Upon arriving at the doctor's on-duty office, Lin Han's attending physician hadn't dared to leave. For one, Lin Han's status as a regiment commander demanded attention, and secondly, his injuries were severe enough to require constant monitoring.

When he saw Nan Sheng and the others, the doctor proactively updated them on Lin Han's condition.

"The patient was shot once, with the bullet landing to the left of his heart. It's been successfully removed, and the surgery went smoothly. Given his exceptional physical condition, as long as there's no infection, he should wake up by the day after tomorrow at the latest!"

The doctor delivered the good news first to ease the family's distress.

Sizhe, hearing this, was visibly comforted—it seemed his mother hadn't lied. His father would definitely wake up!

"However, the wound is complicated. If recovery isn't optimal, it may affect his ability to endure intense training in the future. The family should prepare for this and provide emotional support once the patient regains consciousness."

Nan Sheng thanked the doctor before leading the children out. Little Hou, however, was devastated at the thought of the regiment commander being forced into retirement due to his injuries.

How could this happen? Lin Han was on the verge of a promotion, his future bright. How could he fall at such a crucial moment?

Never mind whether the commander could handle the news—Little Hou himself was struggling to accept it.

Back in the ward, Luo Hao was comforting Han Yongxiang, but both fell into heavy silence upon hearing Little Hou's report, overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness.

Han Yongxiang, especially, didn’t know how to face Lin Han or Nan Sheng—after all, the commander had been shot while covering for him.

"Sister-in-law, could I speak with you alone?"

He couldn’t keep it to himself. Right now, he wished Nan Sheng would punch him or even shoot him!

Nan Sheng nodded, letting Luo Hao watch the children while she and Han Yongxiang stepped into the stairwell. The moment they turned the corner, Han Yongxiang dropped to his knees.

"Sister-in-law, this is all my fault. I misjudged the enemy's firepower. The commander exposed himself to draw fire away from me—otherwise, he wouldn’t have been hit."

Nan Sheng punched him in the shoulder, her voice trembling despite herself. Her heart had been in her throat the entire journey, but now, at least, she had clarity.

As long as Lin Han was alive, she’d make sure he recovered fully.

"What’s with the tears, soldier? Your commander is alive and well. Even the doctor said his physique is outstanding—he’ll pull through. Don’t scare yourself like this.

Besides, you’re his subordinate. On missions, no comrade would stand by if another was in danger. Now get up before someone sees and laughs at you!"

They talked for a while longer before returning to the ward. Luo Hao was surprised to see Han Yongxiang in better spirits, no longer weighed down by despair.

Earlier, he’d feared that if anything happened to Lin Han, Han Yongxiang might jump off a building—which was why he hadn’t left his side.

Nan Sheng saw little point in everyone staying. "Little Hou can keep me company. The military district needs oversight, so you two should arrange transport and return to base."

Luo ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‍Hao replied, "Sister-in-law, it’s too late to arrange a ride now. We’ll stay with the commander tonight and leave first thing tomorrow. After that, we’ll have to trouble you to look after him."

Seeing their determination, Nan Sheng didn’t press further—they were all feeling the same way.

Little Hou, mindful of the children, pulled strings to borrow an empty ward so everyone could take turns resting. But aside from the kids, who eventually dozed off in the early hours, no one else slept a wink.

By morning, Lin Han still hadn’t woken. Before Luo Hao and Han Yongxiang left, they instructed Little Hou, "Take care of the commander and Sister-in-law. Call the base immediately if anything happens."

Little Hou nodded. He’d stay by Nan Sheng’s side until Lin Han awoke.

Nan Sheng called her workplace that morning to request leave, delegating urgent matters to Liu Song and asking him to contact her only for critical decisions.

After breakfast, she changed clothes and personally visited Director Jin at the government office to formalize her leave.

Director Jin held Nan Sheng’s work in high regard—under her leadership, Qingjiang County had executed the most thorough and efficient cleanup of its revolutionary committee, proving his trust in her was well-placed.

He fully understood the emergency, especially given her husband’s status. After learning the details, he reassured her, "Don’t worry about things here. I’ll handle everything."

On her way out, Liao Xian escorted Nan Sheng to the gate. Having worked closely together, they shared a bond deeper than most colleagues.

"Don’t worry—I’ll keep an eye on things here. No one will dare stir trouble. How serious is your husband’s condition?"

"It’s still unclear. I’ll likely need a week’s leave. If all goes well, we’ll transfer him to the county hospital afterward."

Liao Xian nodded. A week was manageable; leadership wouldn’t object.

After Han Yongxiang reported back, Lin Han’s direct superior, Brigade Commander Feng, and Division Commander Yao paid a visit. They comforted Nan Sheng and stayed at the hospital for two hours before leaving.

Later, Liao Xian and Director Jin also stopped by after work.

Lin Han finally woke around midnight. Thankfully, though he had a slight fever, the doctor confirmed it was a normal post-op reaction.

"Family can rest assured. If his condition stabilizes further by tomorrow, you’ll be allowed in for a brief visit."

"Thank you, Doctor!"

"Thank you, Doctor!"

Little Hou nearly jumped for joy, already planning to call the base first thing in the morning to share the good news. Nan Sheng’s heart raced as she peered through the window, unable to look away.

Though Lin Han couldn’t move much, hearing from the nurse that Nan Sheng was outside, he weakly raised his unbandaged arm and waved.

After less than an hour awake, he drifted back to sleep. Exhausted, Nan Sheng returned to the ward to rest with the children, while Little Hou stationed himself in the hallway like a loyal knight.

The next morning, the kids were overjoyed to hear Lin Han had woken, eagerly waiting by the door.

At around nine, they saw him raise his arm again.

Lin Han remained lucid all morning. The doctor avoided heavy painkillers to avoid hindering recovery.

By afternoon, seeing his improved state, the doctor permitted a short, sanitized visit—one person only.

Of course, it was Nan Sheng who entered.

The moment the door opened, Lin Han’s eyes locked onto her, brimming with apology and tenderness. With a hoarse voice, he softly called, "Wife..."

The nurse quickly stepped aside. Even the toughest man’s tenderness could be overwhelming.