No other reason, but because Gu Jia Ning’s appearance is striking, her demeanor composed and elegant, her entire being radiant like a shining star. The moment she entered, she captured everyone’s attention, compelling them to gaze and admire.
After accepting the award from the leader, she had to deliver an acceptance speech.
Gu Jia Ning was prepared, speaking with calm composure at this moment.
As she spoke, her eyes subconsciously scanned the audience, perhaps it was her habit.
She intended to pull back after briefly scanning.
Unexpectedly, she froze upon noticing a certain silhouette.
Near the entrance of the hall, that familiar figure in a military uniform, covered in gray dust as if having rushed here, instantly drew all of Gu Jia Ning’s attention.
In her eyes, no one else mattered anymore.
Is it him?
Is it really him?
Gu Jia Ning feared it was an illusion born from her overwhelming longing.
Until, from afar, she saw the man’s lips moving silently, speaking something.
Even across the distance, Gu Jia Ning easily discerned those four words: I’m back!
He’s back, he really is back!
At this moment, Gu Jia Ning confirmed it wasn’t her imagination.
Indeed, Sheng Zexi had truly returned.
Though he had grown darker, thinner, and his features more defined.
Since they got married, they hadn’t been apart.
Previously, Zhang Shuwan asked her if she would be uncomfortable when Sheng Zexi went on assignments and wasn’t at home.
Her answer at the time was: it’s okay.
It wasn’t until Sheng Zexi left on assignment, just a few days later, that she felt the discomfort. Soon after, longing reached its peak.
Missing him, worrying about him.
That was when Gu Jia Ning realized that, unknowingly, she had already placed Sheng Zexi firmly in her heart, causing her to fret over him.
And now, seeing Sheng Zexi standing at the entrance of the hall, the pent-up longing in her heart spread like vines, swiftly becoming uncontrollable.
Gu Jia Ning restrained herself, fighting the urge to rush off the stage and into his arms.
Blinking, she held back the tears threatening to fall.
She swiftly completed her acceptance speech.
Afterwards, she stepped off the stage, her gaze fixed on Sheng Zexi.
And Sheng Zexi, too, walked slowly, his gaze following his wife on stage.
It turns out, during his time on assignment, his young wife was so outstanding, impressing not only him but everyone else as well.
"Honey, I’m back." Sheng Zexi said when he reached Gu Jia Ning.
Gu Jia Ning gazed at him, eyes glistening with tears, a gentle smile on her lips, "You’re back, that’s all that matters."
A thousand words seemed to converge in their eyes, with emotions intertwined between them.
Perhaps because this was a crowded hall, they had no choice but to restrain themselves.
Sheng Zexi held Gu Jia Ning’s hand and sat down.
Initially, there was another person sitting beside Gu Jia Ning, but knowing Sheng Zexi and Gu Jia Ning were married, and now that Sheng Zexi had returned, the person gave up the seat, finding another place to sit.
From afar, Zhang Shuwan saw Sheng Zexi return, sighed in relief, murmuring, "Battalion Commander Sheng is finally back, otherwise Jia Ning would be lovesick."
On stage, the award ceremony continued.
Finally, the host stated, "In this rescue operation at the Xinghua Village landslide, not only did the soldiers, doctors, and nurses perform exceptionally..."
"But also our military dogs, who persevered in the torrential rain to search for victims, making significant contributions."
"They, too, deserve recognition."
"So, let’s present honors to these distinguished military dogs."
...
Gu Jia Ning’s eyes widened slightly. Did they really honor the military dogs?
How wonderful!
Gu Jia Ning felt immensely gratified, especially seeing Amber among the awarded military dogs, her eyes grew red.
Amber, and these military dogs, they truly deserve this honor!
On stage, Amber looked at the medal adorning its neck, then glanced up at Gu Jia Ning, and tears began to well up in its eyes.
This honor, Amber had never received before.
Not due to a lack of outstanding performance, but because no award had been given to military dogs prior.
Xiao Duo told it that the reason military dogs had this honor was because of Gu Jia Ning.
At this moment, Xiao Duo stood beside Amber. His gaze also swept to Gu Jia Ning, filled with a complex expression.
Since Amber was a military dog, and he was Amber’s handler,
He brought Amber on stage.
Normally, when a military dog’s merit was acknowledged, its handler also received recognition.
But Xiao Duo knew this honor did not belong to him.
His feelings toward Gu Jia Ning were very complex.
Initially, upon hearing that military dogs could be honored, Xiao Duo was thrilled for Amber.
But upon discovering that this suggestion came from Gu Jia Ning, his mood instantly became complicated.
He realized that as Amber’s handler and comrade, he was quite incompetent.
When Amber and the unborn child faced danger, nearing death, he chose to abandon them.
Even Gu Jia Ning, could advocate for Amber, seeking the honor it deserved, while he, this so-called handler and comrade?
In recent days, he had seen Amber’s reactions.
The distancing from Amber was apparent to him, and it hurt.
Xiao Duo thought: Perhaps, he might not be able to keep Amber.
Finally, after the ceremony concluded, Sheng Zexi held Gu Jia Ning’s hand and headed towards the family courtyard.
Though he was feeling quite impatient, he couldn’t help but be mindful of Gu Jia Ning’s pregnancy, hence walked relatively slowly.
Gu Jia Ning’s hand was tightly grasped by the man’s large one.
It was a hand unlike any woman’s—broad, slightly rough, feeling dry, yet warm on such a chilly spring day.
The warmth was like a tide, surging towards Gu Jia Ning, wrapping around her, making both her body and heart feel cozy and warm.
On the road, neither of them spoke in tacit agreement.
Not until they entered the courtyard, Sheng Zexi quickly closed the door, still holding Gu Jia Ning’s hand, leading her inside.
The next second, before Gu Jia Ning realized, the man turned and embraced her.
His face rubbed against her hair, her cheek, his eyes half-closed, absorbing the scent and warmth from his young wife’s body.
His deep, slightly hoarse voice echoed near her ear, "Ningning, I miss you, miss you so much."
Sheng Zexi had never missed someone so intensely.
Previously, he had gone on assignments but never wished to return as eagerly as this time.
He had not anticipated the duration would be so long, going away for over a month.
Sheng Zexi realized he was growing increasingly inseparable from Gu Jia Ning.