At 21 years old, Lin Zhen wasn’t old by any means, but in this era, most people his age were already married with children. Especially in rural areas, both men and women got married early. By this age, many already had kids running around.
Lin Zhen, with his tall, burly frame, wasn’t just physically strong—he was also highly capable. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have become a battalion commander at such a young age. Coming from humble background, he had earned his rank through sheer grit, risking his life on real missions.
He wasn’t bad-looking either, and plenty of people admired him. Many women in the barracks had tried to introduce him to suitable girls, whether from their families or acquaintances.
But Lin Zhen hadn’t been interested in any of them.
It wasn’t that his standards were too high—he was just focused on his training and missions. Plus, he had his younger brother to think about, leaving no room for romance.
Now, with his leg injured and his military career over, he hadn’t expected to suddenly be nagged about marriage.
The brigade leader seemed ready to keep pressing the issue when Heidan came running over.
“Brigade Leader Uncle! Brother!”
Even with one leg injured, Lin Zhen stood tall and firm. He rested on his crutch with one hand and effortlessly scooped Heidan up into his other arm.
Heidan dangled in his brother’s embrace like an excited little puppy, proudly holding up the persimmons for his brother to see.
“Brother, look! These are persimmons made by Sister Song—they’re so sweet!”
Ah, Sister Song again.
Lin Zhen didn’t hesitate to take one and handed another to the brigade leader. Popping the fruit into his mouth, he chewed thoughtfully.
“This is good stuff. Are these all for me?””
Heidan clutched the rest protectively.
“No, no, no! These are for the soldier brothers and for Shuanzi. Sister Song said I should give Shuanzi one since he helped me yesterday.”
“What happened with the Lin family yesterday?” Lin Zhen asked.
Heidan launched into an exaggerated retelling of Song Wei’s heroic beatdown of the Lin family, embellishing every detail as he went.
Lin Zhen listened, unimpressed.
“Why don’t you just say she’s the reincarnation of Sun Wukong while you’re at it?”
Heidan huffed indignantly.
“Sister Song is amazing—she really is!”
Lin Zhen snorted but didn’t argue further. Carrying Heidan, he hobbled over to his two soldiers, who were helping repair the old house.
Heidan distributed the persimmons, carefully saving one for Shuanzi.
Lin Zhen initially wanted to help fix the house, but the brigade leader and his soldiers insisted he rest instead.
Fine. If they didn’t want his help, he’d find something else to do—like settling the score with the Lin family.
As Lin Zhen made his way toward the Lin household, he noticed people rushing in the opposite direction. Curious, he stopped one of the villagers.
“What’s going on?”
“Ah, it’s Lin Zhen, right? Tall and strong, aren’t you?”
Aunt Wang, a lively older woman, stopped in front of him. “Such a fine young man. So, how’s your leg?”
Northeasterners were known for their bluntness, and Aunt Wang was no exception.
Lin Zhen, equally straightforward, replied, “Walking might be a bit tricky from now on.”
“Can you still serve in the army?”
Lin Zhen shook his head.
“I’ve been discharged. But don’t worry—I can still feed myself and my brother.”
Aunt Wang sighed.
“What a shame. You’re built for the army—strong enough to take down a few invaders. It’s such a waste for someone like you to end up farming.”
Lin Zhen wasn’t keen to dwell on his misfortune.
“Where’s everyone headed in such a hurry?”
Aunt Wang perked up, her eyes gleaming with excitement. She slapped her thigh and exclaimed,
“You haven’t heard? Wang Xiaohua is at the Zhiqing dormitory, insisting on marrying that Luo Zhiqing. She’s causing quite a scene!”
Lin Zhen made a noncommittal sound and continued toward the Lin family. He had no interest in whatever drama Wang Xiaohua was stirring up.
But Heidan squirmed impatiently.
“I need to find Sister Song! Put me down, Brother!”
“What for? Aren’t we going to settle the score with the Lin family?”
Heidan puffed out his chest.
“A gentleman’s revenge… is never too late. You can take revenge at any time. But you have to eat the melon while it’s still hot.”
Lin Zhen stared at him, dumbfounded.
“Who’s been teaching you this nonsense? What melon are you eating? Where is the melon here?”
Heidan scratched his head sheepishly.
“Sister Song said ‘eating melon’ means watching a show. She says it’s only fun when you see it live; hearing about it later isn’t the same.”
Before Lin Zhen could respond, Heidan wriggled free and took off toward the educated youth dormitory.
“Come on, Brother! Sister Song is probably in the best spot already. I have to find her!”
Lin Zhen: …He doesn’t want to go.
This kid is so troublesome!
Seeing his brother walking unhurriedly, Heidan stomped his feet anxiously. “How can you eat hot melon if you walk so slowly? If you keep this up, you’ll end up suffering losses in the future!”
Lin Zhen sneered, “Nonsense, the only thing I do is make others suffer!”
By the time the brothers arrived, the place was bustling with commotion. Wang Xiaohua stood dramatically at Luo Yecheng’s door, holding a bouquet of wildflowers and publicly declaring her love.
The educated youth around, especially the male ones, were very grateful.
Fortunately, they did not live in the same room as Luo Yecheng, otherwise it would have been too embarrassing.
Meanwhile, Song Wei had claimed the prime viewing spot—perched on the wall surrounding the dormitory. With her agility and unrelenting curiosity, she had climbed up to enjoy the show from a high vantage point.
She cracked sunflower seeds as she watched Wang Xiaohua serenade Luo Yecheng.
A movement caught her eye, and she turned to see Heidan running toward her, dragging his older brother along.
Standing tall with his crutch, Lin Zhen immediately spotted her.
In fact, Song Wei was not the only one standing on the wall. All the young children in the village were experts in climbing trees, so climbing a wall was naturally not difficult for them.
But Song Wei is the most conspicuous among the group of people who climb over the wall.
It’s simple… Such a gentle-looking, well-behaved and pretty girl standing among the guys is simply a bright flower in the midst of green. How can she not be conspicuous?
Lin Zhen: This girl is quite capable.
“Sister Song!” Heidan called, waving excitedly.
“Can you climb up by yourself?” Song Wei asked.
“Pull me up!” Heidan replied eagerly.
Song Wei extended a hand to help the boy up, then glanced at Lin Zhen.
“What about your brother?”
Lin Zhen chuckled.
“Underestimating me, are you?”
With that, he handed Heidan up with one arm, set aside his crutch, and climbed the wall effortlessly.
Even with his injured leg, Lin Zhen’s strength and skill were undeniable.
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