As I felt awkward, Ye Zhengchen spoke. “Dad, you came to Nanzhou early this morning and must be tired. Sit down, have some tea to soothe your throat… and then continue our argument.” His father’s face immediately darkened, showing that arguments between father and son were commonplace. His mother tugged at his sleeve, signaling him to be patient. “Zhengchen, where exactly are you injured? How did you get hurt?”
“Just a minor external injury,” Ye Zhengchen said, rolling up his sleeve to reveal a scrape at his elbow. “It’s almost healed.”
His father leaned forward, frowning at the dark red scab. “With such a wound, why didn’t the doctor bandage it? What if it gets infected?” He gently pulled Ye Zhengchen’s sleeve down. “Come back to Beijing with us. We’ve arranged everything at the main hospital for your recovery.”
“No need to trouble yourselves. I’m fine here.”
Ignoring him, his father spoke to someone outside. “Xiao Chen, I’ll go find the doctor to arrange the hospital transfer.”
A respectful voice responded, “Yes!”
I noticed a young man standing outside, looking sharp. Although he had agreed, he hadn’t left.
“The doctor said my injury prevents me from being transferred.”
His father glanced at me, then coldly snorted. “From what I see, you’re reluctant to leave Nanzhou.”
“That’s right. I don’t want to leave.”
“You!” Ye Zhengchen’s father struggled to contain his anger. “Don’t forget you’re a soldier. Stop thinking about nothing but women…”
Ye Zhengchen retorted. “I’ve never forgotten, Commander Ye!”
The commander’s anger escalated. “Fine. Let’s process the discharge papers and return to the military.”
“Fine, I’ll be discharged,” Ye Zhengchen replied, getting out of bed.
But moving too quickly, his face suddenly turned pale.
“What’s wrong?” I rushed to support him. “Is the wound bleeding again?”
“I’m fine…” He pressed his chest painfully, his voice trembling.
His parents were shocked, especially his mother, whose eyes reddened with anxiety. “What exactly are you injured? Why won’t you tell the truth?”
I had never seen him in such pain and began to panic. “Hold on, I’ll call Dr. Lin right away.”
Ye Zhengchen grabbed my hand. “No need.”
