Chapter 114: Wang Baoguo Pretending to Be Ill

As soon as the students heard this, they erupted into cheers. Teacher Hu, who taught physical education, looked very stern; just entering the classroom without speaking was enough to intimidate them. But now was different—this young woman seemed gentle in every way.

In today’s language class, Xia Yan did not teach the textbook material. Instead, she told the story of the little tadpoles searching for their mother.

All the children listened with rapt attention. Of course, Xia Yan made sure to highlight some beautiful words and phrases while telling the story.

This new teaching method was so engaging that even after the bell rang, the children clamored for Xia Yan to continue.

“Class, the teacher still has to teach third grade next, so we will continue the story in tomorrow’s language lesson...” she said.

After school, all the children excitedly told their families about the new teacher who had come today. Everyone was thrilled.

When Xia Yan arrived home, she noticed smoke rising from the chimney.

“Why are you home so early today?”

Xia Yan wrapped her arms around Lin You from behind.

Lin You caught a whiff of her fragrance and heard her tired voice: “Was work tiring today?”

“Not really. Being with the kids is quite enjoyable.”

“That’s good. There wasn’t much going on at the unit today, so I came home early.”

Not much going on at the unit? She remembered Lin You saying that there was a lot of new recruit training this morning. Why was he saying otherwise now? Xia Yan tiptoed in front of him and looked into his handsome face. “Really? I thought you came home early just for me.”

Caught in his lie, Lin You paused mid-chop. “You’re too smart.”

“Hmph, I can always see through your little tricks. And you even tried to make excuses. Do you know your lies are obvious at a glance?”

“Enough. Leave the kitchen to me.”

As she spoke, Xia Yan took off her coat, tied on an apron, washed her hands, and took the knife from Lin You.

Lin You glanced outside the kitchen window, seeing Nuan Nuan playing with Lin Hongzhuo. He decided to stay inside and help Xia Yan cook instead of going out. This was a rare moment of “alone time” for the young couple at home.

Though Lin You’s tall frame made the kitchen feel cramped, Xia Yan was reluctant to send him out. Cooking was tedious enough; having someone to keep her company was nice.

Lin You occasionally helped with whatever tasks he could, and they resumed chatting about Xia Yan’s day. “Your first day teaching—did anything feel off?”

“No, most of the kids were well-behaved.”

“Most?”

Lin You raised an eyebrow. “What about the rest? Were they unruly?”

“I’m telling you, some of the naughty kids still need to be disciplined properly.”

Xia Yan gave him a sideways glance. “Corporal punishment isn’t acceptable. What if it causes psychological trauma? We have to teach scientifically—like talking to the child’s parents first.”

“Fine. I’ll come with you then,” Lin You said seriously. If his wife was unhappy, he’d go have a word with the parents himself.

Xia Yan put down the knife. “Who exactly are you going to see?”

“Huh?”

Lin You repeated, thinking she hadn’t understood. “The parents of the naughty kid.”

Xia Yan looked at him earnestly. “I’m already talking with the child’s parents.”

Lin You was stunned. At first, he hadn’t grasped her meaning, but then he understood. With a quick stride, he left the kitchen. “Lin Hongzhuo, come here!”

After a stern talk, Lin Hongzhuo slumped away to the kitchen to report to Xia Yan.

But he was soon pulled out again for another lesson. Of course, Lin You didn’t actually punish him. Lin Hongzhuo had been mischievous simply because he was so happy to see Xia Yan as a teacher.

Lin You only scolded him verbally and let him off.

Xia Yan looked at the nearly finished dishes in the pot and said to Lin You, “It’s a bit cold today. Let’s eat on the kang.”

Since the heated kang bed was finished, the family preferred to eat there. It was warm, and the food stayed hot longer.

“Lin You, your parents should be on the train by now, right?”

“The last time I called, they said they were taking today’s train. They must be on board now.” Lin You took a sip of wine. He found that whenever he came home to eat, he couldn’t help but drink a little. Xia Yan’s cooking was just that satisfying.

Sometimes Xia Yan would join him. “When they arrive, we’ll go pick them up and help clean the house down the mountain.”

“All right.”

***

Meanwhile, at the medical station, Wang Baoguo lay on the hospital bed, looking utterly helpless.

After some examination, Zhu Yan had discovered something suspicious—this guy wasn’t really sick at all. He was faking it. “Regimental Instructor Wang, I can’t treat your illness.”

This was already the third time Wang Baoguo had come.

“How could that be? Is my condition serious? Doctor Zhu, please save me! I’m still young and haven’t married yet.”

At that moment, another female doctor entered—the internal medicine specialist Liu Xiaohong, who had been transferred from the military district after Zhang Jun ran off. Originally, a male doctor was supposed to come, but Zhu Yan sent him back, insisting on a female doctor.

Liu Xiaohong had her hands in her pockets. “Doctor Zhu, you called for me?”

“Doctor Liu, you finally came. Regimental Instructor Wang isn’t feeling well, and I can’t help him. Please take a look.”

Zhu Yan pulled Liu Xiaohong over. Liu Xiaohong looked at Wang Baoguo lying on the bed. She had been the one to give him his physical exam when he first arrived at the base.

“Regimental Instructor Wang feeling unwell? That can’t be. I just examined him a few days ago, and he was perfectly healthy.”

Liu Xiaohong approached the bed. “Regimental Instructor Wang, where do you feel uncomfortable?”

“Uh... just chest tightness,” Wang Baoguo stammered.

“Chest tightness?”

Liu Xiaohong took out her stethoscope and listened. “Nothing wrong here. Your heartbeat is regular. Anywhere else bothering you?”

She noticed Wang Baoguo sneaking glances at Zhu Yan from time to time. That look was all too familiar—it was the same look her boyfriend had when he was courting her.

“Regimental Instructor Wang, I think this is a heart ailment—you need targeted treatment.”

She turned to Zhu Yan. “Doctor Zhu, only you can treat this illness. I can’t.”

Hearing this, Wang Baoguo gave Liu Xiaohong a thumbs-up.

Zhu Yan glared at him. “Get up right now!”

Liu Xiaohong smiled and tactfully left the ward.

“Wang Baoguo, what do you mean by this? I already gave you face twice before, and now you come a third time!”

“Doctor Zhu, I... I just want to spend more time with you.”