"I apologize, Gu family, it's all my fault, this old woman's. It's my loose tongue, I shouldn't have laid a hand on the child, nor should I have spoken ill of you. If you want to hit or scold, just come at me, this old lady, I won't say a word..."
Seeing the old Madam Wei like this, Chen Li Shu felt a sense of boredom. She turned to Gu Xing Dong and said, "Gui Ying's sister-in-law sent steamed buns, with fennel and meat. I also cooked porridge. Let's go home to eat."
"Yes, yes, I also have newly pickled radish preserves. I'll cut them into shreds and mix them with seasonings. They'll be crisp and refreshing. I'll go home right now and scoop some for the children to bring over." Zhao Gui Ying chimed in with a smile.
"Let's go home," Gu Xing Dong patted Rui Rui's head and put his arm around Chen Li Shu's shoulders.
This was the first time he had shown such an intimate gesture in front of so many people, his attitude strong and protective.
"Not angry anymore?" Seeing the curve of her lips, Gu Xing Dong raised his eyebrows and teased.
"She's just a vulgar and ignorant old lady. Why should I stoop to her level? I'm only angry that she laid hands on my son. I wouldn't dare to lay a finger on him myself. I don't expect everyone to like our Rui Rui, but they definitely can't bully him."
Chen Li Shu returned to the room, took out the medical kit, disinfected Rui Rui's wound with iodine, and then bandaged it.
"Mom, it doesn't hurt," Seeing Chen Li Shu's concern, Rui Rui blinked his big eyes at her. "Mom, you being angry makes me feel bad."
"How can my son be so good?" Chen Li Shu felt an overwhelming warmth. She went up and kissed his cheek. Rui Rui blushed with embarrassment.
Gu Xing Dong watched the mother and son's interaction. After hesitating for a moment, he finally said, "I'll be taking a team south in a few days."
Chen Li Shu was putting away the medical kit. At first, she thought it was just a normal mission and didn't pay much attention. She nodded and stood up, "How long will you be gone?"
"It's uncertain. At least half a year, maybe one or two years."
Going south, one or two years...
"Clatter."
The medical kit in Chen Li Shu's hand dropped to the ground. The medicinal liquids, gauze, and alcohol scattered everywhere.
Gu Xing Dong quickly bent down to pick everything up and put it away. Seeing her somewhat pale face, he smiled and patted her shoulder, "Don't worry, you know your man's capabilities, right? I'll definitely be fine."
"But, but that's the battlefield, where swords and spears have no eyes. What if..." Chen Li Shu couldn't finish her sentence. She dared not think about what she would do if something happened to Gu Xing Dong.
"It won't happen, I promise."
"What's your promise worth!" Her eyes stung. Chen Li Shu blinked quickly to prevent tears from falling.
Emotionally, she desperately wanted to be selfish and even hysterically yell to keep him here, but her reason told her she couldn't! Gu Xing Dong going to war was a mission and his duty as a soldier.
Seeing her struggling to hold back tears, her eyes red and on the verge of crying, Gu Xing Dong's heart ached.
He stepped forward and gently pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on her head and softly saying, "With you and our child, I will surely be fine."
Rui Rui didn't know what was happening, but he keenly felt the wrong atmosphere between his parents. He looked at the embracing couple with a bewildered expression and quietly went to hug Gu Xing Dong's leg.
Although her heart still felt heavy, Chen Li Shu could only try her best to persuade herself to accept it. She was married to an extraordinary person, a soldier, and she had to learn to accept this reality.
So, she sniffled and pulled away from Gu Xing Dong's embrace, "Are you hungry? Let's eat first."
Just then, Wang Jia's eldest son, Wang Yan Hui, came to deliver the pickled radish. After Chen Li Shu thanked him, the family of three sat at the table and quietly began to eat.
"When are you leaving?"
"Next Wednesday."
"So soon? Is there anything you need to prepare?"
"No need. The team has everything. Everything is prepared."
Chen Li Shu nodded, concealing the disappointment in her eyes.
At night, Chen Li Shu stared at the dark ceiling, listening to the steady breathing beside her. Her thoughts were in a turmoil. She was uncharacteristically unable to sleep.
"Can't sleep?" A deep voice suddenly sounded beside her ear. Chen Li Shu turned her head, "Did I wake you up by turning over?"
Gu Xing Dong didn't speak. He extended his arm to embrace her, his hand instinctively patting her gently.
Chen Li Shu couldn't help but smile, "I'm not a child anymore, do I still need you to coax me to sleep?"
"In my heart, you are still a child. Rui Rui is a little child, and you are a big child," Gu Xing Dong kissed her fragrant hair.
Whether it was Gu Xing Dong's method that worked, or if she was simply too tired, Chen Li Shu fell into a deep sleep in his arms not long after.
When she opened her eyes again, it was already bright outside. Rui Rui was sleeping soundly, his limbs splayed, half of his quilt hanging off the foot of the bed, the other half on the floor. Chen Li Shu went over, picked up the quilt, and covered him again.
Outside, 'Da Wang' was anxious to go out, pacing anxiously at the entrance. Seeing Chen Li Shu come out, it immediately meowed twice.
Chen Li Shu opened the door and let it out, then turned to the kitchen to make breakfast.
For breakfast, she steamed small flower rolls and cooked millet porridge. There was a little of the pickled radish from the Wang family left from yesterday, which would be perfect for eating later.
Before long, Rui Rui woke up. After washing up, the mother and son sat at the table together to eat breakfast.
"Knock knock."
The door was suddenly knocked. Chen Li Shu got up. As soon as she opened the door, she saw Jiang Yu Ning's figure appear at the entrance.
"May I come in?" Although it was a question, before Chen Li Shu could speak, she had already bypassed her and walked straight into the room.
This was Jiang Yu Ning's first time visiting Gu Xing Dong's home. She had always been curious about what his living space would be like, and today she finally saw it. Although it was a small two-bedroom apartment of no great size, she had to admit it was very cozy.
The white, clean walls, the spotless cyan cement floor, the tables, chairs, and benches – every piece of furniture was arranged in an orderly fashion. Especially the knitted mats covering them, which showed the hostess's meticulousness and skill everywhere.
Jiang Yu Ning's scrutinizing gaze made Chen Li Shu feel very uncomfortable. She always felt as if she were looking for someone else's presence through these things.
"Had enough?" Chen Li Shu said without politeness, "If you have something to say, just say it. I still have to eat."
Jiang Yu Ning casually sat on a stool, "Do you know that Xing Dong is taking a team south?"
"Xing Dong is not how you should call him, Dr. Jiang. You should have more self-respect."
Seeing her relatively calm expression, Jiang Yu Ning was sure that Gu Xing Dong had already told her about it.
"I have already submitted an application to be the accompanying team doctor for this mission, and the authorities have approved it." Jiang Yu Ning's tone contained unconcealed pride. After all, her professional skills were considered outstanding in the entire industry, so it was expected that the authorities would approve it.
Chen Li Shu remained silent, waiting for her to continue.