Chapter 187: Moonlit Heart's Voice

The shadow of Xiao Zhang's sacrifice still weighed on his mind; Li Ping'an had been sleeping poorly these days. That evening, after finishing work, he found himself unconsciously walking to the gate of Union Hospital.

He was hesitating whether to go in when a familiar voice came from behind: Li Chief? Coming to inspect work again?

Li Ping'an turned around and saw Lin Xueqing standing in the sunset, holding a satchel, her green military uniform making her look spirited and neat.

I... happened to pass by and came to take a look.

Lin Xueqing smiled, pursing her lips: Come up and sit a while; I just got off work.

In the office, the narcissus on the windowsill was in full bloom. Lin Xueqing handed him a cup of warm water: Still thinking about last time?

Li Ping'an cradled the cup, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the rim: That day Xiao Zhang collapsed in front of me, the blood just wouldn't stop...

On the Korean battlefield, such things happen all too often. Lin Xueqing said softly, Sometimes we've done all we can, yet we still can't save everyone.

But he was only nineteen... Li Ping'an's voice trembled, his mother's eyes were almost crying blind...

Lin Xueqing sat beside him: Remember when we were at the field hospital, you rushed into the artillery fire to rescue a wounded soldier? I thought then, How could this person be so foolish.

Li Ping'an lifted his head and met her gentle gaze.

Later I realized you weren't foolish; you just valued others' lives more than your own. She paused, Ping'an, but some things truly aren't within our control.

Outside, the dusk deepened; the office lights were off, only moonlight crept in silently.

Xueqing, Li Ping'an suddenly spoke, If I don't say these words now, I fear I'll never get another chance.

Go on, I'm listening.

He took a deep breath: These days I've been thinking life is too short, we must cherish what matters. Back in Korea, whenever I saw you saving lives amid the artillery, I thought this girl was truly remarkable. Later I was wounded, and you kept watch by my sickbed...

The words rose to his lips but got stuck again; he clenched his fists: Back then I... I fell for you. I just felt I wasn't good enough, so I never dared to say it.

The room was so quiet you could hear each other's breathing.

After returning home I thought I'd never see you again, but... he gathered his courage, Xueqing, I know your family is gone, and so is mine. If you don't mind, I... I'd like to go out with you.

Under the moonlight, Lin Xueqing's eye rims reddened. She gently took Li Ping'an's hand:

You, you only speak up now.

Li Ping'an stared: You mean...

I've been waiting for those words since Korea. Lin Xueqing smiled, wiping the tears from her corners, Waiting till we got back home with no word, I even thought it was just my one-sided affection.

Really? Li Ping'an's voice trembled.

Of course. Lin Xueqing gave him an annoyed glance, On the day you recovered and returned to your unit, I stood at the hospital gate, watching your back and cried all morning.

Li Ping'an eagerly gripped her hand: So... do you accept?

Lin Xueqing nodded firmly, From Korea to now, I've always been willing.

The two smiled at each other, as if they had lifted a thousand‑jin burden.

But we need the Three Rules. Lin Xueqing suddenly straightened her face.

Your turn.

From now on, you're not to bear anything alone. She said seriously, Xiao Zhang's matter isn't your fault; don't keep blaming yourself.

Li Ping'an felt warm inside: All right, I'll listen to you.

When they returned to the Siheyuan, Li PingLe was still embroidering under the lamp.

Brother, you look much better today? The little girl has sharp eyes.

Li Ping'an sat beside his sister: PingLe, brother, I have something to tell you.

What is it?

Brother has found a partner.

Li PingLe widened her eyes in surprise: Is it Doctor Lin?

How do you know?

Every time you mention Doctor Lin, your eyes sparkle. Li PingLe gleefully shook her head, Hurry up and tell me how it happened.

After hearing her brother's account, Li PingLe clapped happily: Great! Doctor Lin is beautiful and kind‑hearted; brother, you mustn't mistreat her.

Don't worry. Li Ping'an ruffled his sister's hair, I'll invite her over for a meal in a few days.

That night Li Ping'an slept especially soundly. The next day Wang Dahu could tell he was different:

Chief, you're in good spirits today? Any good news?

Li Ping'an smiled: Just focusing on work.

Although his personal matter was settled, the work pressure hadn't lessened at all. The spy net hadn't been closed yet; the threat of spies still hung over his head.

That day he received a notice from the Public Security Bureau and discovered another spy nest. Before the operation, Li Ping'an called Lin Xueqing:

Tonight there's a mission; I might be late getting in touch.

On the other end of the line there was a pause: Stay safe. I... will wait for your word.

Don't worry. Li Ping'an said softly, For your sake I too must return whole and unharmed.

The operation went smoothly, capturing two more spies. Too bad there's still no trace.

Back in the office, the first thing Li Ping'an did was report his safety to Lin Xueqing.

All good then. Lin Xueqing visibly relaxed, Are you off tomorrow? Come to my place for a meal; I'll cook.

The next day Li Ping'an brought his sister to the door. Li PingLe specially brought a newly embroidered Mandarin Duck Pillowcase:

Sister Lin, this is my little token of feeling.

Lin Xueqing took the pillowcase, unable to put it down: So beautiful! PingLe, your skill is superb.

Around the table it was lively and harmonious. Li PingLe chattered about fun factory incidents, making Lin Xueqing laugh outright.

Brother, look how nice Sister Lin is. Li PingLe seized the chance to say, You mustn't bully people.

I wouldn't dare. Li Ping'an smiled while serving Lin Xueqing a dish.

After the meal, Li PingLe rushed to wash the dishes, leaving the two of them some space.

Ping Le is really sensible. Lin Xueqing gazed at the busy figure in the kitchen.

These years have been hard on her. Li Ping'an said softly, seeing her so cheerful now, my heart is also at ease.

Lin Xueqing took his hand: "From now on I'll accompany you in taking care of her."

Moonlight like water, quietly sprinkling over the two embraced figures.

Three days later, the Steel Rolling Mill received another urgent notice: they were planning a new operation.

This time we must catch him. Li Ping'an spoke with firm resolve at the Security Department meeting.

After the meeting he studied the intelligence alone; when Lin Xueqing came to see him, she saw his brows furrowed:

Another problem?

Li Ping'an pushed the intelligence over: "Nightingale is too slippery; every time he manages to slip away."

Lin Xueqing examined the intelligence closely, then suddenly pointed at a spot: "Look, before each operation he always shows up at this teahouse."

The next day the two posed as tea customers to investigate. Li Ping'an swept with his Divine Perception, and indeed in a second-floor private room he detected a familiar scent—it was exactly the agent who had escaped that night!

The private room door suddenly opened, a man in a hat strode out. The moment he saw Li Ping'an he visibly startled, turned and ran back.

Stop!

The teahouse instantly fell into chaos. The man was agile, in a few steps he darted to the back door. Li Ping'an gave chase without letting up, and Lin Xueqing followed as well.

Just as they were about to catch up, the man suddenly turned and fired!

Be careful! Li Ping'an shoved Lin Xueqing aside; the bullet grazed his shoulder and flew past.

In that delay, the man jumped onto the bicycle waiting at the alley entrance and pedaled desperately to escape.

He got away again! Li Ping'an angrily pounded the wall.

Lin Xueqing checked his shoulder: "Fortunately it's just a graze. You were too reckless just now."

I can't let you get hurt. Li Ping'an gazed at her, "I promised to protect you."

Lin Xueqing felt warm inside, she gently leaned into his embrace: "Let's face it together."

According to the clue provided by the teahouse owner, it was finally confirmed to be an old agent disguised as an antique dealer.

Although he got away again, we have obtained important clues. Deputy Director Liu said, "Ping'an, well done."

Li Ping'an, however, could not feel happy. As long as he remains at large, the threat persists.

When he escorted Lin Xueqing home that evening, she softly comforted: "Don't worry too much; evil will not prevail over righteousness."

Li Ping'an suddenly remembered: "By the way, next week is Ping Le's birthday; she wants to invite you to dinner at her home."

I'll definitely be there. Lin Xueqing smiled and agreed.

The moonlight stretched their shadows long. The road ahead remains perilous, but this time Li Ping'an is no longer going alone.