Gu Jianing, in her late pregnancy, was indeed prone to drowsiness.
Especially after the events of the day, her nerves had been strained. It wasn’t until evening, when Xingxing and Sheng Zexi returned home one after another, that she finally relaxed a little.
But once her mind eased, sleepiness quickly took over.
So, at this moment, Gu Jianing truly couldn’t hold on any longer.
“Alright, I’ll leave Xingxing to you.” After repeated persuasion from Sheng Zexi, Gu Jianing finally relented.
She had been forcing herself to stay awake, but the moment she lay down, she fell asleep.
Sheng Zexi, holding Xingxing in his arms, walked over and gently touched her forehead. Relieved to find no fever, he let out a quiet sigh.
Then, he carefully tucked the blankets around her.
In truth, his worry wasn’t just for Xingxing—it was also for her.
Today, it wasn’t just Xingxing who had been frightened. Ningning had also been deeply shaken.
And she was pregnant, no less.
How could Sheng Zexi not be worried?
That was why he had rushed home so urgently.
And so, throughout the latter half of the night, Sheng Zexi cradled Xingxing, soothing him while monitoring whether his fever subsided.
At the same time, he kept checking on Ningning and Yueyue intermittently.
Before he knew it, dawn had broken.
When Gu Jianing opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Xingxing lying in bed.
She reached out to touch him—the little one’s fever was finally gone, and he wasn’t having nightmares anymore.
But…
Where was her Brother Xi?
Gu Jianing got out of bed and followed the sounds coming from the kitchen, where she spotted the familiar, broad-backed figure of her husband busily at work.
In that instant, for some reason, her eyes welled up with heat.
She knew this man must have stayed up all night taking care of Xingxing.
And now that Xingxing was better, he had gone straight to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for her and their two little ones.
How lucky was she to have met Sheng Zexi?
She thought, she needed to love this man a little more.
…
After that night of Sheng Zexi’s care, Xingxing’s fever had completely subsided by morning.
Once the little boy recovered, he became noticeably more attached and affectionate toward his father.
Perhaps it was because, in his feverish, nightmare-ridden haze, he had vaguely sensed the security of being held in his father’s arms.
Before this, Xingxing had always been somewhat reserved toward Sheng Zexi. The child wasn’t particularly expressive with his emotions to begin with.
And Sheng Zexi—he admitted it—did treat his daughter and son a little differently.
With his daughter, he was more doting and affectionate.
With his son, he emphasized discipline and was more stern.
As a result, Xingxing hadn’t been as close to his father.
But after this incident, after that night, Xingxing seemed to understand something.
He realized that his father’s approach to raising him and his sister was simply different.
But the love their father had for him and Yueyue was the same.
When he was in danger, his father had been just as worried. When he was sick, his father had stayed up all night to care for him, giving him a sense of safety.
Once he grasped this, Xingxing completely let go of his reservations and grew much closer to Sheng Zexi.
Gu Jianing was delighted to see this.
And as Xingxing recovered, the rewards for their family were also announced.
First was Sheng Zexi’s commendation.
“You’ve earned yourself a major merit!” Chen Han said cheerfully.
“Originally, we planned to promote you, but considering your upcoming transfer to the Beijing Military District—and the fact that your promotion to regimental-level officer wasn’t too long ago—”
“So, the promotion will likely wait until after your transfer to Beijing.”
Sheng Zexi nodded, quite satisfied with this reward.
In the past, Sheng Zexi might not have cared much about rewards or promotions.
Even if he did care a little, it was only to prove himself.
But now, he was becoming increasingly aware that only a better and higher status could protect his family.
Especially since Ningning had her secrets.
The position he wanted to reach was one where, even if Ningning’s secrets were exposed, he would still have the power to protect her.
So…
There was still a long way to go.
But he would work hard!
“By the way, there was originally some bonus money to reward you—not just you, but also Xingxing and Yueyue. It’s just…”
“The higher-ups are tight on funds, so they could only offer land or property instead.”
“Here are a few plots of land and houses—either in Shanghai or Beijing. You can take this back and discuss it with your son and daughter. Each of them can choose one.”
Chen Han handed Sheng Zexi a map with several circled locations.
Sheng Zexi raised an eyebrow and accepted it.
He thought this was a good arrangement. He remembered that his Ningning preferred land and property over money.
“Also, regarding this incident, there will be an awards ceremony. You, Xingxing, Yueyue, as well as Leiting, Hongying, and the others—all of you are included in the commendation. Your family is the most important, so you must bring them along when the time comes.”
“Got it,” Sheng Zexi agreed.
“There’s one more thing…” Chen Han paused before continuing, “Zexi, have your pups—Amber’s children—ever considered becoming military dogs?”
Sheng Zexi fell silent and just looked at him.
“After this incident, we’ve all seen how impressive your dogs are. They’re truly exceptional—perfect for military service.”
“Really, it’d be such a waste if they didn’t become military dogs.”
“If they join, I guarantee they’ll perform brilliantly in the future.”
“You have no idea how many soldiers in our military district are eyeing Leiting and the others with envy.”
Sheng Zexi pressed his lips together. “I’m not sure about this. I’ll have to ask them first.”
“Sure, sure! Go ahead and ask. I’ll wait for your reply.”
…
That evening, after dinner, Sheng Zexi brought the matter up to Gu Jianing.
Gu Jianing thought for a moment. “I can’t decide this on my own. I’ll have to ask Amber and her children.”
Gu Jianing wasn’t the type to force decisions on others—even if they were dogs.
Everyone’s own will mattered most.
“Alright, go ahead and ask them.”
So, Gu Jianing went out to the courtyard.
In the yard, Amber and her four pups had just finished their meal.
Seeing Gu Jianing beckon, Amber led her children over.
“Sister, is something the matter?” Amber asked.
“Yes, there is!”
Gu Jianing explained the military’s invitation for Leiting and the other three pups to become military dogs.
“…This is up to you. Brother Xi and I won’t force anything.”
“Even if you don’t become military dogs, our family can still live happily together like this.”
Leiting, Hongying, and the other pups grew restless upon hearing the military’s offer.
“Quiet!” Amber snapped.
The pups immediately settled down.
Amber looked at Gu Jianing. “Sister, give us the night to think it over. I’ll give you our answer tomorrow, alright?”
“Of course,” Gu Jianing stroked Amber’s fur. “Whatever you decide, I’ll support it.”
“Mm,” Amber nodded.
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