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

"Hello waiter, I'd like a plate of braised pork, a plate of braised prawns, and some lion's head meatballs." Xia Qiuran immediately and generously ordered three meat dishes.

Once all the dishes were served, Xia Qiuran first picked up a large shrimp for Lu Zhenghan. "Commander Lu, please eat first. We can order more if you're not full."

Xia Qiuran looked at the dishes in front of her and unconsciously swallowed, her eyes filled with smiles. Although she had lived two lives, she had rarely eaten such good meat dishes.

Lu Zhenghan turned his head and glanced at it, then placed the peeled shrimp meat into Xia Qiuran's bowl.

Just having a meal together made her so happy!

Xia Qiuran stared blankly at the shrimp in her bowl. "Commander Lu?"

How can I let my boss peel shrimp for me?

"My hands are already oily, so I'll peel them all off while I'm at it. You can eat yours," Lu Zhenghan replied calmly.

Seeing Lu Zhenghan's calm expression, Xia Qiuran's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled down. She smiled self-deprecatingly, realizing how much she had overthought things, actually thinking that Lu Zhenghan peeling shrimp for her meant he had feelings for her.

With Lu Zhenghan's words, Xia Qiuran felt reassured and ate half of the plate of prawns.

She ate with great satisfaction, taking small bites, like a little squirrel, her cheeks slightly puffed out, her eyebrows curved. Lu Zhenghan glanced at Xia Qiuran like this, and his heart seemed to soften unconsciously.

He's eating like this; it looks like he was just invited to eat.

"Zhang Xiaoliang's actions this time were very brave and deserve praise," Lu Zhenghan couldn't help but say first.

"Yes, I also think he's very brave, and of course, it's also thanks to your leadership." Xia Qiuran swallowed the food in her mouth and replied with a smile.

"Xia Qiuran, you can bravely say whatever you want to say. Some things may be difficult, but they may still come true." After saying this, Lu Zhenghan straightened his back unconsciously.

Xia Qiuran's hand holding the chopsticks suddenly stopped. This Lu Zhenghan is too amazing. He even knows what she is thinking.

She couldn't apply for military uniform reservist status, but it didn't say she couldn't apply for military doctor's white coat. She wanted to speak up about this several times but didn't dare.

Xia Qiuran: "Then I'll tell you, you won't blame me, will you, Commander?"

"No, I'm here for you, you don't need to be afraid."

Lu Zhenghan's hands, which were under the table, clenched unconsciously, and his breathing seemed to become more rapid.

"that is."

Xia Qiuran smiled somewhat embarrassedly.

Lu Zhenghan turned to look at her bright face, her long eyelashes slightly upturned, as if she wanted to jump up. Her bright eyes seemed to reveal a hint of shyness and unease. He couldn't help but purse his lips and pretend to calmly take a sip of water.

"You said it's okay." Lu Zhenghan's heart pounded.

"Exactly, could you help me apply for a white uniform too? All the nurses in the infirmary wear white uniforms, but I wear my own clothes every day, making me look like an outsider."

Xia Qiuran finished speaking in one breath, then blinked her big eyes twice, looking at Lu Zhenghan with expectation.

"That's all?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Zhenghan slowly closed his eyes, feeling as if he were about to crush the water glass in his hand.

"Yes, that's all!" Xia Qiuran nodded with certainty.

Lu Zhenghan gritted his teeth: "Xia Qiuran, can't you think a little further ahead?"

long?

Xia Qiuran was a little confused; what exactly constitutes a long-term perspective?

I tentatively said, "Then I'll take two sets of white lab coats so I can change them later."

"Bang!"

The ceramic water cup was completely crushed.

Xia Qiuran was startled. "Commander Lu, I was just saying, please don't be angry. I don't want it anymore, okay?"

Lu Zhenghan took a moment to calm down before saying, "It's alright, let's eat."

Forget it, why should he get angry with a young girl who has just come of age? Maybe it's all a misunderstanding. He shouldn't overthink things just because Uncle Zhou is urging him to get married.

They are seven years apart in age, so even if Xia Qiuran had said it, he wouldn't have agreed.

Absolutely not.

...

After finishing his night shift, Zhao Feng found himself walking to the entrance of the military base. He bought a new shirt at the state-run store and stood there for two hours.

Not seeing Xia Qiuran, he could only listlessly walk back to his eldest sister's house.

"I already told you that the diapers need to be scalded with hot water after washing, and the child's bowl and spoon must be washed at least three times. How can you be so sloppy at such a young age?" Zhao Feng stopped at the door as soon as he heard his older sister scolding Yang Yuqin.

He was already used to the noise, and without much expression, he walked into the house, sat down, and stared blankly at the shirt.

"Big sister, we never raise children like that in our commune, and they've all grown up healthy and strong," Yang Yuqin replied, holding a diaper in her hand, looking rather unhappy.

If it weren't for wanting to get together with Zhao Feng, her boyfriend from the factory, she wouldn't have come here to put up with this. Once they get married, she'll make sure to get back at him for all the mistreatment she's suffered.

"My son is destined to be a high-ranking official. Don't compare him to those nobodies from your rural area," Zhao Feng's older sister said, glaring at Yang Yuqin. Then, turning to Zhao Feng, she instigated, "Xiao Feng, look at your girlfriend! She's not even married into the family yet, and she dares to talk back to her older sister. If you don't set some rules for her now, she'll be completely out of control!"

"Brother Zhao Feng, I've washed it all very clean, but my sister is still not satisfied. Look, my fingers are all red from the hot water." Yang Yuqin had also learned to be clever. Before Zhao Feng could speak, she immediately went up and took his arm, pretending to be coquettish.

Now she couldn't care less about being reserved; she had to do everything she could to win Zhao Feng's heart.

When Zhao Feng saw Yang Yuqin holding his arm, he felt an inexplicable sense of disgust. He shook her off and walked to the other side. "Yuqin, you're a girl, you should have some self-respect."

"Brother Zhao Feng, didn't you tell me not to care too much about what others think, and even told me to go to the city with you to enjoy a life of luxury?" Yang Yuqin said, her eyes full of grievance.

Zhao Feng was incredibly annoyed. "I did say those things, but you also need to set a good example yourself. Look at the mess this room is in. If Qiu Ran were here... Never mind, I won't say anymore. You should reflect on your actions."

Zhao Feng's eyes were full of impatience. He got up, grabbed the shirt, and walked out.

The more he thought about it, the more he felt cheated. How could a rural girl like Yang Yuqin, who couldn't do anything right, was sloppy, and had an average appearance, be worthy of him, a man with a decent appearance, a stable job, and a good family background?

Wandering aimlessly through the streets, a fleeting feeling of regret washed over him. He'd never seen a woman more beautiful than Xia Qiuran in his entire life, and her personality was equally wonderful. If only he'd treated her a little better back then, or been willing to offer a higher dowry, would they have been married long ago?

Clutching the shirt tightly in her hand, she turned her head and saw Xia Qiuran and Lu Zhenghan eating at a state-run restaurant.

Anger surged up instantly.

It's that poor soldier again, always wearing a fake watch and just trying to fool naive girls.

"Qiu Ran," Zhao Feng greeted as he walked in.

Upon seeing Zhao Feng, Xia Qiuran's appetite immediately dropped by half.

His expression was icy: "Comrade Zhao, the money and meal tickets I brought are only enough for the two of us, so I won't keep you."

"Qiu Ran, I'm not eating, I just came to say hello." Zhao Feng sat down without a care in the world, glancing at Lu Zhenghan with displeasure. "I didn't expect that the dignified Commander Lu would let a female comrade treat him to a meal."