A meeting was underway in the conference room to plan the second half of the year’s “Rural Assistance Program.”

Commander Wang presided over the meeting. By now, most of the overall plan had already been finalized, with only a few special personnel assignments still under discussion.

Sitting at the long table, Commander Wang stared intently at the key points written on the blackboard, brows furrowed as his hand stroked the stubble on his chin.

After a long pause, he finally spoke.

“Our unit has always been short on medics. Normally, we can manage. But every year during this rural assistance period, it becomes a major problem. The tasks that ordinary soldiers can help with are often things villagers can already do themselves. What’s truly scarce… is medical support.”

Zhong Heng looked puzzled.
“Don’t we have ten medics in total? We’re going to five villages this time—can’t we just assign two medics per group?”

Huo Qingshan explained calmly,
“At least one medic has to remain in the camp in case of emergencies. That leaves nine people, which is difficult to divide evenly. One person would have to handle a village alone. The workload would likely be overwhelming, and no matter how you assign it, it wouldn’t be fair to that individual.”

Zhong Heng: “……”

Right. He hadn’t thought it through.

Just as the discussion reached a deadlock, Chu Yao stood up from the corner.

Her tone was calm yet firm.
“Leaders, if the distribution is difficult, I’d like to volunteer to form a one-person medical team. That way, the remaining eight can be evenly divided into pairs.”

The moment she finished speaking, all eyes in the room turned toward her.

Commander Wang immediately objected,
“Even if someone has to go solo, it should be a male comrade. You’re a woman—handling an entire village alone would be even more exhausting.”

Chu Yao smiled lightly, her expression composed.
“Commander Wang, since nine medics must be divided into five teams, someone will inevitably be alone. During my studies, I consistently ranked first, and my practical assessments have always been excellent. I’m confident in my abilities.”

Then she added,
“And as far as I know, Battalion Commander Huo comes from a family of doctors and has some medical knowledge himself. If you’re concerned, I can join his team. He can help share the workload. Please trust my ability and approve my request.”

She raised a standard military salute.

The room… was moved.

Everyone silently thought:

Truly, women are no less capable than men!

Except for Meng Youyou:

“……”

She was stunned.

“You can do that?? I’ve learned something new today!”

After going in such a big circle, it all led back to Huo Qingshan.

The fox’s tail had finally been revealed.

Girl, with your determination, you could succeed at anything—why insist on chasing a man?

How much do you even like him? Willing to do double the work just to stay by his side?

This is insane… absolutely outrageous!

Seeing her firm attitude, Commander Wang finally relented.
“Comrade Chu Yao, very well. You’ll join Huo Qingshan’s team and head to Jinsui Village. But remember—if you encounter any difficulties, report immediately. I’ll make adjustments if necessary.”

Chu Yao replied excitedly,
“Understood!”

At this point, Doudou urgently whispered in Meng Youyou’s mind:

[Chu Yao has been assigned to Huo Qingshan’s team. Are you really going to sit back and do nothing?]

Meng Youyou pretended not to hear.

Doudou pressed on:
[She’s the only woman in his group, and Commander Wang just told him to take care of her. This is the perfect opportunity for her! If you don’t step in now, by the time they come back, they might already be together!]

Meng Youyou suddenly retorted,
“Didn’t Commander Peng also tell him to take care of me before? And how did that turn out? He doesn’t even listen much to the division commander—why would he listen to the regimental commander?”

Doudou: […]

Meng Youyou groaned,
“They said we’ll have to stay in villagers’ homes or camp outdoors. You know me—I’m picky about beds! I just got used to the hard beds here, and now you want me to sleep on the ground?”

Doudou tried to persuade her patiently:
[To achieve great things, one must endure small discomforts!]

Meng Youyou rolled her eyes.
“Easy for you to say. You’re not the one suffering.”

Doudou finally gave up:
[Do whatever you want. But you’ll bear the consequences.]

Meng Youyou: “……”

Threatening me again?

You really underestimate me…

Then—

“Commander Wang, I’d like to apply to join the rural assistance program as well.”

Silence.

All eyes turned to Meng Youyou.

Including Chu Yao’s.

…That look…

Complicated.

Meng Youyou felt numb.

“What kind of ridiculous female rivalry scene is this??”

“This isn’t what I wanted! The system forced me!”

“Heaven as my witness—I’m not trying to steal your man!”

“I’m just trying to break you two apart—wait, that sounds even worse…”

“No, no! If you’re going to cheat on him later, then this must just be a passing interest! So it’s better if this doomed relationship never starts!”

Commander Wang coughed lightly, snapping her out of her internal chaos.

“Translator Meng, yesterday when I asked you privately, you said you preferred to stay in camp and continue teaching. Why the sudden change of heart?”

As they say—honesty is the best strategy.

Meng Youyou spoke earnestly:

“Commander Wang, I want to confess and reflect. To be honest, I was afraid I wouldn’t adapt to the living conditions and afraid of hardship, so I held back.”

“But just now, seeing Comrade Chu Yao step forward without hesitation—even as a woman—I felt deeply ashamed of myself.”

“I’ve reflected on my shortcomings and realized my lack of resolve. Fortunately, it’s not too late. I’d like to apply to join Comrade Chu Yao’s team and contribute my part.”

Huo Qingshan’s gaze flickered slightly.

“What is she up to now…?”

Commander Wang, on the other hand, looked thoroughly pleased.

“That’s alright, Translator Meng. Everyone grows up differently, and adaptation varies. Your initial concerns are completely understandable. But I’m glad to see you take this step—that courage alone deserves praise.”

Meng Youyou felt a bit guilty under the praise…

Yet at the same time, something faint stirred in her heart—

Just for a fleeting moment.

Before she could grasp it, it slipped away.

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