Chapter 54: Mutual Affection

Song Qingfeng followed Song Tingshen all the way to the corridor on the third floor, watching as Song Tingshen showed no sign of stopping.

Song Qingfeng shouted, "Song Tingshen! Stop right there!"

Up ahead, Song Tingshen finally halted and slowly turned around. His eyes were calm and indifferent, devoid of any emotion as he looked at Song Qingfeng.

Seeing Song Tingshen like this, Song Qingfeng felt a pang of distress. Over the years, their relationship as father and son had never been particularly close. Ever since the incident with his elder brother, Song Tingshen had always blamed Song Qingfeng. Song Qingfeng, not adept with words, had never tried to explain himself. As a result, they rarely spoke to each other.

Gazing at Song Tingshen, Song Qingfeng found himself, for a fleeting moment, wondering if perhaps Tingshen's amnesia wasn't entirely a bad thing for them. At the very least, it might offer him a chance to mend their strained relationship.

So, after a moment's reflection, Song Qingfeng softened his previously stern tone and attempted to speak as gently as possible:

"…Tingshen, whether you remember or not, you shouldn't be so rude."

He continued, "Xiaoxiao came all the way from Yuecheng. You may not remember now, but her father, back then—"

"Why are you telling me this?" Song Tingshen interrupted coolly, his voice even and detached. "I don't remember any of it, and I have no feelings for her. There's really no need for us to have any interaction."

Song Qingfeng wanted to refute him but found himself at a loss for words. Judging by the looks of it, Xiaoxiao seemed uninterested in his son, and his son now remembered nothing at all. Song Qingfeng couldn't help but feel a sense of regret.

He had thought that with Zhong Xiaoxiao coming all the way to Taizhou Island, Song Tingshen would be at least a little pleased. In the past, whenever photographs of Zhong Xiaoxiao arrived from Yuecheng, Song Tingshen would look at them over and over again. Although he would say nothing and his expression remained unchanged, as if he didn't care at all, Song Qingfeng knew his son well enough. If he had truly felt nothing, he wouldn't have glanced at them even once.

Yet Song Tingshen had looked at those photos many times, each time with great attention.

Song Tingshen glanced at Song Qingfeng, then withdrew his gaze. His lips parted slightly as if to speak, but in the end he said nothing and simply turned to leave.

Song Qingfeng remained where he was, silent for a long time.

Song Tingshen returned to the examination room on the third floor. Only now was a bed finally available. He didn't lie down; instead, he sat quietly on the edge of the bed. His posture was ramrod straight, but his eyes were slightly downcast. No one in the ward dared to speak. They all kept silent, and the atmosphere was unusually still.

Hou Manling stood outside the ward, watching Song Tingshen, as if she had something she wanted to say to him. Beside her, Yuan Tianqing urged her on.

"Manling, if you don't seize the moment now, when will you? Captain Song has lost his memory—he doesn't recognize anyone. This is your best chance. Make sure you're the first person he remembers!"

Hou Manling hesitated for a while, gazing at the almost perfect lines of Song Tingshen's profile. Finally, she gathered her courage and stepped forward.

Yuan Tianqing took the opportunity to usher the other patients out of the room.

"Beds three and four, come with me. I'll change your bandages."

She led the injured soldiers away and gave Hou Manling an encouraging glance.

Take your chance.

Hou Manling walked step by step, slowly coming to stand before Song Tingshen.

Sensing someone approach, Song Tingshen lifted his eyes slightly. His gaze remained cold and sharp as he silently regarded Hou Manling.

Under such a gaze, Hou Manling couldn't help but feel her eyes sting and her heart race. Song Tingshen had never looked at her this way before. She had liked him for many years, but he had always kept his distance, never giving her so much as a second glance. Their interactions had always been limited, and even on rare occasions when they spoke, Song Tingshen scarcely spared her a look, maintaining strict propriety. This had always frustrated Hou Manling.

But now, as she met Song Tingshen's unfamiliar gaze, she realized two things.

First, Song Tingshen truly seemed to have lost his memory.

Second, perhaps this was her best chance to finally get close to him.

Taking a deep breath and gathering her courage, Hou Manling asked,

"Tingshen, do you really not remember me?"

Song Tingshen's brow furrowed slightly.

Hou Manling stepped closer.

"We… we've been in love for a long time. You promised that after this victorious return, we would… we would register our marriage. Have you truly forgotten?"