But still, there was a bit of frustration, a sense of lament at not meeting expectations, as he looked at the man in front of him, this soldier whom he personally trained.
"Gu Jingchen!"
"Here!" Gu Jingchen, dressed in training uniform, stood dashing and tall, his movements impeccably neat and precise. With his leg movements, he stood to attention, his eyes looking straight ahead, his features under the cap sharp and defined, his brows like swords extending into his temples, without any expression.
"You're sure you want to leave, right? Gu Jingchen, what does your oath mean? After so many years, having faced life and death, now at this position, do you really want to give it all up? If you take back your words now, I can pretend none of this ever happened."
Yu Cheng walked back and forth with his hands behind his back in the room. This was his most proud officer, someone who went through numerous tests big and small, a young man who even passed the Hunter Corps test with bare hands. It would be such a pity if he left the army like this.
I can't bear it, or rather, I really can't bear it, but I know what's most important in my life. If I don't have her, if she isn't happy, then my life has no meaning."
Gu Jingchen paused for a moment, then spoke the words he wanted to say.
"Ah, even a hero has feelings of love. What kind of girl is she?" After a long pause, Yu Cheng turned around, looked at Gu Jingchen and sighed, giving in reluctantly, then said.
But ultimately, he was very curious, what kind of girl could make such a young man give up such a promising future, willing to wait and protect her?
"She is pure and kind, with a bright smile always on her face. She is beautiful and talented, strong, facing any difficulty without bowing her head. She is very innocent, and the world to her is a vibrant palette, even if it's filled with thorns now."
When he talked about the woman he loves most, Gu Jingchen's handsome face softened, his deep black eyes looking out the window, his voice filled with a world of deep affection.
"Alright, I understand. I approve your report. Do you have any requests?" Seeing Gu Jingchen's expression, Yu Cheng knew there was no point in persuading further. It was obvious that this kid was completely into it. From the perspective of someone who had been there, this kid seemed to have reached a point where he couldn't live without the girl. Any persuasion now was pointless.
"Report, I have a request." With a swish, another very neat salute, Gu Jingchen's eyes were bright and looking at Yu Cheng.
"Hey, I say, you've got some nerve!" Turning his head, Yu Cheng looked at Gu Jingchen, amused and exasperated.
"I hope for your approval." Another salute, Gu Jingchen's expression was serious, gazing into the distance.
"Say it, say it." Yu Cheng was frustrated to no end, with a helpless smile, waving his hand.
"There are spots for military training at Yun City University recently, and I'd like to participate." Gu Jingchen's voice was loud and direct.
"You're about to retire, how can you still go..." Yu Cheng began to speak, interrupted halfway.
"Alright, fine, you can go, you can go, consider it my support for my subordinate's love." Yu Cheng shifted the topic with immense helplessness and sighed.
"All tasks have been completed, and Gu Jingchen reverted to his usual playful self.
"You rascal, remember to send regards to your grandfather when you get back. Even though he went into business later, I'll always remember him!"
Yu Cheng waved his hand at Gu Jingchen, emotions running deep.
"Yes," another very standard salute, Gu Jingchen turned and marched off.
That night, after calling Rong Hao to confirm the safety and well-being of the little woman, the man, in the gentle breeze of early summer, stretched his long legs, took a stroll, and finally returned to his room.
On the second floor of the dormitory, the room only had a simple single bed, the bedding neatly folded, and a desk polished clean with basic theoretical books placed on it.
His heart was filled with too much nostalgia, the man's upright figure sat on the bed, but his lips curled into a gentle smile.
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," Gu Jingchen's voice was deep.
Are you really going to leave?" When the door opened, the whole dormitory was filled, with many still standing in the hallway.
The orderly, Xiao Li, holding a bowl of braised pork with kidney beans, stood there looking pitiful, tears already flowing. He didn't cry easily, but over the years, Xiao Li had always been by Gu Jingchen's side, full of reliance and gratitude for this man who seemed cold outside but was warm within.
"Yes." Gu Jingchen nodded in response.
Tonight, the canteen specially made braised pork with kidney beans for you, you said this is your favorite dish, I brought it for you, you must remember us."
As he spoke, Xiao Li was already crying uncontrollably.
"Yes."
The man lifted his deep black eyes, looking at the familiar faces he'd been with for years, deeply moved, his long fingers directly took the chopsticks handed by the orderly, and he quickly began eating the braised pork with kidney beans.
As the head of the Gu Group, what delicacies hasn't he tasted?
But no matter how many years pass, Gu Jingchen still misses the taste of the canteen's braised pork with kidney beans.
I really can't bear for you to leave!" Xiao Li, who could barely control his emotions, watched as Gu Jingchen finished the braised pork with kidney beans without saying a word, finally lost control of his emotions and burst into tears.
"Why are you crying? We bleed and sweat, we don't shed tears, hush." Gu Jingchen looked sternly at Xiao Li, but his big hand already rested on Xiao Li's head, giving a comforting pat.
"Yes."
Xiao Li tried hard to suppress his tears, sniffling a few times, then reached out to wipe the tears from his face, and finally managed to stop crying.