Wanting to figure out Gu Yanshen’s real intentions, Shen Suyu was completely startled to see him standing outside her door so early in the morning.
“I don’t have anything in particular. I just thought you might not be used to life here, so I got up early to show you around the base. I still have training later,” Gu Yanshen said calmly, showing no hint of his inner anticipation. He would never admit that he had been waiting here all morning.
“Then I really trouble you, Commander. I was planning to explore the base anyway, but I didn’t know how to ask—so it’s really thoughtful of you,” Shen Suyu said politely.
“Can you wait a moment? I need to wash up and have breakfast first,” she added, her eyes sparkling with gratitude. Luckily, Gu Yanshen was thoughtful; otherwise, she would have faced an awkward situation today.
“No rush. Take your time washing up. Afterwards, we’ll have breakfast together. I usually eat in the mess hall, and I’ll help you get familiar with it,” he said.
“Perfect, I haven’t eaten yet,” Shen Suyu replied.
“Good.” They quickly came to an agreement. Gu Yanshen returned to his room, leaning against the doorway and listening for any sounds outside. Meanwhile, Shen Suyu packed at lightning speed and soon appeared at his door.
“Commander Gu, I’ve packed everything. Shall we go to the mess hall now? Is there anything you haven’t prepared yet? I can wait for you a little,” she said politely. Her voice startled Gu Yanshen, who quickly stood up from his chair, adjusted his clothes, checked himself in the mirror, and followed her out.
“Nothing else to prepare. Let’s move quickly. After showing you around the base, I still have training to do. If we delay too long, I’ll be late,” Gu Yanshen said casually, intending to express that he valued Shen Suyu. But Shen Suyu somehow picked up on other emotions, feeling embarrassed and explaining herself.
“Am I taking up your time? I knew moving in would trouble you. I’m really sorry. Should I come with you to explain?” she asked sincerely.
“I don’t know the base rules. If I explain personally, will that help prevent you from being blamed?” Shen Suyu spoke with utmost earnestness, but Gu Yanshen was confused. That wasn’t what he meant—where had the misunderstanding occurred?
“I’m the base commander. It doesn’t matter if I’m late—others will just have to wait a bit,” he said, trying to reassure her.
“Don’t feel so burdened. Everyone knows you’ve moved in. They can start training, and I’ll come by later to assign tasks,” Gu Yanshen hurriedly explained, realizing his earlier words had caused unintended confusion.
“Really, it’s no problem at all. Don’t let me add to your mental burden. Otherwise, I’ll feel even worse,” Shen Suyu insisted.
“If there’s an issue, just tell me. I’ll cooperate and solve it. I can explain myself, or even give them gifts if needed,” she said seriously, racking her brain to resolve the matter.
Gu Yanshen, feeling helpless, decided to speak frankly. “There’s really nothing. If you’re worried about troubling me, we can just go now. They can wait a little longer if needed.”
“Can we go eat now?” she asked, her face flushed. She had been talking at the doorway for so long, claiming not to want to trouble him.
“I’m sorry, Commander Gu. I didn’t mean to. I just overlooked things. Let’s go eat now and do what needs to be done,” she said.
“All done as quickly as possible,” he replied.
Shen Suyu walked in front, hurrying so much that Gu Yanshen shook his head, smiling. Some girls really could be quite cute, not always annoying.
“The mess hall isn’t this way; it’s on the other side. Do you want to lead the way? Do you know which direction to go?” he asked.
“If you really don’t know, just walk behind me. I’ll lead the way and make sure you don’t get lost,” Gu Yanshen said, his expression slightly indulgent, though he didn’t notice. Shen Suyu panicked internally and ignored the subtle detail, while nearby passing soldiers gawked, realizing the commander could be so gentle.
“Alright, I’ll lead the way,” she said.
Gu Yanshen, being a man of few words, guided Shen Suyu around the base after breakfast. They avoided classified areas, only walking through general zones. At every place they passed, he reminded her carefully:
“The areas I just showed you are fine to enter. The rest are off-limits—they contain specific training and soldiers. It’s not convenient for you to see. If you need anything, contact me, and I’ll come immediately,” he said thoughtfully. Shen Suyu nodded quickly. The base’s rules were strict; besides meals, she decided not to wander around.
“Commander Gu, I understand. I won’t trouble you. Moving in is already your favor to me. I won’t overstep at all. Time is nearly up—shouldn’t you go train?” she said cautiously, signaling subtly. She didn’t like standing with Gu Yanshen too long; the atmosphere was intense, and military personnel carried a certain weight.
“Yes, I need to train. You should rest. You’ve been busy these past days, and your health is declining. The doctor said to sleep more,” he said.
“Anything else can wait,” she replied.
Gu Yanshen paused for a moment, slightly displeased, but realized he couldn’t delay. He couldn’t keep all the soldiers waiting for Shen Suyu. They exchanged a few more polite words before she returned to her room, and he rushed to training at top speed.
It wasn’t until evening that they saw each other again.
“Commander Gu, are you done with your work? I just had dinner at the mess hall. The chef’s dishes were pretty good—have you eaten?”
“Today’s ribs were really good. You should eat more. It seems like your training is intense; eating more will help your body,” Shen Suyu said politely. They were familiar enough now that awkward silence would feel strange, and casual small talk was the safest way to avoid stiffening the atmosphere.