Chapter 187: Jumping to Conclusions
After finishing lunch, Ji Yanming sat for a while and asked Ning Xiyue about the status of the medicine for Ning Qingzhi’s eye treatment. Once he was reassured that everything was fine, he picked up the empty lunch boxes and prepared to leave.
Ning Xiyue stood to see him off, and Ning Qingyuan immediately followed, insisting on accompanying Ji Yanming out.
What was supposed to be a single-person send-off turned into a two-person escort. Ning Qingyuan was determined to ensure his sister wasn’t left alone or given a chance to be alone with another male officer.
He even gave a reason that was hard to refuse:
“Comrade Ji, we really appreciate all your help these past few days. Today, both my sister and I insist on seeing you off together to properly express our gratitude.”
Ji Yanming: …
Absolutely unnecessary.
“Thank you.”
Ji Yanming reluctantly said the words, carrying his empty net bag, walking side by side with them.
“Hu City has many nice places to visit. I’m a bit busy recently and can’t personally show you around. Next time I’m free, I can take you sightseeing or even visit the military unit with you.”
“Comrade Ji, don’t worry about us. We can take care of ourselves. Focus on your work. Big brother’s situation is also under control — we’ve got it covered. When you’re free, the three of us want to treat you to a meal.”
Ning Xiyue didn’t want to delay Ji Yanming’s important matters. He had already helped so much. She knew military life was busy and didn’t want to waste his time with sightseeing errands.
“My sister is right. Ji Yan, don’t worry. We can go sightseeing together, and we can visit the unit when big brother has fully recovered. You focus on your work.”
Ning Qingyuan spoke considerately, his expression saying clearly: Don’t worry, we won’t hold you back.
Inner thought: No time to waste, perfect!
“Alright.” They reached the hospital entrance. Ji Yanming glanced at the gate, stopped, and waved to them: “Take care of yourselves. No need to see me off further. See you next time.”
“Okay, Comrade Ji, goodbye.” Ning Xiyue stopped and waved.
“Ji, take care.”
A smile spread across Ning Qingyuan’s face.
“Hmm.”
Before leaving, Ji Yanming cast one last glance at Ning Xiyue, still waving innocently, then at Ning Qingyuan, smiling warmly. Only then did he turn and leave.
As he walked away, he sighed: life is tough!
Two blockers, double resistance — he couldn’t get a single advantage.
Ji Yanming would have to keep working hard to marry his bride. After giving himself an inner pep talk, he squared his shoulders and walked briskly forward.
Watching Ji Yanming leave, the siblings turned their attention back.
“Sis, Comrade Ji is already far ahead. Let’s head back.”
“Mm.”
They returned to the hospital room to find big brother alone, leaning against a pillow reading.
“Big brother, don’t read for too long.” Ning Xiyue reminded him, then curiously asked, “Huh, where’s Sister Jiayin? I don’t see her.”
“You’re back.” Ning Qingzhi put down his book and answered Ning Xiyue: “Earlier, her mother came. Now she’s gone to fetch hot water with a thermos.”
“Oh.”
Seeing her brother’s eye injury, Ning Xiyue’s mind flashed with soap-opera clichés from her previous life — disapproving family, lovers separated, elopements for love — and she worried a little.
“Big brother, did auntie say anything?”
“Huh? Say what?”
Ning Qingzhi couldn’t follow her leap in logic and looked at Ning Xiyue in confusion.
Ning Qingyuan, drinking water, caught the meaning behind his sister’s glance at their brother’s bandaged eye. He swallowed, put down the cup, and clarified for their brother:
“She means, did auntie look upset? Did she dislike your current appearance?”
“No, she was smiling.”
Ning Qingyuan slapped his hand on his own back and immediately added: “No, that’s the smile of someone already decided to separate you, looking happy while finding another match for Sister Jiayin.”
Ning Qingzhi’s face darkened, and he rolled his eyes with his good left eye at Ning Qingyuan: “Behave yourself.”
“Haha, second brother, it’s a waste you’re not publishing articles at a newspaper.”
Although Ning Xiyue thought the same, she still laughed at her brother’s antics, holding her stomach.
Ning Qingyuan’s eyes lit up at Ning Xiyue’s reaction: “Hey, sis, that’s a great idea. I’ll find a way. In this big city, with many newspapers, I might have the chance to get published and earn some money for you to buy candy.”
Ning Xiyue played along: “Then I’ll be waiting to eat the candy you buy with your article earnings.”
Before starting, Ning Qingyuan was already imagining the scenario of receiving his payment, pounding his chest and making grand promises:
“When I get my payment, I’ll treat the whole family to a fancy meal at a state-run restaurant. I’ll buy big brother’s favorite mung bean cakes, give the rest to my sister as White Rabbit candies. If I earn more, I’ll send money to mom and dad, and then…”
“Second brother.” Ning Qingzhi interrupted, seeing his younger brother getting carried away. “Take it easy. Don’t exaggerate. Finish the article first. We have to be practical.”
Ning Xiyue covered her mouth, laughing. Her second brother had already planned out how to spend unknown future earnings.
“Alright, just wait and see.” Ning Qingyuan, brimming with confidence, pulled out paper and pen and began writing excitedly on the wall of the hospital room.
“Jumping to conclusions again.” Ning Qingzhi laughed and scolded, watching his brother’s frantic writing.
Seeing his enthusiasm, Ning Xiyue moved a cabinet close to the bedside and gestured to Ning Qingyuan:
“Second brother, sit here to write. Don’t write leaning over.”
“Okay, I’ll come over after finishing this line.”
The sudden surge of creative energy had Ning Qingyuan scribbling a beginning before taking the writing spot Ning Xiyue prepared.
He tugged at his hair while thinking: “What pen name should I use? My real name? No, classmates would recognize me.”
Ning Qingzhi suggested: “Er Sha (Second Fool).”
“Brother, you’re not artistic at all. Stop calling me that nickname — I care about my dignity!” Ning Qingyuan growled. Nineteen years old, and his brother still used a childhood nickname in front of his sister. He glanced at Ning Xiyue, who was trying not to laugh:
“Sis, just ignore it. And don’t hold back your laughter. Laugh if you want, don’t ruin yourself.”
“I’m not holding it in. I didn’t hear anything.”
Ning Xiyue stifled her laughter, trying to appear serious:
“Just pick something. Don’t overthink the pen name. The content matters more. Start writing, keep an eye on big brother. I’m going to the bathroom.”
With that, Ning Xiyue clutched her stomach and hurried out of the room, smiling as she headed to the restroom.
This wasn’t an excuse — she genuinely needed to go.
Squatting in the bathroom, Ning Xiyue overheard familiar voices outside.
A younger voice sounded like Sister Jiayin, and an older one was probably her mother.
“Nan Nan, are you really going to marry that Ning Qingzhi?”
Big brother?
Ning Xiyue instantly perked up. She had stumbled upon a mother-daughter heart-to-heart. Clearly, the bathroom was one of the best places to gather intel.
She quickly pricked up her ears, determined to gather useful information for her big brother’s future happiness.
