Chapter 155: Chapter 155: Requesting to Join the Battle, Saying Goodbye

Zhuo Yifan didn’t say much. Although the outcome was unexpected, from another perspective, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The more outstanding Xu Huai’an was, the happier he felt.

He waved his hand, signaling for them to go rest and regroup—there was a tough battle ahead.

Xu Huai’an went to the locker room to wash up and change clothes.

“How about that? Didn’t I tell you? The ones I train are as good as six men put together!” Tang Zhenye couldn’t hide the pride in his eyes.

Zhuo Yifan smiled helplessly. “Fine, you’re the best, okay? But did you tell him? Did he agree to go?

He’s not part of our team anymore, so we can’t order him around. If he refuses… it’s all for nothing.”

Zhuo Yifan was deliberately trying to provoke Tang Zhenye—he was determined to get this temporary soldier.

Only then did Tang Zhenye realize he hadn’t brought it up with Xu Huai’an yet, but he was confident Xu would agree.

“If you hadn’t mentioned it, I’d have forgotten. I was just worried you’d look down on him!”

“Yeah, you just keep laughing to yourself! Such a good soldier, wasted by you—what a shame,” Zhuo Yifan said, unwilling to let it go.

“What do you mean, wasted?” Tang Zhenye almost blew his top.

...

As they were talking, Xu Huai’an came out, towel in hand, and the two immediately fell silent.

“Huai’an, earlier you wondered why I had you join the competition, right?

Let me put it this way—the Ministry of Defense has run into a bit of trouble.

A group of terrorists has secretly infiltrated the outskirts of Beijing. They’re hiding in the mountains, planning to threaten the city’s safety, and they’re armed.

The Ministry wants to send a small team to scout ahead and locate their base, but they can’t find anyone skilled in mountain warfare to lead the squad. So I recommended you to General Zhuo.

Complex terrain combat has always been your strength, and you have plenty of real combat experience. You can handle any unexpected situation.

The only problem now is…”

Tang Zhenye paused, looking at Xu Huai’an seriously. “I think you’re the right man for the job. Are you willing to take it on?”

General Zhuo also looked at him expectantly, both waiting for his answer.

Only now did Xu Huai’an understand the situation.

To be honest, this was a challenge for him, especially since he had an uncertain illness.

But it was also a rare opportunity.

Tang Zhenye was truly thinking of his future—if he completed this mission, he’d make a name for himself in the Ministry of Defense. Even if he didn’t return to the army, other paths would open up for him.

Tang Zhenye’s influence was mainly within the military. If Xu couldn’t recover, Tang’s help would be limited.

But Zhuo Yifan was different.

Two years ago, Xu might not have cared about his identity or future. He could’ve gotten by however he liked, even giving up his veteran’s privileges without a second thought.

But now, two years later, his mindset had changed completely.

His parents had given up on him, life had been tough, and the hardships of the past two years made him realize that the one thing a person can never give up is becoming a better version of themselves.

Life isn’t black and white. Only by becoming stronger can you do more of what you want, and becoming a better person had become important to him.

He wanted to stand by Gu Qinghuan’s side as an equal, to protect the one he loved, to be the one shielding her from the wind and rain.

He wanted to become the best version of himself.

This mission—he had to accept it. There was no other choice.

Besides, even without these benefits, he owed his old commander a debt of gratitude. He could never refuse him.

His patriotism wouldn’t allow him to back down, either.

All these thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant.

“If there is a battle, I will answer the call. That is every soldier’s duty. I will not shirk it,” Xu Huai’an said firmly.

“Good man! I knew you wouldn’t let me down!” Tang Zhenye clapped him on the shoulder, delighted.

Zhuo Yifan also smiled in satisfaction.

“To prevent any incidents, we’ll give you a final test regarding your illness.

Time is tight—you have one night to get ready, say goodbye to your family. You know the rules of confidentiality. Even though you’re no longer a soldier, what you’re about to do concerns the safety of the people—it’s no joke.

The six men you just competed with will be your teammates. I hope you’ll win them over not just with your skills, but also with your leadership,” Zhuo Yifan said.

Xu Huai’an understood.

Zhuo Yifan had already arranged for a psychologist to test him—it turned out to be an old acquaintance, Xiao Zhuo.

Given Xu’s past history of emotional outbursts at the sight of blood, they even used blood plasma to provoke him, but he had no reaction.

As for handling firearms, that was second nature to him—no issues there.

After a thorough evaluation, Xiao Zhuo concluded that Xu Huai’an could now control his emotions and wouldn’t lose control easily.

Tang Zhenye and Zhuo Yifan were both relieved.

It had been hard to find the right person for the job.

Xu Huai’an knew his own situation—he always carried the medicine and spiritual spring water Gu Qinghuan had prepared for him. If anything happened, he could take them right away.

So he wasn’t too worried about losing control again.

By the time the tests were done, it was already 1 a.m. Xiao Zhuo gave him a ride back to the villa.

Xiao Zhuo didn’t ask any questions, but seemed to know everything anyway.

Before Xu got out of the car, Xiao Zhuo suddenly said, “Safe travels. Come back in one piece.”

Xu Huai’an smiled. “Thank you. I will.”

Xiao Zhuo was often called in by various departments for these kinds of evaluations, but this was the first time he’d tested an old friend.

Knowing Xu Huai’an was about to embark on a dangerous mission, he couldn’t help but worry for him.

When Xu Huai’an got home, the children were already asleep in Lanting’s room.

Youran had cried all night for her mother, and Beibei, affected by her, had also fussed for Gu Qinghuan.

Dabao and Lanting had spent the whole night soothing them, and had only just fallen asleep themselves.

Xu Huai’an gently touched the children, feeling deeply guilty. He was about to leave again, leaving the kids in Gu Qinghuan and Lanting’s care—he owed them so much.

But he had to go.

He didn’t want to hide behind Gu Qinghuan forever—he wanted to be the one holding the umbrella for her, the one worthy of her.

“Lanting, I’ll be away for a few days. I’ll have to trouble you to help out more,” Xu Huai’an said calmly.

Gu Lanting hadn’t realized what he was about to do and complained, “You’re leaving again? My sister’s already exhausted. Can’t you just stay home and help her?”

“You’ll understand in time,” Xu replied, leaving her with a cryptic answer.

He packed a few changes of clothes and a family photo, lay down for a bit, then got up to leave.

He’d intended to slip away quietly, but couldn’t bear not to see Gu Qinghuan one more time. He didn’t know if she was still angry about yesterday.

At five in the morning, the hospital was still quiet. Xu Huai’an gently opened the door to the ward.

Zhong Luoning, a light sleeper, woke up immediately.

Gu Qinghuan was also roused by the sound, and seeing Xu Huai’an, she sleepily lay back down.

“Xu Huai’an, why are you here so early?” she asked—it wasn’t even breakfast time.

“I came to say goodbye,” Xu Huai’an said softly.

“What?” The words woke Gu Qinghuan up completely. She sat up in bed.

“I have something to take care of. I’ll be away for a few days. I’ll have to trouble you with the kids,” Xu Huai’an gazed at her deeply, as if trying to etch her into his memory, though his words were calm.

Gu Qinghuan got up and put on her coat, asking anxiously, “Where are you going?”

The two ignored Zhong Luoning, who pretended to turn over and sleep, giving them some privacy.

“The old commander needs a little help. Don’t worry, I’ll be back in a few days.” Xu Huai’an gently brushed her hair from her forehead, looking at her with reluctance.

Gu Qinghuan instantly understood—it was army business. If he couldn’t say, then he couldn’t say.

This was a good thing—Xu Huai’an could do what he was good at and loved, instead of staying home all day, losing his confidence as a househusband.

She didn’t like the jealous, petty version of him she’d seen yesterday.

The Xu Huai’an in her heart was proud, confident, and full of sunshine.

That was why she’d been so angry.

Sometimes, growing up means carrying a lot on your shoulders. Xu Huai’an had no one to help him, no good father—he could only rely on his own two hands.

If she could shoulder a bit more, she would help him.

She wasn’t just helping him—it felt like she was helping her younger self, just starting out in the world, with nothing, timid and humble, feeling undeserving—just like Xu Huai’an now.

He needed a chance to step out and be reborn. Then, he’d have more choices, see more people, a bigger world.

If, at that time, he still stuck to his original heart, she thought she’d give him a chance—and give herself one, too.

“Go ahead. I’ll take care of the kids. Come back safe.”

Xu Huai’an couldn’t hold back anymore—he pulled her into his arms. “Wait for me.”

“I will!” Gu Qinghuan hugged him tightly in return.

Xu Huai’an turned and left decisively, not daring to look back, afraid he wouldn’t be able to leave.

He’d gone on many missions before, always leaving without hesitation, never afraid.

He knew Gu Qinghuan would take good care of the children. What he feared was never seeing her again.

Turns out, loving someone really does make you timid and afraid of death.

Gu Qinghuan caught up to him and slipped something into his hand.

“Come back safe. The kids and I will be waiting for you.”"