mall. Bai Xiaoli was very cheerful and particularly talkative, and Lin Wanqu was not only comfortable being with her but also felt quite happy.

Bai Zhannan would not fear him, his brows slightly furrowed, wearing a look that seemed to say "I have hit the nail on the head": "You really are something; even if you are defying the old man, you shouldn't have to sacrifice your entire life for it, right? Even if you don't think of yourself, what about Lin Wanqiu? With her being so timid like a little rabbit, if you were to abandon her in the future, wouldn't she immediately jump into the moat?"

The team member straightened their posture and responded with exceptional clarity: "She said it is an international long-distance call, and you must take it!"

As for the matter of that phone call, she never inquired about it with Bai Shubei from beginning to end. They had just recently married and could hardly withstand even the slightest turmoil or doubt

Lin Wanqiu stood at the corner, still somewhat dazed until the elevator doors closed

Her voice was very gentle in the night, with a somewhat low timbre, yet it was very pleasant to the ears, akin to a lullaby, allowing his originally chaotic heartbeat to gradually stabilize

Holding her delicate, almost boneless hand, the two walked straight into the marriage registration office. The process was quite simple: fill out forms, take photos, and collect the certificate. At this moment, there weren't many people, and soon the two red booklets, which only cost 9 yuan, were placed in front of them.

The other party keenly sensed his calm breathing and tentatively asked: "Shubei?"

Bai Shubei mentioned that he needs to return to the team for a meeting, and he probably won't be back in the next couple of days. Lin Wanqiu has actually started to adapt to this kind of life. During this period after marriage, she has mostly been spending time alone with the child. Taking care of the child by herself is relatively easy, as Mengmeng is much easier to care for compared to Lin Zhixia.

After Lin Wanqiu returned from autumn, he watched the news at a fixed time every day, watching it in the store during the day and at home in the evening. The news reports were very comprehensive, but among so many men in camouflage uniforms, he could not find a trace of him.

Lin Wanqiu could tell that Lin Zhixia was unhappy, and the intense sadness in her eyes made her feel very uncomfortable. It was as if her throat was being choked by someone, and she struggled to voice her thoughts: "Yes, I want to marry him"

Bai Xiaoli suddenly developed a fondness for this sister-in-law; she is shy and has a good temper, making her the ideal type.

As if fearing regret, Bai Shubei then drove Lin Wanqu to the civil affairs bureau. Lin Wanqu sat in the car, still somewhat dazed: "So soon?"

Aunt

Bai Shubei realized that he could not bring himself to say the words of not marrying Lin Wanqu, as he was afraid of seeing the disappointment in her eyes, and moreover... he felt somewhat reluctant.

Some members felt a bit uncomfortable and cleared their throats slightly: "It's a woman"

"What does it have to do with you?" Bai Shubei disdainfully turned his head, casting a sideways glance at him, "What’s wrong, did you suffer a heartbreak?"

"Don't move, let me hold you," Lin Wanqiu said softly, with a tone that seemed to suggest a negotiation. "Just for a moment, you can continue sleeping."

Running up and down the hospital, registering and paying fees, Lin Wanqiu was already quite familiar with the hospital, so everything went smoothly. However, she was still busy enough that fine beads of sweat formed on her forehead, and on this early winter morning, her cheeks were flushed with heat

Bai Shubei's mind was completely blank, and his thoughts could not keep up with the rhythm of his words. Every word spoken by Gu Boping was a language he was all too familiar with, yet when combined, he could not comprehend them at all

He was silent for a few seconds, his voice somewhat hoarse: "Have you made your decision?"

He took a long time to say: "I am not happy"

Bai Shubei and Bai Zhannan simultaneously looked at the phone screen, Gu Boping

Lin Wanqiu looked at the festive bright red, which was so glaring that it made her eyes ache. She stammered as she tightly clutched the marriage certificate: "Thank you"

But it has already arrived; even if it is just to take a glance before leaving, that would be good

Lin Wanqiu could sense his presence and did not dare to continue speaking, merely tilting her face slightly upward to look at him

Gu Boping did not even mention which hospital Gu Anning was in, yet he still successfully disrupted Bai Shubei's thoughts

Lin Wanqiu did not dare to delay him and obediently nodded in agreement: "You need not worry about me"

Lin Wanqiu was directly taken into Bai Shubei's tent, and as soon as she entered, he tightly embraced her from behind

Lin Wanqiu was amused by his domineering demeanor, nodding with her lips pressed together

Bai Zhannan looked at his profile, his emotions difficult to discern in the dim light, and finally stared blankly at the darkened phone screen, unable to help but furrow his brow: "Is everything alright?"

Bai Shubei flicked the cigarette butt from his hand and extended his palm towards her: "If you have made your decision, give me the household registration book."

I... Lin Wanqiu also felt a bit embarrassed. She wanted to say that she missed him, but the words just wouldn't come out. In the end, what came to her lips was, "Mengmeng is worried about you."

Uncertain whether it is the effect of alcohol or his true thoughts, Bai Shubei turned to look at Bai Zhannan, his deep male voice mingling with the deafening sound of the speakers

Lin Wanqiu's stiff body gradually relaxed. She reached out to wrap her arms around his sturdy waist, pressing her cheek against his strong chest, feeling a hint of sweetness in her heart: "But I really miss you, I can't stand it any longer"

Mengmeng was the first to call out, and only then did Lin Wanqiu realize that the girl in front of her was Bai Shubei's younger sister; he indeed had a younger sister, which she had heard about before

Lin Zhixia's condition has been steadily improving, and she does not need to worry too much. However, she still needs to inform him about the matter of marriage, as he is her last remaining relative

Bai Shubei could not help but arch his eyes and picked up the newspaper to read it again

Lin Wanqiu looked at the braised egg in the bowl that she had been reluctant to eat. She had wanted to give it to him just now, but he ate too quickly, and they had only been together for a few minutes.

However ... ...

The phone call was abruptly ended, and it seemed that Gu Boping merely wanted to share his emotions with him, without conveying any useful information. Why did Gu Anning fall into a coma? What exactly happened back then? Too many questions troubled him

Your father-in-law?" Bai Zhannan's expression became serious as he looked at Bai Shubei.

It is evident that Gu Boping is very excited, his slightly aged tone revealing an undeniable joy: "Shubei, Anning had her reasons back then, you... I will explain to you later, I need to return to the hospital room first. Anning will wake up and we will return to our country soon."

She could not help but begin to ponder; previously, he had said that he missed her, but the current situation did not seem to reflect that at all

Lin Wanqiu stared at him for a while, as if trying to make up for the time lost, but fearing to wake him, she obediently curled up in his embrace, not daring to move.

"So you proposed?" Bai Zhannan looked at Bai Shubei in surprise, unable to suppress the shock and astonishment in his heart for a long time. He gulped down the red wine in his glass and slightly shook his head.

Bai Zhannan stifled a laugh, adjusting his tie with his long fingers: "So Lin Wanqiu has taken a liking to your rudeness? How very vulgar."

Should the game be called off? Everything can come to a halt here, and there is still room for redemption

After becoming familiar, several female nurses inside began to be curious about her relationship with Bai Shubei. When she was brought in by Bai Shubei in the afternoon, she attracted quite a few gazes.

After Lin Wanqiu simply washed up, she lay in bed but could not fall asleep no matter what. Although she was clearly exhausted from the long journey today, she now felt completely wide awake.

He took a deep breath and opened the car door to get out

... is. The team members and those present are equally confused, and Bai Shubei's complexion is not right, with even his movements appearing unusually stiff

Bai Shubei remained silent, his body moved slightly

However

Lin Wanqiu felt a bit uncomfortable; all her previous good mood had been swept away by this incident. However, she could not pursue the matter further, nor could she ask Bai Shubei.

Lin Wanqiu slowly raised her head, revealing a serene smile: "When I met this person, I knew my life would no longer be dull. He effortlessly walked into my heart, and my life's trajectory changed in an instant... In my moments of despair, he, like a celestial being, gave me hope. I exhausted all my luck just to love him"

Bai Shubei may have already been looking for her, so Lin Wanqiu hurriedly bid farewell to everyone and rushed back to the resting area

"This is Mom." Mengmeng tilted her little head, clearly dissatisfied with Lin Wanqiu's self-introduction

Lin Wanqiu was momentarily taken aback, while Lin Zhixia, who had just moments ago been filled with sorrow, was now gradually transforming that expression into one of concern. His pair of dark eyes fixed intently on her, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

Occasionally, the sound of cicadas drifted into the room from outside the window, and the window screen fluttered from time to time. Lin Wanqiu wanted to say something to ease the atmosphere, but she could not find the right words no matter how hard she tried

Lin Wanqiu's heart sank, and she gazed at him with a hint of sadness, but he was completely oblivious to her sorrowful expression

Bai Shu Bei furrowed his brows even deeper, casting a gloomy glance at him: "You... can't you say something nice if I want to get married?"

Lin Wanqiu thought for a moment and decided to go out. This gymnasium seemed to be situated at a higher elevation, and most of the injured had been brought here for treatment. After she started chatting with the staff, she began to help by delivering items and the like

Awake? What does this mean

The tent in Bai Shubei is lit, yet there is no one inside. Perhaps he has returned once, but cannot find her... Shouldn't anyone be concerned about this?

Congratulations to both of you, you are now a legally married couple. The staff smiled, revealing their clean and well-aligned teeth

He actually began to be unwilling to part with it in a ghostly manner

Lin Wanqiu was taken aback as the heavy male figure pressed down upon her, leaving no room for objection

Lin Zhixia looked back at her; this was still the same Lin Wanqu, who, both in appearance and essence, exuded a sense of fragility and helplessness. However, she gradually became resolute and resilient. Perhaps it was Bai Shubei who had awakened her potential, but he—

Bai Shubei watched her as she lowered her head and took small bites. Only then did he lower his head to eat his own meal. The sun gradually set, and outside, the sky had completely darkened. Occasionally, the hurried footsteps of soldiers could be heard passing by.

Moreover, after Bai Shubei, there were always various matters that caused delays. Lin Wanqiu gradually stopped being entangled in this issue. Being with Mengmeng, being with him, this was all the life she desired.

Bai Zhannan smiled sarcastically: "How can one lose something they have never experienced? But you... really don't want to care about Gu Anning anymore?"

Lin Wanqiu understood that food in the disaster area was extremely scarce, and moreover, she was not picky about what she ate, so she reached out to take it. She glanced slightly and discovered that her bucket actually contained an extra braised egg.

Bai Shubei impatiently scolded, "What are you babbling about, kid? What do you mean by understanding or not? I am ready to marry her right now, so what? I am happy to marry her, so go ahead and say something discouraging again if you dare."

The smile on Lin Wanqiu's face instantly froze, last night -

Lin Wanqiu did not know if she was overthinking, but how could a man like Bai Shubei easily reveal such emotions as sadness in front of others

"Moral decay." He chuckled softly, gently biting the tip of her nose, then leaned down to capture her lips, kissing her with great focus, slowly sucking on her upper and lower lips.

The world seemed to come to a standstill in an instant, as Bai Shubei quietly gazed at the youthful faces of the group members, unable to speak for a long time. It was easy to imagine who could be making this long-distance call; the fact that they could find a temporary phone in this county, and that it was a woman, pointed to only one person.

She asked two questions, but he did not answer any of them; he merely looked at her with a gaze that became more profound, his dark eyes seemingly stained with an indistinguishable murkiness.

That morning, Lin Wanqiu discovered that Mengmeng had a slight fever. Whenever a child has even a slight fever, special attention is required. She took a thermometer to measure the child's temperature and found it to be quite high. She quickly took the child in her arms and hailed a taxi to the hospital

Lin Zhixia looked at her for a few seconds and couldn't help but curl her lips: "I am not a recycling bin."

Lin Wanqiu thought to herself, continuously restraining her wandering thoughts, and continued to assist everyone with simple tasks. In her busyness, she lost track of time, and when urged by others to take a break, she realized it was already past midnight

Gu Anning's appearance at this moment did not evoke the excitement and joy he had imagined; instead, it made him feel extremely restless. Why was it precisely at this time?

Looking at the marriage certificate, he felt an unprecedented clarity. At this moment, he had a profound realization that this woman would be his responsibility from now on, and Gu Anning... ultimately belonged to the past

The days pass at a leisurely pace, and before long, early winter has arrived

Moreover, what made her feel somewhat breathless was the man beside her, Gu Boping—Gu Anning's father

Bai Shubei soon returned, holding two buckets of instant noodles, with a slight furrow in his brow: "This is all there is."

Marriage

Lin Wanqiu's heart skipped a beat as she hurried out holding the child: "Shubei?"

Lin Wanqiu did not intend to do anything; he was not accustomed to being here, and he was truly exhausted. However, after his commotion, he could no longer fall asleep. The chill emanating from him was too intense, and when he was close to her, it felt as if he were a block of ice

Bai Shubei irritably pressed the child's head down and said, "Annoying."

Lin Wanqiu, feeling a bit embarrassed with a blush on her cheeks, said: "We have just registered our marriage and have not yet had the chance to hold a wedding." The envy in the girls' eyes made Lin Wanqiu's heart race; indeed, many girls would be fond of a man like Bai Shubei.

The phone could not be reached at all, and Lin Wanqiu could only feel anxious in her heart, yet there was nothing she could do

There are occasionally voices and lights outside, this is a strange place, and she does not know anyone outside. Driven by a surge of enthusiasm, she came here, perhaps he is not happy at all

Bai Xiaoli bit the straw, completely oblivious to Lin Wanqiu's expression. Lin Wanqiu was momentarily taken aback, feeling somewhat uncomfortable inside. However, upon further reflection, perhaps Bai Shubei had not yet had the chance to announce the news of their marriage? It was already quite considerate of him to find someone to keep her company.

Hmm. Mengmeng nodded, took the candy that Bai Xiaoli handed over and put it in her mouth, and without any surprise, threw out a time bomb, "Mom has a marriage certificate."

Lin Wanqiu reported the name of Bai Shubei and was informed by the other party to wait at the door. She took off her backpack and held it in her hand, quietly staying in place.

Bai Shubei did not say a word throughout the entire process, but his expression was truly remarkable. Bai Zhannan looked at him with complexity: "You just decided to marry Lin Wanqu, you wouldn't take back what you said earlier so quickly, would you?"

She opened her eyes and looked at him, observing his appearance in the dim light. She could only vaguely make out his tightly closed brows and eyes, as well as the faint stubble on his chin, indicating that he was indeed very busy

Lin Wanqiu smiled as she went back inside to tidy up the bed. Bai Xiaoli seized the opportunity to probe Mengmeng for information: "Little Fatty, is that really your mother?"

At the door stands not Bai Shubei, but a girl with short hair

Bai Shubei unfastened his seatbelt but did not rush to get out of the car. He lit a cigarette and took a deep drag: "Lin Wanqiu, since I have decided to marry you, I will strive to treat you well. I ... ... "

Bai Shubei let out a soft sound, reaching out to grasp his black tie, while at the same time, the phone placed aside began to vibrate, emitting a glaring light in the dim atmosphere of the bar

Lin Wanqiu was somewhat unaccustomed to her transformation, yet she still smiled and agreed. Mengmeng happily ran to her aunt and said, "Mom's cooking is so delicious."

The bed was too narrow, and the two of them were pressed closely together. Lin Wanqiu, inhaling the reassuring scent emanating from him, instinctively nestled closer into his embrace

On the third day after returning, Bai Shubei finally came home

Bai Shubei sat beside her, one hand resting on her knee while the other held her portion, his gaze seriously fixed on her face: "No picky eating, finish everything."

What kind of psychology is this

He remained silent, yet his chest rose and fell violently, his fists clenched tightly at his sides, and his eyes emitted a sharp and imposing solemn gaze.

Lin Zhixia did not respond immediately, nor did she exhibit any intense actions; she sat calmly on the hospital bed, her gaze slowly drifting outside the window

Bai Xiaoli was taken aback, "Mengmeng's mother? Isn't she the woman who was paid to be a surrogate back then?" The astonished expression on the other person's face made Lin Wanqiu feel even more embarrassed, and she could only take a step back and ask, "Would you like something to drink?"

Bai Shubei raised an eyebrow at him, feeling somewhat displeased. When he returned, it was still early, and he could have gone back to enjoy a meal prepared by Lin Wanqiu, or cuddled with her while watching a movie. Instead, he now had to accompany this kid to sit in a bar and drink away his sorrows, like a hopeless heartbroken person.

Although it may seem a bit pretentious to think this way, and despite knowing that whatever he does is normal, her heart still ached sharply at that moment

He propped himself up on his arms above her, and a deep, sensual male voice gently whispered in her ear: "Just bear with it, this place isn't soundproof. If I don't do something, you'll start overthinking once you go back."

Just a little further, and you will be able to see everything in the ward.

Lin Zhixia sighed and said with a self-deprecating smile: "What else can I say? I can't bear to pour cold water on you, but watching you crash into the southern wall makes me worried and apprehensive"

Lin Zhixia was wearing a blue and white striped hospital gown, sitting quietly on the hospital bed. His slightly pale complexion made his pair of eyes appear exceptionally dark, yet his overall complexion had improved significantly

Bai Shubei did not understand why he ultimately changed his mind. After so many years, too many questions prevented him from finding peace. He walked over to the old landline phone, stared at the microphone that had been set aside for a long time, and finally picked it up with trembling fingers.

Lin Wanqiu reached out to touch them, but fearing that she might disturb them, she hurriedly withdrew her hand

I will not abandon her

Lin Wanqiu followed him into the camp, which was the sports hall of the county town. The so-called rest area was merely a wide space where soldiers had set up numerous tents. The army green tents were arranged in an orderly manner, exuding a sense of silent authority

Lin Wanqiu did not want to think too much, yet she was inexplicably compelled to follow.

Lin Wanqiu was unceremoniously dragged out by Bai Xiaoli, who also took Mengmeng along with her

After Bai Shubei finished speaking, he exited the tent. Lin Wanqiu sat alone on the small bed, raising her eyes to carefully examine this "room." The layout was very simple; aside from this makeshift folding bed, there was only a desk and a wooden chair. The quilt on the bed was neatly folded, forming a square block.

Having married without a wedding ceremony, Bai Shubei and Lin Wanqu fell just outside the civil affairs bureau when Bai Shubei received a phone call assigning him a task

I saw the ring on Mom's hand. Mengmeng winked mysteriously, scooted over to sit beside Bai Shubei, and lowered her voice, "Dad, Mom is quite popular, you know. I heard Uncle Gao called her yesterday."

Lin Wanqiu kissed for a while but found that the man did not respond at all. She slightly opened her dazed eyes and awkwardly pulled back a little: "... Are you not in the mood?" It was her first time trying to seduce someone, yet there was not the slightest effect, and she dejectedly lowered her head.

The team member scratched his head, and Bai Shubei looked at him standing motionless at the door, raising his head with a solemn expression: "What is it now?"

Bai Shubei and the others entered a high-end hospital room, while Lin Wanqiu stood in the corridor, her heart pounding in her ears, feeling her legs weaken with every step she took

Bai Shubei's deep eyes fixed intently on her, as if scrutinizing something. After a moment, he wrapped his arm around her shoulder and walked towards the camp, saying, "Let's go in first and talk later"

Bai Shubei did not return until 3 a.m. When the space beside her slightly sank, she struggled to open her eyes, only to see his bronze-colored chest. He pressed his bare body tightly against hers, completely imprisoning her in front of him

He did not speak, but quietly listened, as faint breaths traveled through the airwaves, as if they had crossed thousands of mountains and rivers, whispering intimately in his ear

Lin Wanqiu firmed up her resolve and, with her backpack on, headed towards the camp of Bai Shubei and the others. She looked just like a college student coming to volunteer, and naturally, she was stopped at the entrance. The soldier on duty frowned and scrutinized her: "Comrade, who are you looking for?"

The next day, Mengmeng kept following Bai Shubei, asking: "Dad, when are you going to marry Mom?"

Lin Wanqiu felt somewhat heavy-hearted; under such circumstances, Bai Shubei would surely be displeased to come here

Gu Boping did not provide many details over the phone, but Gu Anning is still receiving treatment in a hospital abroad. The only information from the doctor is that she has recently shown signs of awakening

Bai Shubei frowned slightly; he disliked being interrupted during meetings the most, and his tone was not very pleasant: "Who?"

The team member had just stepped out of the tent when a sudden sound of hurried footsteps came from behind, followed by the flaps of the tent being abruptly lifted. Bai Shubei's deep and stern face appeared before him: "Wait a moment."

Only then did the family begin to have a festive atmosphere, as Lin Wanqiu waited every day for Bai Shubei to discuss the wedding plans with her, yet he remained unresponsive for a long time

Finally, she stopped at the doorway, hesitating for a long time before summoning the courage to look inside. At first glance, she recognized the woman sitting on the hospital bed; although she had lost her former radiance, she remained the most striking one.

Bai Shubei lowered his head, his breathing somewhat heavy

After drinking a bit late at the bar, Bai Shubei found that Lin Wanqu had already gone to bed when he returned. Numbly, he took a shower, lifted the quilt, and got into bed. That woman seemed to follow his scent, gradually inching closer, her soft body pressing tightly against him

Bai Shubei did not speak, suddenly kissing her soft, slightly damp lips without any warning, and scolded, "You were always a trouble, I won't be sleeping tonight."

As he was leaving, he felt somewhat apologetic, lowering the car window and gazing at her intently: "Regarding the wedding, I will provide you with more details upon my return."

Lin Wanqiu looked at him in surprise for quite a while. Bai Shubei's words sounded like a pre-marital promise. It has been said that a man's words cannot be trusted, but she was now willing to believe Bai Shubei.

Indeed," Bai Xiaoli nodded vigorously, propping her chin with both hands and displaying a look of longing, "Just leave Mengmeng to me, I have plenty of free time during the summer vacation now

It was still Lin Zhixia who broke the silence first: "A man like Bai Shubei is not someone you can control."

His breathing gradually became long and distant, and Lin Wanqiu began to feel heartache again, feeling guilty for her previous awkward thoughts. How could she start to doubt him based on just one person's words

Bai Shubei looked at his vibrating phone and suddenly felt a bit hesitant. For some reason, his heart was racing. In the end, he still answered the call. Gu Boping rarely called him, so it must be something important.

It is her voice, which, even after six years of not hearing it, can still be recognized instantly

Lin Wanqiu suddenly fell onto him, and even through the air conditioning blanket, she could still feel his strong and robust body. Her eyes flickered as her slender white arms slowly wrapped around him, and then she gradually brought her lips closer to his.

Lin Wanqiu was taken aback, while Lin Zhixia seemed to frown slightly, her eyes a bit red. After a long while, she softly murmured: "I have always been here, it is you who have walked further and further away..."

She also has to take care of the child, Mengmeng is really too young, and every matter requires assistance, especially now that Mengmeng's dependence on her seems to be increasing day by day, unwilling to be apart from her for even a moment

Bai Shubei's gaze dimmed slightly, and he suddenly reached out to pull the person back into his embrace

Not knowing whether it was making excuses for himself, after thinking this way, Bai Shubei felt much more at ease.

Lin Wanqiu was momentarily taken aback, her ears slightly flushed, as she lowered her head to drink orange juice: "Fortunately, his work is important"

Lin Wanqiu was almost faint from hunger; she had hardly eaten anything on this journey. County J is currently a disaster area, with many of the incoming roads destroyed by floods. The vehicle she was in took a winding and rugged mountain road, which delayed her for more than half a day.

What is needed between a husband and wife is trust. Bai Shubei has stated that he will not do anything to betray her, and she should not overthink it

... ...

Faced with the repeated inquiries from the young nurses, Lin Wanqiu could only gently nod in agreement

He spoke such moving words of love, yet Lin Wanqiu felt a strange illusion, as if at this moment he... was very sad

Lin Wanqiu felt a sense of embarrassment as if he had been caught doing something wrong, but fortunately, he could not be seen. He whispered, "Are you unhappy that I came?"

Bai Shubei stood in front of her for a while, wanting to say something but ultimately leaving without saying anything

Bai Shubei had been busy for many days. One evening, while a meeting was in progress, a team member rushed in and said, "Boss, you have a phone call."

She subtly shifted her gaze and immediately realized that the woman in front of her had an unusual relationship with the boss. Rubbing her hands together, she smiled and sat on the sofa: "Um... is it alright if I just hang around here for a meal today?"

Her expression was calm, yet her pupils were unusually bright: "I don't know where this marriage will lead, but I want to give it a try"

Lin Wanqiu is always able to comfort herself; sometimes, one cannot live too clearly, or perhaps she is still somewhat willing to deceive herself for his sake

Lin Wanqiu turned to look at his pillow, which still carried the refreshing scent of shampoo, as if he were right beside her. However, the quilt felt cold, and after the flood, there was a chill permeating throughout the county.

This is their first day after marriage

Bai Shubei rubbed his brow, unsure if it was the effect of alcohol that was starting to take hold, his head throbbed painfully, and his thoughts became increasingly unclear

She felt somewhat disappointed during this visit, but upon reflecting that beneath this man's cold and gloomy exterior, he was not truly like this, she felt a sense of relief.

A steady sound of footsteps approached from behind, and Lin Wanqiu slowly turned around. He appeared significantly darker than before, his muscular frame wrapped in a camouflage vest, and the black military boots on his feet accentuated his tall and upright figure.

Gu Anning, she has finally returned

Mengmeng saw that her father was ignoring her, so she poked her little head through the gap under the newspaper and blinked her big eyes at Bai Shubei: "Dad, you must keep your word, hurry up and marry Mom!"

The next day, Bai Shubei was still busy with his own matters, and the tenderness of last night felt like a dream. Lin Wanqiu stayed for the entire morning before leaving, and when she departed, she only left him a note, as she did not want to trouble him any further

She curled her body tightly, wrapping herself snugly in the thin blanket that carried his scent

Bai Xiaoli withdrew her gaze, placed the shopping bag on the dining table, and her youthful, vibrant face revealed a brilliant smile: "No need, I will just bring them some food. My brother usually forgets to go to the supermarket."

"Uncle Gu, what does it mean?" Bai Shubei managed to squeeze out a sentence with great difficulty, his fingers gripping the phone turning pale.

Looking at the marriage certificate, he felt an unprecedented clarity. At this moment, he had a profound realization that this woman would be his responsibility from now on, and Gu Anning... ultimately belonged to the past

Bai Shubei's expression changed like the flipping of a book, instantly shifting from clear to overcast. He glared at him ominously, as if he would snap his throat at the slightest additional word.

Bai Shubei was at a loss, admitting that he had developed some feelings for Lin Wanqu, but he felt that this was still far from love. Was it merely a habit? After all, they had only been together for a few months.

Lin Wanqiu had matters to attend to in the afternoon, and she went to meet Lin Zhixia

Bai Xiaoli clearly cares deeply for children, and Lin Wanqu's mind was at ease entrusting Mengmeng to her. Ultimately, under Bai Xiaoli's persuasion, Lin Wanqu really went to County J to find Bai Shubei

The two individuals hardly spoke while eating; he was unsure whether it was due to hunger or a lack of conversation, and he consistently made an effort to avoid her.

Lin Wanqiu looked at his deep-set brows and eyes, lowered her head to take out the household registration book from her bag. Bai Shubei placed the two household registration books on top of each other; although they were almost weightless, it felt as if a thousand-pound stone was pressing down on her chest.

As the night deepens, the outside remains exceptionally noisy and tumultuous. Lin Wanqiu stands at the door, peering through the gap, and can see many soldiers busily moving about in front of her, along with some individuals dressed as military doctors carrying the wounded into the camp. It can be imagined that the hospital is even more chaotic at this time.

Knowing the unpredictability of his job, Lin Wanqiu had no complaints. However, after coaxing Mengmeng to sleep at night, she couldn't help but feel a sense of loss while looking at the empty villa alone

She clenched her fists tightly, her palms drenched in cold sweat, as if they had been soaked in cold water.

Bai Shubei remained silent for a long time, slowly lowering his head: "Do as I say, go out!"

Bai Shubei still does not love her, Lin Wanqiu is very clear about this fact, but she has seen his efforts. Moreover, marriage is not only because she loves this man, but also because of the child.

In fact, the wedding itself does not hold much allure for her. Mengmeng has been calling her mother all along, and when Bai Shubei was present, their life was no different from that of a family of three. However, without a wedding, there is always a sense that something is lacking.

Indeed, Gu Boping's voice was calm yet carried a hint of panic, and he was slightly out of breath, but every word made Bai Shubei's heart tighten: "Shubei, don't say anything for now, just listen to me. Anning, she is about to wake up!"

Bai Xiaoli thought for a moment and playfully winked at Lin Wanqiu: "Sister-in-law, you just got married and are already apart; you must be missing my brother a lot right now, right?"

However, Bai Shubei's reaction today... He truly did not know about her arrival; the initial shock was impossible to disguise

Lin Wanqiu remained silent; did she not know? But who can truly anticipate what the next ninety-nine steps will be when the first step is taken?

Surprise? Lin Wanqiu thought, and to her surprise, there was a faint sense of anticipation in her heart

She walked over and linked arms with Lin Wanqiu, saying, "Why don't you stop working? Let's go out to eat."

He glanced at her, meeting her clear eyes, hesitating for a moment: "I am trying to love you, though I may not succeed, but I promise I will not do anything to wrong you"

Mengmeng nodded vigorously, her eyes wide open: "Of course, Dad, if you want to marry another aunt, I will run away from home. No, I will stay and cause trouble!"

It is now dusk, and the sky is about to darken. In the camp, sparse lights can be seen, embellishing this somewhat melancholic county town

If that figure bears a resemblance, then the clothes he is wearing cannot be identical. However, how could a man who is clearly supposed to be in a meeting appear in the hospital

Lin Wanqiu tilted her head and scrutinized him. Seeing that he remained silent with a tense expression, she chuckled softly and unexpectedly reached out to pinch his earlobe: "You aren't drunk, are you? Do you still know who I am?"

What is most feared is this kind of extreme caution, which gradually erodes the heart without one being aware of it

Bai Shubei suddenly poured the strong liquor from the cup into his mouth, the fiery sensation burning uncomfortably in his throat, yet it was far from alleviating the suffocating feeling in his chest

Are you the lover of Bai Shubei

Lin Wanqiu was tidying up the dishes in the kitchen, while Bai Shubei put down the newspaper in his hands and silently looked at Mengmeng for a moment: "Who told you?"

Bai Shubei slowly turned his head to glance at him, remaining silent, and simply poured more than half of the liquid in his cup into his stomach

That morning, Lin Wanqiu was dressing Mengmeng in the bedroom when a sudden noise came from the doorway, the sound of a password lock being entered

She could not clearly discern Bai Shubei's expression; only the sparse light from outside filtered into the tent, obscuring his features in the dimness, leaving only his general outline visible

She stood frozen in place, holding a large shopping bag in her hand, her gaze slightly complicated as she scrutinized Lin Wanqiu, and then glanced at the adorable one in her arms

After Bai Xiaoli recovered from her moment of astonishment, she quickly calmed down. She slowly walked over to greet Lin Wanqiu, her gaze curiously wandering over her: "Hello, I am Bai Xiaoli"

Lin Wanqiu nodded in understanding: "You go ahead and attend to important matters."

As soon as these words were spoken, those present began to whisper among themselves. Bai Shubei speculated it was Lin Wanqiu and replied without raising his head: "It has been disconnected"

Lin Wanqiu looked up at him, wanting to say many things, but Bai Shubei was too busy. Although the disaster situation had been brought under control, perhaps he still needed to address some follow-up issues

Bai Shubei helped her to her feet, clearly sensing her shoulders trembling

However, if one were to give up...

Looking down at her peaceful sleeping face, Bai Shubei could not articulate the feelings stirring within him at that moment

In the following days, Bai Shubei did not call back. Lin Wanqiu learned from the news that it was currently the flood season, and a nearby county was severely flooded. Bai Shubei usually participated in some charitable activities, and that evening he set out with a team to join the rescue efforts

Bai Shubei walked over, unbothered by the gossiping gazes of the soldiers nearby, though there was a hint of awkwardness in his expression: "What brings you here?"

When Lin Wanqiu came out again, she noticed that Bai Xiaoli was looking at her differently, with an unusually intimate gaze: "Sister-in-law, what delicious food are you planning to make today?"

Lin Wanqiu smiled faintly and nodded: "Hello, Lin Wanqiu."

Bai Shubei quickly finished her meal and, when she turned to look at her, seemed a bit hesitant: "I will be out very late, so don't wait for me, go to bed early."

Bai Zhannan was somewhat surprised, narrowing his eyes in contemplation: "Have you come to a realization? Or are you still confused?"

They went to the twelfth floor of the inpatient department. Lin Wanqiu knew that following like this was very despicable, but she could not control herself; her mind seemed completely out of control, yet she was not thinking of anything at all, it was all a mess, without a single clue.

I know," Lin Wanqiu replied softly

He lay for a long time on her shoulder, the faint scent of tobacco lingering at her nose, and after a long while, he hoarsely said, "Lin Wanqiu, I seem to miss you a little."

Bai Shubei allowed her to awkwardly linger on his lips, his eyes slightly lowered as he carefully observed her. The deepest impression this woman left on him was one of "pleasing." She was truly making every effort to please him, and some feelings had unknowingly fermented in his heart, which even he, no matter how dull, could sense.

"What are you looking at?" He suddenly opened his eyes, his dark gaze seeming to scrutinize yet exceptionally bright.

Bai Shubei kept her eyes open in the night, seemingly lost in thought, while the hand resting on her waist exerted a slight pressure, holding her even tighter.