Chapter 64: She Is Very Adorable

Zhong Xiao had no umbrella, nor did she bother to look for one in the dormitory. The light drizzle was nothing to her. She simply took a dozen or so boxes of medicine from her private stash, stuffed them all into a woven bag, and hoisted it over her head as she jogged all the way to the headquarters office building.

She had been here before and found her way with ease.

Originally, she intended to head straight upstairs, but as she reached the entrance, two guards stopped her.

The guards found her face unfamiliar, but upon seeing her, they immediately realized who she was.

She was the pretty girl who had just arrived at the military district.

The news had spread throughout the district these past few days. It was said that a beautiful young woman had come from Yue City and seemed to have a close relationship with Commander Song. Commander Song, who was known for his aloofness towards women, had even taken her to the training grounds. Their relationship appeared to be quite good.

Hence, the guards couldn’t quite figure out what her connection to Commander Song was, but they remained polite.

“Comrade,” one of them said, “this is the headquarters office building. Unauthorized personnel are not allowed inside. Do you have business here?”

“I’m here to see Song Tingshen. I have something for him,” Zhong Xiao replied.

The two guards glanced at the woven bag in her hand.

They exchanged a look.

Well, she really was here for Commander Song.

And she brought such a large bag for him.

If it was just ordinary items, why use a woven bag? And such a good one, at that. The contents must be valuable. Perhaps even a token of affection.

But such thoughts remained unspoken. Outwardly, the guards kept their expressions stern.

“One moment, Comrade. I’ll go announce you. If Commander Song agrees to see you, I’ll bring you in.”

Zhong Xiao nodded. “Thank you. Please let him know.”

One guard went inside, checked the registry, and saw that Song Tingshen was currently visiting Director Cao.

Director Cao’s office was on the fourth floor. The guard strode up the stairs, stopped at the office door, snapped to attention, and gave his report.

“Reporting! There’s a young lady at the entrance asking for Commander Song. She says she has something for him. Awaiting instructions!”

Song Tingshen had been facing Director Cao’s desk, his back to the door. Now, he slowly turned, his brows lifting slightly.

“A young lady is looking for me?” he asked.

“Yes, sir!” the guard replied. “A young lady in a white shirt. She says she has something to deliver to you!”

Song Tingshen’s expression grew more intent.

Director Cao was aware of Song Tingshen’s amnesia and knew how popular he was in the military district. Now that he was injured, there were surely even more young women eager to visit and bring him their regards—something Song Tingshen would hardly welcome.

Director Cao raised a hand, ready to intercede. “Go, go, go—Commander Song is busy right now—Wait, Tingshen, where are you going? Tingshen?”

Before Director Cao could finish, Song Tingshen had already left the office.

Only Director Cao and the guard remained, exchanging glances.

Song Tingshen descended from the fourth floor to the first in quick strides. Sure enough, the moment he reached the entrance, he saw Zhong Xiao standing quietly outside.

It was obvious at a glance that she had come through the rain. Her clothes were damp—at the cuffs, the waist, the hem—soaked through, the fabric darkened by water, clinging to her in places, revealing hints of what lay beneath...

Song Tingshen immediately pushed aside a certain thought.

He strode quickly toward her.

Zhong Xiao caught a glimpse of him approaching out of the corner of her eye, and when she turned, she saw that it was indeed him. She broke into a smile, about to greet him.

But before she could even lift her arm, Song Tingshen had seized her by the wrist.

She hadn’t managed to utter a single word before he pulled her into the building, down the corridor, and into a room at the far end. He pushed the door open, releasing a rush of musty, long-sealed wood.

Song Tingshen drew her inside and half-closed the door behind them.

His brows were furrowed, his tone sharper than usual.

“Zhong Xiao, you just stand out there like that? What if someone sees you?”

Zhong Xiao was startled.

She thought he was displeased at her openly waiting at the entrance to see him and quickly explained, “I didn’t come for anything else—just to ask if the commendation letter could be issued more quickly. If you’re worried about my coming here affecting your reputation, then next time I—”

She was cut off by Song Tingshen.

“That’s not what I meant,” he said, frowning. “Don’t you realize your clothes are wet? If someone sees, it wouldn’t be good for you.”

Zhong Xiao paused, lowering her gaze to her clothes.

Indeed, they were wet.

But...

“My clothes are made of thick fabric,” she said, a little dazed. “A little rain won’t soak through; it’s just the surface that’s changed color. There’s another layer beneath.”

But Song Tingshen was stubborn.

“Regardless, if someone were to see, it wouldn’t be good for you. Next time it rains, bring an umbrella.”

“Oh,” Zhong Xiao replied softly.

She had never seen Song Tingshen so stern. Ever since she’d met him, she’d thought him a little cold in tone but actually quite kind.

So, faced with his scolding, she didn’t protest.

He looked at her, then took off his military jacket. He shook it out, spun it deftly in the air, and draped it over her shoulders.

He pulled it close around her and zipped it up.

He wrapped her completely in his large coat.

Zhong Xiao was petite to begin with; with his jacket on, only her head, a sliver of shin, and her feet were visible—she looked like a little mushroom.

She stared up at him with wide, bewildered eyes, a mix of confusion, astonishment, and incomprehension.

Only now did Song Tingshen’s tone soften somewhat.

“So, what did you come to see me about?” he asked evenly.

Zhong Xiao was speechless.

Apparently, he hadn’t heard a word she’d said just moments before.

She explained again, “I came to bring you medicine. And also... could the commendation letter be issued soon? I’ve never seen one before, and I’m really curious.”

Song Tingshen was silent for a moment. “Where’s the medicine?”

She tried to hand it to him, but now, bundled up in his jacket with the medicine as well, she could hardly move.

She had no choice but to retrieve the medicine by reaching up from inside the coat, producing it at her neck, and handing it to him before quickly withdrawing her hands back inside.

“There, it’s all here.”

Song Tingshen didn’t react for a long moment.

Zhong Xiao looked at him, puzzled.

She didn’t realize—her previous movement had been utterly endearing.