CHAPTER 268: CHAPTER 228

Mo Junhua was heading to the farm, and it was uncertain when he would return. Lan Tian couldn’t leave just yet, at least not in front of Chunhua. Now was a time of trouble for Mo Junhua, and if she left him behind, Chunhua would go complain to Grandma Sun and the others, accusing her of being cold-hearted and merciless. When she returned, Grandma Sun would criticize her. Therefore, she had to go to the farm with Mo Junhua, and then from there to Wuhua Mountain.

Chunhua had recovered for over a week, her health improved greatly, her little cheeks rosy and vibrant as she romped outside every day. With Mo Junhua transferring away, Chunhua wouldn’t be able to come to the camp in the future, so Mo Junhua planned to take her back to the hospital tomorrow.

Chunhua still remembered what Mo Junhua had said before and brought Zhao Li over in the evening for Mo Junhua to meet. Mo Junhua showed no emotion upon seeing Zhao Li; he had not yet settled the score with this lad for eloping with his sister.

On his way over, Zhao Li had prepared himself countless times, contemplating how he should act and speak in front of the battalion commander. However, when he saw Mo Junhua, he nervously saluted and then smiled ingratiatingly, "Battalion Commander."

His foolish appearance was unbearable to witness; Chunhua closed her eyes and headed for the kitchen, out of sight, out of mind, letting whatever happens happen.

Lan Tian found it amusing and poured him a cup of tea, then gestured towards the sofa opposite, "Have a seat, Zhao Li. Today, there’s no battalion commander, no company commander here, just Chunhua’s brother and Chunhua’s suitor. You talk; I’ll go help in the kitchen." It’s better for men to resolve men’s matters.

Zhao Li drank a glass of water and thought it over—better a short pain than a long one, best to face death and move on. In any case, he wouldn’t give up on Chunhua, even if it meant defying the respected battalion commander. With this in mind, he gradually relaxed and looked at Mo Junhua without as much tension.

"You need to think carefully. I’m being transferred soon, and I won’t be the battalion commander of the artillery third battalion anymore. My reputation won’t be good. Marrying Chunhua, you’ll also face the pressure of people gossiping behind your back. Do you still want to marry her?"

The kitchen door was slightly ajar, and both Chunhua and Lan Tian were eavesdropping by the door. Hearing Mo Junhua’s words, Chunhua became visibly nervous, holding her breath with a fine sweat on her forehead; Lan Tian was genuinely worried she might suffocate.

"Battalion Commander, I like Chunhua, not because of you. I like her as a person. I won’t give her up because of your position, nor will I because of others’ gossip. I’ve set my mind on her for this life. Big brother, please bless Chunhua’s marriage to me." Zhao Li had mustered all his courage to call him ’big brother.’ After shouting, he hugged his head, bracing for the battalion commander’s punch. But when the punch didn’t come after a while, he secretly opened his eyes and saw a trace of satisfaction on the battalion commander’s face, which quickly faded.

Zhao Li was startled—the battalion commander actually smiled. He couldn’t have encountered an impostor, could he? Looking up again, it was still that unassuming face.

"Since you’ve already decided, go back to Mo Village with Chunhua one of these days. You’ll need to discuss Chunhua’s marriage with Mom and Dad."

This was an approval.

Zhao Li was so happy that he impulsively ran over and hugged Mo Junhua, following through on the momentum, "Big brother, you’re really great. I’ll listen to you and discuss it with our parents when I get back."

Hearing Zhao Li’s response from the kitchen, Chunhua broke into a delighted smile, then turned to see Lan Tian’s smirk and shyly lowered her head, quietly going about her work.

Zhao Li stayed for dinner, and all the evening dishes were cooked by Chunhua. Lan Tian only helped pick vegetables; Chunhua didn’t need her assistance with the rest. Chunhua kept sneaking glances at Zhao Li and then shyly lowered her gaze. Zhao Li spent the night chuckling foolishly at Chunhua, nearly stuffing rice up his nose multiple times.

It was the first time Lan Tian saw Chunhua struck by the throes of young love, feeling like her well-cultivated cabbage had been rooted up by a silly pig. Suddenly she found everything about Zhao Li irritating.

Chunhua and Zhao Li’s relationship was now officially established, planning to return to Mo Jun Village in a couple of days. Zhao Li still had a few days of leave, enough time for a round trip. Zhao Li’s parents had died early, and he grew up with his Grandpa, who had passed away years ago, leaving barely anyone at home.

Tomorrow would be Mo Junhua’s last day with the third battalion.

After eating breakfast in the morning, Mo Junhua packed his things, and Lan Tian packed away her bottles and jars, as well as the peach wood furniture, reverting them to the furnishings Mo Junhua had originally bought, and gave the TV and tape recorder to Zhao Li as well.

Having fallen for Chunhua, Zhao Li secretly applied for a family apartment two years ago. When Chunhua worried about how to move these items, Zhao Li spoke up, saying he had an apartment on the fourth floor.