Chapter 14: Zhou Shiyan Comes from the Capital

Chapter 14: Zhou Shiyan Comes from the Capital

After Meng Youyou left, the remaining two men were like a long-blocked dam finally bursting open, engaging in a non-stop discussion.

To be precise, it was a non-stop... whispered discussion.

Zhang Yong was still filled with doubts: "How does Translator Meng remember even which seat the Battalion Commander sat in on which day so clearly? But why is the Battalion Commander so attentive to her as well? Could they be in love? But it doesn't look like it from the situation?"

Zhong Heng was practically frustrated by his lack of perception: "You can't even see this? You're so dense. The answer is staring you right in the face."

He then began to analyze the situation with great authority: "Translator Meng's abnormal behavior is far too obvious; it's a settled fact that she likes our Battalion Commander. As for the Commander's side, that's harder to say. I reckon... the Commander's sensitivity and insight are already the strongest among us. Since Translator Meng stares at him every day, he must have noticed. He's probably just performing a bit of 'counter-reconnaissance' on the side."

Zhang Yong had an epiphany and quickly offered his agreement: "You're right. Even we can notice Translator Meng's abnormality. The Commander's vigilance is so high, and his reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance skills are top-tier; there's no way he's unaware."

Zhong Heng gave timely and appropriate praise: "My one-on-one cultivation hasn't gone to waste; you're finally catching on."

Zhang Yong's "Ten Thousand Whys" persona remained unshaken as he continued to seek guidance humbly: "Then can you tell if the Commander has any feelings for Translator Meng?"

Zhong Heng propped up his chin, pondered for a moment, rubbed his nose in a profound manner, and then confidently stated his deduction: "The Commander most likely has no interest in Translator Meng. While eating just now, he repeatedly pointed out the flaws in her words and actions; he was likely hinting at it."

The more Zhang Yong listened, the more confused he became: "Hinting? Hinting at what? I don't understand what you're saying."

"To put it simply, the Commander is tactfully telling Translator Meng: 'I see your little maneuvers loud and clear. Don't think I don't know, but you should give up on that idea and stop doing this in the future.'"

*

Having had a run of bad luck, Meng Youyou vented her resentment on Doudou the moment she returned to her room, suddenly snapping, "It's all your fault!"

Doudou was stunned by the sudden blame. *Your servant is wronged!* it cried, quickly defending itself: [How can this be my fault? I warned you long ago that the protection targets are generally brave, resourceful, and very intelligent. Otherwise, did you think the Battalion Commander would be so easy to deal with in this era? How could this mission be so easy to complete? How can you expect everything to go exactly as you planned, smooth sailing all the way?]

In her agitated state, Meng Youyou continued to complain: "Why isn't it your fault? In those period novels I read, once the female protagonist transmigrates, she immediately knows the character backgrounds, psychological motivations, and future plot developments of the world she's in.

But me? The system I encountered is completely unreliable. It broke down right at the start, and my ignorance is what led to this terrible relationship with my protection target. Tell me, don't you bear some responsibility?]

Feeling somewhat guilty, Doudou compromised: [Then how do you want me to compensate you?]

Seeing that her goal was within reach, Meng Youyou stopped pretending and said with a beaming smile, "It's simple. Tell me the subsequent plot developments. With a predictive perspective, I'll have a better idea of what to expect, allowing me to prepare in advance and deal with things as they come."

Doudou refused sternly: [That is impossible!]

Meng Youyou frowned in displeasure: "Why? Don't you want me to complete the mission faster?"

Doudou sighed and confessed directly: [I'll tell you the truth. During the last upgrade of the Munda System, in order to implement standardized management, strict restrictions were placed on the 'cheat' permissions of us system stewards. I currently do not have the authority to preview future plots. The information I can give you is already everything I possess within the rules; I don't know anything more.]

Meng Youyou was extremely disdainful: "Since you don't have any useful permissions, how else can you compensate me?"

Doudou's eyes lit up, and it began actively pitching the Munda System's newly developed... uh... beta test version of the "Alarm Function": [This function is somewhat equivalent to having half a cheat! It can trigger an alarm for you at critical junctures when the protection target develops a romantic connection with a high-risk individual. That way, you won't have to stare at him every second like a stalker!]

Doudou used every trick in the book to hype up this "Alarm Function" until Meng Youyou was left in a daze, eventually agreeing to the installation in her confusion.

...

Zhou Shiyan arrived at Fanzhou Railway Station at three in the afternoon, and Huo Qingshan went to pick him up.

The two brothers had not seen each other for a long time, so Zhou Shiyan was very talkative, constantly recounting the changes in the capital over the past two years, as well as various people and events.

Though Huo Qingshan did not say much, he listened patiently, occasionally chiming in.

"How are your grandparents' health?"

Zhou Shiyan slapped his forehead, realizing belatedly, "Right, how could I forget that? Old Man Huo is in great health. After all, he was used to fighting enemies in his youth, and even now that he's older, he hasn't neglected his exercise; he's quite robust. As for Grandma, you know she's always had some old ailments; her leg joints ache terribly in the winter, sometimes making it hard for her to walk. She often mentions you too, asking why her grandson hasn't come back to visit this year."

While keeping an eye on Huo Qingshan's expression, Zhou Shiyan asked tentatively, "So, for the sake of the two elders, why don't you come back to the capital for Chinese New Year this year? You haven't spent New Year with them for several years."

Huo Qingshan's gaze remained steady as he stared ahead, brushing him off with a businesslike tone: "I'll find time to visit them when I'm free. As for the New Year period, it depends on the specific schedule of the military. There are too many uncertainties; we'll see when the time comes."

Seeing this, Zhou Shiyan let out an almost imperceptible sigh.

However, he quickly picked up the conversation again. He pulled a small, exquisite white tube from his carry-on bag—about the length of a cigarette—with the large words "KeloCote" printed on the front, and placed it on the center console.

"I bought it according to your requirements. I asked a professional, and they said this ointment is the most effective for the condition you described. It's an imported scar gel; it was actually quite hard to find."

Huo Qingshan merely glanced at the tube and spoke softly: "Thanks. I'll treat you to a meal before I head back this time."

Zhou Shiyan waved it off: "Don't be so polite with me. But you wouldn't be buying this for yourself, would you?" He patted the other man's shoulder and laughed, "Most likely bought it for a girl. What's the deal? Do you have someone in your heart? I'd say you've finally grown up, kid."

"Don't guess blindly. It's nothing. I bought it to use as an apology." Huo Qingshan's tone was flat, devoid of any extra emotion.

(End of Chapter)