Jiang Yan listened in astonishment.

Xia Xiaolan was nearly petrified.

What was Third Brother Pan suggesting?

Xia Xiaolan recalled when Daisy met Third Brother Pan and asked if he was single – she had loudly confirmed he was, though he had denied it. So, Third Brother and Jiang Yan? Impossible. If they were meant to be together, it would have happened long ago, not now.

Jiang Yan glanced at the stunned Xia Xiaolan and tried to clarify: “Third Brother, my parents are being unreasonable, mixing everything up. Why are you joining their nonsense? Stop joking!”

Pan Baohua’s expression was serious: “When has your Third Brother ever gone back on his word? I said I’d take responsibility for you. Even if you’ve left the Jiang family of Jinling, life with me won’t be hard.”

Jiang Yan’s face changed color. Xia Xiaolan coughed, “You two catch up – I need to ask Dr. Bellman something.”

Xia Xiaolan sensed Jiang Yan’s distress and tactfully withdrew, giving space to Pan Baohua and Jiang Yan. They shared deep feelings, whether as close friends or something else. Whatever they needed to discuss was between them, and Xia Xiaolan didn’t want to interfere.

After Xia Xiaolan left, Jiang Yan rubbed her temples.

“Third Brother, I only see you as a brother – like a real brother. How can your words to my parents count? You’ve been good enough to me already, even paying part of my medical treatment in America. Don’t feel indebted to me. Reporting Jiang Wu was my choice – I’m a soldier, loyal to my military oath!”

Pan Baohua waved his hand, “Don’t talk about principles with me. I know you see me as a brother! What’s wrong with marrying someone you see as a brother? Other men might sweet-talk you, but can you guarantee they won’t change? If your husband is unfaithful, Third Brother can stand up for you. If he’s cold and inconsiderate, I could beat him up daily. Marrying me is most reliable – we’ve known each other for years. Don’t you trust my character?”

Of course, she trusted him.

Pan Baohua might not be the romantic type, but whoever he married, he would care for them forever. Romance and sweet words weren’t his style, but he was a hero with good character, loyal to friends, and would never betray his wife!

Whoever married Pan Baohua would certainly have a good life.

Jiang Yan understood all this, but it wasn’t the same thing!

“Third Brother, a brother should stay a brother – he can’t become a lover or a spouse-“

Jiang Yan shook her head firmly. She didn’t love Pan Baohua, and he didn’t love her. Being bound together just because of a promise to care for her would be unfair to him. She wasn’t willing, and though Pan Baohua had no one he liked now, that didn’t mean he never would.

Pan Baohua suddenly smiled: “So you understand? Brothers can’t become lovers, but friends can. You silly girl, you understand everything clearly, why can’t you just let go!”

Pan Baohua wasn’t accusing her, just expressing helplessness.

Jiang Yan was silent for a moment.

With no caregiver present and Xia Xiaolan gone, she could speak freely to Pan Baohua: “I won’t give up. As long as Zhou Cheng remains unmarried, I’ll wait for him.”

Pan Baohua rolled his eyes, “Give me a break. Even if Zhou Cheng marries, you’ll probably hope he gets divorced. I can’t help you if you won’t let go of your obsession… Fine, this brother will wait with you. If you won’t marry, I’ll stay single too. Either we settle for each other, or you find me another brother-in-law. Jiang Yan, whether I can continue my family line depends entirely on you!”

Pan Baohua’s tone seemed to joke, but Jiang Yan knew he never joked.

Pan Baohua was serious.

Jiang Yan suddenly felt enormous pressure.

“Third Brother, how can you pressure a patient…”

Pan Baohua laughed heartily, “What patient? If you don’t recover quickly, I bet you’ll forget how to handle a gun. My sister can’t give up – after all this time treating your illness in America, none of your skills should lag when you recover!”

Jiang Yan laughed too.

“Third Brother, when I’m better, let’s compete and see if my shooting has gotten rusty!”

“Speaking of shooting, Zhou Cheng’s skills are excellent.”

Pan Baohua never avoided mentioning Zhou Cheng in front of Jiang Yan.

Jiang Yan nodded in agreement, “His shooting is better than mine, but I never knew who was better between you two.”

“That’s because your level isn’t high enough to judge. Zhou Cheng’s now a deputy regiment commander, and I figure he’ll get another promotion by year’s end. Your setback has widened the gap with Zhou Cheng. If I were you, I wouldn’t have taken that bullet for him. If he’d ended up wounded and dumped by Xiaolan, wouldn’t that have suited you?”

Pan Baohua joked.

Jiang Yan instinctively objected: “Impossible, Xia Xiaolan wouldn’t do that-“

Pan Baohua stared at her. Jiang Yan realized her slip and quickly shut up.

“Well, well, you’re getting along nicely with Xiaolan in America, even defending your rival! Don’t be upset, Third Brother isn’t mocking you. Having such fair judgment proves you’re truly my sister!”

Pan Baohua didn’t care for romance talk.

He believed that love and hate should be straightforward – harboring jealousy and telling obvious lies was the mark of a petty person!

Pan Baohua could be friends with good people and associate with bad ones.

He hated dealing with petty people most!

Xia Xiaolan knocked and entered with Dr. Bellman.

“Jiang’s recovery is excellent. Her physical condition is outstanding. We have another surgery next month. If every patient cooperated like her, recovery rates for various diseases would surely improve!”

Dr. Bellman was praising Jiang Yan.

Her cooperation meant not just following medical advice but maintaining a positive attitude.

A patient’s mindset was crucial in treatment!

“Thank you, doctor. I’m Jiang Yan’s fiancé. She’s a soldier, and whether she can continue pursuing her dreams depends on your help and that of other medical staff.”

Pan Baohua shook hands with Dr. Bellman.

He was careful not to squeeze too hard, afraid of damaging the surgeon’s hands.

Even with restrained force, Dr. Bellman felt like he was gripping an iron wrench – such strong hands, a true Chinese tough guy!

Jiang Yan wanted to sink through the bed in frustration.

Dr. Bellman truly believed Pan Baohua was her fiancé, his face showing relief at finally meeting the right person, eagerly discussing various precautions and future treatment plans with Pan Baohua.

Xia Xiaolan suppressed her laughter as Jiang Yan’s gaze fell on her:

“Xia Xiaolan, you’re so devious! I said I’d compete with you fairly – why did you bring Third Brother here!”