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"So silly~ You should have stopped where we agreed. It’s lucky you saw me this time; what if you hadn’t? Wouldn’t that have been a missed opportunity?" He Zhilan teased He Teng, "And to think you’re the esteemed Deputy Regimental Commander!"

After having lunch downtown, the two returned home. He Teng stayed with He Zhilan for a brief nap before he stepped out. Upon returning to the office, he was summoned by the Division Commander, not at all surprised by the call.

In the office, besides the Division Commander, Political Commissar Chen Zheng was also present.

"He Teng, what’s been going on with you lately? Constantly asking for leave, and when asked for your reasons, you clam up like a mute. As a Deputy Regimental Commander, setting an example is of utmost importance. This kind of behavior is not good for you."

"Yes, He Teng," Political Commissar Chen Zheng echoed, simultaneously signaling He Teng to give a satisfactory explanation and indicating that the leadership wouldn’t pursue the matter if he did.

He Teng was aware that he had been overdoing it recently, but under these circumstances, he simply couldn’t leave He Zhilan behind to continue with his duties, no matter how much he loved his unit.

Faced with questions from the Division Commander and Political Commissar Chen Zheng, He Teng thought for a few seconds before answering truthfully, "Zhilan is ill."

"Is it serious?" asked Political Commissar Chen Zheng, "The other day, when you received a call and rushed out, was it because your wife was ill? Didn’t they say later it was just heatstroke and it was nothing serious? Now she seems fine, and I heard you even helped her resign from her job, is that true? Wasn’t her job going well? Or did she quit on her own accord?"

"It wasn’t heatstroke," sighed He Teng deeply, "It’s a mental illness." Then, He Teng succinctly described He Zhilan’s current condition, mentioning that they had found a psychologist in an attempt to treat her.

After He Teng finished speaking, Political Commissar Chen Zheng and the Division Commander fell silent.

"The child of your wife, was it really lost because of Mrs. Gu?" asked Political Commissar Chen Zheng after a long silence, "I heard your sister-in-law mention it once."

"When Old Master Gu passed away, Zhilan was by his side, and when Mrs. Gu entered the room and saw Zhilan, she pushed her," nodded He Teng. Recalling the incident, he too felt a lingering fear and pain.

"Regarding this matter, you can consult with the military doctors in our unit; they’re quite knowledgeable about these issues. Many new recruits undergo psychological counseling with them," the Division Commander said after a while, not blaming He Teng any further.

After all, situations like these were serious. Others might not realize it, but the Division Commander understood that psychological ailments could be more serious than physical ones.

"No need, let’s not burden the military doctors with additional work.

Dr. Qin is a woman; it should be more convenient for her to interact with Zhilan.

Moreover, Dr. Qin is a specialist in this area," He Teng declined, knowing all too well that the military doctor was close with Lan Li, and if the military doctor learned of the issues He Zhilan kept inside, Lan Li might also find out.

"True, if there’s a specialist, better to rely on the specialist," Political Commissar Chen Zheng concurred before patting He Teng on the shoulder, "Look after your wife carefully during this period, take good care of her.

The unit is not unreasonable; we will handle your difficulties appropriately. .."

"Thank you, Division Commander, thank you, Political Commissar Chen Zheng!" He Teng stood to attention, saluting with the utmost respect.

Clearly, He Teng himself knew that many issues required the protection of the Division Commander and Political Commissar Chen Zheng, just like his recent frequent visits to the city.

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