Reborn in the 1970s — Married a Proud Rough Man

She wanted to save Qin Xiang, but she didn’t even know where or when he would make his sacrifice. When she was at the martyrs’ cemetery, she’d only given the name a fleeting glance. The only reason she remembered it was because his surname, Qin, was the same as hers.

At this moment, Qin Mei was filled with regret. She regretted not asking her grandfather about Qin Xiang’s story.

”Why are you suddenly so cold?” Jie Jingchen asked, his face etched with concern. He felt her forehead, then his own. Their temperatures were about the same; she didn’t have a fever.

Jie Jingshan reined in her thoughts and looked at Qin Mei with concern. A strange feeling for Qin Xiang had taken root in her, one she didn’t quite understand. But her devotion to Qin Mei was absolute—more important than Qin Xiang. ”Fourth Sister-in-law, what’s wrong? Are you sick?”

Qin Mei clutched the fabric over her chest, too distressed to speak as cold sweat beaded on her forehead.

Jie Jingchen grew even more worried. ”Meimei.”

”Fourth Brother, hurry and take Fourth Sister-in-law to the hospital!” Jie Jingshan urged.

Not daring to delay, Jie Jingchen swept Qin Mei into his arms and ran toward where their bicycle was parked.

Qin Mei’s breathing was shallow. She took a few deep breaths and gripped the front of Jie Jingchen’s shirt. ”Stop. I’m not going to the hospital.”

”Meimei, you’re sick. You have to go to the hospital when you’re sick.” Jie Jingchen was so frantic that he’d forgotten Qin Mei was a skilled doctor herself.

”Jie Jingsi, I’m not sick. I’m just...” Qin Mei couldn’t explain. She couldn’t possibly tell Jie Jingchen that she was suffering because she knew Qin Xiang was going to die. ”Jie Jingsi, what doctor at the hospital is more skilled than I am?”

Jie Jingchen stopped in his tracks. He looked down, a sliver of worry on his bewitching face. ”Doctors can’t treat themselves.”

”I’m not sick.” Seeing the suspicion on his face, Qin Mei added, ”Just take me back to our room, get me a glass of water, and I’ll be fine after I lie down for a while.”

”Are you sure?” Jie Jingchen was still unconvinced.

”I’m positive,” Qin Mei assured him.

Jie Jingchen hesitated for a few seconds. After Qin Mei squirmed in his arms, he finally relented, abandoning the idea of the hospital and carrying her back to their room.

”Jing Qi, go back to your room and study. Don’t worry about me, I’m fine,” Qin Mei remembered to add, calling over to Jie Jingshan.

”Okay.” Jie Jingshan nodded obediently.

Jie Jingchen carried Qin Mei back to their room and gently set her down on the bed. He turned to pour some hot water, tested its temperature, and only then handed the enamel mug to her.

Qin Mei took it, had a sip, and handed the mug back to Jie Jingchen.

”Feeling any better?” Jie Jingchen asked solicitously, reaching out to wipe the tearstains from the corners of her eyes.

”Jie Jingchen.” Qin Mei grabbed his hand. She wanted to ask him about Qin Xiang, but then the two words ”classified information” came to mind. She didn’t know if Jie Jingchen was privy to the details, but she was certain that even if he was, he would never leak them to her.

Jie Jingchen froze, suppressing a bad feeling that seemed to well up from the depths of his soul. He squeezed her hand in return. ”Don’t worry. I’ll handle it.”

Qin Mei didn’t catch on at first. For a split second, she mistakenly thought Jie Jingchen had used the Mind Reading Technique. When she finally understood, she realized he was talking about Jie Anqi pestering Qin Xiang.

Compared to a matter of life and death, Jie Anqi’s pestering of Qin Xiang was nothing.

She couldn’t explain the situation, nor could she ask about it.

’Oh, well. I’ll do what I can and leave the rest to fate.’

”I’m going to find Jing Qi.” Qin Mei started to get out of bed, but Jie Jingchen stopped her.

”Don’t go.” He pulled her into an embrace.

”Why not?” Qin Mei asked, confused. She felt it was necessary to have a talk with Jing Qi.

The corner of Jie Jingchen’s cool lips curved into a slight smile. His voice was flat. ”Jing Qi understood what I said. I trust she can control herself and won’t allow herself to keep nurturing improper feelings. This matter ends here. No one is to bring it up again.”

Qin Mei fell silent. ’He’s being obstinate,’ she thought. ’Just because you don’t talk about it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. How can the feelings of a first crush be so easily suppressed? The more you push them down, the stronger they become, until they turn into an obsession.’

Qin Mei had a different take on it. ’If you talk things out and get some guidance, you might just resolve the issue. Releasing those feelings completely can lead to a moment of clarity. That’s just how emotions work.’

Leaning against Jie Jingchen’s chest, Qin Mei asked tentatively, ”Should we tell my brother?”

”He can’t know,” Jie Jingchen said, his tone firm.

Qin Mei looked up at Jie Jingchen’s strong, sculpted jaw and teased, ”Why? Are you afraid that after my brother finds out, he’ll whisk Jing Qi away?”

Jie Jingchen lowered his head to meet her sparkling gaze and planted a kiss on her forehead. ”I’m afraid it would scare *him* off.”

’With Qin Xiang’s personality, if he knew Jing Qi had feelings for him, he would absolutely bolt for the hills. Back when they were in the service together, they’d often brag to each other about their younger sisters. If Jing Qi were just a few years older, he would have been more than happy to have Qin Xiang as his brother-in-law.’