Chapter 41: Military District General Hospital

Sun Yangzhong was taken aback, his gaze meeting Zhong Xiao’s eyes, which brimmed with curiosity.

Thinking of the regiment commander, Sun Yangzhong couldn’t help but smile as he spoke:

“The commander is the finest person I’ve ever met in my life. He’s the pillar of our entire regiment, the spirit that sustains us, and the most respected figure among all our soldiers.”

At the mention of Song Tingshen, an unconscious look of admiration appeared on Sun Yangzhong’s face.

“Our regiment was reorganized two years ago. At first, we had nothing—no resources, no adequate equipment, not enough personnel. Even our assigned dormitories were the most rudimentary. Commander Song had a chance to join the Air Force Flying Regiment with the best conditions, and that would’ve been better for his future promotions.”

“But he chose instead to lead our regiment. During a major conflict last year, Commander Song led us into battle, always at the forefront, fighting side by side with us and carving a bloody path for our regiment.”

“It was only then that our Armored Regiment finally got its own training camp and residential quarters for our families, and gradually our benefits improved. The commander even helped many people get promoted, but he himself never asked for anything.”

“He always said his life was born in the barracks, so even if he must fall on the battlefield and vanish from this land he loves, he will do so without hesitation or complaint.”

At this, Sun Yangzhong’s voice faltered with emotion.

“This time, during the Xihai conflict, Commander Song could have chosen to stay behind and guard the rear, but he resolutely chose the front lines. It was because of the Navy Third Regiment…”

Zhong Xiao paused, recalling what Qin Dezheng had told her before.

Song Tingshen’s elder brother, Song Yanzhou, was the commander of the Navy Third Regiment. During a mission, to cover his teammates’ retreat, Commander Song Yanzhou ventured into the sea alone, only to encounter an enemy torpedo trap. He was severely injured, his spine damaged, and has remained paralyzed ever since.

So, Song Tingshen’s current mission was, in truth, an attempt to fulfill his brother’s wish?

But this mission was fraught with danger, and Song Tingshen’s fate remained unknown.

Zhong Xiao furrowed her brows slightly.

Seeing her worried expression, Sun Yangzhong tried to reassure her.

“Don’t worry, Commander Song is destined for good fortune—he’ll be safe. Before he left, some of our comrades secretly cast lots for him, and the signs foretold that he would return safely and victorious.”

Zhong Xiao couldn’t help but laugh.

“You soldiers still believe in such things? Aren’t you afraid of being accused of superstition?”

Sun Yangzhong scratched his head, embarrassed.

“We only do it privately, very quietly… There’s nothing we can do. After so many brushes with life and death on the battlefield, it’s hard not to believe… Or maybe it’s not belief, but a kind of faith. The battlefield is blind to friend or foe, and having a bit more confidence, a bit more hope, helps.”

“If there really are gods in this world, I hope they’ll watch over our commander and bring him home safe.” With these words, Sun Yangzhong concluded.

Looking at Sun Yangzhong’s innocent and earnest face, Zhong Xiao smiled.

“He certainly will,” she said.

—

Over a thousand kilometers away, on Taizhou Island, in the office of the chief at the Taizhou Island Military District Hospital, a woman in a white coat paced back and forth, speaking anxiously to the older woman behind the desk:

“Chief, we can’t just sit here and wait! Tingshen and Commander Song are missing, and if we don’t go in advance to rescue them, if it’s really too late, nothing can be undone!”

The woman was Hou Manling, head nurse of the Surgical Emergency Center at the Military District Hospital.

The stern-faced middle-aged woman at the desk was the hospital chief, Song Tingshen’s biological mother, and Commander Song’s wife—Zuo Lan.

“Chief Zuo,” Hou Manling said urgently, “please let me lead a team to the front lines. If there are wounded in need of treatment, being there a day earlier could save a life.”

Zuo Lan replied firmly.

“No.” Zuo Lan stood up. “We have no information from the front lines now. We cannot act rashly. If your team is captured during the march, our hospital is already short-staffed, and Commander Song’s mission will become even more difficult. I can’t guarantee your safety.”

Hou Manling protested, “I can promise I won’t be captured!”

“And what will you guarantee?” Zuo Lan’s tone grew more severe. “Can you guarantee there won’t be enemy traps en route? Can you guarantee you’ll find them immediately once you arrive?”

“We know nothing about the front lines. Leading a rescue team now is tantamount to suicide!”

Hou Manling wanted to argue further, but Zuo Lan raised her hand to stop her.

Hou Manling, beside herself with worry, forgot all protocol and cried out, “Aunt Zuo! Are you really willing to let Uncle Song and Tingshen remain missing like this? What if, what if…”

She couldn’t finish the thought.

Zuo Lan gazed out the window, her strict face shadowed with sorrow and pain.

She spoke slowly, “I have faith in them. They will be fine. Even if… even if the worst should happen, my duty is to defend the hospital, not to send people to their deaths in vain!”

“Fighting at the front is the soldiers’ responsibility. Ours is to hold our ground, wait for treatment and rescue, not to add chaos!”

After a long while, Hou Manling left Zuo Lan’s office and returned to the Surgical Emergency Center, looking utterly lost.

Nurse Yuan Tianqing, her colleague, saw Hou Manling return and quickly asked,

“Manling, how did it go? Chief still won’t let you go to the front?”

Hou Manling sighed and sat down, clearly troubled.

Yuan Tianqing saw her expression and knew the chief had rejected her request again.

She said, “Manling, I know you’re worried about Commander Song’s safety, but the chief has her reasons. You lack front line experience, and going out recklessly might bring danger to the operation.”

Hou Manling bit her lip.

“I’m really worried about Tingshen,” she said. “If something happens to him… I… I don’t want to live anymore.”

With that, Hou Manling began to cry bitterly.

Song Tingshen had been missing for days, something that had never happened before.

Yuan Tianqing watched Hou Manling’s grief, hesitated for a moment, then cautiously asked,

“Um… Manling, I heard some people from the Armored Regiment talking. They said Commander Song has a fiancée—is that true?”