Wei Lin didn’t just take Song Chutong out of the base—he even requisitioned a vehicle.
And unlike riding in Wei Ying’s car, being in Wei Lin’s was… an entirely different experience.
If his appearance was refined and gentle, then his driving was the exact opposite—reckless, fast, utterly unrestrained.
Song Chutong clutched the handle above the window with both hands, her knuckles turning pale. Her face was even paler, but she didn’t dare complain.
Among all her cousins, Wei Lin was the hardest to read.
The others were straightforward—what you saw was what you got. But Wei Lin? You never knew what he was thinking.
And just now, he had reminded her—she still owed him an explanation for yesterday.
The problem was… she didn’t even know how to explain it herself.
She had only met Jiang Sheng a few times as a child, when she was five or six. How could she possibly remember clearly?
Most of what she knew about him came from the elders’ conversations. All she really understood was this—
Jiang Sheng was outstanding.
So outstanding that even the old master of the Jiang family found it troublesome to arrange a match for him.
It wasn’t that the old man looked down on others—it was that once matchmakers heard the name “Jiang Sheng,” they simply couldn’t find anyone worthy enough.
Thinking about it, Song Chutong couldn’t help but chuckle.
At his level… the only person she could think of who might match him was Aunt Zhao.
But Aunt Zhao was already over fifty.
Clearly… that wouldn’t work.
The absurdity of it made her laugh out loud—and just like that, she forgot her fear.
Wei Lin glanced sideways at her, watching her expression shift from troubled to amused. A flicker of helplessness—and concern—passed through his eyes.
How did she end up like this?
Certainly not from the Wei family. Even the dullest among them, Wei Zhi, had a hundred tricks up his sleeve.
Could it be from the Song family?
Impossible.
Song Weiqiang was a businessman—calculating and sharp. Otherwise, he would never have managed to marry into the Wei family.
And yet… here she was.
Clueless.
At least he had managed to shake off Jiang Zhixing—who had also filed to use the same car.
Wei Lin eased off the speed slightly. “What are you laughing about?”
Song Chutong looked up at him, eyes curving into crescents as she smiled. Without thinking, she blurted out—
“Second Brother, I think Jiang Sheng might really never find a wife.”
The jeep screeched to a sudden halt.
Song Chutong lurched forward with a small cry, barely catching herself before she slammed into the dashboard. Only then did she realize what she had said—and quickly clapped a hand over her mouth.
Wei Lin turned his head slowly, his gaze sharp and cold.
“What exactly is going on between you, Jiang Zhixing, and Jiang Sheng?”
Song Chutong froze, lips parting.
“I-it’s all… just a misunderstanding…”
“Commander Jiang, the vehicle has already been taken by Commander Wei Lin from the Sixth Division. What would you like to do…?”
Jiang Zhixing crushed the cigarette between his fingers. He glanced around briefly—finding nowhere to dispose of it—then simply ground it into the dirt beneath his shoe.
“You didn’t tell him I needed it?”
At his rank, he didn’t have the privilege of freely using a vehicle. Everything required prior approval.
With the rest day approaching—and the monthly family banquet the night after—he had specifically arranged to use the car over the next few days.
He had even arrived early.
He should have gotten it first.
But whether it was Song Chutong or Wei Lin, he had no desire to run into either of them—so he had deliberately kept his distance.
And now?
Wei Lin had taken the car anyway.
And from the looks of it… had driven off as if he knew Jiang Zhixing was coming.
The young soldier in front of him lowered his voice. “Commander Wei said it was for Division Commander Wei… I had no choice.”
Division Commander Wei—Wei Lin’s father.
Song Chutong’s eldest uncle.
In the military, hierarchy was absolute.
One rank higher… and you could crush the person beneath you without effort.
Jiang Zhixing did have an uncle of his own at a high rank.
But even saying Jiang Sheng’s name left a bitter taste in his mouth.
The moment he thought of him, yesterday’s humiliation resurfaced—clear and sharp.
Song Chutong had dared to humiliate him like that.
Sooner or later…
He would make her pay for it.
Just moments ago, Wei Lin had marched straight into Jiang Zhixing’s unit—for Song Chutong’s sake—and called him out in front of several battalion commanders.
Jiang Zhixing could still hear the man’s voice, cold and unyielding:
“If you don’t come with me, the one losing face will be you.”
Face.
That was what Jiang Zhixing valued most.
Yet the moment he followed Wei Lin out, he realized something even worse—walking behind him like that had cost him even more dignity.
And now, the very car he had arranged to use… had been taken by Wei Lin.
The young soldier watching his expression grow colder by the second lowered his head anxiously. “I did tell him, Commander Jiang… but Commander Wei insisted on this car. He said it was ordered by Division Commander Wei. You know how it is—we can’t refuse a division commander.”
Jiang Zhixing exhaled slowly.
There was no point arguing now.
“Any other vehicles available?”
The soldier’s head dropped even lower. “No, sir. There’ve been a lot of higher-ups visiting lately—vehicles are tight. But don’t worry, if one becomes available, I’ll reserve it for you.”
“…Alright.”
Jiang Zhixing suddenly nudged the cigarette butt on the ground with his foot. “Pick it up.”
The soldier froze for a moment, then scrambled to comply. By the time he straightened again, Jiang Zhixing was already walking away.
He stared down at the crushed cigarette in his hand… then slowly slipped it into his pocket.
What’s wrong with Commander Jiang today?
Isn’t he usually… gentle?
As Jiang Zhixing stepped out of the garage, he ran into someone unexpected—
Wei Lin’s father.
Division Commander Wei.
The older man had just finished speaking with someone. The moment he saw Jiang Zhixing, he was reminded of Song Chutong.
As her maternal uncle, he knew her temperament all too well.
Truthfully, ever since his younger sister passed away, he had long regarded Song Chutong as his own daughter.
And Jiang Zhixing?
In terms of character and ability, he had always approved of him.
Besides, Chutong was still a young woman. She had spent years revolving around one man—if she didn’t end up marrying him, the gossip alone would be unbearable.
But more importantly—
He could control Jiang Zhixing.
Even after his own retirement, there would still be Wei Lin to keep things in check.
Just like how the old master of the Wei family had kept Song Weiqiang in line—ensuring that even after remarrying, he didn’t have more children, leaving Song Chutong as his only daughter.
As for the rumors spreading through the base, Division Commander Wei hadn’t paid them much mind. He assumed it was nothing more than a lovers’ quarrel between the two young people.
After parting with his acquaintance, he walked over.
“Xiao Jiang, heading out?”
Jiang Zhixing smiled faintly and nodded. “Good day, Division Commander Wei.”
The older man waved a hand. “No need for formalities in private.”
Jiang Zhixing only smiled, then seemed to recall something. “By the way, didn’t Commander Wei say you needed the car? I just saw him drive off—did he misunderstand where you needed to go?”
Division Commander Wei paused.
When did I say I needed a car?
But the realization came quickly.
“I did,” he said smoothly. “I asked Wei Lin to handle something for me.”
Then, noticing where Jiang Zhixing had come from, he added, “What—did it delay your plans?”
Jiang Zhixing shook his head. “Nothing important. I was just worried I might interfere with your business.”
The answer was measured, respectful—exactly as expected.
Division Commander Wei didn’t think much of it. Jiang Zhixing had always been obedient, upright, and sensible.
If anything, it was Wei Lin who needed a lesson—using his name to pull tricks like this again.
The matter passed in a few casual exchanges as they walked together.
Then, suddenly, Division Commander Wei patted Jiang Zhixing on the shoulder.
“A man’s most important quality is tolerance,” he said, his tone meaningful. “Whether toward subordinates or loved ones… a man who can truly stand tall doesn’t sweat the small things.”
Jiang Zhixing felt a flicker of irritation rise in his chest.
These past years, how many times had the Wei family hinted at him like this?
Still, he said nothing.
Seeing his silence, Division Commander Wei didn’t press further. He took a few steps ahead. “Head back. I’ve still got matters to attend to.”
Then, after a brief pause, he added:
“Zhixing—being a regiment commander won’t be your final stop. I’ve always thought highly of you.”
Jiang Zhixing stood where he was.
Slowly—
His hand tightened into a fist.