Chapter 122: Is He Thinking of Her Too?

“Ningning, do you have the ability to protect yourself?” Sheng Zexi wanted to make sure.

“I do. Last time, that human trafficker…”

Sheng Zexi didn’t let Gu Jianing finish her sentence—he already understood.

He just reminded her, “Even if you can protect yourself, you still need to be careful. If anything happens to you or the baby, what am I supposed to do?”

Gu Jianing wrapped her arm around Sheng Zexi’s and replied, “I know.”

After confirming that Gu Jianing could defend herself, Sheng Zexi finally relaxed. Otherwise, with Li Shuyao or others keeping an eye on Ningning and harboring such malice, he really wouldn’t feel at ease leaving her behind when he went on missions.

“Don’t you want to ask me anything?” Gu Jianing blinked at him, leaning in.

So far, Sheng Zexi only knew she was special in some way. Even when he asked a few questions, it was just to make sure she was safe. He never pressed for more.

Wasn’t he curious?

Sheng Zexi glanced at his little wife, immediately seeing through the thoughts swirling in her eyes.

He couldn’t help but reach out and flick her forehead lightly. “You love letting your imagination run wild.”

“What’s there to ask? When it comes to secrets, the fewer people who know, the better—even if that person is me!”

“So, I won’t ask, and you shouldn’t tell me, understand?”

Seeing the seriousness in Sheng Zexi’s eyes, Gu Jianing’s eyes grew hot. She nodded and snuggled into his arms.

Her voice was soft and sweet. “Zexi, you’re so good to me. I think the luckiest thing in my life was choosing you.”

Sheng Zexi hugged his wife tightly, his lips curving up uncontrollably like a big dog being praised by its owner. If he had a tail, it would be wagging like crazy right now.

“As long as you know. Marrying me, you really struck gold.”

Gu Jianing covered her mouth and laughed. This man’s thick skin was something he’d never change.

Since Sheng Zexi didn’t press her and seemed to have some idea of her uniqueness, Gu Jianing felt relieved and a bit bolder.

She leaned in and whispered in his ear about the invisible bulletproof vest.

Sheng Zexi’s eyes widened, full of shock: I thought what I already knew was surprising enough, but I didn’t expect there was something even more astonishing.

Bulletproof vests were rare these days. He’d only heard of them, never worn one himself.

He’d heard they were only used for extremely dangerous border missions.

But Ningning had one—and it was invisible.

“You’re wearing it right now?” Sheng Zexi asked.

Gu Jianing nodded.

Sheng Zexi reached out to touch her, but couldn’t feel or see anything.

There was clearly nothing resembling a bulletproof vest on her, and he had no idea when she’d put it on.

At that moment, Sheng Zexi realized this must be some kind of futuristic technology, and Ningning possessed it—maybe even more than what he knew.

Sheng Zexi wondered, if a less developed country got their hands on this kind of technology, would they advance rapidly?

But the thought only lasted a second before Sheng Zexi dismissed it.

Even so, he would never let Ningning take risks. He was even more determined to protect Gu Jianing and never let her secret be exposed.

Maybe because he was leaving for a mission the next day, Sheng Zexi was extra clingy with Gu Jianing that day.

He followed her around like a big tail, always wanting to hold her, constantly reminding her how to take care of herself after he left.

“Remember to drink goat’s milk every day. Xiaobing will deliver it to the door.”

“When I’m not home, don’t eat in the cafeteria or cook for yourself. Just go to Sister Zhang’s house for meals. We’ll pay them extra, and she’s already agreed.”

“Try not to go out when I’m gone. Even though I know you can protect yourself, I still don’t want you or the baby in any danger.”

…

Who knows how many times he repeated himself. Every time he said something, Gu Jianing patiently replied.

Gu Jianing didn’t find it annoying at all. She knew this was Sheng Zexi’s love and care for her. How lucky was she to have this? She should feel happy and blessed.

In the end, Sheng Zexi hugged Gu Jianing tightly, like a big dog reluctant to leave its owner before a long journey. “Ningning, I’m sorry. You’re still in the early stages of pregnancy, and I can’t be by your side. Ningning, I hate to leave you.”

Gu Jianing hugged him back. “I hate to see you go too, but I know your ambitions and your responsibilities. You’re a hero—my hero, and a hero to our country and people. The baby and I will wait for you at home. Please take care of yourself. Your safe return is our greatest wish.”

Gu Jianing’s words warmed Sheng Zexi’s heart and made his eyes sting. “I will.”

The next morning, when Gu Jianing woke up, the man beside her was already gone.

But this time, Gu Jianing knew he had left on a mission, and she had no idea when he’d be back.

Yesterday, they’d agreed that Sheng Zexi would leave quietly without waking her, to avoid the sadness of parting.

Now…

Gu Jianing hugged Sheng Zexi’s pillow, which still carried his unique scent.

She sat on the heated bed for a long while before coming back to herself and starting her morning routine.

After she finished washing up, she heard Zhang Shuwan next door calling her for breakfast.

“Coming!”

When Gu Jianing arrived, Lin Xing wasn’t there—he’d gone off to train early.

So it was just Gu Jianing, Zhang Shuwan, and Guoguo having breakfast together.

“So, now that your Captain Sheng is off on a mission, do you miss him?” Zhang Shuwan asked.

Gu Jianing thought for a moment. “I’m okay.”

Zhang Shuwan just smiled. “It’s only the first day, so you can still say that. Give it a few days—you’ll see the difference.”

Gu Jianing: Really?

In fact, it was just as Zhang Shuwan said.

When Sheng Zexi was home, he did everything—boiling water, warming the bed, all the chores.

Now that he was gone, Gu Jianing had to do everything herself.

It was fine during the day, but at night, lying alone in the empty room, even though the bed and the heated platform were warm, Gu Jianing still felt lonely. She was used to having someone beside her, holding her, making her feel safe.

The howling wind and snow outside never used to matter.

Now, with her man gone, the wind and snow outside seemed louder than ever, so loud she couldn’t sleep.

Yes, on the very first night after Sheng Zexi left for his mission, Gu Jianing couldn’t sleep.

She wondered where Sheng Zexi was now. Had he eaten enough?

Was he thinking of her too?"