Chen Shouwang heard Hualing’s question and his expression became somewhat panicked. His gaze shifted and met Qi Taiguo’s piercing eyes, which made him even more flustered, so he started to cough softly.
Qi Taiguo then said, "Since he’s awake and there’s nothing wrong, everyone should go back. Let’s not disturb Platoon Leader Chen’s rest."
Chen Shouwang gave him a grateful look.
Back at home, Cheng Su couldn’t wait to pull Qi Taiguo aside and ask what was really going on with Chen Shouwang’s blood draw, as she had seen the exchange of looks between them.
Qi Taiguo pursed his lips and said, "I suspect that he might have gone to sell blood?"
"Sell... what, sell blood?" Cheng Su’s eyes widened in disbelief, thinking she had misheard. She hadn’t misheard, had she? Selling blood?
Selling blood is something that one would only consider if they were desperate for money. The Chen family couldn’t possibly be so poor as to resort to selling blood, could they?
"How could that be possible? He is a platoon leader after all. His allowance might not be as high as yours, but it can’t be low, right? And Hualing also has a salary. Their family, why would they be so poor as to need to sell blood?" Cheng Su couldn’t believe it.
"I also hope I am wrong," Qi Taiguo sighed, "but I’ve noticed that Old Chen has been somewhat absent-minded these days, not focused during training. Most importantly, a few days ago, I saw a couple of hoodlums come to the military base looking for him."
"You’re kidding!" Hoodlums looking for a soldier? Cheng Su’s eyes flashed with curiosity.
"Mm-hmm, it’s the same blond hoodlum who harassed you last time. Tell me, if nothing happened, why would he be associating with hoodlums? Has he forgotten that he’s a soldier?" Qi Taiguo’s tone had become a bit harsh by the end.
Cheng Su frowned and said, "We don’t know the actual situation, so it’s better not to make assumptions."
"I will ask him for clarification later," Qi Taiguo said, resolute not to allow Chen Shouwang to fall from grace.
"If he really sold blood, then he must need money, it must be related to money," Cheng Su said. "If money can solve the problem, then it isn’t a problem. Why resort to selling blood?"
Indeed, they were comrades in arms; wasn’t there anything they couldn’t seek help for? Why risk one’s body for such a thing? Didn’t Chen Shouwang know that a soldier’s greatest asset is their health?
Chen Shouwang was also troubled, putting all his effort into placating Hualing. But one lie required a hundred more to sustain it, and it was exhausting.
"I really didn’t lie to you. I’ve just been too tired from training lately, had a few blood tests, and maybe it was too hot today, that’s why I fainted. I used to get faint at the sight of blood when I was a kid!"
"You’re still lying to me at this point, you’re still lying to me," Hualing cried. "If you didn’t have a problem, why would you go for a medical exam?"
Chen Shouwang felt a throbbing in his temples and had to close his eyes.
Seeing this, Hualing became very anxious: "What’s wrong? Still feeling dizzy?"
"I’m just dizzy, I want to sleep for a bit. After I’ve rested, can we talk then? My good wife, I really don’t have the guts to lie to you," Chen Shouwang said.
Hualing opened her mouth, bit her lip, and said, "I’ll go buy some pig liver to make you soup."
Chen Shouwang breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, "You’re going through a lot of trouble!"
As long as she didn’t ask any further, that was fine; otherwise, he really couldn’t cope. If he revealed everything, how would she react?
Chen Shouwang watched Hualing’s retreating back, opened his mouth to speak, but the words halted on his lips. He couldn’t say it. He absolutely couldn’t say it.