"You two are going to Africa tomorrow? Just the two of you?" Zhao Ruonan immediately caught the point.

"Yes, just the two of us. With Xiaodong around, my safety is absolutely guaranteed."

Zhao Ruonan widened her eyes and said, "Pah! With him around, your biggest safety concern is him. I'm afraid when you come back, he'll have gotten you pregnant."

Yang Yushi gave a light cough and said, "Stop talking nonsense here. Xiaodong and I are innocent."

"Innocent?" Zhao Ruonan rolled her eyes and said, "When have you ever had a man over here? If you hadn't fallen for him, would you let him stay over at your place? And you've even let him shower at your house? You might fool others, but you can't fool me."

Yang Yushi felt a bit awkward by Zhao Ruonan's words, turned to look at Song Xiaodong, and said, "I think you're biased against Xiaodong."

"Hmph, I have no bias against him in other aspects. I know a lot about what this guy does, and he is indeed a rare talent. But when it comes to matters between men and women, it's chaos, and I just can't accept that. If he were my soldier, I'd turn him into a eunuch immediately to prevent any mistakes in this area."

"Pfft!" Song Xiaodong was holding a cup of tea, nearly sprayed it out, held it back, which made him cough straight away. Zhao Ruonan really lives up to her name, with absolutely a man's demeanor, and her words were blunt and straightforward, lacking any bit of feminine gentleness.

But this was normal, and it made Song Xiaodong feel close to her as well. Female soldiers in the troops, especially those who could actually go to the battlefield, were all like this. So Zhao Ruonan was indeed a true soldier.

Zhao Ruonan had short hair, but she was still quite a beauty, no less than Yang Yushi. Moreover, with the strong military aura she exuded, she was valiant and full of captivating charm. Although somewhat masculine, her aura was still much stronger than Qiao Yutong's.

"What? Don't believe it? Do you want me to find a way to get you transferred to my troop?" Zhao Ruonan gave Song Xiaodong a glare.

Song Xiaodong quickly said, "Thank you, Senior Officer, for your kindness, but I have retired now, and temporarily have no plans to return to the military."

"You don't want to return, then you won't? Did you remember this point when you retired? Even if you leave the military, you must always be ready to heed the call and be prepared to return anytime!"

"This… I really do!" Song Xiaodong smiled wryly. This is a regulation every retired soldier must abide by.

"Louder! I didn't hear clearly!" Zhao Ruonan glared again.

"I remember!" Song Xiaodong immediately answered loudly.

"Just remember. You don't currently have a platoon to go back to, so I'll get you into my platoon." Zhao Ruonan, at this point, actually showed an excited expression.

Song Xiaodong's face darkened. Would Zhao Ruonan really have such plans? That would be a real hassle for him.

But upon second thought, he, now being the head of the Su Family, has to deal with matters concerning the nation's longstanding issues; above would never allow him to go to Zhao Ruonan's troop. Even if she wants to mess with him, it wouldn't be effective.

"Hey, I haven't had dinner yet, Yushi. Go make me something to eat."

Yang Yushi said, "We just finished eating a little while ago. I'll go warm up the leftovers for you."

"Come on, and I can only eat your leftovers. It's really unfair. I skipped going home to see you first."

"Then I'll make you a bowl of noodles?" Yang Yushi said with a smile.

"Prioritizing romance over friends, you jerk!" Zhao Ruonan clearly intended this for Yang Yushi, but she gave Song Xiaodong a fierce glare.

Song Xiaodong felt quite innocent, but facing the senior officer's authority, he could only endure.

After Zhao Ruonan finished eating, she didn't make things difficult for Song Xiaodong anymore and directly said, "I'm exhausted, I'll take a shower and sleep here, and keep an eye on you to prevent you from falling for this guy's tricks."

Yang Yushi rolled her eyes at her and said, "Next, the two of us are going out for a week. Can you even keep an eye on us?"

"I'll watch for as long as I can. Even a little is something," Zhao Ruonan snorted and headed to the bathroom.

Yang Yushi shook her head and then apologized to Song Xiaodong, "Xiaodong, don't mind her. Ruonan's always like this, she means no harm."

Song Xiaodong smiled and said, "It's nothing. Talking to her feels rather familiar, like being back in the military."

"As long as you don't mind. It's getting late. You should rest early too. Tomorrow, we need to head to the airport first thing in the morning."

Song Xiaodong nodded, not wanting to run into Zhao Ruonan again. After the minor awkward incident they had in the bathroom, he was heartily chanting 'Amitabha Buddha' that she didn't use it against him.

After a night's sleep, early the next morning, when Song Xiaodong and Yang Yushi departed, Zhao Ruonan was still asleep, avoiding some awkward moments.

Their luggage was simple, just a suitcase each with some clothes, and then they boarded the plane.

The flight was uneventful, with little conversation until the plane landed.

There were people directly picking them up, pre-arranged advance personnel. With Yang Yushi's kind of status being out for such important tasks, it certainly couldn't be just casually with Song Xiaodong. Preparations had long been underway with several people in advance.

Walking towards the parking area, the open segment was sweltering. Even with an umbrella, Yang Yushi found the heat unbearable.

Song Xiaodong laughed, "Africa is like this."

"You've been here before?" Yang Yushi asked.

"I have, more than once, so I'm somewhat used to it."

"You don't seem to be too hot, hey, you actually feel quite cool to me!" Excited, Yang Yushi quickly drew closer.

Realizing this discovery, Yang Yushi's excitement resembled discovering a new continent, as she delightfully said, "It's really cool! Can I borrow your arm? I'm absolutely roasting."

Song Xiaodong said, "You've said it, how can I not lend it?" Then he extended his right arm outward.

Yang Yushi immediately linked arms with Song Xiaodong, with a cool sensation emanating from his arm, which delighted her further, "So cool, is your body an air conditioner?"

Song Xiaodong explained, "I reckon many of your Family Guard are like this, just that you haven't noticed. This is the effect of True Qi."

"I see. Alas, I regret it a bit, had I learned a bit of it in childhood, perhaps I wouldn't be so sensitive to heat now. Can I learn it now?"

"It's indeed too late now, but with proper methods, while you may not become a master, at least you can maintain health."

"Oh, then teach me?"

"I don't have the time for that; you should get your Yang family to teach you."

"You miser, if I wanted them to teach, I would've gotten them to do it earlier. I'd only learn if you teach me."

Song Xiaodong lightly coughed, avoiding this topic, "It's fine once we get in the car, the car's air conditioning is more effective than mine."

Even in the air-conditioned car, Yang Yushi still clung to Song Xiaodong's arm.

"I say, Yushi, no need to feel that hot, is there?"

Yang Yushi merrily replied, "It's not that hot, but having this natural air conditioning feels cozier than the car's."

"You resort to cheekiness too?" Song Xiaodong laughed, albeit helplessly.

"I'm a woman, cheekiness is a nature, you know." Yang Yushi giggled playfully again.

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