Chapter 296: Leaving the Northwest

Chapter 296 Departing the Northwest

Ten days later, Lu Hanchuan was finally allowed to venture further.

Then he left the base and went to the army command to meet the commander.

Ye Xiaoxiao: "..."

She had allowed him to move around, but not to go that far away.

But this was official business and couldn’t be delayed.

Ye Xiaoxiao decided to have words with him tomorrow.

...

By May, Lu Hanchuan had completed his duties, and even the size of the base garrison had been reduced.

Lu Hanchuan was recognized for his service and promoted from lieutenant colonel to colonel.

Others also received varying levels of commendation.

Meanwhile, Ye Xiaoxiao had obtained her internship completion form from the school—all that was left was for Head Zhao to sign it and affix the clinic's official stamp.

Ye Xiaoxiao handed the form to Zhao Chunhua.

He put on his glasses and examined it thoroughly.

"How time flies. Dr. Ye will soon be leaving the base," he said.

"Yes, I didn’t expect it to pass so quickly either," she replied.

Zhao Chunhua was reluctant to see her go. During her time at the base, the clinic had undergone significant changes.

But he also knew she was pursuing better opportunities.

He quickly completed the entire internship form and affixed the clinic’s official stamp.

"When are you leaving?" Zhao Chunhua asked.

There was no strict deadline for the internship, as long as she returned before June.

Some students couldn’t obtain their internship certificates quickly due to issues with their assigned institution, so a delay wasn’t a problem.

Though Ye Xiaoxiao received her form late, the paperwork went quickly.

In less than half an hour, her internship was formally completed.

"Likely within the next few days. I’ll leave with Lu Hanchuan," she said.

"I'll wish you safe travels in advance," Zhao Chunhua said.

"Thank you, Head Zhao," she said.

The weather had grown warmer now. Ye Xiaoxiao packed her belongings and could have gone back to her own quarters, but she couldn’t be bothered.

Li Zhen also knew she was leaving and was reluctant to see her go.

"If you ever want to move on from here, look me up at Rende Pharmacy in the capital," she added.

Other places might relocate or shut down, but you can definitely find her at Rende Pharmacy.

Even if you can't find her, the people there will look out for you once they hear you're her friend.

Li Zhen: "Once I finish repairing the well, I’ll come to Beijing to see you."

Li Zhen had saved up money before, but it hadn’t been used.

She wanted to give the money to Ye Xiaoxiao, but Ye Xiaoxiao refused.

Now, her nest egg could cover her living expenses in Beijing for a while.

At the same time, Li Zhen, who suddenly felt free of burdens, was also at a loss.

"Keep practicing the medical skills I taught you. If there’s anything you don’t understand, send me a letter."

Li Zhen’s skills had improved, and she would work more competently at the clinic.

But Ye Xiaoxiao still hoped she could keep improving herself.

Li Zhen: "I know. You’d better not forget me either."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Not a chance."

When Ye Xiaoxiao first arrived, she didn’t have much, but now she couldn’t haul all the extras with her.

She packed her clothes, but her books and notes were non-negotiable.

"Please help me handle these clothes."

They were barely worn, only tried on a few times.

Clothes like these wouldn’t just be given away for free—they’d sell in a heartbeat if needed.

Li Zhen: "Don’t worry, I’ll give them to folks who’d use them."

By mid-May, Lu Hanchuan’s new orders came in.

The two were headed back to Beijing.

Though Lu Hanchuan was going back to his old post in the army, he had more downtime this round, allowing time just for the two of them.

Ye Xiaoxiao: "We’ll take the train back."

The train was the quickest way since there were no flights here.

With Lu Hanchuan’s help, Ye Xiaoxiao didn’t have to worry about lugging her bags herself.

The day before their departure, Zhou Shengyang brought booze for Lu Hanchuan’s send-off.

"Neither of us is on duty today. You’re leaving tomorrow—no dodging it now."

If wedding drinks were off the table, at least they could have a farewell toast.

This time, Lu Hanchuan didn’t refuse.

The two snacked on canteen peanuts and pickles in the dorm.

Zhou Shengyang was older than Lu Hanchuan and had a chip on his shoulder early on.

But after a few rounds, he was completely convinced.

He was from the capital, but he truly had genuine talent.

And he was still young.

There was no way Zhou Shengyang could compare.

Lu Hanchuan watched as Zhou Shengyang chugged his drink. Before he himself even felt tipsy, the other man was already about to collapse.

"Let’s... let’s meet again in the capital someday."

With a loud thud, Zhou Shengyang's head hit the table.

Lu Hanchuan hadn’t expected the man’s tolerance for liquor to be so poor—yet he was always talking about drinking.

He helped Zhou Shengyang back and escorted him to his dorm.

...

The next morning, Lu Hanchuan and Ye Xiaoxiao caught a military ride to the train station.

Back at the dorm, Zhou Shengyang was still sound asleep.

After saying goodbye to the send-off party, Lu Hanchuan led Ye Xiaoxiao into the station.

During her time at the Nalan base, Ye Xiaoxiao had hardly left.

Seeing so many people at once felt oddly unsettling.

Lu Hanchuan asked Ye Xiaoxiao what she’d packed.

"All my books—I can’t lose these."

During his months at the Nalan base, these books had been his only entertainment.

Lu Hanchuan: "..."

Knowledge is power.

They boarded their sleeper car and stowed their luggage.

The journey to the capital would take a long time, so Lu Hanchuan told Xiao Xiao to get some rest first.

They had brought snacks like seeds and nuts to munch on during the trip.

Ye Xiaoxiao sat on the lower bunk, would rather chat with Lu Hanchuan than rest.

They talked about their lives over the past few years and their plans for the future.

Of course, his top priority now was marriage.

But he didn’t bring it up on the train.

He wanted to propose to Xiao Xiao in a real, meaningful moment—not just bring it up like this.

"Grad school might be an option too," Ye Xiaoxiao said. "But that’s a problem for next year."

"After graduation, I’ll work at Rende Pharmacy."

Lu Hanchuan made no comment on Ye Xiaoxiao's choice but remained supportive. "Rende Pharmacy is a good choice."

Xiao Xiao had studied traditional Chinese medicine, and Rende Pharmacy was Mr. Song’s hospital. Since it was Mr. Song’s hospital, Lu Hanchuan wouldn’t have to worry about her struggling with workplace conflicts.

Ye Xiaoxiao blinked. "What about you?"

Lu Hanchuan: "Of course, I’m staying in the capital too."

Though he couldn’t promise it’d be permanent.

Hearing this, Ye Xiaoxiao felt reassured.

Whatever happened later, they had each other now.

Their train compartment had four bunks. Maybe Lu Hanchuan had booked extra seats, or maybe this car was just empty. No one else boarded their car until they got off.

After leaving the station, Lu Hanchuan and Ye Xiaoxiao took a taxi back to the apartment near their school. Their clothes were there, so they could easily change and clean up.

Lu Hanchuan hadn’t told his family when he’d be back, so he wasn’t in a hurry to head home.