Chapter 112: Facing It with Composure

At dawn, the first rays of sunlight filtered through the beige curtains, casting a warm glow into the cozy little cottage by the Tuo River. On the large bed, two slender, well-toned figures remained closely entwined, unwilling to part.

“Brother Ning, you’re not allowed to go astray when I’m not around! Last night, Sister Yi said you’re born under a flirtatious star, always tempting us girls!” After saying this softly, Mengmeng lightly bit Kang Ning’s broad chest muscle.

Kang Ning gently stroked Mengmeng’s hair, leaning close to her ear. “When have you ever seen me misbehave? It’s just been a month apart. Whenever you miss me, just call. I’ll rush to Chengdu for a secret rendezvous. I heard from Jing’er that your parents’ new home is quite spacious. Have they set aside a room for me?”

Mengmeng punched him playfully. “Don’t even think about it! My brother seems suspicious; he asked me several times if I have a boyfriend in Leijiang. I managed to dodge his questions each time. Honestly, I’m scared Dad might transfer me to Chengdu. If that happens, I’d rather quit my job!”

Kang Ning caressed her face. “Transferring could be good; at least you’d have something to do. I’ve been wanting to talk with Sister Jing, and if she agrees, we could move to Chengdu. Leijiang is too chaotic—not the place for us.”

“Really? You’re not lying?”

Mengmeng sat up excitedly and climbed atop Kang Ning. “That would be wonderful! If Sister Jing agrees, I’ll look for a nice place while studying in Chengdu. Both my dad and brother work in the Construction Department; finding a house will be easy!”

“I think that’s a plan. But for convenience, we should probably rent under Sister Jing’s name. What do you think?” Kang Ning always valued his girlfriend’s opinion, having long cultivated a habit of discussing matters together.

Mengmeng kissed him happily. “I agree... Oh dear, what are you doing? Brother... please spare me, okay? We haven’t slept all night. How am I supposed to get in the car later?”

Kang Ning grinned mischievously, unmoved. Sitting up, he gently embraced Mengmeng, who was straddling his waist, and soon, with both hands and lips at work, he won over her soft, yielding body. Minutes later, her breathy moans and gasps filled the room once again.

Mengmeng went to Chengdu for summer studies. Kang Ning lived a leisurely life with Lu Jing, who was nearly eight months pregnant. Apart from Zheng Yi visiting once or twice weekly, their days alone were peaceful and sweet. Lu Jing had already bought over a dozen sets of baby clothes, lovingly taking them out each day, examining and comparing them repeatedly, eyes brimming with joy and anticipation.

Kang Ning visited Shu Yi’s place once or twice a week, restocking her fridge and bringing daily necessities. Each time, he stayed briefly before bidding farewell.

He noticed the longing and hesitation in Shu Yi’s eyes, the unmistakable sadness on her face whenever he left. Since accompanying Shu Yi to a hospital checkup in late July, Kang Ning realized her future was sealed. The small-scale medical exam organized by the military academy for priority admission left him resentful toward Shu Yi’s homeroom teacher. Kang Ning despised the idea of delicate Shu Yi attending the “Luoyang Foreign Language Institute.” Yet her teacher had already decided her college application without consent, effectively sealing her future. Thinking about such a beautiful and intelligent girl’s possible career path filled Kang Ning with both frustration and amusement.

Kang Ning’s routine remained unchanged: twice weekly he drank and sparred with good friends Gao Qinghua and Du Jianwu, practicing pistol shooting under their guidance. He drove different cars daily, wearing varied outfits, wandering through places accessible to Jianghua Group, frequenting nightclubs, discos, and subsidiaries under the control of Ni San.

He once caught sight of Ni San in person, brushing past him at a nightclub entrance. Perhaps Kang Ning’s aura of menace triggered some nerve in Ni San, who stared at Kang Ning’s disheveled work uniform for a long moment before muttering “damn” and walking away.

That afternoon, Kang Ning parked his jeep in the garage. His phone rang—it was Shu Yi. Glancing at the small second-floor east-side room not far away, he pressed the phone to his ear and headed toward her place.

“I really want to see you. Where are you?” Shu Yi’s voice brimmed with excitement.

Standing outside her door, Kang Ning smiled. “Right beside you.”

“Liar! You haven’t come to see me for three days. I want to see you now!”

“Then open the door!” Kang Ning hung up and waited quietly.

Shu Yi slipped on slippers and hurried out, surprised and delighted to find Kang Ning standing there smiling. Overjoyed, she threw her arms around his neck and exclaimed loudly, “Brother Xiaohua, I just got back from school—I’ve been admitted! I’m so happy, ha ha...”

Her alluring scent stirred Kang Ning’s heart. More unbearable was the gentle pressure and friction of her gradually blossoming, full figure pressed against his chest. Feeling a restless physical response, Kang Ning quickly carried Shu Yi inside, closing the door with his heel behind them.

“Show me the admission notice,” he teased, tickling her pretty nose.

“Ah!”

Seeing Shu Yi unaware, running back into her room, Kang Ning exhaled heavily, wiped sweat from his brow, muttered “This is killing me,” and sat on the wooden sofa, waiting.

Flushed with excitement, Shu Yi handed him the admission letter, then nestled against him without reservation. Her warm breath tickled Kang Ning’s nose. He raised a hand, touched his nose, then asked in fluent English, “Do you know much about the school you’re going to? For example, how do you feel about becoming an honorable member of the PLA?”

Proudly, Shu Yi answered in English, “My teacher told me it’s a noble profession, the best way to serve our motherland. I have loved the green military uniform since I was a child. But what makes me happiest is that I don’t have to spend any money or burden my mother financially, yet I can receive a good education! So I’m very excited and looking forward to it.”

Kang Ning was surprised by her excellent English and, after a moment of reflection, said, “I respect your choice. I wish you a happy and fulfilling journey.”

Suddenly, Shu Yi’s smile faded with concern. “Brother Xiaohua, if I go to this school, will I have to serve in the army after graduation?”

“Are you worried about the money you owe me? Haha! Don’t worry. The army’s pay has increased. I’m not concerned you won’t be able to pay me back!” Kang Ning tickled her pretty nose again, gently pushing her away. “Listen, Shu Yi. As your teacher says, we young people of this new era shouldn’t live just for money. Money is important, but it’s nothing compared to the future and ideals. It’s okay if a person can’t realize their dreams, as long as they try and find consolation. But never having the chance to pursue those dreams will bring lifelong pain.

“So cherish this opportunity. Whatever you do in the future, I support you!”

Moved, Shu Yi nodded. Seeing Kang Ning stand to leave, she quickly embraced his neck. “Brother Xiaohua, I want to celebrate with you. I’m so happy today!”

Looking into her hopeful eyes and radiant face, Kang Ning longed to kiss her. “Alright, I’ll go back for a bit. I’ll pick you up at six. Let’s have a feast to celebrate!”

“Yay! Love you! Mwah!”

Having achieved her wish, Shu Yi planted a hearty kiss on Kang Ning’s cheek. Seeing his goofy, blissful expression, she blushed, covered her face, and hurried back to her room without a word.

Kang Ning touched the kissed cheek, shook his head, and stepped out, gently closing the door behind him.