There was no other reason—it was simply that Gu Jianing’s beauty was too striking, her demeanor poised and elegant, as if she were glowing from within. The moment she appeared, she captured everyone’s attention, making it impossible to look away.
After receiving the award presented by the leader, she still had to deliver her acceptance speech.
Gu Jianing had prepared for this, so she spoke with composure.
As she spoke, her eyes unconsciously scanned the audience—likely a habit of hers.
She had intended to glance briefly and then look away.
But unexpectedly, the sight of a certain figure made her freeze abruptly.
Near the entrance of the auditorium, a familiar figure in a military uniform, dust-covered as if he had just rushed back from a long journey, instantly seized Gu Jianing’s full attention.
Her eyes could no longer see anyone else.
Was it him?
Was it really him?
Gu Jianing feared it might be an illusion born of her longing.
Then, from afar, she saw the man’s lips part slightly, silently forming words.
Even at that distance, Gu Jianing easily deciphered those words: *I’m back!*
He’s back, he’s really back!
At this moment, Gu Jianing knew it wasn’t an illusion.
Sheng Zexi—he had truly returned.
Only, he was darker, thinner, and the angles of his features had grown sharper.
Since their marriage, the two had never been apart.
Before, Zhang Shuwan had once asked her whether she would feel unaccustomed to Sheng Zexi being away on a mission.
At the time, her response had been: *It’s fine.*
But after Sheng Zexi left on his mission, within just a few days, she began to feel his absence. Later, the longing became almost unbearable.
She missed him and worried about him.
It was then that Gu Jianing realized—she had long since placed Sheng Zexi firmly in her heart, to the point where her thoughts and emotions were inextricably tied to him.
And now, seeing Sheng Zexi standing at the auditorium entrance, the longing she had suppressed surged wildly within her, like vines spreading uncontrollably.
Gu Jianing restrained the urge to rush off the stage and throw herself into his arms.
She blinked rapidly, fighting back tears.
She quickly finished her acceptance speech.
Then, she stepped off the stage, her gaze never leaving Sheng Zexi.
And Sheng Zexi, too, walked toward her, his eyes fixed on his wife on the stage.
Only now did he realize—during his mission, his little wife had blossomed so brilliantly, astounding him and everyone else.
“Wife, I’m back,” Sheng Zexi said as he reached Gu Jianing.
Gu Jianing gazed at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, a soft smile curving her lips. “You’re back… that’s all that matters.”
A thousand words seemed to pass between them in that look, affection lingering in the air.
Perhaps because they were in a crowded auditorium, they had no choice but to restrain themselves.
Sheng Zexi took Gu Jianing’s hand and led her to sit down.
Originally, someone else had been seated beside Gu Jianing, but knowing that Sheng Zexi and Gu Jianing were married—and now that Sheng Zexi had returned—the solitary man willingly gave up his seat and found another spot.
From afar, Zhang Shuwan watched Sheng Zexi’s return and sighed in relief, murmuring to herself, “Battalion Commander Sheng is finally back. Otherwise, Jianing might have been lovesick to death.”
On stage, the awards ceremony continued.
At the end, the host announced, “In the rescue efforts following the Xinghua Village landslide, it wasn’t just the soldiers, doctors, and nurses who performed outstandingly…”
“There were also our military dogs. They, too, persevered through the heavy rain, searching tirelessly for survivors and making tremendous contributions.”
“They, too, deserve recognition.”
“So today, the military dogs who performed exceptionally will also receive awards. Let us now honor these brave canines.”
……
Gu Jianing’s eyes widened slightly. They were really giving awards to the military dogs?
This was wonderful!
A deep sense of satisfaction filled her, especially when she saw Amber among the honored military dogs. Her eyes reddened with emotion.
Amber, and all these military dogs—they truly deserved this honor!
On stage, Amber looked down at the medal hanging around her neck, then lifted her gaze to Gu Jianing. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
This was an honor Amber had never received before.
Not because her performance hadn’t been outstanding, but because no one had ever thought to award military dogs.
Xiao Duo had told her that the reason the military dogs were being honored this time was because of Gu Jianing.
Standing beside Amber, Xiao Duo’s gaze also drifted toward Gu Jianing, his expression complicated.
Since Amber was a military dog, and he was Amber’s handler, he had accompanied Amber on stage.
Normally, when a military dog earned merit, its handler would also share in the honor.
But Xiao Duo knew—this honor didn’t belong to him.
His feelings toward Gu Jianing were complex.
At first, when he learned that military dogs would also receive awards, Xiao Duo had been overjoyed for Amber.
But when he heard that the suggestion had come from Gu Jianing, his emotions instantly became tangled.
He realized that, as Amber’s handler and comrade, he had failed miserably.
When Amber and the unborn puppies had been in danger—facing death—he had chosen to give up.
Yet Gu Jianing, who had no obligation to them, had fought for Amber to receive the recognition he deserved. And what had he, Amber’s so-called handler and battle companion, done?
Over the past few days, he had noticed Amber’s behavior.
The dog’s growing distance from him was painfully clear.
Xiao Duo thought bitterly: *Perhaps… I’m going to lose Amber for good.*
…
Finally, the awards ceremony ended.
Sheng Zexi held Gu Jianing’s hand as they walked toward the family quarters.
Though his heart was impatient, he still took care to walk slowly, mindful of Gu Jianing’s pregnancy.
Her hand was enveloped in his large, warm palm—so different from a woman’s. Broad, dry, slightly rough, yet radiating comforting heat in the chilly spring air.
That warmth surged toward Gu Jianing like waves, wrapping around her, filling her body and heart with a cozy glow.
The two walked in comfortable silence.
Only when they entered their courtyard did Sheng Zexi swiftly close the gate and lead Gu Jianing inside.
The next second, before she could react, he turned and pulled her into a tight embrace.
He nuzzled her hair, her cheek, his eyes half-closed as he breathed in her familiar scent and warmth.
His low, slightly hoarse voice murmured in her ear, “Ningning, I missed you… so, so much.”
Sheng Zexi had never yearned for someone this intensely before.
In the past, he had gone on missions, but never had he longed to return like this.
He hadn’t expected this assignment to last so long—over a month.
And now, he realized—he could no longer bear to be apart from Gu Jianing.
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