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

"Commander Lu?"

Why was it Lu Zhenghan who opened the door? Xia Qiuran's heart tightened instinctively. Would Lu Zhenghan suspect that she was following him?

"I might have gone to the wrong place. I was trying to go to Aunt Chen's house." Xia Qiuran turned to leave.

"This is Aunt Chen's house," Lu Zhenghan said, making way for the entrance.

Xia Qiuran peeked inside first, and Chen Xiu was carrying freshly cooked dishes out of the kitchen. Zhou Guangming followed her into the living room.

"Come in quickly, don't stand at the door." After inviting Xia Qiuran into the house, Chen Xiu introduced, "This is my husband, Political Commissar Zhou, and that is Regiment Commander Lu. You should have met them before."

Aunt Chen was actually Commissar Zhou's wife. Xia Qiuran tightened her grip on the egg basket, feeling a little awkward. Appearances can be deceiving. She would have to stick close to Aunt Chen from now on.

"Greetings, Political Commissar Zhou. Greetings, Regiment Commander Lu."

"Aunt Chen, these are some free-range eggs I bought. I hope you won't mind them since it's my first visit." Xia Qiuran greeted everyone and handed over the eggs she had bought.

"Look at you, child. I just invited you over for a simple meal. Why did you bring so much?" Chen Xiu took the eggs and weighed them in her hand. They weighed about 3 jin (1.5 catties). It wasn't cheap for a rural girl to buy so many eggs without food coupons. She exchanged a glance with Zhou Guangming, as if to say that this child was really good. Although he came from the countryside, he was not stingy at all and was very polite.

"It's my pleasure, Auntie. I'm so grateful for your care in the mess hall. I should have come to visit you a long time ago," Xia Qiuran replied generously.

"Alright, let's get to the table quickly, the food is ready."

The group sat at the dining table. Chen Xiu poured Zhou Guangming a small glass of baijiu and gave Lu Zhenghan and Xia Qiuran each a bottle of soda.

"Xia, I've heard about your situation from your uncle. How are things going between you and Zheng Han lately?" Chen Xiu asked directly after sitting down.

This was the first time Chen Xiu had ever heard of Lu Zhenghan being involved with a girl. She had wanted to ask him about it for a long time, but she was too shy since they had just met. Now that she had the chance, she was determined to make it happen.

Xia Qiuran glanced at Lu Zhenghan. It seemed like he was about to pressure her into marriage. He hadn't directly rejected her proposal back then, so she figured she might as well go all the way and help her to the end.

"I get along very well with Commander Lu."

"Auntie, this is all a misunderstanding."

Lu Zhenghan and Xia Qiuran answered almost simultaneously.

Chen Xiu and Zhou Guangming were stunned for a few seconds, then looked at the two of them with a puzzled expression.

Even someone as beautiful as Xia Qiuran isn't acceptable. Does Lu Zhenghan look down on her because she's from the countryside?

"Zhenghan, when looking for a partner, you should look at their character. My family is from the countryside too. Look at me and your Uncle Zhou, aren't we doing very well now?" Chen Xiu said.

"Auntie, Uncle Zhou, how could I have such thoughts? Since everyone is here today, I'll make things clear. Comrade Xia and I are just ordinary superiors and subordinates. Also, Comrade Xia once saved my life. That's all."

"Comrade Xia Qiuran and I can never develop our relationship any further."

Lu Zhenghan's words were steady and forceful, without the slightest ambiguity, his gaze revealing an unwavering determination. It was clear that his words had been carefully considered before uttering them.

He thought a lot after that day. Ever since he met Xia Qiu, his life seemed to become more and more turbulent. His reason told him that he had to keep a distance from this girl.

He would never forget Xia Qiuran saving him, and he would definitely step forward to help if needed in the future. However, it would be best for the two of them to keep their distance in normal times.

Xia Qiuran gave an awkward laugh and could only echo, "Whatever Commander Lu says goes." Although it was a lie, being rejected in public still felt really bad.

Chen Xiu sighed inwardly. This guy has no sense of chivalry. No wonder he's 26 and still single.

"Zhenghan, this is a family dinner. Why are you making such a fuss? Let's not talk about it anymore. Come on, let's eat." Seeing that Xia Qiuran was a little embarrassed, Chen Xiu changed the subject.

"Ding ding."

"Auntie, Uncle Zhou, are you home?"

Just as the group picked up their chopsticks, there was another knock on the door.

"It looks like Xiaoyu has brought the milk. Go open the door quickly," Zhou Guangming said to Chen Xiu.

"Okay, this kid always comes in a flurry."

"I'm so thirsty, Auntie, please get me a glass of water." Han Yu put down the milk as soon as he entered the house and went straight inside. "The kettle is empty. I've delivered milk to more than eighty places, and I haven't had a drop of water yet."

"Everyone has a place where they can ask for a drink of water, how can they be thirsty?"

Chen Xiu quickly brought over a glass of water. Han Yu picked it up and downed it in one gulp, then chuckled, "I'm just embarrassed because I have a small face."

"If you think you have a small face, then there's no one with a big face in the army," Chen Xiu said with a laugh, patting Han Yu on the shoulder.

After finishing his water, Han Yu turned around and saw Lu Zhenghan there as well. He walked over and glanced at Xia Qiuran, then grinned broadly, "Cousin, you're here too. Are you on a blind date? This woman is really pretty; she'd be perfect to be my cousin's wife."

"What nonsense are you talking about? This is Auntie's guest, Comrade Xia Qiuran, who is currently a reserve soldier in the cooking squad." Lu Zhenghan immediately rebuked her in a cold voice.

Han Yu pouted, "You didn't even like someone this pretty? Or is it that they didn't like you this time?"

Lu Zhenghan put down his chopsticks, his gaze growing colder and sharper. "I think this part-time job of delivering milk is too easy. Why don't you practice 20 pull-ups every morning and evening?"

"Hey, never mind, I'd like to do some other part-time jobs." Han Yu quickly waved his hand.

"Xia, you must be laughing at me. This is Zheng Han's aunt's son, Han Yu. His parents sent him to join the army, but all he thinks about is making money. It's really worrying," Zhou Guangming explained to Han Yu.

"Political Commissar Zhou, this shows that Comrade Han is quick-witted. I believe that people like Comrade Han will definitely achieve great things in the future." Xia Qiuran smiled faintly.

She wasn't saying it on purpose; after the reform and opening up, it really would be the world of people like Han Yu.

"My God, finally someone who understands me! I always believed that our country's development would only get better and better, and that business activities would definitely be taken very seriously." Han Yu exclaimed excitedly, slapping the table, having finally found someone who understood him.

"Comrade Han, you can do part-time jobs in the army?" Xia Qiuran asked. The army's salary wasn't much, and she wanted to seize every opportunity to earn money.

Han Yu: "Of course! I deliver milk morning and night, and I still have a lot of handicrafts to do. Would you like to take on a part-time job too?"

A glint immediately flashed in Xia Qiuran's eyes. "I have some free time every afternoon. Can I work part-time there?"

"Sure, the handicraft involves weaving baskets from bamboo strips. I have some in my car; let me show you."

As he spoke, he led Xia Qiuran toward his bicycle outside.

Chen Xiu looked at the two of them thoughtfully, then looked at Zhou Guangming and asked, "How old is Xiaoyu this year?"

Zhou Guangming thought for a moment, "I think I'm 21 years old."

"Xia is 19 years old, they seem like a better match," Chen Xiu said with a smile.

Lu Zhenghan picked up his chopsticks at the table, a strange feeling suddenly welling up inside him.

He would no longer speculate about Xia Qiuran, but he would also not allow his cousin to get too close to her. After all, before Han Yu joined the army, he had promised his aunt that he would take good care of Han Yu.

At only 21 years old, it's the perfect age to focus on your career; you shouldn't have too many distractions.

Suddenly, a heavy rain began to fall outside the door.

"It's raining, I'll take you home later," Han Yu said to Xia Qiuran.

"no."

Before Xia Qiuran could answer, Lu Zhenghan suddenly stood up.