Yu Hao was a little disoriented after getting off the plane, completely unaware of her whereabouts. On the plane, she had heard Shao Feng mention that they were at the Southwest Border. Every year, they would be temporarily dispatched here for a month, which they called intensive training but was also a form of stationing.

This elite unit actually didn't spend much time in their own Military Region throughout the year. Most of the time, they were deployed all over the world, with the three Assault Teams rotating duties.

Lu Huaizheng put on his cap and fastened it, gave a few simple instructions, and had the soldiers line up to board the vehicle heading to the Border Defense Station. Yu Hao and Zhao Dailin were the last to get on.

There were four seats in the front row. Lu Huaizheng and Sun Kai sat side by side, occupying two, with two empty seats next to them. The remaining seats were already full, a sea of the soldiers' dark, uniform buzz cuts.

Lu Huaizheng leaned back in his seat, glanced at Yu Hao, and gestured to the spot beside him with his chin. "Sit. It's all mountain roads; it'll be tough for you girls in the back."

Yu Hao said, "Thank you."

Lu Huaizheng gave a sanctimonious "You're welcome" and then closed his eyes to rest.

Sun Kai saw through everything. That day Lu Huaizheng drove off with his car, he didn't see it slowly returning from outside the Military Region until the middle of the night. He shot up from his bed like a spring, threw on some clothes, and waited downstairs at the dormitory building for him to swagger in, dangling the car keys. Under intense interrogation, he found out this guy had actually ditched him to go pick up a girl.

Sun Kai had graduated from the same Military Academy as him back then and joined the Airborne Brigade together. When Lu Huaizheng was appointed captain of Team One, he was still just a squad leader. But having spent so many years together day in and day out, when it came to understanding him, no one knew him better.

Let alone picking up girls, Lu Huaizheng was constantly surrounded by a bunch of men. Sun Kai had almost never seen him on a date with a woman. Sometimes during gatherings, some fearless new recruits would try to probe into Lu Huaizheng's romantic history, but no matter what tricks they tried, he never budged. It wasn't that he didn't have one, he just refused to talk about it.

He said it was too embarrassing to talk about, so he wouldn't.

But that night, downstairs at the dormitory building, Lu Huaizheng, for some unknown reason, brought up Yu Hao for the first time.

Sun Kai was truly surprised. "Our Dr. Yu?"

Lu Huaizheng leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, looking sheepish as he held an unlit cigarette in his mouth to satisfy his craving. He told him about the past in a desultory manner. Sun Kai was stunned as he listened, never having imagined he had such a sunny and cheerful side. Actually, he was quite sunny in private too, but that carefree boyish spirit had been polished by the years into a tenacious manliness.

"So what are you thinking now, brother?" Sun Kai asked curiously.

Actually, Lu Huaizheng hadn't really thought that much about it at first. He was mentally prepared for their reunion at the wedding banquet because when Lin Chang got a girlfriend and introduced Song Xiaotao to their group of brothers, he had inadvertently heard Yu Hao's name from Song Xiaotao.

At first, he thought it was just someone with the same name and didn't pay it much mind. But the more he heard the name, the more curious he became. Finally, he decided to confirm it. The night before Song Xiaotao had to work, he deliberately went to Lin Chang's place to play games all night. When he was leaving the next day, he casually offered to give Song Xiaotao a ride to the Research Institute.

In fact, he was already sure it was her before they even reached the institute's gate. On the way, he had casually asked Song Xiaotao a few questions, and she had even shown him a photo.

She hadn't changed at all, still that same pretty, cold little girl from back then.

At that moment, an indescribable feeling rose in his heart. He just felt that this girl was heartless. Back then, he had practically devoted his all to her, yet she hadn't even told him about something as major as transferring schools, just up and left.

He just never expected that she didn't go to Tsinghua University later, but to the Beijing Normal University Psychology Department instead.

On the day of the wedding banquet, he knew she would be there. When he reached out to block something for her while chatting with someone, it was actually a subconscious action. When he pulled his hand back and stuck it in his pocket, he put on a nonchalant expression, but he was actually full of regret. 'Suck-up! Servile!'

Later, seeing her distracted the entire evening, he actually felt quite pleased and made a point not to talk to her.

But after returning to the Military Unit, he felt there was something wrong with him. So much time had passed—the grapes had already dried into his grandfather's raisins, even the Yellow River was about to run dry—why bother holding a grudge against her?

Besides, back then, they had no official relationship, and you even took advantage of her. It was only right that she didn't tell you about transferring schools.

But another little person in his heart said, 'What kind of advantage was that?'

Then another little person with a big hammer popped up above his head, banging it hard, and said with hands on hips: "You kissed her ear! Is that how you pursue a girl!? How many times has Grandpa told you, you have to be devoted, not frivolous!"

So later, when he met her again in the Military Region, he couldn't resist teasing her and bantering with her. He discovered that she was indeed the same as before, appearing aloof but actually being cluelessly dumb.

He frankly admitted that his heart had been as still as water for the past eight years, he hadn't been moved by anyone else. He also admitted that he still had feelings for Yu Hao. Time is a formidable thing; no matter how heart-wrenching the past scars were, they would eventually find peace under the lamplight.

Sun Kai slapped his forehead. "Since you have feelings, what are you hesitating for? Go after her!"

He shook his head and smiled helplessly.

This feeling was like his heart had been sprinkled with dandelion fluff. When there was no wind, it was calm, but with the slightest disturbance, the fluff would flutter about, filling his chest and making his heart itch, yet he couldn't find the intense feeling from before.

Furthermore, although he always told the soldiers under him that their job was just an ordinary one, he himself knew how extraordinary it was every time he returned from a mission. Before she was in his life, he was prepared to sacrifice himself anytime, anywhere.

During the last patrol, when he was in a standoff in the air for over two hours, he was actually quite glad. It was a good thing they hadn't gotten together back then, otherwise, how sad would she be now?

'These things need time,' he thought.

Once Yu Hao and the other woman sat down, Sun Kai nudged Lu Huaizheng with his elbow and offered a rather considerate suggestion: "How about I switch seats with Dr. Yu?"

Lu Huaizheng didn't open his eyes. "No need."

Sun Kai understood. Lu Huaizheng was a stubborn person. In private, he could joke around with you all he wanted, but as soon as work was involved, he became serious and prudent. Not to mention pursuing a girl in front of the soldiers he had personally trained; he probably couldn't bring himself to do it.

Sun Kai shook his head and didn't insist.

Over here, as soon as Yu Hao sat down, Zhao Dailin nudged her with her elbow, winking at her and Lu Huaizheng. "He's quite considerate of you."

Yu Hao said with a straight face, "He has always been very considerate of female comrades."

Zhao Dailin scoffed. "What are you really thinking? Why did you suddenly propose marriage yesterday?"

Yu Hao lowered her eyes, thinking back to the day she returned to the old family residence.

The Old Yu's Family had many members. Including Yu Guoyang, there were six children in total. Yu Guoyang was the youngest, with three older sisters and two older brothers.

Old Madam Yu had been a Party cadre in her youth. Even after retirement, she was a person who couldn't stand being idle and required everyone to return to the old residence for dinner on the last Sunday of every month.

In the early years, Feng Yanzhi was not allowed to set foot in the old residence. It wasn't until Yu Hao got into university that Old Madam Yu suddenly relented and allowed Feng Yanzhi to attend the family dinners.

At the family banquet that day, Old Yu was away at a department meeting. Yu Hao's third aunt had always been talkative. Moreover, her own daughter had recently divorced and married the boss of a publicly listed company, giving her a sense of superiority like a sparrow turning into a phoenix. She couldn't go three sentences without bringing up the topic of choosing a son-in-law. Upon hearing that Yu Hao didn't have a boyfriend yet, she started nagging Feng Yanzhi, "She's already this old, why aren't you worried? If she gets any older, she won't be able to get married. Are we going to let a child of our Yu Family become one of those so-called 'leftover women'? She'll be an old cabbage then. Don't say she has good qualifications; no matter how good they are, they're useless once you're old."

Although Feng Yanzhi usually urged Yu Hao in the same way, she would never allow anyone to say a single bad word about her daughter. She immediately retorted sarcastically, "No rush. People can still get divorced after getting married. It's better to keep your eyes wide open and take your time searching."

The third aunt's face darkened instantly.

After dinner, Old Madam Yu called Feng Yanzhi into the bedroom for a lecture. The bedroom door wasn't closed, just left ajar. Every word the old lady said was powerful and resonant, reaching the ears of all the relatives present. "What was that you just said? Don't think you can get pushy just because you've been married into the Yu Family for so many years. Your name isn't even in the Old Yu family register yet. You've struggled for half your life and haven't even given me a son. The daughter you gave birth to is dumb and dull, never knew how to please adults since she was a child, not the least bit likable. And now she has a reason not to marry? If she doesn't get married, you can forget about ever getting your name on the Yu Family's register in this lifetime."

The old lady deliberately left the door unlocked, putting Feng Yanzhi and her daughter in their place in front of all the relatives. Later, on the way back, the mother and daughter were silent the entire journey.

Just before getting out of the car, Yu Hao asked, "Mom, do you want your name on the family register?"

Feng Yanzhi said, "It doesn't matter. We are born without a name; having lived is proof enough."

After that day, Feng Yanzhi never brought up marriage with Yu Hao again. She also stopped the investigation Old Wang was handling. 'Forget it,' she thought, 'as long as my girl is happy.'

When they got out of the car, she also reminded Yu Hao not to tell Yu Guoyang what had happened that day, fearing it would stir up another storm.

But after that day, Yu Hao began to seriously consider the matter of marriage.

She turned her head and asked Zhao Dailin in return, "Why do you think people get married?"

"To have children?" Zhao Dailin looked at her and then said, "First, tell me why you want to get married."

Yu Hao shook her head. "I just feel that if I must get married when I reach a certain age, then he is the only person I don't dislike."

"Miss, isn't that a bit rash?"

Although Zhao Dailin said that, she actually understood. She knew that Yu Hao seemed to be a bit asexual and was very averse to physical contact from strange men, sometimes even feeling nauseous and vomiting. That's why she hadn't had any male friends around her all these years and always carried an Anti-Wolf Stun Baton. If a guy pursuing her made a move that was even slightly out of line, she would stun him directly.

After a few bad experiences, no one at the institute dared to pursue her anymore.

"I don't think it's rash," Yu Hao said honestly. "When he touches me, I don't feel averse. And my heart beats really fast, a feeling like I can't quite catch my breath. I don't know how to describe it."

Zhao Dailin exclaimed, "He touched you!?" Her voice was a bit loud, causing Lu Huaizheng, who was resting with his eyes closed, to lift his eyelids and look over.

Zhao Dailin clicked her tongue and lowered her voice, "How far have you two gone?"

After Lu Huaizheng looked away, Yu Hao blushed and whispered in Zhao Dailin's ear, "No, that was a long time ago."

...

It was a nearly four-hour drive to the Border Defense Station.

Halfway through the drive, Zhao Dailin got sick from the winding mountain roads. She was retching repeatedly into a plastic bag inside the vehicle. Lu Huaizheng had the driver stop the car for a half-hour break.

As soon as the car stopped, Zhao Dailin rushed off with the plastic bag and squatted by the roadside, vomiting until she saw stars.

Yu Hao quickly grabbed a few tissues and followed her.

Lu Huaizheng also got off with two bottles of water.

The sun was scorching. They were surrounded by lush greenery, and the wind rustled through the trees. It was noon, and the light was a bit glaring.

Lu Huaizheng squinted as he walked over. Zhao Dailin had just finished vomiting and stood up to ask Yu Hao for a tissue. He handed her one of the water bottles. He had intended to tease her a bit, asking if she could really endure any hardship, but felt it was inappropriate. He only asked, "Are you alright?"

Zhao Dailin's face was pale. She wiped her mouth and nodded to indicate she could manage.

Lu Huaizheng twisted open the other bottle of water, handing it to Yu Hao with the cap loosely on, and looked down at her with a gentle gaze. "And you?"

Even at a time like this, Zhao Dailin didn't forget to gossip. The hand wiping her mouth paused as her eyes darted back and forth between the two of them.

"I'm fine," Yu Hao said, taking the water.

Lu Huaizheng nodded, stuck his hands in his pockets, and glanced elsewhere with a smile. "Just hang in there a little longer, another two hours to go."

Yu Hao obediently said, "Okay."

Zhao Dailin felt that the more she looked at these two, the more they seemed like a perfect match. Just standing there together without saying anything, you could feel that blush-inducing, heart-pounding atmosphere. One look at each other and sparks flew. It was just—

Perhaps all soldiers exude a sense of security, but this feeling was particularly strong with Lu Huaizheng. Paired with Yu Hao's thin, small, and delicate frame, the stark contrast was somehow especially harmonious.

When it was time to get back on, Zhao Dailin directly took Lu Huaizheng's seat and chatted idly with Sun Kai, waiting for Lu Huaizheng and Yu Hao to board.

She didn't give up the seat. "You two sit over there. I'm going to chat with Captain Sun for a bit."

Sun Kai nodded in agreement. "Right, right, Huaizheng, you and Dr. Yu go sit."

"..."

"..."

Lu Huaizheng had Yu Hao sit on the inside, then took off his cap and sat down beside her. He commented, "You seem to be in better shape than before."

Yu Hao shook her head. "It's about the same, actually. I still get dizzy after running 800 meters."

Lu Huaizheng leaned back in his seat with his arms crossed and laughed at her. "You spend all year in front of a computer and don't exercise. Who else would get dizzy if not you?"

"I do exercise," Yu Hao emphasized.

He raised an eyebrow, glancing at her. "Exercise what?"

Yu Hao gave him an innocent look and said, "I do yoga. I have abs."

Lu Huaizheng, who was looking at her with his head turned, suddenly felt his throat go dry. His Adam's apple bobbed subconsciously.

The author has something to say:

Because I've written a lot of reconciliation stories, I thought of a special way to write it when I was setting it up.

The process of breaking the ice will be wonderful, but both sides need a certain amount of courage. Yu Hao's way of thinking is very simple, not as complex as Lu Lu's, so the two of them are actually very complementary. I think this process is the most beautiful.

Lu Lu: I have an eight-pack, wanna see?