Rebirth in the Dragon Kingdom: The Strongest Blade

Chapter 29 First stirrings of the heart

In his room at the Military Commission's guesthouse, Lin Zhe lay on the bed, eyes closed but unable to sleep. His mind was filled with images from the evening—Zhang Xueying's smile, the light in her eyes as she spoke, and the expectant look in her eyes when she saw him to the door...

Having lived two lives, this was the first time I had felt this way. But now, Zhang Xueying's image was etched into my mind, impossible to shake off.

"Clatter".

The phone screen lit up; a new message had appeared.

Lin Zhe picked up his phone; it was a message from Zhang Xueying. He hesitated for a moment, then opened it.

"Lin Zhe, this is Xueying. There are some things I'm too shy to say in person, so I'll say them via text. I like you, I liked you from the first time I saw you on the plane. I like the way you look in your military uniform, I like your composure, I like your sense of responsibility. You're a soldier, and I know it's not easy being a soldier's wife, but I'm willing."

The text was straightforward and simple, but every word struck Lin Zhe's heart. He held his phone, his finger hovering above the screen, unsure of what to reply.

On the other side, at the Zhang family's house, Zhang Xueying threw her phone on the bed after sending the message, then lay face down on the pillow, her face so hot it could fry an egg.

"Oh no, was I too forward?" she muttered to herself. "Will he think I'm too forward? Will I scare him away?"

Just as she was lost in thought, her phone vibrated. She grabbed it abruptly—it was Lin Zhe's reply!

"Xueying, thank you for your kindness. I also think you're a very good person. But like you said, it's not easy being a soldier's wife—they're often separated, live in constant fear, and might not see each other for months at a time. They might suddenly receive a mission and have to leave. You need to think this through. If... if you've really thought it through, we can try dating. I'm not a very talkative person, and I'm not very good at expressing myself, but once I've made up my mind, I'll stick to it to the end."

Zhang Xueying's eyes lit up after reading it. He didn't refuse! Although he spoke cautiously, the meaning was clear—it's worth a try!

Without further hesitation, she dialed Lin Zhe's number directly.

The phone rang three times before it was answered.

"Feed?" Lin Zhe's voice came, somewhat low.

"Lin Zhe, it's me." Zhang Xueying took a deep breath. "I saw your message. I've thought it through very clearly, really. I grew up in a military compound, my father is a soldier, I know what a soldier's wife has to face. But I'm willing, because it's you."

She paused, her voice becoming more determined: "It's not just your military uniform that I like, it's you as a person. Your composure when you subdued the thug in the mall, your confidence when you defeated my dad in the exercise, your focus when you played chess at home... all of these things move me. Lin Zhe, let's give it a try, okay?"

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone. Zhang Xueying gripped her phone nervously, her palms sweating.

Then, she heard Lin Zhe say, "Okay."

That single word made Zhang Xueying's heart soar.

"Really?" She couldn't believe it.

"Really." Lin Zhe's voice carried a hint of amusement. "But Xueying, I have to make this clear in advance: I'm in the military, so I might not be able to contact you often. Something might come up if we're supposed to meet..."

"I know, I know everything," Zhang Xueying interrupted him. "Don't worry, I won't hold you back. When you're busy, I'll wait for you; when you have free time, I'll keep you company. As long as you have me in your heart, that's enough."

These words warmed Lin Zhe's heart. In both his lives, this was the first time someone had said such a thing to him.

"Thank you, Xueying," he said sincerely.

"No need to thank me," Zhang Xueying laughed. "So... are we... boyfriend and girlfriend now?"

"Yeah." Lin Zhe nodded, even though the other person couldn't see him. "Right?"

"Great!" Zhang Xueying was so happy she almost jumped out of bed. "Then...boyfriend, when are you free? Shall we go to the movies? Or...go shopping?"

"I have to attend a meeting at the Central Military Commission in the next couple of days, so I probably won't have time," Lin Zhe said. "I'll probably be heading back to the southwest the day after tomorrow."

"Oh...so soon?" Zhang Xueying was a little disappointed, but quickly recovered. "It's okay, we'll wait for you to come back next time. We can call or text."

"it is good."

The two chatted for a while longer, mostly Zhang Xueying talking while Lin Zhe listened. She talked about her work, the funny things that happened in the military compound when she was a child, and her imagination about the future... Lin Zhe listened quietly, occasionally responding with a few words.

It was already 11 p.m. when Lin Zhe hung up the phone. Looking at his phone, a smile unconsciously crept onto his lips.

Is this... what it feels like to be in love? It seems pretty good.

Lin Zhe was indeed very busy for the next two days. The Central Military Commission held two more meetings to discuss the contents of his report. Zhang Dajiang was also there, and when he saw Lin Zhe, his eyes held a complex expression—a mixture of admiration and a hint of resentment, as if he had "kidnapped my daughter."

In their spare time, Lin Zhe and Zhang Xueying kept in touch. They exchanged messages from morning till night. Lin Zhe found himself actually enjoying this communication—during training breaks, he'd check his phone to see what Xueying had posted; during meeting breaks, he'd reply to her messages; and before bed, they'd chat for a few more minutes...

He learned that Zhang Xueying worked at her uncle's company as a department manager. She was decisive and efficient at work, completely unlike her lively and adorable self at home. She even sent him a work photo—wearing a professional suit, with a serious expression, and exuding a sophisticated air.

"Is this you?" Lin Zhe replied to the message.

"Yeah, doesn't it seem like it?" Zhang Xueying replied quickly. "At the company, I have to keep a proper distance, otherwise I can't control people. But in front of you, I don't have to."

Lin Zhe laughed at this. He replied, "They all look good."

"Really? Which version of me do you like?"

Lin Zhe thought for a moment and said, "I like them both."

"Oh my, you can say sweet words now!" Zhang Xueying sent a shy emoji.

Two days passed quickly, and Lin Zhe was about to return to the Southwest. The night before his departure, Zhang Dajiang invited him to his home for dinner again.

This time, Zhang Xueying personally drove to pick him up. She was driving a white sedan, and when she saw Lin Zhe coming out of the guesthouse, she honked the horn.

Lin Zhe got into the car and fastened his seatbelt. Zhang Xueying was wearing simple jeans and a white T-shirt today, with her hair tied in a ponytail, looking refreshing and energetic.

"Let's go!" She stepped on the gas, and the car drove out of the guesthouse.

On the way, Zhang Xueying talked a lot, chattering non-stop—about what happened at the company that day, gossip about her best friend, and where she wanted to go for fun... Lin Zhe listened quietly, occasionally responding with a few words. He found that he really enjoyed listening to her talk and watching her animated expressions.

"Hey, Lin Zhe, what are you laughing at?" Zhang Xueying suddenly asked.

"Is there?"

"Yes, you always have a smile on your face," Zhang Xueying said smugly. "Don't you find me funny?"

"Yes," Lin Zhe honestly admitted, "It's very interesting."

Zhang Xueying was even happier and started humming a song.

When they arrived at the Zhang family's house, the atmosphere was more relaxed than last time. Wang Hui prepared a delicious meal, and Zhang Dajiang no longer acted like a commander, behaving like an ordinary elder.

"Lin Zhe, we parents have no objection to your relationship with Xueying," Zhang Dajiang said seriously, taking a sip of his drink. "But you have to promise me one thing."

"Please speak."

"Treat her well." Zhang Dajiang looked at Lin Zhe. "It's not easy being a soldier, and it's even harder being a soldier's family. Xueying chose you, so you have to live up to her choice."

"Dad!" Zhang Xueying blushed.

"Commander Zhang, don't worry," Lin Zhe said earnestly, "I will."

"Just call me Uncle, no need to be so formal at home." Zhang Dajiang laughed. "Come on, let's drink."

The meal was very pleasant. Afterwards, Zhang Xueying drove Lin Zhe back to the guesthouse. In the car, she suddenly asked, "Lin Zhe, what time is your flight tomorrow?"

"10:00 AM."

"I send you."

"No need, the Central Military Commission will provide transportation."

"Then I'll deliver it too," Zhang Xueying insisted. "I want to spend more time with you."

Lin Zhe looked at her and nodded: "Okay."

The next morning, Zhang Xueying arrived as expected. She had dressed up specially for the day, wearing light makeup and a dress, and looked exceptionally beautiful.

The car sent by the Central Military Commission was already waiting. Zhang Xueying escorted Lin Zhe to the car, then suddenly grabbed his hand: "Lin Zhe, take good care of yourself and be careful. I...I'll miss you."

"Okay." Lin Zhe squeezed her hand. "You too, take care of yourself."

"Message me when you arrive."

"it is good."

Before getting on the bus, Zhang Xueying suddenly tiptoed and gently kissed Lin Zhe on the cheek, then ran away blushing.

Lin Zhe stood there stunned, touching the spot where he had been kissed, his heart skipping a beat.

The driver, a young soldier, suppressed a laugh: "Lieutenant Colonel Lin, shall we get in?"

"Oh... okay." Lin Zhe snapped out of his daze and got into the car.

The car drove towards the airport. Lin Zhe looked out the window, Zhang Xueying's appearance from earlier flashing through his mind, and the corners of his mouth turned up again.

Upon returning to the Southwest Military Region, Lin Zhe immediately reported to Chen Jianfeng.

"You're back?" Chen Jianfeng looked at him and smiled. "How was it? Did you get along well with Commander Zhang's family?"

"Very good, thank you for your concern, Commander," Lin Zhe replied.

"That's good." Chen Jianfeng nodded. "Lin Zhe, the Central Military Commission gave your report a very high evaluation. However, there's no intention to transfer you for the time being—I told them you still have important missions at Hunter Blade."

"Thank you, Commander!" Lin Zhe said sincerely.

"Don't thank me yet," Chen Jianfeng said. "Although the Central Military Commission won't transfer you for the time being, it has given you a new task: within three months, summarize the training results of the Hunter Blade and form a training syllabus that can be promoted. If the results are good, it should be promoted in special operations teams throughout the army."

"Yes, sir! Mission accomplished!"

"In addition," Chen Jianfeng paused, "the Central Military Commission has also arranged a part-time position for you—a specially appointed researcher at the General Armaments Department. You don't have to work regular hours, but you need to submit technical reports regularly. You can now legitimately conduct your research."

Lin Zhe's eyes lit up: "That's great!"

"Go on, the Hunter Blade team is waiting for you." Chen Jianfeng patted him on the shoulder. "Remember, I want to see results in three months."

Back at the Hunter Blade Special Forces camp, the team members gathered around Lin Zhe when they heard he was back.

"Captain Lin, you're finally back!"

"How's it going in Beijing? Have the leaders of the Central Military Commission praised us?"

"Team Leader Lin, I heard about you..."

The team members chattered amongst themselves, and Lin Zhe responded with a smile. He glanced at the time; it was three in the afternoon.

"Everyone assemble!" he suddenly ordered.

The team members were taken aback for a moment, then quickly lined up.

"Comrades, I hope you haven't fallen behind in training while I was away for a few days?" Lin Zhe scanned the ranks.

"Reporting to Captain Lin, we are training according to plan every day!" Old Ma replied.

"That's good." Lin Zhe nodded. "Now, I'm announcing the new training plan. Starting tomorrow, the training intensity will increase by 30%, and five new subjects will be added. In three months, we will produce the most advanced special operations training syllabus in the entire army!"

The team members' eyes lit up. Although the training would be even tougher, the honor of becoming "the best in the entire army" was worth fighting for!

"In addition," Lin Zhe continued, "I have also taken on the role of a specially appointed researcher at the General Armament Department. In the future, we can have priority in trying out the latest models of equipment for the team, and we can also offer suggestions for improvement."

"That's awesome!" the team cheered.

In the days that followed, Lin Zhe devoted himself entirely to training. He led the team in training during the day, wrote training outlines and conducted technical research at night, and also found time to talk to Zhang Xueying by phone and text message.

Busy, but fulfilling.

He didn't know when he would be transferred, but he knew he had to make the most of every day at Hunter's Blade. He had to train his team members, write the training syllabus, and develop the new technologies...

As for his relationship with Zhang Xueying, Lin Zhe gradually got used to it. During training breaks each day, he would check his phone to see what Xueying had posted; before going to bed at night, he would chat with her for a few minutes. Although they were separated by thousands of miles, their hearts were close.

Sometimes when he was tired from training, Lin Zhe would think of Xueying's smile and feel that all the hard work was worth it.

In this life, he not only has family and comrades-in-arms, but now he also has a lover.

The things he needs to protect are increasing. And he will grow stronger.

It was late at night, and Lin Zhe was still writing training outlines in his office. Outside the window, the special forces camp had quieted down, with only the sound of patrolling sentries.

He glanced at his phone; Xueying had sent him a message: "Goodnight, my soldier brother. Take care of yourself, don't overwork yourself."

Lin Zhe smiled and replied, "Good night, you should go to sleep early too."

Then continue working.