The aloof military doctor arrives at the unit, and the tough guy can't sit still.

Upon hearing this answer, Lu Zhenghan froze on the spot, never expecting that his first confession would be rejected so decisively.

Lu Zhenghan looked away, cleared his throat, forced a smile, and asked as calmly as possible.

"May I ask why?"

Xia Qiuran didn't think too much and answered directly.

"You're a good person, but I don't think we're a good match, and I want to focus on my work right now."

She used a classic refusal phrase, accompanied by a dignified and composed smile.

If she were to reveal the real reason at this moment, Lu Zhenghan would definitely argue with her. Although Lu Zhenghan is a seasoned veteran with impeccable work ability, as far as she knows, he has never been in a relationship and is like a blank sheet of paper when it comes to feelings, so his ideas are inevitably idealistic.

But she's different. She's already experienced a lifetime in her past life and has a lot to say about love and marriage. It's better not to start a relationship that's destined to be full of difficulties.

"I will never interfere with your work, no matter what we don't agree on." Lu Zhenghan's gaze was fixed on Xia Qiuran's face, his expression very serious and solemn.

"Our personalities don't match. I'm a pretty easygoing person and don't like being restrained, while you, Commander, are the complete opposite. You're very strict with yourself in everything, which I find very stressful. So, it's better if we just stay as ordinary comrades," Xia Qiuran replied calmly.

"I'm going back now, Commander."

Sensing the slightly awkward atmosphere, she smiled and quickly walked back.

Judging solely from his character, Lu Zhenghan is indeed impeccable and a husband one can rely on for a lifetime. However, their family backgrounds are vastly different, which means their future path will be exceptionally difficult.

A short, sharp pain is worse than a long, drawn-out one; and a short, sharp pain is worse than not starting at all.

Lu Zhenghan stood there for a while, watching Xia Qiuran leave at the end of the hospital corridor.

A short while later, he returned to the hospital with the same solemn expression, and ran into Gao Yingting again in the corridor.

Seeing that Lu Zhenghan didn't seem too happy, Gao Yingting smiled, already guessing seven or eight parts of the truth.

"What, are you giving up already?"

Lu Zhenghan slowed down his walking pace, his mind a jumble of thoughts, and spoke slowly.

"I told her everything, I was very straightforward and clear, and she rejected me just as straightforwardly."

Upon hearing this, Gao Yingting laughed even more heartily and continued.

"Do you know how many times I was rejected when I was pursuing your aunt?"

"Five times, a full five times, each time a firm rejection, but I still asked a sixth time, and that's when she finally nodded in agreement. You couldn't take it after just one rejection?"

As Gao Yingting walked and talked, a hint of smugness in his eyes as he revisited the past.

"But she said our personalities aren't compatible, and I'm afraid that if she forces herself to be with me, she won't be happy in the future."

Lu Zhenghan had actually thought a lot about it. He wasn't just upset about being rejected; he had really taken Xia Qiuran's words to heart.

His personality is dull and boring, and Xia Qiuran might indeed be unhappy living with someone like him in the future. More than being together, he cares about whether Xia Qiuran will be happy and content in her future life.

"There are no two people whose personalities are perfectly compatible from birth. Good relationships are never about being compatible from the start, but about being willing to compromise and work things out. Are you willing to change yourself for him?" Gao Yingting also put away her smile and asked seriously.

Lu Zhenghan nodded firmly: "Yes, I'm willing."

"That's settled then. When Xia starts to like you, she'll make concessions for you too. That's what mutual compromise and adjustment are all about. Compatibility isn't something you meet by chance; it's something you cultivate little by little. Learn to get along well so that your relationship can last. It's the same no matter who you're with." Gao Yingting patted Lu Zhenghan on the shoulder, smiled, and gave him a thumbs-up.

Compromise and work together to get to know each other.

Lu Zhenghan had never heard these words before in his life, but they made a lot of sense.

After so much time and so much he and Xia Qiuran had been through together, he was indeed unwilling to give up now, but at the same time he was very conflicted, worried that Xia Qiuran would be unhappy because of it.

Now, after listening to Gao Yingting's advice, I feel enlightened.

The two haven't even started dating yet, how do you know they're not compatible? If problems really arise, he will definitely accommodate Xia Qiuran in his actions.

If Xia Qiuran still feels it's not right and she's unhappy in the end, it's not too late to break up then.

In an instant, Lu Zhenghan's previously conflicted heart suddenly felt lighter.

He glanced at the time; there were still two hours until he was supposed to return to his unit. He quickly quickened his pace and headed towards the canteen.

...

On the other side, Xia Qiuran thought she had made things clear with Lu Zhenghan and returned to the clinic to continue working. Today she rejected such a rare man who was wealthy, capable, and handsome. It would be a lie to say she wasn't disappointed. A man like him is hard to come by, and she probably wouldn't meet another one like him in the rest of her life.

What a pity! Such a huge regret, worth being sad for three minutes.

After finishing her work, Xia Qiuran hurriedly went to the cafeteria to get some food. Since she was short of money, she ate some cornbread herself and got two steamed buns and some vegetables for her mother.

But when he arrived at the ward, the scene before him stunned him.

I saw my mother and Lu Zhenghan sitting around the bedside table in the ward. On the table were three main dishes: braised pork, scrambled eggs, and braised fish.

What's going on? Xia Qiuran quickly went over.

"Xiao Ran, you're back. Sit down and eat." Qian Guifang said, standing up. Her face no longer looked as worried as before.

Xia Qiuran looked at the food on the table with a puzzled expression. "Mom, what's this?"

Qian Guifang immediately explained, "These were all bought by Xiao Lu. He said that when soldiers in the army are in trouble, the leaders will come to visit and offer their condolences. The army is so humane. You've definitely made the right choice in being a soldier."

Xiao Lu?

How did we become so close in such a short time?

Xia Qiuran quickly reminded her, "Mom, this is our regimental commander. Don't you know him? You can just call him Regimental Commander Lu."

"Yes, that's what I greeted him with just now, but Xiao Lu said he didn't mind. He also said that calling him Commander Lu creates a sense of distance and isn't good for building relationships with the masses. We can't let a title affect someone's work, can we?" Qian Guifang explained immediately.

"Yes, Auntie, you can just call me Xiao Lu from now on."

Lu Zhenghan then spoke up, a faint smile playing on his lips. His usually aloof and calm eyes, which had never shown much emotion, were now much gentler.

Xia Qiuran became more and more puzzled as she listened. Just as she was about to speak, Qian Guifang pulled her aside and whispered something.

"Xiao Lu said he wouldn't pursue that matter anymore, and he even applied for hardship assistance for our family. We've met a benefactor; we must thank him properly when we have the chance."

Special hardship allowance?

She's a military doctor, and that's what she does every day. How come I've never heard of her?