“Hmph, I was going to tell you about your hidden love rival, but since you’re like this… forget it, I won’t say anything.”
With that, Hua Zhenrong made a show of hanging up the phone.
Rival?!
The word sent a jolt through Sheng Zexi, his expression instantly turning serious.
“Wait, brother, are you serious or just messing with me?” Sheng Zexi was somewhat inclined to believe it.
Though he trusted his wife completely, as he had said, she was both beautiful and capable—it was hard to imagine no one would be interested in her.
Right now, he was stationed at the Northwest Military District, while his wife was in the capital, separated by such a great distance that it was impossible for him to keep an eye on things.
“Of course, it’s true. That guy hides it well, but I, Hua Zhenrong, was trained as a scout—how could I not notice?” Hua Zhenrong had full confidence in this.
“Who is it? Tell me.”
“He’s from the same compound as my family—Li Tingxuan from the Li family. You know him, right…”
Li Tingxuan!
Sheng Zexi’s eyes narrowed instantly. Of course, he knew him.
Li Tingxuan was also an exceptionally capable man, belonging to the same generation as him and Hua Zhenrong.
It could be said that in their youth, the three of them were the most outstanding figures in their social circle in the capital’s大院 (military compound).
Naturally, Li Tingxuan had the best reputation, while Sheng Zexi, thanks to his stepmother’s constant smear campaigns, was at the bottom.
Sheng Zexi didn’t feel any jealousy toward Li Tingxuan because he knew his own abilities.
He didn’t envy anyone.
His interactions with Li Tingxuan were minimal, almost nonexistent.
Especially after he left for the Northwest Military District, they practically had no contact.
So, his connection with Li Tingxuan was limited to merely knowing of him.
Yet now, he was hearing this name from Hua Zhenrong’s mouth.
And…
Li Tingxuan actually had designs on his wife?
Sheng Zexi’s gaze darkened.
He didn’t doubt Hua Zhenrong’s words—first, because of Hua Zhenrong’s background as a scout, and second, because Hua Zhenrong wasn’t the type to stir up trouble or make baseless claims.
So, did Li Tingxuan really have feelings for his wife?
Sheng Zexi dug through his memories to recall Li Tingxuan. When he remembered what Li Tingxuan looked like, his frown deepened.
The reason was simple: Li Tingxuan was genuinely good-looking.
He had that refined, gentle, and scholarly aura.
He was practically an upgraded version of Wen Zhuqing.
What’s more, Sheng Zexi knew Li Tingxuan was sincere through and through—not a hypocrite like Wen Zhuqing.
He also hadn’t forgotten that his wife had once been attracted to Wen Zhuqing’s type.
That was her aesthetic preference.
So, if his wife were to meet Li Tingxuan, would she develop feelings for him? Even if not full-blown love, she’d likely have some favorable impression.
Of course, Sheng Zexi wasn’t doubting his wife’s loyalty.
He just felt a sense of crisis.
He knew his appearance hadn’t aligned with his wife’s aesthetic preferences from the start.
It was only because she had married him. If she were still single now and faced Li Tingxuan’s pursuit, he truly couldn’t say for sure whether she would choose him or Li Tingxuan.
Sheng Zexi had absolute confidence in combat, training, and missions—but when it came to securing his wife’s heart, he lacked that same certainty.
The only thing he could do was strive to be the best version of himself.
Moreover, Sheng Zexi didn’t know what Li Tingxuan was thinking.
If Li Tingxuan really did like his wife, would he shamelessly pursue her even after knowing she was married with children?
Sheng Zexi didn’t know Li Tingxuan well enough to say for sure.
Especially…
Sheng Zexi suddenly remembered that Li Tingxuan would soon be transferred to the Northwest Military District—and it was said that Li Tingxuan had personally requested the transfer. What was his purpose?
Could it be… his wife?
No, impossible!
Still, no matter what, he would definitely have to keep an eye on Li Tingxuan from now on.
In fact, Li Tingxuan’s initial request to transfer to the Northwest Military District had indeed been because of Gu Jianing.
If Sheng Zexi knew that, he’d probably be jumping with anxiety.
After hanging up with Hua Zhenrong, a restless Sheng Zexi eventually found time to call Gu Jianing.
Gu Jianing had just gotten out of the car and returned to the Sang family home when she received his call. Naturally, she was happy to hear from him.
But…
“Xi-ge, you’re acting a little strange today?” He kept asking if she had met any unusual people.
Gu Jianing was puzzled.
“No, no, sweetheart, I just miss you.”
“Mm, I miss you too. I’ll be back in a few days.”
“Okay, sweetheart, I’ll be waiting for you.”
They lingered sweetly on the call for a while before finally hanging up.
Recalling Sheng Zexi’s affectionate words, Gu Jianing couldn’t help but smile.
It was true—women loved hearing sweet nothings, and she was no exception.
When she turned around, she saw Grandma Sang standing not far away, also smiling. Clearly, she had overheard the tender exchange between Gu Jianing and Sheng Zexi.
Gu Jianing’s face flushed instantly. “Grandma, I’m going to my room.”
With that, she hurried back to her room.
Only after closing the door did she press a hand to her cheek—it was burning.
Watching her retreat shyly, Grandma Sang’s smile deepened.
“That girl is too easily embarrassed. But it’s good that the young couple is so loving.”
Meanwhile, whenever she had time, Gu Jianing continued working on her report about treating PTSD.
In her opinion, this report was just as important as her work on tuberculosis treatment.
In this era, far too few people knew about PTSD.
It needed to be widely publicized so people could recognize it.
Two days later, by the time Hua Zhenrong had fully recovered, the report was finally complete.
Following her mentor Old Chen’s advice, Gu Jianing submitted the report to an official in the national medical department.
“I hope it gets the attention it deserves,” she murmured to herself.
With Hua Zhenrong’s treatment complete, Gu Jianing was about to leave the capital and return to the Northwest Military District.
“Ningning, I’ve booked sleeper tickets for you and Grandma the day after tomorrow. Uncle Zhang will escort you to the Northwest Military District and return afterward,” Grandpa Sang said.
Truthfully, if possible, Grandpa Sang would have liked to go with them.
But the weapons research project was at a critical stage.
Moreover, tomorrow, a young couple from the Southeast—also researchers in the weapons institute—would arrive in the capital.
The recent breakthrough in weapon development was largely due to their efforts.
Once they arrived, the new weapon would likely be ready within a month.
By then, he could finally take a break.
And then, he would visit the Northwest Military District himself.
“Is it really okay for Uncle Zhang to come with us? He’s your bodyguard,” Gu Jianing asked.
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