Lin Xiaoxiao could hear the hint of loss in Zhou Huai'an's tone, and she understood. Their youth had been spent in fervor and passion; loyalty was etched into their very bones.

Being unable to fiercely protect their country would make them feel without worth.

Lin Zihao pondered for a moment. "Don't worry, you'll have your chance."

Zhou Huai'an glanced at Lin Xiaoxiao. "Get ready, we're going to eat. They should already be at the restaurant."

Lin Xiaoxiao obediently washed her face. Though her clothes were somewhat worn, they were still presentable. She followed Zhou Huai'an and Lin Zihao to a state-run cafeteria not far away.

When they arrived, two men around Zhou Huai'an's age were already seated by the window. The tall and thin one was Li Changhua; the shorter, round-faced and good-natured-looking one was Long Youzhi.

Both were Zhou Huai'an's former comrades. These two were still in active service and had stopped by Longbei to see Zhou Huai'an while passing through.

Li Changhua and Long Youzhi stood up and saluted Lin Xiaoxiao, boisterously greeting her with a "Hello, sister-in-law!" which gave her a start—their voices were so loud it was like they were shouting a slogan.

Lin Xiaoxiao quickly responded with a smile, "Hello, nice to meet you."

After Zhou Huai'an briefly introduced them, he motioned for everyone to sit. "No need to stand on ceremony, we're all family here."

As soon as he sat down, Long Youzhi began asking, "Captain, what happened to your leg? Is it serious? When Changhua and I heard you were injured, we changed our route to come see you.

But we have to leave again tonight."

Li Changhua also expressed regret. "Time is too tight. We have to rush to the new deployment.

Once we return safely, we must all get together properly."

Lin Xiaoxiao's eyebrow twitched. So these two were also heading to the front lines.

It seemed the situation there was really tense.

Zhou Huai'an nodded. "Stay safe, all of you. I'll be waiting for you in Longbei."

Lin Zihao patted Zhou Huai'an's shoulder. "Don't worry, everyone will return safe and sound."

Lin Xiaoxiao tactfully went to order dishes and brought back several pounds of bulk baijiu, having already paid the bill in advance.

Long Youzhi stared at the table full of food—chicken, fish, braised pork—rubbing his hands excitedly. "This meal... it's the best I've ever had in my life. Captain, you really shouldn't have."

Lin Zihao smacked him lightly on the back of the head. "You're still young, don't talk about your whole life yet. This is only the beginning."

Long Youzhi hurriedly nodded. "Right, right! When we return from rotation, we have to share a proper drink. Though by then, the Captain and sister-in-law will probably have a kid old enough to run errands."

Li Changhua was more optimistic. "It won't take that long. Besides, I heard we're being sent straight to the front this time. Captain, I'll do my best to earn merits and come back with honors."

Zhou Huai'an was silent for a moment. "Just come back safely."

The four chatted about old times and shared some military matters. Lin Xiaoxiao sat quietly listening, inwardly marveling at how pure people of this era were—their beliefs were ingrained deep in their bones.

She could also sense Zhou Huai'an's subdued mood. After the meal, Lin Zihao, Li Changhua, and Long Youzhi left together. She supported Zhou Huai'an on their way home.

After some thought, Lin Xiaoxiao asked, "Did you retire because of your injury?"

Zhou Huai'an shook his head. "No."

Curious, she pressed, "Then why? It seems like you really loved it."

After a moment of silence, he replied, "I can't snipe anymore."

Lin Xiaoxiao gasped softly, looking at him with admiration. "You were a sniper?"

Zhou Huai'an nodded. "Yes."

She gave a thumbs-up. "That's really impressive. But you're still remarkable now. Many people would kill to get into your unit. You love studying so much—I'm sure you'll shine in another field."

Zhou Huai'an simply glanced at her. He still had unfinished business—he hadn't yet avenged his fallen brothers.

On their way back, as they passed the hospital gate, the guard at the reception saw Lin Xiaoxiao and hurriedly pushed open the window, calling out, "Xiao Lin! There's a letter for you!"

Seeing how excited the old man was, waving and calling her over, Lin Xiaoxiao asked Zhou Huai'an to wait while she ran to get it.

When she reached him, the guard whispered mysteriously, "It's a money order. I didn't want others to hear, so make sure you keep it safe."

Lin Xiaoxiao hadn't expected the translation fee to arrive so quickly. Though it wasn't much, it was the first money she'd earned in this world. Beaming, she thanked him, "Thank you, uncle! That was very thoughtful of you."

The old man waved it off. "Go on. If more come in the future, I'll keep them hidden for you too."

Lin Xiaoxiao found the old man quite endearing. Smiling her thanks, she tucked the money order into her pocket. She couldn't let Zhou Huai'an find out about this yet.

If he asked how she knew medicine, she could say she learned from Elder Cheng. But if he asked how she knew English, what could she possibly say?

Little did she know that Zhou Huai'an had already discovered her secret and had covered for her more than once.

In high spirits, she returned to Zhou Huai'an. "Tomorrow noon, wait for me to come back and cook. I'll make you something delicious."

Zhou Huai'an glanced at her. She'd only gone to get a letter, yet she came back radiant, her joy infectious. "Before they left, they slipped some money and food tickets under the bedding. I put it aside to return to them next time they visit."

Lin Xiaoxiao paused, realizing he meant Li Yunlan and Zhou Xiaohong. Stuffing money under the mattress sounded like something Li Yunlan would do. She agreed with Zhou Huai'an's decision. "Good. We shouldn't take that money."

Then she continued, gently trying to persuade him, "You know, your birth mother has had a hard time. What happened back then wasn't her fault. How could she have known some people could be worse than animals?"

Zhou Huai'an stayed silent, quietly keeping pace with her. He heard every word, but didn't know how to respond. Having never experienced motherly love, he felt out of his depth.

Lin Xiaoxiao comfortingly patted his arm. "It's okay, these things take time. Come on, let's hurry home. I'll give you a massage."

She grinned, her eyes curving like crescent moons. Teasing Zhou Huai'an was one of her daily joys.

Zhou Huai'an yielded with a mix of helplessness and cooperation. Once home, he sat obediently on the bed and let Lin Xiaoxiao massage him.

As she worked, she asked curiously, "Have you and Lin Zihao known each other long?"

"He was my platoon leader when I was a new recruit."

Lin Xiaoxiao's eyes widened. "Wow, that must be over ten years then. You all have such a strong bond. Where is Lin Zihao from?"

Zhou Huai'an knew she hadn't given up on matchmaking for Zhou Xiaoling. "Shanghai. Xiaoling isn't right for him."

Lin Xiaoxiao found that strange. "How would you know without them even spending time together? Is Lin Zihao some kind of playboy?"

Zhou Huai'an shook his head. "It's not that."

Lin Xiaoxiao pressed a little harder. "Then it's fine. People probably thought we weren't right for each other too, and aren't we doing okay?"

Zhou Huai'an fell silent. Were they really doing okay?