CHAPTER 164: 158 COMPANY COMMANDER (3083 CHARACTERS)_2

He sat up and habitually felt around the sides of his pants. No cigarettes. Of course—he’d forgotten he was still in the middle of a mission and couldn’t carry such things.

"Captain Jiang." A young soldier in uniform came over carrying a boxed meal. The area was impoverished, and the soldiers’ food consisted of rice with a few small dishes and several pieces of energy-boosting meat.

"Everyone ate earlier. Only you haven’t. Please eat something. This is the dinner Major Lu specifically set aside for you."

"Mm." Jiang Jinghuai reached out and took the meal. His voice, initially mild, suddenly sank, settling into something impenetrable: "Leave the food. You can go now."

The young soldier shivered slightly. No wonder there were rumors that Captain Jiang and Major Lu didn’t get along—apparently they were true. That icy tone could chill a man to the bone. Word had it that this promotion cycle should’ve been Captain Jiang’s turn, but because of some obscure trouble at his home, though evidence was inconclusive, it still affected the result. As a consequence, the title was handed to then-Captain Lu instead.

Jiang Jinghuai’s stony gaze rested on the boxed meal. He picked up his chopsticks, scooped up some rice, and chewed it slowly in his mouth. Bite by deliberate bite, steady and resolute.

"Li Qiong’er, hurry up. They’re catching up to us. Is your foot alright?"

"I... I can’t run anymore."

"Lu Chi, carry her. She can’t keep moving."

"No—no need."

"Quit being so timid, your legs are shaking like crazy. Brother, Lu Chi’s useless... you carry her instead."

"Mm."

"Jiaqi!"

"I got shot in the foot. I can’t go any further. You all go ahead."

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

"Jinghuai, what do we do? They’re catching up! They’ve captured Jiaqi! What do we do? Am I going to die? Why are they chasing us?"

"Lu Chi, stop crying! You and Qiong’er go ahead. I’ll draw them away. Otherwise, all three of us are done for! Use the time I buy to get moving—my dad, my grandfather, your dad, they’re over that way. Get them to rescue Jiaqi! Remember, hurry! If you delay, Jiaqi will be in even greater danger!"

"Qiong’er, did you see Jinghuai and Jiaqi? Did anyone get captured? If no one did, then we don’t need to hold back anymore."

"Jiaqi... she got shot. Jinghuai ran off to hide somewhere. Uncle Lu, Uncle Jiang, Grandpa Jiang, Lu Chi fainted, please save him!"

"What? Jiaqi... my daughter!"

"We need to retreat—there’s no time left. Jinghuai’s resourceful. Let’s leave a few soldiers here to search. The enemy came well-prepared. Without reinforcements, we’re only wasting lives here."

Jiang Jinghuai raised his bloodshot eyes to the night sky, though his dry gaze refused to produce any tears. The vast firmament, scattered with stars, suddenly saw a meteor streak down in a precipitous fall...

Suddenly, his hand twitched, and a chopstick darted from his grasp like a sword slicing through the air.

A grunt of pain came from the intruder, who patted their trouser leg before looking at him with easygoing warmth: "Jinghuai, you’re still so vigilant. It’s me."

Jiang Jinghuai placed the boxed meal on the ground and stood, his eyes deep as the sea. He did not glance at Lu Chi beside him but simply said, without much care, "What’s the matter."

"Your mother called. Seems like something serious. I answered for you; go take the call."

Jiang Jinghuai slowly walked forward.

"By the way." Lu Chi chuckled behind him. "Qiong’er’s pregnant. I’m going to be a dad. Look at us, same age group—you should hurry up too."

Jiang Jinghuai halted abruptly, his voice as chilling as ice: "Do you think talking to me about her will keep your child from being born?"

Lu Chi froze in place, stunned. "All these years, I thought... you’d let it go."

"As long as some people are still alive, I’ll never forget."

"What happened back then was my fault. I was weak, I was cowardly. It had nothing to do with Qiong’er. Our child is innocent. You can hate me, but don’t take it out on the child." Lu Chi’s gaze turned dark.

"You give me too much credit. I’m not like you people." Jiang Jinghuai shot him an icy glare, his lips curving faintly: "Do you know how I feel every time I see you all these years?"

"What—what is it?"

"Disgust." He threw out the word, then strode purposefully toward camp.

Lu Chi clenched his fists tightly, his body stiffened to a crisp stance. Suddenly, he angrily kicked the boxed meal, sending it sprawling across the ground.

He lifted his gaze to the night sky, silent tears streaming down his face. "Jiaqi... how long are you going to torment me? Jiaqi... are you human or ghost? If you’re alive, where are you? I’m married now. If you’re dead, I visit your grave every year to leave flowers. Why won’t you show yourself? If you want to hit me or scold me, at least come find me!"

Jiang Jinghuai walked into camp and picked up the sole phone there. His voice was hoarse as he murmured, "Mom."

The cool breeze stirred within the camp, flickering firelight trembling. The voice from the other end of the call was inaudible; only Jiang Jinghuai’s quiet voice could be heard.

"Mom, I’m not by your side for now—please take good care of yourself. I’m fine... just can’t come home yet."

"Remember to take your medicine. Grandpa still needs your care."

"Wenxiu... let’s forget her."

"You still have a daughter—Jiaqi. And you still have me. Mom, it’ll get better. I hope you get better. Don’t be like Jiaqi... and leave me."

"Today, I heard a song on the radio. Mom, you should listen to it too. It’s a good song. Get Dad to grab your radio. Tune it to... Yes, it’s called ’Daybreak.’"

"I understand. This time, I’ll listen to whatever you say when I get back."

"Still waiting for you to pick a wife for me... Fine, I’ll definitely have a son. Whichever kind you like, I’ll have one just to keep you company."

"..."

The call wasn’t particularly long nor short.

Two locations, two moments of reflection. Two hearts weighed down by their own thoughts.