Chapter 88: Misunderstanding

Chapter 88: Misunderstanding

The office door opened, interrupting Ye Xiaoxiao’s thoughts.

Duan Lei and Xu Jianli appeared before Ye Xiaoxiao.

It’s them.

Duan Lei was upset, "Xiao Xiao, you actually got into Peking University. Why didn’t you come back to the compound to find us?"

Ye Xiaoxiao looked at Tao Yannan.

"Take your time chatting."

After saying that, Tao Yannan considerately closed the door.

Ye Xiaoxiao: "I’m busy with military training."

Duan Lei cast a disapproving look: "You could’ve at least called. You’re avoiding us on purpose."

Although Duan Lei couldn’t quite figure out why Ye Xiaoxiao seemed like a different person after going to Baishi Village, he would definitely stand firmly by her side.

Ye Xiaoxiao stayed quiet.

He was right, she was indeed doing it on purpose, but facing Duan Lei’s questioning, she spoke with unwavering resolve.

"No, I’ll come back to the compound when I’m free."

Xu Jianli changed the subject: "Congrats on getting into Peking University, Sister Xiaoxiao."

Duan Lei: "Yeah, I didn’t expect you to improve your studies after going to that dump."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "..."

Xu Jianli took out a bag of things: "Sister Xiaoxiao, we brought you some stuff."

Ye Xiaoxiao sighed, "Thanks, but I might not need these since training’s halfway over."

Xu Jianli: "It’s all snacks, Sister Xiaoxiao. Share them with your classmates."

Ye Xiaoxiao then took it, "Alright, thanks."

Xu Jianli smiled: "We’ll let you get back to training. We’ll catch up after you’re back at school."

Xu Jianli’s words were smooth, Ye Xiaoxiao couldn’t refuse.

Plus, with Duan Lei watching her, these two had already figured out her school and class, so there was no point in hiding.

"Alright."

Ye Xiaoxiao nodded.

Duan Lei’s mood visibly lifted, "Xiao Xiao, remember to come by my place. In two months, I might be out of Beijing."

Ye Xiaoxiao stared at him, Duan Lei spoke reluctantly, "Even though I promised to study hard, I’m just not cut out for studying. My dad is sending me to the army."

This was also a good path, at least it gave Duan Lei a chance to stay away from conflicts. By the time he returned after a few years in the army, things would’ve already changed by then.

Ye Xiaoxiao smiled warmly, "That’s great, the opportunity to join the army is precious."

Duan Lei felt encouraged by her smile. "I will definitely work hard."

They chatted for about twenty minutes before Duan Lei and Xu Jianli left.

Ye Xiaoxiao came back to the dorm with the stuff and faced her roommates' curious looks.

"Xiao Xiao, who sent you these?" Xia Li asked carefully.

She was curious about their earlier argument but couldn't ask directly.

"My two younger brothers came to see me after finding out I was here for training."

Ye Xiaoxiao didn't ask how they found her or how they got into the military base; kids from the compound always had connections.

She opened the bag to find some famous Beijing pastries.

"Want to try some?"

Ye Xiaoxiao shared the items with her roommates.

Everyone but Li Meiru came over and took a piece.

Ye Xiaoxiao sensed the odd vibe in the dorm and glanced at Li Meiru, who awkwardly turned away and pretended to be tired as she climbed into bed.

Ye Xiaoxiao looked at the others, and the atmosphere grew even stranger.

He Jing said awkwardly, "We're all beat, let's turn in early."

Evening training was canceled because of the day's hard work, and they didn't want to waste the time.

Ye Xiaoxiao didn't press further, packed up her things, and went to rest.

The next day, military training continued.

Ye Xiaoxiao's arms and legs were really sore.

Li Meiru didn't talk to her that day either.

During the break, He Jing filled Ye Xiaoxiao in on what happened yesterday.

Ye Xiaoxiao admitted openly, "I do have friends in the military. Is that why Li Meiru's mad at me?"

He Jing sighed, "I don't know what she's thinking, maybe she still can't get over the last incident."

Ye Xiaoxiao frowned beautifully, lowering her eyes to think.

"Then let her think about it slowly."

He Jing had come to patch things up between them but didn't expect Ye Xiaoxiao to stand her ground, so she swallowed the rest of her words.

Ye Xiaoxiao was focused on getting through training.

She ignored Li Meiru.

In the last three days, training wrapped up, mostly just repeating what they'd done before.

Before they knew it, time flew by, and on the day before leaving, the students and the instructor sat on the training ground singing, with young voices all around.

"Wuwuwu... I'm really going to miss this place."

When the group disbanded, Xia Li came over, sniffling.

Ye Xiaoxiao: "..."

The person of legend was right next to her, and she didn’t know how to comfort her.

Xia Li opened her teary eyes, "Don’t you feel it too?"

Ye Xiaoxiao gave her a playful push, "I just want to get back to school, start classes, and learn new stuff."

Xia Li: "...You’re so heartless."

"Quit being so dramatic. If you want to stay here, you can apply to stay by yourself," Tang Xiuxiu ruthlessly interrupted Xia Li’s dramatic outburst.

Xia Li immediately wiped away her tears, "Never mind, then."

On the last day, the morning featured a military training wrap-up and a parade, and in the afternoon, the students were sent on their way.

When leaving, many students, Xia Li included, were teary-eyed and reluctant to leave, but this experience had to end. All good things must come to an end, and a new life awaited them.

...

With the mission successfully completed, the military could finally breathe easy.

Li Changying called Lu Hanchuan to his office.

Lu Hanchuan: "Commander, did you summon me for a special mission?"

Li Changying took out a letter and threw it on the table, "Mission? Just read this first."

Lu Hanchuan unfolded the letter, and after reading its contents, he smiled.

"An anonymous tip?"

Li Changying: "Care to explain?"

Lu Hanchuan returned the letter to the commander, "Nothing to explain. Yes, one of the trainees is my girlfriend. Don’t give me that look; she’s the one I’m bringing home to meet the folks."

Li Changying: "Since when? Why the secrecy?"

Lu Hanchuan touched his nose, "It’s personal. I don’t have to report every detail, do I?"

Li Changying glared, almost slamming the table, "What’s so private? Remember, I’ll have to sign off on your marriage papers."

Lu Hanchuan chuckled, "Not yet."

Li Changying: "..."

"Get out of here, and don’t pull this again. Luckily, the complaint only reached me and came in near the end of training. If it had been two days earlier, what would others think?"

Lu Hanchuan stood at attention and saluted, "Thank you, Commander."

After saying that, he turned and left the office.

As soon as he walked out, Lu Hanchuan’s smile vanished, his eyes turning cold.