Under a sky full of glowing sunset clouds, a massive Dongfeng engineering vehicle stood parked in the vast Gobi wilderness.
Across the desert, Changjiang 750 motorcycles roared forward, trailing clouds of dust as they sped toward it.
The vehicles stopped. Helmets came off, sand pouring down in soft streams—revealing men in military uniforms, their skin darkened by the sun.
The first thing everyone did after stopping was spit. What came out was dry sand.
After more than half a month in the desert—eating in the open, sleeping under the sky, staying up through the nights—everyone looked filthy and exhausted.
Except for Chief Engineer Zhao Lingcheng.
He was completely different from the others.
When he removed his helmet, there was still a carefully wrapped black headscarf underneath. Once he took it off, his face was clean and fresh.
He took off his canteen and poured water over his head and face, even rinsing himself off.
After long days in the desert, no one cared about appearances anymore—everyone was dark and greasy from the sun.
Only Zhao Lingcheng, from the day he arrived until now, had consistently practiced physical sun protection for years, making his complexion noticeably lighter than the others.
Combined with his sharp features and striking brows, he stood out among the group.
His energy and patience also earned the admiration of all his team members.
Seeing his subordinate Zeng Yunrui looking dejected, Zhao Lingcheng set down his canteen and asked patiently, “You only tracked a false signal?”
Zeng Yunrui looked ashamed. “Yes, I only recorded signals from System 13.”
Zhao Lingcheng took out his notebook. “Come here. I’ll explain the difference between real and false signals.”
What Zeng Yunrui admired most about the chief engineer was his personal hygiene.
Desert nights were cold, and water was scarce. Most people avoided washing and smelled unpleasant.
But Zhao Lingcheng always found water sources to bathe and wash his clothes. After half a month, he still had no odor at all.
He had a good temper and was very patient. Since Zeng Yunrui arrived at the base, he had never seen him lose his temper.
Of course, Zhao Lingcheng did have a temper—and when it flared, it was intense. He and his ex-wife had divorced because they couldn’t get along.
For a capable man, finding a new partner after divorce was an urgent matter.
Zeng Yunrui had been entrusted with helping introduce someone to him. After discussing work, he said, “Once we get back, we’ll rest. Tomorrow let’s play basketball, then come to my place—my wife will cook some local dishes.”
He planned to introduce a girl to him at home.
With broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and strong muscles, Zhao Lingcheng was naturally athletic. He enjoyed basketball and tennis.
But he replied, “The U-2 reconnaissance aircraft could fly over the nuclear base again at any time. We need to formulate a countermeasure strategy as soon as possible, and the data and reports must be submitted immediately. You all go home and rest after we return—I’ll work overtime to compile the report.”
All his subordinates spoke in unison: “Won’t that be too exhausting for you?”
For Zhao Lingcheng, being immersed in work without restraint was a kind of pleasure. How could it be called exhausting?
He smiled gently, yet with clear distance. “Don’t disturb me.”
But just as he finished speaking, he suddenly sneezed three times.
Zeng Yunrui offered a dirty handkerchief, but Zhao Lingcheng refused it and instead took out tissue paper from his bag.
They were inside the vehicle, with no wind—but why did he feel a chill down his back?
After half a month of waiting, they had finally intercepted firsthand information about the enemy aircraft. But could there still be something missing?
The enemy plane was threatening the nuclear base. They had to quickly form an effective countermeasure. Any error in the data could be catastrophic.
It seemed he would have to verify everything again.
…
Early the next morning, Chen Mianmian was the first to get an ultrasound.
The results were similar to Doctor Gu’s manual diagnosis: placenta previa, with a recommendation for a cesarean section.
Because placenta previa often leads to heavy bleeding, she needed weekly hospital checkups.
This would allow doctors to monitor the fetus and choose the right time for surgery.
At the base, all medical expenses for family members were covered. For ordinary people, however, a cesarean would be very expensive.
Zhao Hui immediately contacted leadership and brought Chen Mianmian to the political department to fill out a remarriage application.
Since her household registration was still at the base, once the application was completed, she could return home.
After finishing all the paperwork, they went back to the hospital for breakfast.
The food at the base was much better than at the steel factory.
Even the millet porridge was made from hulled grain, smooth and fragrant.
There were also soft, white steamed buns—hot and delicious.
After days of hardship, Chen Mianmian finally had a satisfying breakfast.
After eating, they took a walk while waiting for Zhao Lingcheng.
Looking at the lush lawns, Zhao Hui said thoughtfully, “When I came three years ago, the grass wasn’t this good.”
She added, “Our lawns are always eaten by rodents. I need to ask how they deal with them.”
This triggered a memory in Chen Mianmian’s mind.
The base used to be plagued by rodents. Any grass they planted would be eaten quickly.
These rodents lived underground and fed on roots, making them hard to poison or catch.
But the original host had a special skill—catching them. She had single-handedly wiped them out.
She didn’t call them rats, though—she called them “xiaxia.” And they were actually quite cute.
Just then, an orderly ran over and saluted.
“Reporting, Colonel. Political Commissar Qi asked me to inform you that Engineer Zhao is still working overtime and will likely come out in the afternoon.”
Zhao Hui asked, “Did Commissar Qi tell him about us? What was his reaction?”
The orderly saluted again. “Reporting—unclear.”
Zhao Hui felt uneasy.
Zhao Lingcheng and Chen Mianmian were divorced and had unresolved issues.
Now they were coming together again for the sake of the child. He couldn’t be happy about it.
But he was about to become a father—couldn’t he set aside his grievances?
Had leadership told him about the pregnancy?
If they had, could he really avoid her under the excuse of work?
Zhao Lingcheng had always disliked children and lacked patience for them.
But this wasn’t about liking children—if it was his, he had to take responsibility.
Surely he wouldn’t refuse his duty as a father just because the marriage had failed.
Thinking this, Zhao Hui reassured Chen Mianmian, “Lingcheng really wants to see you and the baby. He’s just busy. Wait until this afternoon—he’ll come and take you home.”
But checking the time, her anxiety was obvious.
She had to return to her own unit at 4 p.m.
If Zhao Lingcheng didn’t come by then, she wouldn’t be able to confront him or support her niece-in-law.
Chen Mianmian would have to face him alone. What if he upset her and affected the pregnancy?
Zhao Hui grew more anxious, sighing repeatedly.
By contrast, Chen Mianmian remained calm.
She had already prepared thoroughly.
Before coming, she had written an IOU for 1,200 yuan, with Zhao Lingcheng as the creditor.
The original bride price was 500 yuan, and she had taken more over time, plus supplies—totaling 1,200 yuan.
She was willing to repay it, and she would raise the child herself. What reason would he have to be angry?
She didn’t plan to earn the money alone—she would collect it from Chen Jinhui, his wife, and Wang Ximei.
There was also Wei Cuiyun—he would later fall due to corruption.
At present, reporting corruption could earn rewards of up to 200 yuan.
Once she returned to Quancheng, she would work while collecting debts and earning extra income.
…
By noon, it was time for lunch.
But as they entered the cafeteria, someone said, “Zhao Gong has a new girlfriend—why is his ex-wife here too?”
Zhao Hui immediately confronted the speaker. “Are you talking about Zhao Lingcheng?”
Then pressed, “Who is the new girlfriend? What’s her name?”
The woman was frightened. “Colonel, I just heard rumors.”
Zhao Hui got in line, her expression darkening.
She was eagerly awaiting the baby, but her nephew might already have a new relationship—what now?
After getting food, she reassured Chen Mianmian, “Don’t worry. No matter who he’s seeing, I’ll make him break up immediately. You don’t need to feel guilty—just focus on your pregnancy.”
Everyone who knew Zhao Lingcheng secretly stuck out their tongues at her words.
But Chen Mianmian believed it was just a rumor.
According to the original story timeline, the female lead hadn’t even arrived at the base yet.
She was only here to have the baby—she wouldn’t interfere with the story’s romance.
Lunch was sticky noodles with a metallic taste—very unpleasant.
They were made from a coarse grain called arrow-tongue peas.
It was high-yield and hardy but tasted inferior to refined flour.
However, it was said that adding “xiaxia” meat made it delicious.
Chen Mianmian paused.
She remembered—the original host had stored a lot of xiaxia.
There were pelts and dried meat.
Though she didn’t dare eat it, if the meat was valuable, she could sell it and make money.
…
By 3:30 p.m., Zhao Hui called again to urge Zhao Lingcheng.
No surprise—he was still working and unavailable.
She had to leave, so she handed all the remarriage documents to Chen Mianmian.
Only then did she remember the baby clothes she had brought.
She took out several washed, faded infant garments.
“These were worn by the healthiest, smartest babies in our unit. I washed and sun-dried them carefully for our baby.”
They were tiny but soft.
She also took out cloth for clothes and diapers.
When Chen Mianmian felt money hidden inside, she tried to refuse, but Zhao Hui insisted, “It’s for the baby.”
Then firmly added, “If Lingcheng refuses responsibility, send me a telegram. I’ll come back and beat him until he agrees.”
Chen Mianmian tried to hold back but her eyes reddened. “Thank you, Aunt.”
She truly liked Zhao Hui.
She would raise Niuniu to be just as outstanding.
After seeing Zhao Hui off, it was time to go to the family compound.
An orderly helped carry her luggage.
All the way, Chen Mianmian kept thinking about xiaxia.
They were chubby rodents, hard to catch.
Their meat was said to be delicious, and their bones had medicinal value like tiger bones.
Their fur made warm shoes and bedding and could treat rheumatism.
Wang Ximei had suffered from rheumatism, but after wearing pants made from xiaxia fur, she recovered.
The more she thought about it, the more amazed she felt.
She couldn’t wait to see them.
…
At the same time, Zhao Lingcheng stood at his desk, calmly working through calculations to soft music.
He was verifying data for the final time—success was within reach, and he felt satisfied.
When someone knocked, he immediately turned off the music—it was a banned English song.
Impatient, he said, “Didn’t I say not to disturb me?”
It was Commissar Qi Yan’an.
“Your ex-wife is here to discuss remarriage. Are you sure you don’t want to go home early?”
Outside, the sunset painted the sky red.
The data before him brought Zhao Lingcheng satisfaction.
But the words “ex-wife” hit him like a sudden sandstorm, sweeping him away instantly.