The incident that had occurred that day had been spreading like wildfire throughout the military until that evening. But by nighttime, everyone suddenly clammed up, as if the whole thing had been forgotten.
Of course, this change naturally had to do with the high-pressure orders appropriately issued by the leadership.
After Li Lizhen, others also tried to ask Xi Yuechen about what had happened with Zhou Yunzhen. But the outcome was no different from Li Lizhen’s—those who inquired left feeling awkward and embarrassed.
Finally, Xi Yuechen was directly summoned to the office by the leadership. After repeated disturbances like this, Xi Yuechen could no longer remain composed.
With a cold expression, he once again made his stance clear. His aura was icy and merciless, yet fierce and fiery, the combination amplifying the sense of his annoyance.
Normally, no one had ever seen Xi Yuechen display such emotions. Surprised and slightly embarrassed, they realized—well, why were they meddling in someone else’s personal matters?
Anyone with eyes could see that Xi Yuechen had no interest in that woman from earlier today. After all, he had a wife who was both beautiful and talented, born of noble lineage—why bother with any other messy women? Moreover, given his profession and dedication, he probably didn’t even have time to be with his beloved wife, let alone expend energy on improper affairs.
Thinking this way, the few leaders relaxed. If Xi Yuechen had no issues, then there was nothing for them to worry about. Their curiosity in summoning him aside, they were concerned for his sake. Xi Yuechen had a bright future, and this was a critical period for his promotion—no mistakes could be tolerated.
Infidelity within marriage? That was a question of conduct, especially for a soldier. Such a stain would never be erased and could jeopardize his entire career.
Undeniably, everyone held high hopes for Xi Yuechen and naturally wished for him to reach the pinnacle of success, keeping a watchful eye to ensure he didn’t make the slightest mistake.
Seeing Xi Yuechen’s reaction, they were relieved but also slightly embarrassed. A matter that could have been either big or small had been treated with such alarm, as if there were truly some hidden scandal.
After Xi Yuechen left, they exchanged glances and laughed. Since nothing had happened, they just needed to make sure those below kept their mouths shut. Rumors and gossip had no place in the military—it wasn’t a marketplace. Besides, such chatter was ultimately meaningless.
That evening, an order was issued. Everyone obediently kept their mouths shut. As long as it was ignored, the matter naturally passed. Moreover, Zhou Yunzhen never appeared again, and gradually everyone forgot.
In truth, the silence wasn’t only because of the order—it was also out of fear of Xi Yuechen. No one dared speak ill of him.
Who was Xi Yuechen? A decorated soldier, awe-inspiring and imposing. Even a single look from him could freeze anyone’s mouth shut. Who would dare speak against him?
The military was full of hot-blooded men. Zhou Yunzhen’s affair was initially a hot topic simply because it was new. Once the novelty faded, discussion ceased, and the matter was forgotten.
Given this, the farce should have ended quietly. Indeed, it might have faded into calm—if not for the later twists and turns.
Xi Yuechen, repeatedly disturbed, was naturally displeased. And since this was caused by that woman from that morning, he developed a rare sense of aversion toward Zhou Yunzhen.
He remembered that she was the daughter of General Zhou. Did General Zhou know of his daughter’s reckless deeds?
A sharp glint flashed in Xi Yuechen’s eyes, though his expression barely changed. Yet the sudden surge of his aura was enough to make anyone tremble.
Xi Yuechen never considered himself a gentleman—otherwise, he wouldn’t be so indifferent unless his own interests were involved. Another reason was that he had spent most of his life in the military, rarely interacting maliciously with others. He only cared about a few people, leaving little room for trivial matters.
But now, someone foolish had provoked him and disturbed his peace. How could he possibly let it slide quietly?
They said he was cold and emotionless, and low-key in life—but precisely because of his indifferent nature, he rarely paid attention to people or matters, rarely bothered to care.
Yet Zhou Yunzhen had truly provoked him, catching his attention. And in the years to come, after so many experiences, she would deeply regret daring to approach Xi Yuechen today. She would wisely keep her distance from a man who could never bring her happiness. He was simply… not that kind of man.
For someone he despised, Xi Yuechen naturally had no tolerance, and he wouldn’t spare a woman merely because she was a woman.
Back in his office, Xi Yuechen casually picked up the quiet phone on his desk, unlocked it, and dialed a number.
At this time, Zhou Tingzhang was in the military, discussing matters with his subordinates. Just as he reached a key point, the phone on his desk rang.
The abrupt ringtone interrupted their conversation, and all eyes focused on Zhou Tingzhang’s phone.
Frowning, Zhou Tingzhang showed a flicker of displeasure. Who was so inconsiderate as to call now? He picked up the phone to hang up but hesitated when he saw the caller ID.
Xi Yuechen.
It was Xi Yuechen calling. Zhou Tingzhang’s irritation vanished, even replaced with a hint of a smile. Xi Yuechen was his most promising junior—he tended to be lenient with him. Since Xi Yuechen returned from Province D, he hadn’t contacted him. Sometimes Zhou Tingzhang had wanted to invite him over.
Not knowing the reason for this call, Zhou Tingzhang quickly thought it over. Instead of rejecting the call, he gestured to the people around him and answered.
“Hello, Yuechen.”
Zhou Tingzhang greeted him heartily, his voice full of warmth. His delight was evident, leaving those around him exchanging curious glances. It was rare to see General Zhou display such fondness for anyone.
Unfortunately, Xi Yuechen remained indifferent, unmoved by Zhou Tingzhang’s warmth. His icy demeanor showed no sign of wavering.
“General Zhou, good day.” After a simple greeting, Xi Yuechen got straight to the point. “Are you available to speak now?”
Hearing Xi Yuechen’s serious tone, Zhou Tingzhang assumed it was important. He stood, walked to the inner office, and closed the door, finally smiling.
“All right, go ahead. You’re not my subordinate anymore, so no need to be secretive.”
Rarely joking, Zhou Tingzhang’s face was full of joy.
“It’s like this, General Zhou. Your daughter came to the military today, causing some negative impact. If you have the time, please curb her actions. I am troubled by this.”
Xi Yuechen spoke bluntly, leaving no room for subtlety, his tone cold.
Zhou Tingzhang froze. He didn’t understand—wasn’t she going to pursue someone?
Caught off guard, Zhou Tingzhang instinctively thought of what his daughter had said yesterday: she had a crush, a comrade of Xi Yuechen’s. So today she must have gone to see him, to pursue someone.
If his daughter went to see her crush, how could it cause trouble? And for Xi Yuechen? Was it his subordinates?
Xi Yuechen’s expression grew even colder. He understood why Zhou Yunzhen had come, and though often scolded by Su Ruo for being tactless, he was far from oblivious. He was skilled at reading people’s hearts.
Yet from Zhou Tingzhang’s words, it seemed he knew his daughter’s intentions and even supported them?
Xi Yuechen felt a rare surge of disgust. And here he was, still respectful toward Zhou Tingzhang.
“Sorry, General Zhou. My marriage is harmonious, and my relationship with my wife is good. I have no intention of committing adultery.”
Xi Yuechen’s words were blunt. If the father-daughter pair were colluding, there was no need for him to show respect.
Indeed, this time Xi Yuechen had misjudged—General Zhou, completely unaware, had been caught in the crossfire.
Xi Yuechen’s words, laden with irony, struck Zhou Tingzhang like lightning—his mind went blank.
“What… what did you say?”
Rarely losing composure, General Zhou stammered, showing just how heavy the blow was.
Xi Yuechen’s words led Zhou Tingzhang to a disturbing realization—but it was too difficult to articulate, and he instinctively tried to avoid it, asking cautiously: perhaps he was overthinking?
“General Zhou, if I am not mistaken, your daughter seems to be attempting to interfere in my marriage.”
Xi Yuechen’s voice remained cold, his brows unraised. He spoke as though unaware of the storm his seemingly casual words had unleashed.
For the first time, Zhou Tingzhang faced sudden upheaval, his eyes wide in disbelief, far from his usual decisive, commanding demeanor.
“No, Yuechen… are you mistaken? Yunzhen… how could she do this? She told me she liked your comrade.”
Zhou Tingzhang panicked, protesting incoherently. How could his daughter do such a thing? She had clearly said she liked Xi Yuechen’s comrade…
Xi Yuechen raised a brow. So General Zhou didn’t know? Hmph, that woman had chosen a convenient excuse.
“I’m afraid, General Zhou, your daughter’s actions don’t align with what she said. I am certain there’s no one in the military resembling me enough for your daughter to mistake me.”
Even if General Zhou didn’t know his daughter’s thoughts, a father is to blame for an uneducated child. Xi Yuechen did not soften his words.

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