The doctor doesn't allow Hua Guoqing to just lie in bed after the surgery; he makes the nurses force him to get out of bed and move around, because only with activity can there be intestinal peristalsis, and he must pass gas to avoid postoperative intestinal obstruction.

Hua Guoqing, who usually loves to talk and laugh, is really suffering during this hospitalization; any movement in his abdomen causes pain, and he doesn't even dare to exert himself when speaking.

During his hospitalization, Lin Yajing came to the ward to see him every few days. The company commander next to him always looked at the two of them with curious eyes whenever he saw this civilian, as if he wanted to find out what they were talking about.

The nurses and health workers in the hospital also speculated about the relationship between this very beautiful woman and Hua Guoqing.

Lin Yajing knew that there were many eyes in the hospital watching her, so every time she came, she would buy some fruits or snacks.

Yan Guoqing couldn't eat these after the surgery, so he left the things she brought untouched on the table by the window. Lin Yajing still bought new ones each time and took away the old ones when she left.

Lin Yajing also changed her strategy; every time she came to the hospital, she spoke little in front of the company commander and the nurses entering the ward. Since the nurses were responsible for getting hot water and delivering meals, she would just sit by the bed for twenty minutes or so before leaving.

Seeing this situation, Hua Guoqing had nothing to say and remained silent.

In fact, he was constantly struggling inside; he could see that Lin Yajing had truly fallen in love with him. But having just divorced, he was really scared, afraid that this strong-willed woman would cry, throw a tantrum, or even hang herself, and even more afraid of his mother getting angry with him at home. Most of all, he feared being blamed again in the army.

Seeing Lin Yajing often come to the ward to keep him company, Hua Guoqing's heart softened a bit, but he didn't know how to face the next step.

In fact, Hua Guoqing didn't realize that he had a way with women throughout his life; he really didn't know.

The afternoon before Hua Guoqing was discharged, Lin Yajing came to the ward again, just when the company commander was not there.

She said: "Guoqing, I have something to tell you. Whether you believe it or not, you have to listen to me finish. During this time, besides coming to see you, I also talked to my family about my own matters. I talked to my husband, and because of our incompatible personalities, we are preparing to divorce. Of course, this has nothing to do with you. I have moved out of my home and am temporarily staying at my sister's house. My sister is going to give birth this month, and she has moved back to her mother-in-law's house. I won't come over tomorrow when you are discharged; our matter should also have a conclusion."

After saying this, she took out a piece of paper.

"This is my sister's address. There is a phone in the family compound's reception room, and the number is on it. After you are discharged, no one will take care of you. If you want, you can come to my sister's house. I will cook some delicious meals for you, and you can also stay at my sister's house. In the evening, I will go back to my mother's house. I will leave first, and I will always wait for your news."

After saying this, she turned and left the ward.

So calm, she truly deserves to be called Lin Daojing.

At this moment, Hua Guoqing was somewhat at a loss.

During these days in the hospital ward, the two of them had hardly communicated, and their moods were quite calm.

However, Lin Yajing's words before leaving were like a heavy bomb, plunging Hua Guoqing into a dilemma.

The next day, Pan Jun came to the hospital with a driver from the political department to pick him up for discharge.

Pan Jun also wanted to take this opportunity to talk to Guoqing about his ongoing connection with Teacher Lin. After all, the fact that this female teacher often visited Hua Guoqing in the hospital had been discussed by some cadres in the political department, and some people knew about the relationship between Pan Jun and them, so they quietly informed Pan Jun.

Back at Hua Guoqing's dormitory, Pan Jun asked a soldier to go to the cafeteria to bring their lunch back to the dormitory.

Pan Jun got straight to the point with Hua Guoqing.

"I heard that Teacher Lin has contacted you again."

Pan Jun went straight to the subject.

Hua Guoqing: "Brother Jun, I feel particularly wronged. I was just thinking of talking to you and asking for your advice."

So he recounted how Lin Yajing found him, their conversation that night on Binhai Avenue, and how Lin Yajing came to visit him in the hospital, including everything that happened during his last visit before discharge.

He also expressed his thoughts about cutting off further contact, but he was really worried about how to let Lin Yajing calmly accept this outcome.

Pan Jun listened quietly, occasionally frowning.

"Brother Jun, I assure you to Chairman Mao that every word I say is the truth. We are brothers, and you must help me come up with a plan."

After Hua Guoqing finished speaking, Pan Jun did not respond directly. He first recounted the two phone calls he made to his father about transferring Hua Guoqing from the regiment to the division's film team six months ago.

Then he turned to the main topic: "Guoqing, we are childhood friends and comrades. I trust you. My opinion is that you should cut off any ties with Teacher Lin immediately. She is determined to be with you now. You are a soldier and have just arrived at the division; many comrades do not know about the issues in the regiment. If you get involved with this Teacher Lin again, I think you might have to take off your military uniform."

Finally, Pan Jun reminded him: "Especially don't go to her sister's house. Don't have any expectations of her; she won't accept any explanation from you now. If you go, it will only bring trouble. I know you best; especially, you are soft-hearted. If Teacher Lin cries, you might soften up, and the two of you could end up in bed. Although you are single, this Teacher Lin is still a married woman, and if something goes wrong, it will be your responsibility."

"You should stay inside the military camp and not go out of the division's gate. If she comes looking for you again, have the guards say you have been transferred. She won't just barge in, right?"

"Since you haven't had a sexual relationship with her, we have nothing to fear. What do you think, Guoqing?"

After listening to Pan Jun's words, Hua Guoqing nodded repeatedly.

"Thank you, Brother Jun. I'm also afraid that if I go to her sister's house, not only will I not be able to explain, but I might also lose control of myself, which would be even more troublesome. I'll listen to you and do it this way."

This was the second time Pan Jun saved Hua Guoqing in the army, and Hua Guoqing completely cut off ties with that Teacher Lin.

Six months later, Hua Guoqing was selected to study at the Xi'an Political Academy and was transferred to a certain unit in the Beijing Military Region after graduation.

Hua Guoqing has always remembered these past events from over forty years ago. He and Pan Jun later both transitioned to civilian life, and their relationship remained very close; they were true brothers.

Pan Jun just called to say that Dong Xiaoxue from the division's propaganda team has arrived in Beijing and asked him to book a room at the Tang Palace Seafood Restaurant in the New Overseas Chinese Hotel. Although he and Dong Xiaoxue didn't have much interaction in the division, they were quite familiar due to Pan Jun's relationship.

After booking the restaurant, he called Pan Jun back.

"Brother Jun, the room is booked. I will send you the information on WeChat shortly. I will bring the wine tonight, and I will arrive early. Oh, as you said, I booked a room for twelve people. You can inform the other comrades who will join. Goodbye!"