Chapter 82: Uncovering Clues

Hou Manling’s cheeks flushed red. She slammed her chopsticks onto the bowl, pursed her lips, and was about to speak up to the Third Regiment Commander, but Yuan Tianqing quickly intercepted her, leaning close to whisper in her ear:

“Let it go, Manling. Don’t let such a small matter spoil things. You know the Third Regiment Commander always speaks bluntly—he means nothing by it.”

The Third Regiment Commander had a good relationship with the medical staff at the military hospital. During artillery training, injuries from mistakes were common, so the artillery regiment was a frequent visitor there. Moreover, his wife suffered from asthma and diabetes, making hospital visits even more regular. He was a talkative man from the Northeast, fond of chatting and gossiping, and it didn’t take long for him to become friendly with the hospital staff.

That was why Hou Manling dared to retort with him. Had it been any other regiment commander, she wouldn’t have dared. Yet playful banter aside, Yuan Tianqing couldn’t really let Manling get into an argument with the commander. After all, he was an officer, of a different status. They could joke normally, but if things escalated, Manling would be in real trouble.

Yuan Tianqing smiled apologetically to the Third Regiment Commander, “Sorry, Commander, Manling’s been unwell lately and her emotions are a bit unstable. Please don’t take it to heart.”

He waved it off, “Let’s eat, let’s eat.”

But Hou Manling had lost her appetite. She stood up, wanting to calm down in the restroom. In her haste, she didn’t notice someone bringing over a dish, and her shoulder knocked into the tray, flipping it over with a clatter, scattering food everywhere.

The platter shattered, food spilled across the floor, and Manling’s clothes were covered in hot sauce, burning her so badly that she couldn’t help but let out a scream.

Naturally, every eye in the cafeteria turned towards her, necks craning to see what had happened.

Some of the spilled food landed on the Third Regiment Commander, who jumped to his feet at once.

“Oh my goodness, it’s hot! Comrade Hou Manling, be careful!”

Hou Manling’s arm was quickly scalded. The people at nearby tables stood up, making room for the chaos.

Zhong Xiao rose as well, observing the stains on Manling’s clothes and then seeing Yuan Tianqing, who had been sitting beside her, now kneeling on the ground, mopping up the mess. Tianqing carefully wiped the commander’s pant leg with a clean side of the cloth.

The commander protested, “Ah, Comrade Yuan, you’re too courteous, really.”

Yuan Tianqing smiled, “Commander, please go rinse off and change your clothes.”

She stood up and said to Manling, “Come on, let’s get you back to the dorm to change.”

Manling’s face was crimson with shame, mortified to have made such a scene in public. Glancing up, she saw Zhong Xiao frowning in her direction, which only deepened her embarrassment. She hurried off, dragging Yuan Tianqing out of the cafeteria.

Though things were momentarily chaotic, once Manling and Tianqing left, the cafeteria was cleaned up and the meal continued.

Zhong Xiao sat down with the others, but her brows remained tightly knit, as if something weighed on her mind.

Song Tingshen noticed her expression and quietly asked, “What’s wrong? Did that frighten you?”

Zhong Xiao shook her head.

That was hardly enough to scare her.

It was just...

She glanced at Song Tingshen, pressed her lips together, but ultimately said nothing and went on eating. Distracted by her thoughts, she ate little, finishing two bowls before putting down her chopsticks.

When Song Tingshen saw her set her bowl aside, he instinctively moved to get more for her, but Zhong Xiao stopped him.

“Commander Song, I’m done.”

“Are you full?”

“Yes, I’ve had enough.”

He was silent for a moment, then said, “Don’t hesitate. If you’re not full, you can have more.”

Zhong Xiao replied, “I’m really full, thank you.”

The others at their table exchanged glances and chuckled, echoing that they too had had enough.

—

It was Zhong Xiao’s first time attending such a banquet in the military district. After the meal, she watched everyone eat and talk with interest, finding it all quite endearing—especially those who usually appeared stern. After a few drinks, even the most serious were laughing and chatting, gathering in small groups, conversation flowing easily.

Suddenly, Zhong Xiao noticed Song Qingfeng’s gaze from two tables away. In this warm setting, his eyes were particularly sharp, sweeping across the room like an eagle, brows furrowed, lips pressed tight. He looked less like a party guest and more like a judge scrutinizing suspects.

Remembering the anomaly she’d noticed earlier, and seeing Song Qingfeng’s expression now, Zhong Xiao quickly calculated in her mind and made a decision.

She leaned in, quietly asking Song Tingshen, “Commander Song, when will you be home tonight?”

The cafeteria was noisy, so Zhong Xiao lowered her head and leaned close as she spoke.

Song Tingshen felt a gentle breeze brush past his ear, a sweet fragrance drifting into his nose. Zhong Xiao’s soft voice sounded right beside him, and his gaze dropped.

She wanted to know when he’d be home.

His Adam’s apple tightened as he replied in a deep voice, “Why? Is something wrong?”

Zhong Xiao nodded, whispering, “Could you… have Commander Song come home tonight as well?”

She looked up at him, her brows slightly furrowed, a hint of seriousness in her expression.

Song Tingshen’s demeanor grew solemn. He didn’t ask for details, choosing instead to trust her.

“I’ll have him come home tonight.”

“Great, thank you, Commander Song.” Zhong Xiao smiled, dazzling up close in Song Tingshen’s eyes.

He shifted his gaze calmly, saying nothing, and took a sip of water from his glass. Only the trembling liquid in his cup betrayed the slight tremor in his hand.

After the gathering, Zhong Xiao left the cafeteria ahead of the others. On arriving home, she saw Jiang Yuan descending the stairs carrying several empty plates. Spotting Zhong Xiao, Jiang Yuan’s eyes widened with delight. She set the plates on the table and hurried over, grabbing Zhong Xiao’s hand.

“Xiao Xiao, your cooking is wonderful! Can you believe it? The two of us finished everything you made! Your brother ate four whole bowls!”

“Ever since his injury, he’s barely eaten—he can’t move, burns less energy, and eats less and less…”

At this, Jiang Yuan grew choked up. Though she was usually cheerful and upbeat, it was by necessity. With Song Yanzhou in his current state, if she didn’t stay optimistic, the family couldn’t endure.

But the pain and hardship in her heart, she’d never told anyone. Now she couldn’t help but share it with Zhong Xiao.

“Xiao Xiao, this is the first time he’s eaten so much since the accident. I truly, truly… am so happy.”