I caught a cold, it’s really uncomfortable. I only managed to type out one Chapter until now. I’ll try harder tomorrow.
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"Commander..." Zhou Hanliang eyed Zhou Mikang, who was beaming since early morning, "Is there some good news? Can you share it, so I can be happy too?"
"Go, get back to your duty," Zhou Mikang pushed him, "If there’s any mess tomorrow, see how I deal with you."
"Something’s off..." Zhou Hanliang smirked, looking him up and down, "Commander, did the sister-in-law give you some sweets?"
"Yes," Zhou Mikang glanced at him sideways, "What about it, got anything to say?"
"No, no, no... yes!" Zhou Hanliang, scared, took to his heels, "I... I’m just jealous, no... nothing to say."
"Look at you, all cowardly! Get back here!"
Zhou Hanliang cautiously stepped back: "Commander, do you have any orders?"
"We’re setting off tomorrow, go see Doudou."
"No need." Zhou Hanliang’s expression suddenly darkened, "Seeing her might be worse than not seeing her."
"Coward!" Zhou Mikang glared at him, "This past half year, she’s been at odds with her birth mother, although she hasn’t seen you. But her mind is set. Are you sure you won’t regret not seeing her?"
"I..." Zhou Hanliang’s eyes showed a hint of pain, "She probably doesn’t have any news from me. Not seeing her would mean she won’t have to worry."
"With her father’s status, how could she possibly not know you’re being sent on a mission?" Zhou Mikang sighed, "Forget it, this is your private matter. I won’t say more. Just handle it yourself."
"Yes." Zhou Hanliang responded and left the office.
Frowning and staring out the door for a while, Zhou Mikang dialed Yun Fengshan’s office line. The secretary answered, and he went straight to the point: "This is Zhou Mikang, Commander of A Division A Regiment. Please connect me to Deputy Commander Yun."
"Please hold..." After a long wait, the phone connected to Yun Fengshan’s private line, "Hello, this is Yun Fengshan." The magnetic baritone was instantly likable.
"Deputy Commander Yun...," after a brief pause, Zhou Mikang continued, "I know your time is valuable, so I’ll cut to the chase. We’re setting off tomorrow. Is it possible to give Yun Doudou a day off?"
"Aren’t you already married?" Yun Fengshan said slowly.
"True, I’m married, but Zhou Hanliang isn’t married nor does he have a girlfriend. I believe, Deputy Commander, you should be aware of their situation."
"Normally, I wouldn’t intervene in such matters, but I’m doing this now because I don’t want your daughter to resent you for a lifetime, nor do I want my brother to leave with regrets."
"I didn’t realize you were such a pessimist." Yun Fengshan snorted, "If that’s the case, what’s the need to see each other?"
"I didn’t say Zhou Hanliang would be in danger. I’m just saying that he’ll be gone for a long time, and your daughter might direct her frustration at you.
Since you’ve left her with foster parents since she was young, the emotional bond between you isn’t strong. If this continues..., don’t say I didn’t warn you."
"Are you threatening me?"
"If that’s how you want to interpret it, I don’t care to explain."
"Zhou Mikang, you’re the one asking for a favor here."
"I’m not asking for a favor, I’m just giving you an opportunity."
"Giving me an opportunity?" Yun Fengshan laughed in anger, "Giving me the opportunity to send my daughter to see a man my wife has strictly forbidden her to meet, and just set our family at odds? Is that your idea of an opportunity?"
"If that’s the case, you really should sort out your family issues. Zhou Hanliang is an excellent soldier, which, as his direct superior, you should clearly recognize, right?"
"Is this how you treat your superior?"
"I’m speaking to you as a private individual now."
"Can you be any more contradictory or domineering?"
"Yes, just have Yun Doudou come to Division A."
"If you don’t respond, I’ll take it as your agreement. My car will be at your house in five minutes. Please have Doudou ready," Zhou Mikang said and, without waiting for a response from Yun Fengshan, abruptly hung up."
"Com... Commander..." Returning to submit some documents and having heard everything, Zhou Hanliang looked at Zhou Mikang, speechless, not knowing what else to say.
Is this how you ask someone for a favor?
Is this how you dominate a superior?
Commander Tongzi, are you helping me or hurting me?
Of course, these thoughts could only roar in his mind; outwardly, he dared not show it.
Yet, deep down, he was moved. Commander Tongzi was being domineering just to help him, good brother... even if it was making a mess...