Chapter 8 — Return to Xiangnan Military Region

The store employee was momentarily stunned, but after recognizing the identities of the two people in front of him, he quickly smiled to please: "Yes, I'll pack it right away. Captain Tong and nurse Tu are so affectionate, they also came to support the store in their free time..." Mai Tu Khanh's face immediately turned cold, she raised her hand to stop her: "Even if they are regular customers, they should still respect the principle of first come, first served!" The salesperson glanced at the old clothes on her body, his eyes full of contempt. "This dress is imported, priced at sixty dong. Are you sure you can afford it?" Tu San was no longer as gentle as when they first met. She sneered sarcastically: "Little sister, don't try to look classy. That dress is worth two months of your salary. Whatever class you belong to, you should wear clothes appropriate to that class. Go to the flea market and buy some cheap clothes to match." "As for the money you extorted from Dinh Nien, keep it to grow old. With a calculating woman like you, I'm afraid you won't be able to marry anywhere!" Mai Tu Khanh's hand holding her bag squeezed. tight until white, clearly trying to restrain something. Tong Dinh Nien wrapped his arms around Tu San's shoulders, his voice cold: "Mai Tu Khanh, next month we will get married. After this, no one will protect you anymore, so be a little more reasonable..." At that moment, a young man wearing a military uniform walked over. Not caring about everyone's eyes, he placed two fifty-dollar bills on the glass counter. The military green dinner jacket lightly grazed Mai Tu Khanh's shoulder, a calm voice rang out: "I give this dress to the female comrade. For the remaining money, get a silk scarf of the same set." As soon as he saw the man's face clearly, Tong Dinh Nien immediately stiffened, stood at attention and raised his hand to greet: "Union leader Chu!" The man just nodded gently, then turned to look at Mai Tu Khanh. "Comrade Mai Tu Khanh?" She was a little stunned, and reflexively asked again: "May I ask... who are you?" The corner of the man's lips slightly curled up, his voice calm: "Hello, I'm Chu Tri Luat. The other day my father was seriously ill and luckily asked you for help. I haven't had time to thank him directly yet." Mai Tu Khanh suddenly understood. It turned out that this was the person that Master Zhou had mentioned - his son. She also remembered the time when Tong Dinh Nien called him "Chief Chu" and was suddenly surprised. Chu Tri Luat looks even younger than Tong Dinh Nien, but he is already the team leader, obviously a person with real ability. However, she still maintained a humble attitude and answered firmly: "It should be done, saving people is the doctor's responsibility." The sales staff quickly understood the situation, hastily packed the item and brought it over. Chu Tri Luat put both paper bags in Mai Tu Khanh's hands: "This dress and scarf are considered thank you gifts." But Mai Tu Khanh immediately pushed back: "No need." She turned around and looked straight at the salesperson from before: "The things in the store are really expensive, but does it have anything to do with you? What right do you have to look down on any customer?" The shop owner rushed over and repeatedly apologized: "Don't worry, comrades, we will definitely handle this matter properly." Mai Tu Khanh did not want to continue arguing, turned to look at Tu San: "If you like that dress, I will give it to you." She smiled softly, her eyes shining with calmness: "There isn't just one dress. I will also meet better, more beautiful ones - just like people." The faces of Tu San and Tong Dinh Nien immediately changed. They weren't sure if she was talking about the dress... or about another man. Chu Tri Luat - who had been silently witnessing everything until now - had a smile in his deep black eyes. He picked up the money on the counter: "If you don't like it, don't buy it again. Then I invite comrade Mai

Let's go have a meal as an official thank you." "Let me invite you!" — Tong Dinh Nien immediately interrupted, trying to keep his voice calm — “Group leader Chu, Tu Khanh is also considered my sister. Two men and women eating separately will make people feel uncomfortable. If Tu San and I go together, there won't be any gossip." Hearing that, Mai Tu Khanh's heart tightened slightly. She turned to look at Tong Dinh Nien... But she saw that he had already regained his usual arrogance, his eyes full of anticipation turned towards Chu Tri Luat, waiting for him to answer. Mai Tu Khanh smiled slightly, the smile carrying self-mockery. She was so naive, she had thought that this man was worried about her. It turned out that it was all because he wanted to take advantage of her. "springboard" to become friends with Chu Tri Luat. Chu Tri Luat didn't care about him, just tilted his head and looked at her: "What do you think, Comrade Mai?" Mai Tu Khanh really didn't want to eat with Tong Dinh Nien and Tu San. Looking at the two of them flirting in front of her, she just felt uncomfortable. But what Tong Dinh Nien said was not wrong. far away. She pursed her lips and nodded slightly: "Let's go then." In a private room of a state-owned restaurant. The braised meat dish on the plate was shiny with grease, but Mai Tu Khanh had no taste at all. Because facing each other, Tong Dinh Nien and Tu San continuously served each other food, constantly showing signs of love. She lowered her head, not wanting to look, but their words full of venomous meaning were still like needles piercing her ears. Showing his disgusted feelings, Tong Dinh Nien turned around and smiled coyly at Chu Tri Luat: "Isn't Captain Chu returning to the South next week?" Why are you back so early?” Chu Tri Luat slowly took a sip of tea and calmly replied: "I heard that my father was sick, so I immediately returned after finishing the mission." Then he turned to look at Mai Tu Khanh, his expression suddenly softened: "Fortunately, comrade Mai took action in time." Mai Tu Khanh did not say much: "The old leader is a fighting hero, he has great blessings and great fortune." Chu Tri Luat asked again: "Normally, besides medical examination, does Comrade Mai have any hobbies?" Mai Tu Khanh suddenly remembered her past life, when she was old she often made medicine in the countryside, next to a radio playing ancient operas. She blurted out: “I like opera.” Tong Dinh Nien smirked, wiped his hands and said: "You haven't left the town yet, what do you know about high art?" Tu San also mocked: “Peking opera is old. Now that we live in the city, we all like to watch movies. Tu Khanh's sister, if you have free time, you should go to the theater and watch it once." Unexpectedly, Chu Tri Luat said: "What a coincidence, I also like opera. Next time, you can take comrade Mai to see it with you.” The two people opposite immediately fell silent. After that, Chu Tri Luat actively led the story, chatting with Mai Tu Khanh incessantly. At first, she only intended to respond lightly, but gradually, she was carried away. The two of them chatted very well, the atmosphere became more and more cheerful. Looking at that scene, Tong Dinh Nien couldn't laugh anymore. His face darkened, he continuously poured wine and drank it all down. After the meal, Mai Tu Khanh went to the bathroom, but when she came back out, she was stopped by Tong Dinh Nien. He pulled her into a hidden corner, pushed her hard against the wall, his eyes were bloodshot. "Having fun chatting, huh? I see you came to the military region not to be a doctor, but to seduce men!" The smile on Mai Tu Khanh's lips disappeared. Her back was pressed against the cold wall, the cold seemed to penetrate to her heart, causing her to tremble in pain. She clenched her hands, her throat was dry: "What is the relationship between you and me? What qualifications do you have to control me?”