Chen Rui had a dog’s nose.

When he was first recruited into the unit, everyone knew about his keen sense of smell. His ability to identify people by their scent was extraordinary—he could distinguish the unique fragrances of hundreds of different things. He also had his classification system for people. For instance, among the few women in the unit, Yu Hao had a faint jasmine scent mixed with a hint of chocolate sweetness. He had assumed Yu Hao carried chocolate with her and asked about it, only to learn it was the scent of her lipstick.

Yu Hao had been quite surprised at the time, as the scent was so subtle that she could only smell it when applying it in front of a mirror.

Chen Rui had scratched the back of his head and modestly said he was just naturally more sensitive than others.

It wasn’t just sensitivity—it was an extraordinary gift.

Chen Rui, however, gave a bitter smile. It wasn’t always a good thing.

Pleasant scents were pleasant, but foul ones were truly foul.

Initially, there had been another person in the unit with a similar special ability. That soldier had exceptionally acute hearing and was particularly sensitive to signals and numbers. In the early years, he had been on the same team as Lu Huaizheng. While patrolling the border, his keen hearing detected interference signals in the aircraft’s communication equipment.

Such nano-signals were easier to detect in the sea than in the air because the water currents created wave sounds that could mediate. Detecting that faint electrical current during navigation was like finding the rustling sound of silkworms eating mulberry leaves amid the bellowing of hundreds of hippos—extremely difficult.

These men were truly extraordinary.

After disembarking from the plane, it was nearly six o’clock. Outside the cabin, dusk had fallen, turning everything pitch black with only faint, weak lights twinkling.

A car was waiting outside the airport. As Chen Rui walked out of the terminal, a cold wind hit him, chilling him to the bone. He couldn’t help but hunch his shoulders and lower his head. Looking back, he saw that the captain was completely unfazed by the cold. Regardless of the temperature outside, he always wore a white t-shirt with a black jacket or windbreaker.

Lu Huaizheng strode over, patted Chen Rui on the shoulder, and got into the car. “Why are you hunching like that!”

Chen Rui wrapped his coat tightly around himself and got in, unable to suppress a shiver. “It’s cold, Beijing is too cold.”

Hearing this, the driver turned around and said with a smile, “The weather report just came in this afternoon—it’s a cold front. It’s supposed to rain during the Qingming Festival period. It fits the mood.” After saying this, he sighed and started the car.

Lu Huaizheng gazed out the window as the night lights flashed by, casting shimmering neon light on his face.

The car stopped at the entrance of the military district. Lu Huaizheng and Chen Rui got out. He took off his cap and removed the bag from his back, handing both to Chen Rui. “You go back to the dormitory first.”

After walking a few steps, he turned back and approached Chen Rui again:

“Call Instructor Tang later. The temperature is dropping these days. Have him get military greatcoats for Dr. Yu and Dr. Zhao.”

Chen Rui made a sound of acknowledgment.

“Anything else you want to remind him of?” He grinned mischievously. “Any special message for Dr. Yu? Don’t worry, you can treat me and Instructor Tang as your messengers…”

Lu Huaizheng stood with his hands in his pockets, his demeanor returning to its usual confident state. He looked at Chen Rui with a detached expression for a while, then took one hand out of his pocket, and reached over to adjust Chen Rui’s collar, gently straightening it. Afterward, he placed his hand on Chen Rui’s shoulder and smiled with extraordinary gentleness: “No need. Your Dr. Yu is shy. Some things are better said between us in private.”

Chen Rui’s inner thoughts at that moment were simply…

Well, he’d learned something new.

…

When Lu Huaizheng entered Li Hongwen’s office, there was another person inside—Han Zhichen.

The two old men were engaged in a chess game. A pot of tea was simmering on a rosewood table. The purple clay teapot was breathing, emitting billowing white steam that rose like clouds, creating an otherworldly atmosphere reminiscent of a mountain paradise. Li Hongwen’s office had quite an artistic ambiance—he was, after all, an old artist. On the side wall hung a calligraphy scroll with rich ink and fluent strokes, a southern scholarly piece. The scroll had aged and was peeling, with the edges stained with black marks—a testament to tumultuous years. It was a gift from Lu Huaizheng’s maternal grandfather to Li Hongwen, inscribed with: “Kindness, courtesy, frugality, and humility—Heaven, Earth, Sovereign, Parents, Teacher.”

The two were playing military chess, occasionally arguing. Both had stubborn personalities and neither was willing to yield. After arguing, they would fall silent for a while before reconciling.

Lu Huaizheng knocked on the door. When Li Hongwen saw him enter, he looked up, scraping his teacup with a sandy sound. “You’re back?”

Han Zhichen also turned at the sound, gave Lu Huaizheng a once-over, then turned back without saying a word.

Li Hongwen’s eyes remained fixed on the chessboard, afraid Han Zhichen might cheat. He said, “Wait, let’s finish this game before we talk.”

Lu Huaizheng made a sound of acknowledgment.

Li Hongwen, without looking up, casually pointed to the side and said, “Find a place to sit. The journey must have been tiring, right?”

Unexpectedly, Han Zhichen snorted, “What’s a grown man afraid of? A little fatigue?”

Lu Huaizheng felt that if he had simply returned normally before this trip, without that impulsive act at the end, perhaps he could have looked Han Zhichen in the eye more comfortably now. It wasn’t that he couldn’t face him; he just felt diminished in Han Zhichen’s presence. He even wondered who he should side with if Li Hongwen and Han Zhichen started arguing again—it was all complicated.

One was his mentor.

One was his potential girlfriend’s mentor.

Turning to see the words his maternal grandfather had written on the wall—”Kindness, courtesy, frugality, and humility—Heaven, Earth, Sovereign, Parents, Teacher”—made them seem even more glaring.

It wasn’t that he was afraid of seeing Han Zhichen. Even if Han Zhichen hadn’t come tonight, he had planned to visit the research institute before returning to Yunnan to report on Yu Hao and Zhao Dailin’s well-being, to put the old man’s mind at ease.

After Han Zhichen’s remark.

Lu Huaizheng dared not sit, standing to the side watching them play chess. Han Zhichen asked, “How is Yu Hao doing over there?”

Lu Huaizheng: “She’s doing well.”

Han Zhichen glanced at him sideways, with a hint of implication: “She hasn’t been bullied by any bad boys, has she?”

“…”

Lu Huaizheng stood with his hands behind his back, ramrod straight, without blushing or faltering: “No.”

Han Zhichen surveyed him up and down with a sideways glance, raised his eyebrows, snorted, and said nothing more.

As the chess game neared its end, Han Zhichen asked a few more scattered questions about Yu Hao’s situation in Yunnan. Lu Huaizheng answered each one, providing details both large and small, to the point where Han Zhichen became increasingly astonished at how familiar he was with Yu Hao’s daily routine.

Although Li Hongwen also hoped that he would resolve his personal matters soon, he certainly didn’t want him spending all his time on dating.

He casually picked up a chess piece and unexpectedly threw it at Lu Huaizheng:

“What are you doing all day? Just staring at the girl?”

Lu Huaizheng didn’t dodge. The piece hit him squarely in the chest with considerable force, leaving a crease in his white t-shirt. He didn’t make a sound, his eyes still showing neither subservience nor defiance, maintaining their natural confidence.

“Her routine is simple. I learned it after observing for two days. Besides, to coordinate with the psychological training for the troops, we had to synchronize our schedules. Should we have just ignored her, not caring about anything?”

Li Hongwen gave him a cold look and gritted his teeth: “Care! I think someone needs to take care of you!”

Han Zhichen stood up, supporting himself on his legs, rubbing his numb limbs to make room for the master and student. “Alright, you two talk. I’ll head back first. Have that girl call me later. Goes away and doesn’t even know to make a phone call—such a heartless girl.”

“The signal there… isn’t very good…” Lu Huaizheng scratched the tip of his nose, lowering his head as he spoke.

Han Zhichen: “No need for excuses. She’s been with me for so long, don’t I know what kind of person she is? She’s never been one to initiate contact with people. If you don’t reach out to her, she’ll never contact you first.”

Lu Huaizheng laughed, thinking it was indeed true.

Han Zhichen stood up unsteadily. Lu Huaizheng instinctively reached out to support him, but Han Zhichen brushed his hand away with a wave: “No need, I can still walk. To help your leader.”

Li Hongwen, who had been belittled, was like a lit firecracker, sparking and flashing. While putting away the chess pieces, he retorted defiantly: “Why don’t we have a fight, old Han? I’ll buy you a wheelchair while I’m at it, so you won’t have to worry about the rest of your life.”

These two were always at odds when they met, like needle against grain. They couldn’t say more than a few sentences without arguing. Lu Huaizheng thought it was miraculous that this relationship had lasted for over thirty years.

Han Zhichen let out a laugh. “Fine. As a mere scholar, I naturally can’t beat you. But if you injure me, I don’t think your Captain Lu will want to pursue my student anymore.” With that, he pointed to the calligraphy on the wall and read loudly: “Heaven, Earth, Sovereign, Parents, Teacher—I’m at least a teacher, while whether this student of yours is still a ‘parent’ remains a question—”

Lu Huaizheng was usually skilled at bantering with people, adept at pleasing elders, and even better at charming girlfriends. But now, he felt it was best to remain silent. Banter had to be appropriate for the occasion, and this situation was certainly not suitable. He merely lowered his head with a humble smile, offering no comment. Saying more would only annoy Han Zhichen.

After Han Zhichen left, Li Hongwen’s expression became more somber, with no desire for jokes. He pointed to a chair nearby and said without emotion: “Sit down and talk.”

Lu Huaizheng didn’t refuse this time. He pulled a chair over, placed it in front of Li Hongwen, and sat down, observing his expression. He found that Li Hongwen looked very tired, with deeply sunken eye sockets and drooping eyelids, showing little energy.

“Haven’t you rested well?” he asked.

Li Hongwen nodded. “As soon as we received the news, we had meetings for two days straight. Myanmar and Kashmir are at war again. I called Old Tang this afternoon to prepare for battle readiness. Our bottom line is to protect every Chinese citizen.”

“What about Turkey?”

“The embassy wasn’t affected. The military uprising still shows some apprehension. Peacekeeping troops are helping them evacuate. We won’t get involved in that.” Li Hongwen shook his head, feeling a dull ache in his head. “Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun—that saying remains an enduring truth.”

“Yes.”

“In chaotic times, some seek unity, while others choose to avoid danger.” Li Hongwen placed his hand on Lu Huaizheng’s shoulder and said, “Even after thousands or tens of thousands of years, human hearts won’t change. Human ambition will only grow larger, and greed will increase. Can you expect those accustomed to feasting on delicacies to switch to simple vegetables and tofu? Being backward means being beaten. Our national defense must grow stronger, otherwise, China, this large piece of fat on the world map, will always have someone wanting to swallow it.”

Lu Huaizheng understood perfectly.

The law of the jungle—an unchanging principle through millennia.

Li Hongwen said, “Enough of that. Talking too much about these things inevitably leads to melancholy. It’s Qingming Festival—do you want to visit your father?”

“Maybe after things settle down.”

Li Hongwen nodded with approval. “He’ll understand. What about you and that girl? Surely it’s not as Old Han says—that you can’t win her over?”

Lu Huaizheng leaned back lazily in his chair, his hands loosely interlaced in front of him. The office had remained unlit because there was a small fire stove emanating a reddish glow, casting colorful light on his face, making him resemble a fair-complexioned scholar. He merely smiled slightly without answering.

Li Hongwen, being an old hand at these matters, felt that something was different about this young man upon his return. He narrowed his eyes and scrutinized him from head to toe.

“You can wait for her to return and ask her yourself,” Lu Huaizheng said languidly, turning his head with a smile on his lips.

Li Hongwen, exasperated, slapped him hard on the thigh. “Still playing coy with me, are you asking for death?!”

Li Hongwen had performed with heavy objects in acrobatic shows as a child. His palm was as hard as iron, able to split six bricks with one strike. Even in middle age, his strength hadn’t diminished. Lu Huaizheng felt as if his bone was about to break. He winced in pain, rubbing his thigh, and gritted his teeth: “You hit hard!!”

Li Hongwen snorted, “Now you know why Old Han is afraid of me. Back then, I broke his nose with one punch.”

“You really are…” He was both amused and vexed, looking at Li Hongwen before glancing away as he caught his breath.

Li Hongwen pursued the question like a child: “Tell me quickly.”

Lu Huaizheng turned back: “Tell you what?”

“About you and Yu Hao.”

“Yes, yes, are you satisfied now?” Lu Huaizheng felt that his romantic life was like heaven crashing down—everyone seemed to ask him about it almost daily. And this wasn’t even an official relationship yet; he couldn’t imagine what it would be like once it became official.

Li Hongwen was satisfied and nodded, saying: “That’s good. After my meeting tomorrow, I’ll find Old Han to pick some dates.”

Lu Huaizheng turned his head slowly, asking each word with extreme deliberation: “Pick. What. Dates?”

“Wedding dates, of course. Once I finish this business for you, I can consider my duty fulfilled. If you two don’t get married, the Political Commissar will hound me to death.”

“…”

…

At the Yunnan Military District.

Yu Hao rested her chin on her hand, staring at the calendar with such intensity that her gaze could have burned a hole through it.

Time seemed to crawl like an old woman, moving extremely slowly.

She had never felt time pass so slowly before. Sometimes when she woke up from an afternoon nap and opened her eyes, she felt as if another day had passed, only to look at the calendar and find it was still the same day.

Zhao Dailin was bringing in a military greatcoat when she found Yu Hao still staring at the calendar.

“Look, your lover has sent a message—”

Yu Hao turned her head instantly.

“He’s sent you a coat,” Zhao Dailin added.

Yu Hao hadn’t processed this when her vision suddenly went dark as a thick, heavy military greatcoat enveloped her. She struggled to uncover herself, revealing her fluffy head, her eyes clear and bewildered as she looked at Zhao Dailin, who was perched on the edge of the desk, hands supporting her weight, looking down at Yu Hao with an extremely peculiar expression: “You know—”

Yu Hao was startled: “Know what?”

“When a woman falls in love with a man, she becomes idle. All day long, she just stares at her phone, checking if he’s replied to her messages—or she hugs her phone, pitifully hoping it will ring and it will be him. When there’s really nothing to do, she can only stare at the clock all day long…” Zhao Dailin imitated her speaking manner with exquisite detail, deliberately adding an exaggerated tone: “Oh my, why hasn’t he come back yet—”

Yu Hao’s reaction was extremely slow. Only now did she realize Zhao Dailin was teasing her. She put the coat aside, hastily adjusted her hair, and sat up straight. “How boring,” she said, refusing to engage.

Zhao Dailin reached out to touch her hair. “Oh my, how did you get upset while we were just talking—”

Yu Hao still ignored her, lowering her head to read documents.

“Not talking to me?”

Yu Hao didn’t respond, seriously flipping through her book. The department was empty. The temperature had dropped in the morning, so Yu Hao had closed all windows and doors. It was very quiet, with only the sound of her turning pages.

“You’ll regret it.”

“Sister Zhao, do you really have nothing to do?” Yu Hao asked seriously.

Zhao Dailin decided to stop teasing her. With both hands on the desk, she got down to business:

“I’m extremely busy, okay? Yesterday, I spent the whole day organizing materials and found a big surprise that I thought you’d be interested in. I rushed over to tell you the news!”

“What surprise?”

This time, Zhao Dailin didn’t keep her in suspense.

“Lu Huaizheng’s psychological report from two years ago. Want to see it?”