The speaker was none other than He Chengxiao. On the same day Wen Xi took the train, he had also boarded a military transport aircraft back to the military district.
At this moment, he had just returned from the military hospital. As soon as he reached the gate of the military district, he saw a plump figure. He Chengxiao wasn’t sure if it was the same person, so he stayed behind the crowd and did not step forward.
A soldier involved in fraud in marriage, financial deception, and even a so-called “one husband, two wives” arrangement—such serious moral and conduct violations—yet the political commissar intended to handle it lightly. It was obvious he was trying to protect Song Mingyuan.
After hearing the situation, He Chengxiao strongly disagreed with the commissar’s handling.
Regardless of whether the accusations were true or false, since someone had come to report it to the military, it should be handled seriously and thoroughly investigated.
He Chengxiao, who always valued fairness and justice, could not tolerate such injustice within the military, which was why he intervened.
Wen Xi followed everyone’s gaze and saw a tall, upright man walking over slowly. His well-fitted military uniform highlighted his broad shoulders and narrow waist, making him look tall and imposing.
His face was cold and resolute, his features sharp as if carved by a blade. Beneath his high nose bridge was a tightly pressed thin lip, and his phoenix eyes were deep and sharp, carrying an inherent authority that commanded respect without anger.
Wen Xi immediately recognized him as the injured soldier from that night.
The world really was small—they met again after wandering in circles. He must also be from this military district.
Seeing him walk normally, his injury must have recovered well. Her efforts of risking herself to treat his wound with spiritual spring water had not been wasted.
Her contribution had paid off—she had saved a life. Wen Xi felt quite proud of herself.
However, since they were only briefly acquainted strangers, and he was still injured, she never intended to use this favor to ask him to stand up for her.
Step by step, He Chengxiao approached. The sound of his military boots striking the ground felt like heavy blows hitting Song Mingyuan’s heart, making him increasingly anxious. His instincts told him that this formidable figure was looking at him with dissatisfaction and disdain.
He Chengxiao stopped beside Wen Xi, his cold gaze sweeping over Song Mingyuan like an ice blade.
Song Mingyuan nearly collapsed under that oppressive stare.
Seeing his cowardly reaction, He Chengxiao’s lips curved into a mocking smile.
“Commissar Cao, I believe before the matter is fully investigated, this comrade should be kept here so we can question her at any time.”
“If you dismiss her vaguely like this, it will easily give people the impression that the military district is protecting its own.”
Song Mingyuan’s heart pounded violently.
He could not understand why this always strict and cold “Black-faced Yama,” who trained soldiers to the bone, would speak up for Wen Xi.
He Chengxiao was three ranks above him—his regimental commander and direct superior. No matter how confused he was, Song Mingyuan did not dare ask.
In an instant, the arrogance he had shown earlier when threatening Wen Xi vanished completely. He only managed to call out weakly, “Regimental Commander He.”
He Chengxiao gave a faint nod in response.
Commissar Cao, already in his fifties, had his authority questioned by a junior nearly two generations younger. His expression became somewhat strained.
If it were anyone else, he would have used his position as commissar to suppress them. But the person in front of him was different.
He Chengxiao was the most outstanding soldier in the Northwest Military District, having won first place in military competitions for many consecutive years. He was also the youngest regimental commander across the major military districts.
At only 28 years old, he had fought his way up step by step through real battlefield merit.
All leaders in the military valued him highly, and even the division commander treated him as a future successor.
More importantly, He Chengxiao also had a powerful family background.
His family was in Beijing—his grandfather was a senior military commander, and his father and uncles all held important positions in their respective units.
A rising star with both ability and backing versus a deputy battalion officer with no background.
After weighing the situation, Commissar Cao decided not to offend him over such a matter.
“Heh…” Commissar Cao let out an awkward laugh. “Chengxiao, I’m just handling things according to regulations. We can’t casually let strangers stay in the military district.”
“Not to mention her accusation against Song Mingyuan for marriage fraud—her parents were also labeled and sent down as capitalists. We can’t just let her in.”
“Suspicion is not proof,” He Chengxiao said coldly, not yielding even a step.
“There are also officers in the military who have married people labeled as ‘capitalist daughters.’ The fact that Song Mingyuan’s family allowed her to stay with them shows there’s no issue with her identity.”
“So since she came to the military seeking justice, the problem should be resolved. Right and wrong will become clear after investigation. Keeping her here actually helps the inquiry.”
The surroundings fell completely silent.
Everyone stared wide-eyed at the man who had just spoken such a long passage, their shock no less than seeing the sun rise from the west.
He Chengxiao was famously cold and laconic in the military district. The most words he ever said during training were “Run twenty kilometers with weights.” Normally, he would respond in one word if possible, never two.
If a woman tried to approach him to talk, he would detour far away—or if confronted directly, he might even kick them three meters away to avoid trouble.
Yet now, he was defending a stranger.
And not just any stranger—a woman so plump she looked twice his size.
It was truly shocking.
Commissar Cao, knowing He Chengxiao’s temperament, tried to salvage the situation. “The guesthouse is under renovation and cannot accommodate anyone right now.”
“If the guesthouse can’t be used, there are still single dormitories. In any case, she cannot be sent away without clarification. Commissar, I will arrange this myself.”
At this point, Commissar Cao could say nothing more and only gave Song Mingyuan a “good luck” look.
Originally, he had intended to suppress the matter for a favor to Colonel Jiang, both to protect Song Mingyuan’s marriage and to bring the two families closer.
Now that plan had clearly failed.
He could only hope that Song Mingyuan had done nothing wrong.
Wen Xi wondered whether He Chengxiao was helping her because he recognized her.
After thinking it over, she concluded that whether it was repayment or simply clearing up wrongdoing in the military, they were even now—neither owed the other anything.
She would not stay in the military district for long anyway, so there was no need to mention that night again.
“Comrade Wen, we will arrange for you to stay in the military dormitory for now. I’ll take you to handle the procedures.”
After Commissar Cao’s example, He Chengxiao did not trust letting Wen Xi stay in the guesthouse outside the base or being handed off to others.
“Thank you, Regimental Commander He. If not for your timely help, I would have had no way to seek justice today.”
Wen Xi smiled brightly, a victorious expression on her face. Though her dark, plump face was not conventionally beautiful, her phoenix eyes were clear and bright, shimmering like scattered diamonds—honest and alive.
She turned to glance at Song Mingyuan, her smile unchanged, but her eyes carried undisguised contempt.
That smile felt like a slap to Song Mingyuan’s face and to Commissar Cao’s pride.
Wen Xi followed behind He Chengxiao and walked into the military district openly, her steps light and relaxed, her back clearly showing relief and satisfaction.
After a few steps, she turned back. “Song Mingyuan, remember to return everything you took from me—every single item.”
Song Mingyuan froze in place, unable to argue. His throat felt blocked, his eyes fixed on her broad back swaying as she walked away.
His expression darkened, his brows tightly furrowed, lips pressed into a thin line, eyes locked on her disappearing figure.
Commissar Cao’s face also turned red and then green. Wen Xi’s words about “seeking justice with no way forward” clearly implied he had been unfair.
Yet he could not refute it.
“Commissar… just, just like that let her in?” Song Mingyuan asked, his voice trembling.