Shen’s mother didn’t notice anything wrong with Shen Lifeng at all and just continued on her own.
“Today I even went to ask Zhizhi,” she said.
“She agreed?” Shen Lifeng asked.
Shen’s mother shook her head, then nodded.
“She didn’t agree directly, but I think she’s willing. Given her family situation, if she’s willing, I’ll definitely treat her like my own daughter!”
“It’s just a pity. If I had known Zhizhi earlier, she wouldn’t have suffered so much!”
“I’m telling you now—you must treat Zhizhi like your own younger sister. If she suffers any grievance, I won’t let you off!”
Shen’s mother rolled up her sleeves and warned him seriously.
Shen Lifeng sighed.
“I think Zhiyu isn’t suitable to be your daughter… or my younger sister.”
Shen’s mother instantly exploded.
She had come from the military herself and only stepped back for her children. She had a fiery temper—though usually gentle, at home she was absolutely decisive.
Now hearing this, she thought Shen Lifeng was objecting.
“Shen Lifeng, Zhizhi saved your life, and you still don’t agree? What exactly are you thinking?”
She pointed straight at his head and questioned him, and Shen Lifeng instantly lost all his usual military authority.
After thinking for a moment, Shen Lifeng realized that if he didn’t make things clear to his mother now, Zhizhi might really end up becoming his “sister” without him knowing—and by then, it would be too late to reverse it.
So he suddenly looked up at her.
Shen’s mother was startled by his sudden movement. “What are you trying to do?”
Shen Lifeng said, “Mom, I like Zhiyu. I’m currently pursuing her.”
Shen’s mother felt like her vision went black—then black again—and still couldn’t process what she had just heard.
She pointed at him, stammering:
“You—you—you…”
She couldn’t even form a sentence.
For so long, she hadn’t realized this brat actually had such intentions.
But even so, Shen’s mother was certain of one thing: Zhizhi definitely didn’t like her son.
Moreover, Zhizhi was so outstanding. Even though Shen Lifeng was also decent, in her eyes he still fell a bit short.
However, she didn’t give up on the idea of recognizing Wen Zhiyu as her daughter.
Because she felt Shen Lifeng might not even be able to win her over in the end. So she left him with only one sentence:
“When you’re pursuing a girl, how many days have you even seen her? Do you think a wife falls from the sky?”
“I’m telling you, Zhizhi is excellent. Wherever she goes, she will have pursuers!”
Shen Lifeng took her words to heart.
But recently he had been extremely busy and had no time at all.
Still, the fact that the Shen regiment commander’s fiancée was at the base—and a very capable doctor at that—had already spread widely.
Shen Lifeng’s old comrade went to the hospital for treatment and specifically visited Wen Zhiyu. There, he happened to see her chatting with Ruan Qingyang.
“Old Shen, you’ve got to watch out—your wife is about to run off with someone else!”
Wang Qing, known for his talkative nature, rushed straight into Shen Lifeng’s office, rolling up his sleeves as he spoke.
Shen Lifeng was reviewing documents, not even lifting his head—but his ears were already perked up.
Wang Qing continued:
“You have no idea! I saw that male comrade clearly interested in your little sister-in-law. They even had a meal together. I overheard that he’s from Beijing and even invited her to meet his parents after returning…”
That very night, there was a knock on Wen Zhiyu’s door.
When she opened it, she saw Shen Lifeng standing there in the night wind.
She frowned slightly. “What are you doing here?”
Shen Lifeng glanced into the room.
It was a simple single dorm room with just a bed and a table. She had probably been reading; a book lay open on the table.
“Shen Lifeng?” she asked again.
Only then did he snap back to reality and look at her.
In the dorm, Wen Zhiyu was wearing a white cotton-linen outfit.
White was rare in this era—it was hard to keep clean—but on her, it looked spotless.
To Shen Lifeng, she looked like a very bright moon—gentle, not blinding, very comfortable to look at.
And very white.
He murmured, “Can I come in?”
Wen Zhiyu gave him a strange look, then stepped aside. “Come in.”
As he entered, her voice followed behind him: “Try not to do any strenuous activity. It’s better for your recovery.”
There was only one chair in the room.
Shen Lifeng pointed at it. “Can I sit here?”
Wen Zhiyu nodded.
After sitting down, his gaze fell on the book—it was an English book. He had some basic literacy training, but couldn’t understand it.
Wen Zhiyu really was excellent.
She poured him a glass of water and placed it on the table. “Why did you come today?”
He took the cup; his large hands easily wrapped around it, almost hiding the cup entirely.
“I have a lot of work at the base, so I don’t have time for hospital follow-ups during the day. Could you check my wound for me?”
He looked at her, not daring to admit that he had come because of Wang Qing’s words—because he was jealous of how gentle and patient she was with other patients.
But he also knew he had no right to feel jealous.
Still, the moment he had free time, he came here under the night sky.
Wen Zhiyu nodded and checked his injury.
“If you don’t have time to come, we can set a fixed schedule. I can go to the base directly to check you.”
“Is that okay?” Shen Lifeng’s eyes brightened.
Wen Zhiyu nodded. “Of course. I came here originally to break off the engagement with you, and checking your injury is part of my plan.”
The fire in Shen Lifeng’s chest seemed to be doused instantly with cold water.
Wen Zhiyu didn’t seem to notice and continued calmly:
“I’m grateful that you’ve cooperated with me. It’s what I should do.”
Shen Lifeng shook his head.
“It’s a bit far. It’s not safe for a girl like you. I’ll come when I can—but you’ll need to make time for my follow-ups too.”
Wen Zhiyu didn’t refuse.
She was always responsible with her patients.
Shen Lifeng recovered very well, and Wen Zhiyu nodded in satisfaction.
“Tomorrow… I have a day off. Since it’s your first time here, if you’re free, I can show you around.”
Shen Lifeng offered the invitation—advice from Wang Qing.
But Wen Zhiyu immediately refused.
“No need. There are many patients in the hospital. If I take a day off, more people won’t get proper treatment!”
Shen Lifeng nodded in regret but understood.
“Doctor Wen, there’s a phone call for you!”
Doctor Xiao Jiang ran over, and as soon as he entered the room, he saw Shen Lifeng sitting inside. Seeing his sharp, handsome face, he paused for a moment.