Chapter 332: Someone's here—feed Platoon Leader Lu dog food!

He, still hasn't woken up?

No.

The ward door was pushed open.

The ones who came in weren't those two armed police.

Kang Changyi came in from outside holding nothing in his hand, accompanied by Cheng Yuanyuan holding carnations.

Hey, there happens to be fruit; what do you like to eat? I'll go wash some for you—how about strawberries?

No thanks, no need for all that trouble.

It's fine, treat it like your own home; please have a seat.

Originally, upon discovering that the person who came in wasn't those two mentally abnormal armed police from before, Lu Yang was about to open his eyes.

But hearing that Kang Changyi this kid, without even saying hello, just took the fruit someone else brought to entertain, he immediately changed his mind.

Earlier, while still at the town health clinic, he had already sensed that this kid seemed a bit off; but because the situation was urgent, he hadn't had a chance to ask.

Now it's a good chance to confirm—see if this guy really wants to pursue that female law-school graduate.

Although Lu Yang felt eavesdropping like this was somewhat immoral, it felt satisfying; after all, gossip is human nature.

Cheng Yuanyuan sat on the stool, her gaze sweeping the ward, finally landing on Lu Yang's face.

As for this lifesaver, she has always felt grateful; hearing he suffered serious injuries, she has wanted to come see him.

But recently, she has been cooperating with the police interrogation, giving statements, identifying the criminal suspect.

Not only did she help rescue more abducted women, she also voluntarily provided legal aid to them, fighting for their rights and compensation, so she hasn't had time to come.

Mm, these strawberries are pretty sweet; try one?

Kang Changyi walked out of the washroom holding the freshly washed strawberries.

Thank you. Cheng Yuanyuan took one and asked, "How is Lu Yang's condition now? Was the surgery successful? How long until he wakes up?"

Probably soon; I asked the nurse, and she said it should be these two days.

Then did I come too early? I still wanted to thank him in person.

It's fine as long as the sentiment arrives; I've accepted your feelings on his behalf.

You accepted it for him?

Cheng Yuanyuan looked at him somewhat surprised, seemingly not understanding their superior-subordinate relationship.

She only remembered that their military ranks seemed the same—both lieutenants.

But hearing that Lu Yang is only nineteen, he seems overly young.

Back then the situation was chaotic, and she didn't have a chance to ask for details.

Kang Changyi's mind works quickly too; after a brief pause, he immediately replied, "Oh, I'm his leader; he's a soldier I brought up—naturally I accepted the sentiment on his behalf?"

Lu Yang on the bed, the thin joints under the blanket twitched slightly, obviously displeased with that answer.

Cheng Yuanyuan felt embarrassed: "Ah, I always thought he was your leader? Earlier, I saw you speaking to him politely, and then he gave orders."

Kang Changyi waved his hand, pretending not to care: "Ah, that's all just joking; outside I always give him face, don't quibble with him—you've never been to our unit......"

He turned his head, glanced at Lu Yang lying on the bed, seemingly checking if he was awake: "If you went to our unit you'd know; this kid in training, when I drill him he doesn't make a sound."

I tell him to go east, he definitely wouldn't dare go west; I tell him to urinate, he definitely wouldn't dare defecate.

So you're that imposing in the unit?

Cheng Yuanyuan's eyes smiled like crescent moons, and Kang Changyi was momentarily dazed.

When we first rescued him, due to malnutrition and being filthy, he looked utterly ordinary.

Yet after a simple wash-up and change into clean clothes, he actually had a touch of elegance.

Not exactly handsome, but he's the durable-looking type; combined with his innocent, unworldly personality, he's exactly the kind Kang Changyi likes.

Kang Changyi scratched his head modestly: "Not really; mainly we all get along well day-to-day, we're all young people; so even if occasionally offended, it's no big deal."

Besides, this kid is exactly the soldier I brought up; I've watched him grow bit by bit, and I usually can't bear to scold him.

Your character is truly good; your popularity in the unit must be excellent.

Cheng Yuanyuan tilted her head, her expression very gentle.

Kang Changyi gulped, then continued with a thick-skinned tone: "Of course, I often get along with my comrades like one big family."

Actually, the plan to rescue you was something I came up with in a pinch, but I'm rather low-key and don't like to show off.

Mainly because I'm already an officer, I should give the subordinates a chance to perform.

That he's so young yet got an extraordinary promotion is because I've nurtured him carefully, constantly creating opportunities for him.

Wow, you're so steady, mature, kind~

Cheng Yuanyuan clenched her hands, placed them on her chin, and her eyes gained little sparkles.

Kang Changyi, distracted, turned around and pretended to adjust the blanket on Lu Yang's bed.

But he found a corner that wouldn't budge, as if Lu Yang's arm were pressing it down; he had to deliberately lift his hand to move it.

Cheng Yuanyuan shifted the stool forward: "Can you tell me about your unit experiences? I know you have confidentiality rules; just share non-secret, everyday fun stories."

My grandfather used to be a soldier; I've heard him talk about past wars since I was little, but my father wouldn't let me join the army, fearing I'd suffer, so I studied law instead.

As it turned out, school was also tough, maybe even worse than experiencing the unit; I really regret not secretly signing up for college—my roommate in grad school was a veteran, and she's amazing.

If I had her skills, even if abducted into the mountains, I'd surely avoid such suffering and could escape on my own.

When talking about fun stories from the unit, Kang Changyi instantly opened up like a treasure chest, patting the bedside to invite Cheng Yuanyuan to sit closer.

Then the two sat on the bedside and began chatting idly.

Kang Changyi plopped down beside Lu Yang's pillow, solemnly saying he graduated from the military academy, was assigned to the company, and thereafter was beloved by the whole company and highly valued by the leadership.

He'd won awards in running, placed first in shooting, proposed various constructive suggestions for the unit, and even caught bad guys outside, earning a second-class merit.

He especially emphasized that back then the situation was dire—he almost drowned in the Hu Cheng He—but thinking that the country and people were still awaiting his contribution, he stubbornly survived.

As for Lu Yang, in his mouth he became that prone to pride and complacency, unloving of the collective, who looks down on old soldiers because he's read books, and a nitpicking good‑for‑nothing.

"Others don't like him, don't regard him, isolate him, and keep picking on him; but I don't, because I can see the shining points on every soldier."

"I don't know if you've ever heard a saying that the army is a big melting pot?"

"Heard it."

"Hmm, then I started using all sorts of ways to forge him, to motivate him. For example, I'd train alongside him, cheering him on no matter how hard or tiring it got, and when his stomach was growling, I'd go to the Cafeteria and make him a meat‑mince and shredded‑potato‑rice bowl, the aroma overwhelming him, and he ended up crying because it was so delicious…"

"You can also cook?"

"Ahem, you should ask what I can't do."

"Wow, you, you're really amazing! I'm clearly a year older than you, yet I don't know why I feel you're the real adult and I'm a fake adult; I can't do anything except boil instant noodles."

"Actually, the army taught me all this; perhaps my tolerance toward Lu Yang stems from a soldier's legacy…"

Enjoying the admiring gazes of women, Kang Changyi took off his wide‑brimmed hat, ran his hand from top to bottom over his non‑existent bangs, and felt utterly ecstatic.

He never imagined that applying Lu Yang's script to himself could be so exhilarating, so charismatic, so enchanting?

In that moment, Kang Changyi only wanted to tell himself: you are Lu Yang; or anyone can be Lu Yang!

At the same time, the Lu Yang behind him finally couldn't help but open his eyes, revealing a murderous edge.

Damn it, flirting with girls got you into my special care ward?

No going to the little park, no going to the cinema, no going to the coffee shop?

Eating my fruit, blackening me for being too tall—fine, but you also damn well force‑feed me dog food!

Can you even be called a human? You're just a beast!

"That one."

Cheng Yuanyuan suddenly felt a bit embarrassed: "You're in the army, training every day; has your girlfriend ever quarreled with you?"

Kang Changyi couldn't keep his mouth shut, but he still feigned composure and shook his head: "I… don't have a girlfriend."

"Is that so? Well, that's pretty good then."

"Huh?"

"Oh oh oh, not that… I mean, you're so outstanding, isn't there any female soldier in the unit who likes you?"

"Um, there should be some, but because training work is too busy I turned them all down; I used to think, first establish a career, then start a family."

"Then, now?"

Cheng Yuanyuan looked at him curiously.

Kang Changyi took a deep breath, suppressing his pounding heart, and looked at her: "Now, I think that dating and pursuing a career don't conflict at all."

Cheng Yuanyuan's face flushed; since ancient times no girl has been able to resist the phrase 'hero rescues beauty.'

Moreover, the one rescuing him is a soldier, an outstanding Lieutenant officer with excellent qualities.

The two attracted to each other, drawn together by magnetic pull, Cheng Yuanyuan involuntarily closed her eyes.

Kang Changyi was stunned; he had only intended to use the chance to hold her hand, then later go eat, shop, and so on.

But he didn't expect Lu Yang's script to give him a giant leap, instantly winning the other's heart.

Love came so suddenly that the never‑before‑in‑love Kang Changyi's heart went into chaos, leaving him at a loss, not knowing whether he should kiss or not.

After all, the girl had already taken the initiative; wouldn't refusing a bit be too disrespectful?

But, would doing this count as breaking discipline?

Probably not; it's consensual, and the army never said we can't date, never said we can't kiss outside.

Fine, if I'm going to die, let it be!

Kang Changyi made up his mind, closed his eyes, and puckered his little chick‑like mouth.

Just as he clumsily and slowly approached the other, a gritted‑teeth voice snapped the romance.

"You two are almost done; I've really, really tolerated you for a long time!!!"