That evening, the army finally stopped to rest. Just as Tian Tian was about to look for Yang Shaofeng, he appeared, seeking her out first.

Tian Tian was overwhelmed with emotion and quickly walked up to him, carefully looking him over. His military uniform was covered in dust, and his face was so dirty that his features were barely recognizable, but his spirit seemed strong. “Brother Feng, are you alright?” The half-day of artillery fire and the endless stream of wounded soldiers had terrified her. Even knowing he was a sharpshooter, she couldn’t help but worry for him.

Yang Shaofeng felt a warmth in his heart and smiled. “I’m fine, see? All good.” Then he asked, “First time seeing a battle, were you scared?”

Tian Tian nodded honestly. “A little.”

Yang Shaofeng looked at her with pity. “If you go to the front lines in the future, you might see even more brutal scenes.”

“I’ll get used to it,” Tian Tian replied with determination. Then, looking at him, she asked, “Brother Feng, why did you come to see me?”

Yang Shaofeng smacked his forehead in frustration. “Look at me, I got so caught up talking to you that I forgot the main reason I came.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a tin can, handing it to her like a treasure. “This is canned pork. I confiscated it from the enemy. Don’t underestimate this little thing—it’s imported, tastes great, and keeps well. If you’re ever hungry, just open it and eat.”

Tian Tian was deeply touched. In this time of scarcity, canned pork was a luxury. Yet Yang Shaofeng was giving it to her.

“I can’t accept this,” she said, trying to hand it back. “Brother Feng, you’re fighting on the front lines, risking your life. You need this more than I do. Keep it for yourself to stay strong.”

Yang Shaofeng refused. “I’ve had plenty of these before. Next time I take out a few enemy officers, I’m sure I’ll get more goodies. Don’t worry about me—I’m living pretty well.”

Tian Tian still hesitated, but Yang Shaofeng insisted, leaving her no choice but to accept it.

Yang Shaofeng lingered, making no move to leave. Tian Tian couldn’t help but ask, “Brother Feng, it’s so late. Shouldn’t you get some rest?” No one knew if they would encounter the enemy during the next march, and if they did, it would surely mean another brutal battle.

Yang Shaofeng hesitated. Ever since Tian Tian had joined the medical team, they hadn’t had much time to meet. And in all that time, he hadn’t even kissed his fiancée.

Having rarely been around women before, now that he had a fiancée, it was impossible for him to suppress his desires. If not for the war, he would have married her already and spent three days and nights with her, not letting her out of his sight.

“Cuicui, kiss me once, and I’ll leave,” Yang Shaofeng pleaded.

Tian Tian was speechless and whispered, “There are so many people around. That’s not appropriate.” Even though most people were asleep, someone was bound to be awake, especially in the area housing the injured soldiers, where pain often kept them up all night. Kissing here would be far too conspicuous.

It wasn’t that Tian Tian was overly shy, but given the circumstances—fresh from battle with so many wounded soldiers around—such an act felt inappropriate.

Yang Shaofeng, however, didn’t think so. The war had gone on for years, and he had seen so much death that he had grown numb to it. To him, there was no point in holding back. Who knew if there would even be a tomorrow?

“What’s the big deal? It’s just a kiss, not a crime. Cuicui, I don’t even know if I’ll live to see another day. Just one kiss, and I’ll die content.”

Tian Tian’s eyes widened. “Don’t say that! With your skills, you’ll be fine.”

Yang Shaofeng sighed, his eyes clouded with uncertainty.

Seeing his dejection, Tian Tian felt a pang of heartache. Relenting, she stood on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on his cheek.

A broad smile broke across Yang Shaofeng’s face.

Tian Tian glared at him, urging, “Go get some rest now.”

“Alright.” Yang Shaofeng pinched her chubby cheek and said, “Next time, I’ll bring you something even better.”

Tian Tian teased, “If you can bring me a gun, that would be the best.” She really wanted a gun—it was the ultimate means of self-defense.

Yang Shaofeng hesitated for a moment before nodding. “Alright, I’ll see if I can get you a small, handy one. The military-issue guns are too large for you to carry around.”

Tian Tian beamed, her eyes sparkling brighter than the stars in the sky.

Unable to hold back any longer, Yang Shaofeng leaned down and kissed her hard.

Tian Tian felt his passion and urgency, and though hesitant at first, she let herself respond. As he had said, war was cruel, and tomorrow was never guaranteed. A little indulgence now didn’t seem so unreasonable.

After a long while, Yang Shaofeng pulled away, breathing heavily. If he hadn’t stopped, things might have gone out of control.

Tian Tian noticed the changes in his body and blushed furiously, her own breath coming in short gasps.

“Cuicui, I’ll go back now. Once the army successfully regroups, I’ll come find you again. In the meantime, be careful. You’ve just joined the medical team and lack experience, so stay in the rear and avoid the front lines.”

Tian Tian nodded. “I know.”

---

Two days later, the army encountered another enemy force, and another fierce battle ensued.

This time, Tian Tian was more composed, having gained experience from the previous fight. When injured soldiers were carried back, she efficiently cleaned and bandaged their wounds, her actions smooth and methodical.

The unit they were with, the Flying Tiger Regiment, was highly skilled and won several consecutive battles.

During this time, Yang Shaofeng brought Tian Tian several more cans of confiscated goods, including rare delicacies like canned meat.

Tian Tian was deeply touched and couldn’t bring herself to eat them, knowing they were hard-won spoils of war, paid for with blood and sweat.

---

Five days later, the Flying Tiger Regiment successfully regrouped with allied forces, and the army settled into a more stable position.

Tian Tian continued to follow Sheng Wenbo, learning how to care for the wounded, while Yang Shaofeng attended numerous meetings to discuss upcoming strategies.

One evening, as Tian Tian was leaving the medical tent to return to her shared quarters, she spotted Yang Shaofeng waiting at the door. His tall, broad figure stood out even in the dim light.

Surprised, she hurried over. “Brother Feng, why are you here?”

Yang Shaofeng took her hand. “Come, let’s talk at my place.”

“Huh? Isn’t it a bit late for that?” Tian Tian hesitated. It wasn’t that she feared anything improper happening, but she was exhausted and didn’t want to move.

“I’ll bring you back soon, alright?” Yang Shaofeng said.

Tian Tian sighed, relenting. It had been nearly ten days since they last saw each other.

Yang Shaofeng led her to his quarters. As a regiment commander, he had his own room, which was a rare privilege.

Inside, Tian Tian saw a bowl of tofu and braised meat along with a bowl of steaming white rice on the table.

She was astonished and turned to him in disbelief.

Yang Shaofeng chuckled. “I traded a confiscated pocket watch with a local villager for this. Go on, eat.”

In the military, meat was a luxury, especially for someone like Tian Tian, who worked at the lower levels of the medical team. Yang Shaofeng couldn’t bear the thought of her going without, so he went out of his way to procure it.

Tian Tian’s eyes reddened with emotion. Without thinking, she threw herself into his arms.

At first, she had only approached him as part of her mission, but now she realized her feelings for him were genuine.

“Brother Feng, I think I’m starting to like you more and more.”

Yang Shaofeng was elated by her embrace, and hearing her confession made his heart nearly burst with joy. He didn’t know where to put his hands, his ears burning red with excitement.

“I… I like you too,” he stammered, his face turning crimson. “Quick, eat. It’ll get cold otherwise.”

Tian Tian released him, her bright eyes locked on his. “Did you eat already?”

Yang Shaofeng nodded and then shook his head. “I did.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Then why did you shake your head just now?”

Tian Tian knew he hadn’t eaten and was just saving the best for her.

Tian Tian walked to the table and sat down, dividing the food and rice into two portions.

Yang Shaofeng tried to stop her. “Cuicui, you just eat. Don’t leave any for me. I’m the company commander, so at least I get some meat. But you’re different. You’re still young and growing. Eat more, it’s good for you.” At eighteen, she was at the perfect age to build her strength.

Tian Tian ignored him and still separated the portions evenly.

“You care that I don’t have meat to eat, and I care that my man doesn’t have meat to eat,” she said.

The words my man made Yang Shaofeng’s brain go blank. Without a second thought, he pounced, pinning Tian Tian onto the bed.

Tian Tian’s wide eyes showed her surprise, clearly not having anticipated his reaction.

Yang Shaofeng leaned in, his kisses overwhelming her like a tidal wave.

Tian Tian was stunned, pushing against him in protest.

Yang Shaofeng restrained himself, suppressing his urges as he leaned near her ear. “I really want to take you right here and now.”

Tian Tian’s cheeks burned bright red. “Yang Shaofeng, behave yourself!”

Breathing heavily, Yang Shaofeng released her. “If I weren’t behaving, do you think you’d still have the chance to scold me?” He groaned, visibly frustrated. “Eat up, then go back and rest. Don’t stay here any longer—seeing you makes it unbearable for me.”

As soon as she was freed, Tian Tian quickly got up and walked to the table. Efficiently, she divided the food and rice into two portions, taking one for herself and leaving the other for him.

Yang Shaofeng couldn’t bear staying in the room any longer. “I’ll wait outside, right by the door. Call me if you need anything.”

Tian Tian glanced at him and his “grand, commanding presence.” “Are you sure it’s appropriate to go out like that?”

“If I don’t go out, I’ll stay like this the whole time.” Yang Shaofeng hastily opened the door and stepped outside, squatting at the doorway for a long while to cool down.

Tian Tian had indeed gone a long time without eating meat. The Xu family’s parents were stingy; even after getting 20 silver dollars, they had only bought meat once. It wasn’t much, and with so many men in the house, Tian Tian barely had two bites before it was gone.

In the army, things were even worse. Constant marching and battles meant no chance of having meat. Although Yang Shaofeng had given her some cans of meat, she had saved them for emergencies and hadn’t touched them yet.

Now, for the first time in ages, Tian Tian finally got to enjoy a proper, satisfying meal of meat.

The farm-raised pork was incredibly flavorful, and the tofu cooked alongside it was deliciously infused with the broth. She couldn’t stop eating.

---

Time flew by. Tian Tian had been with the army for over three months. Autumn was nearly over, and winter was fast approaching.

During this time, the Flying Tiger Regiment, known for its formidable strength, had fought and won multiple battles. Tian Tian remained busy in the rear, but as long as Yang Shaofeng was unharmed, she felt at ease.

One day, Tian Tian overheard that another major battle was imminent, with a particularly challenging mission ahead. After finishing her tasks, she decided to visit Yang Shaofeng.

In his room, Yang Shaofeng was deep in thought. Hearing a knock, he called out, “Come in.” His fiancée stepped in, dressed in military uniform, a cap perched on her head, and her long braids draped neatly over her chest.

The young woman seemed to defy logic in her growth—her figure was so ample that even the loose military uniform struggled to contain her.

Despite his worries, Yang Shaofeng couldn’t help but stare, his eyes lingering on her.

Tian Tian, used to his roguish ways, glared at him fiercely. But with her soft and sweet appearance, even her glare seemed more like an adorable pout.

Yang Shaofeng chuckled. “Cuicui, what brings you here today?”

Tian Tian found a chair and sat down. “I heard you’re about to go into battle again?”

Yang Shaofeng’s smile faded. “If nothing changes, tomorrow our forces will launch an offensive to destroy the enemy stronghold in Luchang County. It’ll be a tough fight. You must be extra careful and stay safe.”

Tian Tian grew anxious. “What are your chances of victory?”

“About fifty-fifty,” Yang Shaofeng said. “We’ll do our best.”

“You must take care of yourself. I’ll be waiting for you to come back.” Tian Tian’s heart tightened with worry. Though she knew from her past life’s memories that he would survive, war was unpredictable, and she feared he might be injured or worse.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine,” Yang Shaofeng reassured her, seeing her concern. He smiled to lighten the mood. “I’m a graduate of Huanghai Military Academy and even studied abroad for a few years. I won’t be taken down so easily. Wait for me here to come back triumphant.”

Tian Tian nodded, learning for the first time that Yang Shaofeng was a distinguished Huanghai graduate who had also studied overseas. No wonder he had been so formidable, even as a traitor in her previous life.

After Yang Shaofeng left for battle, Tian Tian was consumed with worry. The steady stream of wounded soldiers brought to the medical tent weighed heavily on her.

Four days passed, and the main forces had yet to return. Tian Tian suppressed her anxiety, waiting for news.

The sheer number of casualties left Tian Tian with no time to rest, keeping her busy treating and bandaging the injured.

This battle brought more injuries than any before it, creating a tense atmosphere throughout the medical unit.

Finally, on the sixth day, Tian Tian received news that the army had been victorious, successfully destroying the enemy stronghold and taking Luchang County.

Her heart leapt with joy, the heavy weight of worry finally lifting.

The army temporarily settled in Luchang County, and the medical unit relocated to the area as well.

As she helped move the wounded into the county, Tian Tian planned to find Yang Shaofeng. However, before she could, she overheard some shocking rumors about him from a newly arrived soldier.

“Yang Commander is something else. Even I, someone with a strong stomach, felt disturbed by what he did,” the soldier said.

“What happened? What did Commander Yang do?” someone else asked.

“This time, during the attack on Luchang County, several high-ranking enemy officers tried to escape under the cover of night. Yang Commander led the pursuit.”

“So what? Is there something wrong with that?”

“Yang Commander is incredible. He’s a sharpshooter and managed to kill all of them halfway through their escape.”

“Isn’t that a good thing? Why are you making it sound so strange? Stop beating around the bush and just say it!”

“One of the enemy officers was a young female major. After killing her, Yang Commander… well, he stripped her. Left her in nothing but her undergarments. She was already dead, but he still… isn’t that sick?”

“No way! Commander Yang has a fiancée—she’s in the medical unit and is stunningly beautiful. He wouldn’t do something like that.”

“It’s true! The whole regiment’s talking about it. Even the commander called him into his office to scold him.”

Tian Tian, who had been nearby changing a soldier’s bandages, overheard the entire conversation. She was utterly stunned, unable to believe her ears.

Other Novels