Cao Peng was taken aback, falling silent for a moment before quietly saying, "Miss, what do you need him for?"
I sighed and replied, "I have something I want to tell him."
"But..." Cao Peng hesitated, "He has already enlisted."
I widened my eyes in disbelief. "What?"
"He has already enlisted," Cao Peng repeated. "And I've assigned him to a unit under my command."
I felt deflated.
What was this?
After all the trouble I went through to come here, this was the outcome?
I was unwilling to accept it.
"Where is he?" I pressed. "I need to see him."
Cao Peng looked troubled. "Miss, please don't put me in a difficult position. Military orders are strict; if I take you to see him without permission, I'll face punishment."
I glared at him, my teeth clenched in frustration.
This guy was clearly making things difficult on purpose!
"Miss, please don't be angry," Cao Peng advised. "Everyone has their own aspirations. Since he has chosen this path, you should respect his decision."
I bit my lip and said, "You make a valid point."
Cao Peng let out a sigh of relief.
"I won't interfere with his choice," I said. "I just hope that... he can return safely in the future."
Cao Peng sighed again and nodded.
"Well then... I'll take my leave," I said as I turned to walk out the door.
"Wait!" Cao Peng called after me.
I stopped and turned back to look at him.
"Miss," Cao Peng hesitated, "would you like to... let him know that you came by?"
"No need," I shook my head.
If Tang Mufeng knew I was looking for him, he would definitely rush out without a second thought. At that point, things would really become complicated.
"I'm leaving, take care," I waved at him and walked towards the door.
Just a few steps out, a little girl suddenly dashed out from the side and grabbed my sleeve, excitedly saying, "Sister, sister, let me take you to find Brother Tang Mufeng!"
I was startled and focused my gaze; it turned out to be Cao Peng's little sister.
"Stop messing around!" Cao Peng quickly scolded, "Come back!"
The little girl stuck her tongue out at him and pulled me away at full speed.
I was bewildered. The little girl's speed was astonishing; I couldn't keep up and could only be dragged along.
Along the way, I bumped into countless people and attracted numerous curses. Finally, my vision darkened, and I nearly fainted.
"Sister, sister, wake up!" the little girl shouted while patting my face.
I struggled to open my eyes, seeing stars in front of me.
"Sister, look quickly!" the little girl pointed ahead, "Brother Tang Mufeng is right there!"
Following her direction, I saw a young man standing in front of the barracks. He wore a simple blue-gray uniform and stood tall in the snow like a pine tree.
It was him. Even after such a long time apart and just a fleeting glance, I could recognize him immediately.
Tang Mufeng.
My legs went weak, and I couldn't move any further.
"Brother Tang Mufeng!" the little girl waved her arms and shouted loudly, "Look who I brought with me!"
Hearing this, Tang Mufeng turned around and looked our way.
The moment I saw his face clearly, I felt my breath catch in my throat.
He had lost a lot of weight and had become much darker; his once handsome features had grown rougher, and his skin had taken on a healthy bronze hue.
His gaze had also become more resolute and profound.
He looked at me quietly, without saying a word.
Yet I could sense that his heart was anything but calm on the surface.
He... must be missing me just as much.
Comment 0 Comment Count