“Ningning, do you have the ability to protect yourself?” Sheng Zexi wanted to be sure.
“Yes, last time that human trafficker…”
Sheng Zexi didn’t let Gu Jianing finish. He already understood.
He just reminded her, “Even if you do, still be extra careful. If anything happens to you or the baby, what am I supposed to do?”
Gu Jianing held onto Sheng Zexi’s arm and said, “I know.”
Once Sheng Zexi confirmed she could protect herself, he finally relaxed. Otherwise, with people like Li Shuyao or others watching Ningning with such malice, he wouldn’t feel at ease leaving her alone when he had to go on missions.
“Aren’t you going to ask me anything?” Gu Jianing blinked and leaned in toward him.
So far, Sheng Zexi only knew there was something special about her. Even when he asked a few things, it was just to make sure she was safe. He never pushed for more.
Isn’t he curious at all?
Sheng Zexi glanced at his little wife and could instantly tell what was going on behind her darting eyes.
He reached out and gently flicked her forehead. “You always let your mind run wild.”
“What would I even 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 don’t need to say anything, got it?”
Seeing the seriousness in his eyes, Gu Jianing’s eyes welled up. She nodded and nestled into his arms.
In a soft, sweet voice, she said, “Brother Xi, you’re so good to me. I think the luckiest thing I ever did in this life was choosing you.”
Sheng Zexi hugged her tightly, his smile spreading like crazy—like a big dog wagging its tail madly after being praised.
“As long as you know. Marrying me means you really struck gold.”
Gu Jianing covered her mouth and laughed. His shamelessness was something she’d never be able to change.
Since Sheng Zexi didn’t press her and seemed to accept that she had something special, Gu Jianing felt relieved—and a bit bolder.
She leaned close to his ear and quietly told him about the invisible bulletproof vest.
Sheng Zexi’s eyes widened. His expression screamed: I thought I’d already seen enough to be shocked, but this just took it to a whole new level.
Bulletproof vests were rare these days. He’d only ever heard of them, never worn one.
He’d heard that they were only used during extremely dangerous missions on the border.
And Ningning not only had one—but an invisible one.
“I’m wearing it now?” Sheng Zexi asked in surprise.
Gu Jianing nodded.
Sheng Zexi reached out to feel, but there was nothing. He couldn’t see or touch anything.
There was clearly no sign of any bulletproof vest on him. And he had no idea when she even put it on him.
In that moment, Sheng Zexi realized—this was probably some kind of future tech. And Ningning had access to it. Maybe she had even more than he knew.
He thought, If underdeveloped countries had this kind of tech, could they leap forward?
But the thought disappeared as fast as it came.
Even so, he would never let Ningning take risks. He was even more determined now to protect her—and her secret.
Maybe it was because he was leaving for a mission tomorrow, but today Sheng Zexi stuck to Gu Jianing like glue.
He either followed her around like a tail or insisted on holding her. And he kept reminding her what to do once he was gone.
“Remember to drink goat milk every day. The soldier will bring it to the door.”
“When I’m not home, don’t eat in the canteen, and don’t cook for yourself either. Just go to Sister Zhang’s place. We’ll give them some money and food coupons—she already agreed.”
“And when I’m not around, try to go out less. I know you can protect yourself, but I still don’t want you or the baby to be in danger.”
…
She didn’t know how many times he repeated himself. Sheng Zexi would say something, and Gu Jianing would patiently respond every time.
She didn’t find it annoying—because she knew it was his way of caring, his love for her. And that made her feel nothing but happy and lucky.
In the end, Sheng Zexi hugged Gu Jianing tightly, like a big dog about to leave but unwilling to part from its owner. “Ningning, I’m sorry. You’re still in the early stages of pregnancy, and I can’t be by your side. I don’t want to leave you.”
Gu Jianing hugged him back. “I don’t want you to go either. But I understand your ambition and the responsibility on your shoulders. You’re a hero—my hero, and a hero to this country and its people. The baby and I will wait for you at home. Please take care of yourself. Your safe return is all we wish for.”
Her words warmed Sheng Zexi’s heart and made his eyes sting. “I will.”
The next morning, when Gu Jianing woke up, the spot next to her was already empty.
But this time, she knew—he had left for a mission, and she didn’t even know when he’d be back.
They had agreed the night before: when Sheng Zexi left, he wouldn’t wake her. That way, they could avoid the sadness of a tearful goodbye.
Now…
Gu Jianing hugged his pillow, which still carried the faint scent of him.
She sat on the heated bed for a long time before finally snapping out of it and getting up to wash.
Just as she finished washing up, she heard Zhang Shuwan next door calling her for breakfast.
“Coming!”
When she got there, Lin Xing was already gone—off to training.
So it was just Gu Jianing, Zhang Shuwan, and little Guoguo eating breakfast together.
“How are you holding up? Your Battalion Commander Sheng’s off on a mission. Are you starting to miss him?” Zhang Shuwan asked.
Gu Jianing thought for a second. “I’m okay.”
Zhang Shuwan smiled knowingly. “It’s only the first day. Of course you think that now. Give it a few days—you’ll feel it.”
Gu Jianing: Really?
Turned out, Zhang Shuwan was absolutely right.
When Sheng Zexi was around, he handled boiling water, heating the bed, all the chores.
Now that he was gone, Gu Jianing had to do everything herself.
Daytime wasn’t so bad. But at night, lying alone in an empty room, the bed was warm, the floor heater was on—but it still felt cold. It used to be him by her side, keeping her warm, holding her, making her feel safe.
Even the wind and snow outside never bothered her back then.
Now, without him, the howling wind and snow seemed louder—so loud it kept her awake.
Yes, on the very first night after Sheng Zexi left for his mission, Gu Jianing couldn’t sleep.
She lay there wondering—Where is he right now? Has he eaten?
Is he thinking about me too?
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