The assistant's voice grew softer and softer as she spoke.
Gu Lina Zha's face, however, completely changed.
Live broadcast meant that all her small actions, every moment she wanted to be lazy, would be infinitely magnified.
She had originally thought that with her experience, she could just put on a show for the camera and slack off privately if possible.
But now, a live broadcast combined with an instructor team of Soldier King caliber completely cut off all her thoughts of slacking.
She could imagine that such instructors would absolutely not allow anyone to be even slightly negligent.
After hanging up the phone, Gu Lina Zha casually tossed her phone onto the soft quilt.
The panic and irritation in her heart, after a brief outburst, strangely subsided.
Her mind repeatedly echoed the words the assistant had stammered out.
Live broadcast.
Special forces.
Macrophages.
These words, combined, were like an insurmountable mountain, making it hard to breathe.
But gradually, the outline of the mountain in her heart began to change.
She remembered the scene when she had visited Lu Mingyu at the Military Region.
Those young trainees, sweating under the scorching sun, their skin tanned dark, yet their eyes shining astonishingly.
Their shouts echoed through the sky, and every movement was full of power.
That pure, all-out effort for a single goal was deeply etched in her memory.
At that moment, a longing had also ignited in her heart.
A longing for that simple yet fervent life.
Now, an opportunity was abruptly placed before her.
Though in an almost cruel way.
She thought of Lu Mingyu again.
That man, as the captain of the top special operations team, was highly respected in the Military Region.
But what did he rely on?
Not fancy packaging, nor the adoration of fans.
He relied on high-intensity training that challenged limits again and again, and on glorious military achievements earned with his life, time after time.
His salary might even be less than the pay for a single drama for a newly debuted idol.
But the sense of responsibility and backbone he carried was something no amount of money could buy.
It was precisely this point that made her fall in love with him, disregarding everything else.
So what if it's a live broadcast?
So what if they are Soldier King instructors?
Since she loved him, she should understand his world.
To experience even one ten-thousandth of the hardships he had gone through.
Thinking of this, Gu Lina Zha's eyes transformed from hesitation to unwavering determination.
She would participate, and she would participate with all her might.
Not for the show's effect, not for the audience, but only to get closer to that man's world.
Nine o'clock in the evening.
Lu Mingyu specifically ended the team's training early.
He brought a few of his team members to send off Gu Lina Zha.
The table was filled with exquisite dishes, all Master Wu's signature specialties.
This Master Wu used to be a state banquet chef, and his Jiangdu cuisine was superb.
Later, he was specially hired by their Military Region.
A table full of dishes, just looking at them made one's mouth water.
Wang Yanbing, the team's joker, could no longer resist secretly swallowing his saliva.
"Naza sister-in-law, quickly try this; this is Master Wu's specialty, Clear Braised Crab Roe Lion's Head."
Wang Yanbing enthusiastically served Gu Lina Zha some food.
"And this Boiled Dried Tofu Shreds, our captain loves it the most."
Li Xiaoniu, who was the most honest, also added a remark.
Looking at the table full of dishes, he quietly added, feeling a bit pained about the cost:
"This meal cost our team half a month's allowance."
No sooner had he spoken than Zhou Chenguang, next to him, nudged his arm.
"Can't you keep your mouth shut even while eating!"
Zhou Chenguang glared at him, then smiled and raised his glass to Gu Lina Zha.
"Sister-in-law, Li Xiaoniu is just a straight shooter, please don't mind him."
Zhou Chenguang was recognized as having the highest emotional intelligence in the team, and he was very thoughtful in his dealings with people.
"We just wanted you to have a good meal before you leave."
Lu Mingyu picked up the juice in front of him.
He never drank alcohol; this was a strict rule known to the entire team.
"Come, everyone, let's raise a toast to Naza, wishing her all the best in her work in Haining."
Wang Yanbing and Li Xiaoniu immediately raised their glasses.
"Wishing sister-in-law success in her work!"
Gu Lina Zha looked at these sincere and lovely men before her, and a warm current surged in her heart.
She also raised her glass and said with a smile, "Thank you, everyone."
Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Lu Mingyu, then she changed the subject with a hint of playfulness.
"But after I leave, you all must keep a close eye on your captain."
"Don't let him flirt with those pretty female officers in the Military Region."
"Don't worry, sister-in-law!"
Wang Yanbing patted his chest, taking full responsibility.
"I, Wang Yanbing, swear on my allowance for the next month that I will definitely keep the captain under strict watch!"
"No female creature other than you will be allowed within three meters of the captain!"
Li Xiaoniu also nodded vigorously:
"Mm! We promise!"
Zhou Chenguang just smiled, giving Lu Mingyu a look that said, "You're on your own."
Lu Mingyu looked helplessly at his group of lively subordinates, then at his smug girlfriend.
He picked up his chopsticks and, with a smile, served Gu Lina Zha a piece of her favorite Squirrel-shaped Mandarin Fish.
"Work hard, and if I get a chance, I'll come to find you."
"You can rest assured about everything concerning me!"
The team members cheered and teased them, while Gu Lina Zha shyly lowered her head.
An hour and a half later, they were full and satisfied.
Zhou Chenguang checked his watch and subtly gave Wang Yanbing and Li Xiaoniu a look.
Wang Yanbing immediately understood and stood up.
"Oh dear, I can't, I can't, I've eaten too much, I need to go for two laps to digest."
Li Xiaoniu also followed suit, saying:
"Right, there's morning training tomorrow, so I need to go back and rest early."
Zhou Chenguang smiled at Gu Lina Zha and said:
"Sister-in-law, then we'll make our exit first and won't disturb you and the captain."
"You all go back and get some rest early."
Gu Lina Zha nodded understandingly.
The few of them quickly slipped out, thoughtfully closing the door behind them.
The area around the mess hall instantly became quiet, leaving only Lu Mingyu and Gu Lina Zha.
Lu Mingyu looked at her, silent for a moment, then spoke:
"Don't overwork yourself when you're working; pay attention to your health, don't force yourself."
His words were as concise as ever, yet full of concern.
Gu Lina Zha nodded, her eyes welling up.
She said softly, "I know, you too; be careful when you're on missions in the future."
She knew that what she was about to face was just training.
But what he faced was real danger with live ammunition.
Thinking of this, her heart felt as if it were tightly clutched by an invisible hand.
Tears, after all, could not be held back and streamed down her cheeks.
Lu Mingyu's brows instantly furrowed; he hated to see her cry the most.
He didn't say much to comfort her, but simply extended his long arm and pulled her tightly into his embrace.
Lu Mingyu's embrace was warm and strong, as if it could shield her from all the world's troubles and dangers.
Gu Lina Zha buried her face in his chest.
Greedily inhaling the scent on him that made her feel safe.
After a long while, she finally lifted her head from his arms, her eyes still red, like a wronged rabbit.
From her small bag, she carefully took out an exquisite velvet box.
"This is for you."
She opened the box, and inside lay a smooth, translucent piece of Hotan jade.
The jade pendant was carved with auspicious cloud patterns and strung on a sturdy red cord.
"This is a peace charm I specially got for you from the temple."
Gu Lina Zha's voice was a little choked.
"They say it's very effective; you must wear it when you go on missions in the future."
She stood on her tiptoes and personally hung the jade pendant around Lu Mingyu's neck.
The cool jade touched his warm chest, and that coolness seemed to instantly seep into his heart.
