Chapter 53: First Encounter

Compared to the tension and worry on Zuo Lan and Song Qingfeng’s faces, Zhong Xiao appeared far more at ease. She had thought it was a matter of greater importance.

With a gentle smile, she said, “Aunt Zuo, Commander Song, please don’t worry. I’m here not to marry Song Tingshen, nor to cling to him.”

Zuo Lan and Song Qingfeng looked at the calmness in Zhong Xiao’s smile. For some reason, it seemed that this delicate young lady had been through experiences far beyond those of her peers. In her composure in the face of trouble and her tone of voice, there was a serenity that was truly rare.

Zhong Xiao went on, “I do have my personal reasons for coming to Taizhou Island. The purges in Yue City have only grown more intense, and I feared I might be caught up in them, so I came here. But I’m not here to live a life of idleness, nor am I seeking to rely on you with nothing to offer.”

She continued, “To be frank, over the years I’ve been studying medicine at home. Du Huacheng even hired a private tutor at my request to teach me medical knowledge at home.”

Of course, Zhong Xiao had not actually studied medicine, but after seeing those crops and fruits nourished by the spiritual spring water in her space, she began to have ideas. If she could use these powers within her space to heal the sick, perhaps she could save lives if not become a legendary healer—and in doing so, she could earn her place on Taizhou Island, at least finding somewhere she could settle down. Moreover, she might accumulate merit in the process. And if her merit continued to grow, perhaps the space would grant her even more surprises.

Zuo Lan and Song Qingfeng were clearly surprised to learn that Zhong Xiao knew anything of medicine. They had already found it remarkable that a daughter of a capitalist family could read military texts at home; now it seemed she was also versed in medicine.

Yet Zuo Lan noticed something else. “Xiaoxiao, about Du… your father…”

Zhong Xiao interrupted her. “Aunt Zuo, I already know that Du Huacheng is not my biological father.”

Zuo Lan and Song Qingfeng started in surprise, exchanging a look. So it was true. When Zhong Xiao had just mentioned Du Huacheng, she had simply used his name, revealing that there was little affection between them.

Zhong Xiao pulled a faint smile. “Honestly, I don’t think the engagement between Song Tingshen and me should be a shackle for either of us. We’ve never met, don’t know each other at all, and to get married the moment we meet…it’s a strange notion, just thinking about it.”

“There’s no affection between us. Forcing us together won’t bring happiness. Aunt Zuo, Commander Song, rest assured—I have my own value and ways to remain here. I don’t need to depend on him.”

At this, Zuo Lan and Song Qingfeng had nothing further to say. Zuo Lan quickly thought of a solution: Zhong Xiao could take the military district’s nursing qualification exam. While such exams had been abolished nationwide, and certificates could no longer be gained through them, the unique nature of the military district meant Zuo Lan could arrange for Zhong Xiao to pass the assessment and serve as a temporary nurse at the hospital. Resources were tight at the military hospital, and when casualties were high, they sometimes needed to call upon islanders with even basic medical knowledge to help. So, if Zhong Xiao passed the basic medical assessment, giving her a temporary nursing post would not be difficult.

Just then, Zhong Xiao voiced the question that had been lingering in her mind. “Aunt Zuo, do you…know about my birth father?”

Zuo Lan hesitated, just about to answer, when the door was suddenly pushed open. Everyone turned their heads.

Zuo Lan and Song Qingfeng looked surprised. Zuo Lan stepped forward with concern. “Shen’er, what brings you here?”

Zhong Xiao’s gaze paused, her eyes sharpening with interest as she looked at the man.

So, this was Song Tingshen?

Zhong Xiao’s gaze swept calmly over the man before her. For twenty years, his name had existed in her world, but now, for the first time, he stood before her.

He was extremely tall, much like the Commander, but his features were noticeably colder and more indifferent. If the Commander exuded authority and solemnity, Song Tingshen was marked by aloofness and detachment—like the snow-capped mountains of a distant island nation she’d once seen in the newspapers, majestic but forbidding.

Zhong Xiao could feel the chill that emanated from him. His eyes were not large, with a typical double-folded eyelid and an upward tilt at the corners. His lashes were thick, though not curled. He towered over Zhong Xiao, looking down at her with half-lidded eyes, his lashes partly veiling his gaze, lending him an air of mystery and pride.

His nose was prominent and sharply defined, adding to the impression of strength, and his jawline was firm and clear-cut. Only his slightly thin lips softened his otherwise icy demeanor—especially when paired with those eyes, adding a touch of gentleness. When he looked at someone, he seemed especially focused and deep.

As Zhong Xiao observed Song Tingshen, he too was sizing her up.

She wore an ivory collared blouse, the collar gently rounded rather than the usual pointed style. Near the left breast, a tiny tulip was embroidered with remarkable skill, the threads shimmering subtly—clearly not something bought off the shelf. Her skirt matched the blouse in color, an A-line cut that had been modified; the hem was drawn in rather than flaring out, perhaps to avoid unnecessary attention.

Even so, she stood out. Her softly curled hair fell just to her shoulders, the curls artfully done—not unlike those of many young women on the island, though her hair was particularly lustrous, perhaps the result of a lifetime of fine shampoos. The ends curled beautifully.

And then there was her face—bare of any cosmetics, yet breathtakingly beautiful, as though she had stepped straight from a fashion magazine. She was so striking one could hardly look away.

The two of them looked at each other in silence until Song Qingfeng coughed, breaking the awkwardness.

“Ahem—Shen’er, let me introduce you. This is Miss Zhong, from Yue City, Zhong Xiao.”

Zhong Xiao withdrew her gaze, took a step forward, and extended her hand. “Hello, I’m—”

She hadn’t expected that Song Tingshen would barely glance at her. Before she could finish, he lowered his eyes, turned, and walked away down the corridor.

Song Qingfeng’s expression changed. “Shen’er!” He quickly strode after him.

Zuo Lan, seeing Zhong Xiao’s awkwardness, hurried to smooth things over. “Sorry, Xiaoxiao. Shen’er has lost his memory. He acts this way with everyone—distant and unapproachable. He’s even like this with me and his father. He’s guarded with everyone, so please don’t take it to heart. Auntie apologizes on his behalf.”

Zhong Xiao watched Song Tingshen’s retreating figure fade down the corridor, then turned back to Zuo Lan with a faint smile. “It’s all right, Aunt Zuo. I understand. We didn’t know each other before anyway. It’s nothing.”