Chapter 176

At dinner time …

The dishes had just been placed on the table when Fu Bowen ran to Tang Xiling's room with his hands behind his back. "Mom, it's time to eat. Brother-in-law's celery dumplings are delicious. I can smell it even from outside …"

Tang Xiling snuggled up on the bed, her emotions complicated. She was excited to be reunited with her lover, but she was also worried that her daughter would be implicated. How could she still be in the mood to eat the dumplings?

However, in order not to worry everyone, she forced herself to sit up and put on her shoes. "Let's go then …"

When they reached the dining room, they saw that there were already four dishes on the table: braised liver, stewed kidney beans, cold noodles mixed with cucumber, and scrambled eggs with tomatoes. There was even a bottle of beer by the side of the table.

When Mi Xiang 'er saw her, she quickly stood up. "Mom, how are you feeling? Let's eat …"

Tang Xiling asked in a small voice, "Why did you make so many dishes?"

Mi Xiang 'er also answered in a low voice, "Aren't you happy? No matter what, you got news of Dad. We should celebrate …"

Tang Xiling's eyes reddened at her words. She lowered her head. Although she didn't say anything, she was grateful for her daughter's maturity.

Yun Laohu opened the door curtain and came in. He carried a plate of piping hot dumplings and placed it on the table. The dumplings were as round as gold ingots. Fu Bowen's saliva almost flowed out. He rested his upper body on the table and sniffed hard. "It smells so good …"

Yun Jingting flicked a 'bo' on his forehead and chuckled as he lifted his chin. "Go to the kitchen! There's another plate on the stove. Hurry up and bring it over!"

"Aye …"

Fu Bowen agreed crisply and ran out like a rabbit. Not long after, he carried a plate with both hands and returned carefully. He placed the dumplings in front of Tang Xiling. "Mom, I'll put this plate in front of you. Do you eat garlic? I'll go to the courtyard and pluck one for you!"

Tang Xiling pulled his arm and sat down. "Don't bother. Hurry up and eat it while it's hot!"

The whole family sat down. Yun Jingting used his big teeth to open a can of beer. Fu Bo Wen had good eyesight and hurriedly went to get three glasses and placed them in front of the adults. "Sis, Mom, you guys drink with brother-in-law too! Haha, I feel like it's the New Year today!"

Yun Jingting muttered to himself for a moment and poured half a glass for his mother-in-law and wife.

Mi Xiang 'er glared at him. "I can't drink!"

"It's okay. Just take a sip. It's rare for everyone to be so happy!"

Tang Xiling nudged Fu Bowen lightly. "Go. If there's alcohol, there must be cigarettes. Go and get your Brother-in-law's lighter and cigarette box!"

Yun Jingting hurriedly said, "No! I won't smoke anymore. I quit!"

"Okay!"

Tang Xiling's mind worked quickly. She quickly glanced at her daughter and didn't say anything. She knew in her heart that this was most likely Mi Xiang 'er's idea. Yun Hu was like a tyrant, but he just had to listen to his daughter. It was really strange. This was probably what they called' everything has its vanquisher '.

Yun Hu poured himself a glass of beer. "I want to take this opportunity to say a few words!"

He raised his glass to his mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. "I'm offering Buddha with borrowed flowers! Mom bought the dishes today, and daughter-in-law is the chef. I didn't do anything!"

Fu Bowen covered his mouth and laughed. "Since when did my brother-in-law become so humble? When I went into the kitchen to bring the dishes out, I clearly saw you cooking in an apron!"

Mi Xiang 'er glared at him. "Go! Don't interrupt when the adults are talking!"

Fu Bowen stuck out his tongue and leaned into Tang Xiling's embrace. His big eyes darted around anxiously, and he didn't say anything else.

Yun Hu continued, "During this period of time when my leg was injured, it was all thanks to your family's meticulous care. I want to express my special gratitude here. I also want to say from the bottom of my heart that I'm satisfied to have a family like you guys!"

He tilted his head back and drank all the wine in his glass.

Fu Bowen hurriedly stood up and refilled his glass.

Yun Jingting hesitantly raised his glass again. "This second glass … take it as an opportunity to say goodbye to everyone. I've already submitted my report of returning to the army, and I'm waiting for the organization's notification. In other words, I might leave home at any time. I'm not very sure where the new base is, and I'll have to wait for the higher-ups' arrangements. So, I can't settle the issue of Mi Xiang 'er following the army for the time being …"

He sighed softly. "Leaving home is something that most soldiers have to face. I can't take care of my family when I take care of everyone … but I don't regret choosing this profession. I'm proud of my identity as a soldier, but it's hard on my family. Xiang 'er, I'll have to ask you to take care of my family in the future …"

Mi Xiang 'er nodded silently. She held his hand under the table. She didn't know what to feel. There was pride, regret, and sadness before parting.

Yun Laohu gazed at her face and said in a deep voice, "Xiang 'er, it's not easy being a soldier's wife. I'll say it again, you're behind all my glory …"

He raised his head and downed the wine.

He casually placed the empty wine glass on the table. "I'm not drinking anymore. Let's eat!"

“”

Everyone had just picked up their chopsticks when they heard someone speaking in the courtyard. "Yun Tuan and Xiao Mi, are you guys at home?"

Tang Xiling frowned. "Judging from his voice, it seems to be Miracle Doctor Xiao …"

That's right …

Xiao Qingshan came over with fruits. The moment he entered, he saw the table full of dishes. "Oh, there's a happy occasion at home?"

Mi Xiang 'er hurriedly stood up and added a chair to the table. "Doctor Xiao, it's better to come at the right time than to come early. You can eat with us! Even though there's nothing good to eat, it's better than going home alone and starting a fire!"

Xiao Qingshan had stayed in the Mi family before, so he knew everyone in the family. He didn't stand on ceremony and sat down at the table. "Then I'll have to trouble you!"

Yun Laohu instructed Fu Bowen, "Xiao Liuzi, go buy two more bottles of wine!"

Xiao Qingshan hurriedly pulled the child back. "Don't! I'm just here to take a look! I'm already embarrassed to eat, why would I want to drink wine? I'm not drinking!"

Fu Bowen immediately went to the kitchen to retrieve a set of bowls and chopsticks, placing them in front of Xiao Qingshan.

The few of them chatted as they ate.

Yun Jingting first asked, "Doctor Xiao, how did you find your way here?"

"Ever since we parted ways at the entrance of the hospital, I've been very busy. When I'm slightly free, I went to the military base to visit you guys. Second Sister Yun said that you guys have moved out and gave me this address. That's why I found Yun Tuan. How's your injury?"

"I'm fine! I'm about to return to the team!" Yun Jingting said politely. "Doctor Xiao, leave your address so that it'll be convenient for us to contact each other in the future!"

"No problem!" Xiao Qingshan told them his address. "The conditions at my place aren't bad. Oh right, you guys can come over when you're free in the future. I'm quite bored being alone!"

Mi Xiang 'er smiled. The few of them were familiar with each other, so they spoke more casually than before. "Then when Yun Jingting returns to the team, I'll often go over to your place to disturb you. Or will I still be thinking of secretly learning from you?"

Xiao Qingshan pursed his lips. "You haven't even finished the homework I gave you. You haven't even passed the first test, and you dare to say that you're learning?"

Yun Laohu tried to smooth things over. "This is my fault! I was injured at home, and Mi Xiang 'er took care of me day and night. However, whenever she was free, she would sit there and compare the Compendium of Materia Medica. She even wrote a lot of notes. I can confirm this!"

Xiao Qingshan shook his head disapprovingly. "I don't want to hear your testimony. You're famous for protecting your wife. Of course you'll speak up for her!"

Famous for protecting your wife?

Yun Laohu was a little embarrassed. "Who said that? Cough cough, it's a little irresponsible …"

Xiao Qingshan smiled without saying a word. He quietly changed the topic.

After dinner

Xiao Qingshan pulled Yun Laohu, his expression a little awkward. "Yun Tuan, I still want to ask about my daughter's matter. You said that you had some progress the last time …"

Yun Jingting pondered for a moment. He was a little hardened and didn't avoid the truth. "Then Doctor Xiao, come to my room for a while. Let's talk in private …"

Xiao Qingshan seemed to have a premonition. His legs felt like they were filled with lead. He didn't even know how he entered Yun Laohu's room. The two of them closed the door and chatted softly in the room.

Mi Xiang 'er stood outside the door, her heart feeling uncomfortable.

After a while, the sound of a cup falling to the ground could be heard. Then, Yun Laohu came out with a solemn expression. He nodded at her silently.

In the room …

Xiao Qingshan's heavy and suppressed sobs suddenly rang out. It was especially heart-wrenching in the night.

Mi Xiang 'er hesitated for a moment. She held the cup of water and was about to enter the room.

Yun Jingting pulled her back and lowered his voice. "Xiang 'er, it's said that tears don't fall easily. It's just that he hasn't been hurt yet. Let him cry in peace. Sometimes, a man will only keep his sadness to himself. He will never be weak in front of a woman …"

Mi Xiang 'er wrapped her arms around his waist. She raised her head slightly, her eyes bright and clear. "Tiger, I only hope that one day, when you're sad, don't keep your sadness to yourself. Whether you cry or laugh, I don't want to be absent from your life's joys, sorrows, bitterness, sourness, and sweetness … I want to share them with you …"

— — Digression — —