Reborn in the 70s: Pampered by Regiment Commander
Chapter 136 - 116: Thoughts

Chapter 136: Chapter 116: Thoughts

The second watch arrived.

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Zhou Mikang’s footsteps halted, and he turned back, scrutinizing Jing Zhe closely. After a long pause, the corners of his lips curled into a faint smile-like expression, "You actually have the nerve to criticize me?"

"Put away your filthy thoughts!" Jing Zhe glared at him with displeasure, "My admiration for Lin Chuxia is pure. The ability to endure hardship, proactivity, and meticulousness are essential qualities for a good doctor. It’s not easy to find all these traits in one person.

From her physique, one could tell that her family’s circumstances are not good. A girl like her would undoubtedly wish to bring glory to her family through her own efforts. I won’t let such a promising young woman be buried in obscurity!"

Zhou Mikang casually watched him, "By what right do you say that marrying me is burying her?"

Marry? Jing Zhe stared blankly at Zhou Mikang for a while before he finally said, "You mean, you want to marry Lin Chuxia?"

"Correct!" Zhou Mikang nodded, "Why, it seems like I need to consult you to marry her?"

Jing Zhe’s eyebrows furrowed, "You mean to not let her be my assistant implies that after marrying her, you won’t let her work?"

"That’s my business!"

"It’s not your business, you have no right to decide her life!" Jing Zhe shook his head disappointingly, "Before, I thought you were somewhat authoritarian, but at critical moments, you could still listen to others’ opinions.

Now, I take that back. You are not only authoritarian, but also selfish to the extreme! She is barely eighteen, a blossoming age, the golden period to study and work hard, and yet, you want to marry her and keep her like a caged canary.

You must think, since her family is from the countryside and not well-off, her getting your attention must be the blessing of her past life. And to think you are a party member, I didn’t expect your thoughts to be so... so filthy!"

Zhou Mikang stared at him for a long time before finally saying, "Are you done?"

Jing Zhe nodded, "Almost, I can’t think of anything else at the moment."

"Now that you’ve finished, it’s my turn..." Zhou Mikang stepped forward, encircled his arms around Jing’s neck, and forced him to look directly at him, "Swear on your conscience and tell me, your regard for Lin Chuxia is purely admiration, just because you cherish talent!"

"I, Jing Zhe, absolutely admire Lin Chuxia purely! It is because I cherish talent!" Without a second thought, Jing Zhe solemnly repeated Zhou Mikang’s words.

Zhou Mikang released him, "Good, remember what you said, otherwise, you will really disappoint me."

"Hold on..." Jing Zhe looked at him conflicted, "Does that mean you agree to let her be my assistant? And you agree to the opportunities I’ve created for her?"

Zhou Mikang scoffed, "That’s what you think!"

"You..." Jing Zhe stared at him speechlessly, "Then what was the point of what you just said?"

"Are you really stupid or just pretending?" Zhou Mikang’s brow furrowed deeply, "I’m not letting her be your assistant for your own good. Do you think that after she marries me, she can still develop according to your plans?"

"This...." Jing Zhe suddenly fell silent. Indeed, how could he forget about Zhou Mikang’s mother and sister-in-law? Those two women definitely wouldn’t allow Zhou Mikang’s wife to work or study instead of having children.

Yet....

He was inwardly so conflicted it nearly killed him. Having finally discovered a truly moldable talent, she was about to become a housewife confined to the kitchen, which was just... too sad, right?

"I will seek Lin Chuxia’s opinion, and if she is willing, I will fight for her. However, remember your promise. The woman I, Zhou Mikang, fancy can only be my wife. Understand?"

Could this man be any more domineering? Could he?

It was clearly a threat to him. If he dared to carry any ideas about Lin Chuxia, he wouldn’t be merciful. After all, they weren’t even married yet, and this character from him had just emerged in his view. Was it really necessary for him to be so arrogant?

Alas, he suddenly felt sorry for Uncle Zhou.

With such a son, how had Uncle Zhou coped all these years? — Since the Zhou family and the Jing family were close friends, Jing Zhe was very clear about the friction between Zhou Mikang and Father Zhou, hence his sentiments.

While Jing Zhe was still reflecting here, Great Regimental Commander Zhou had already pushed open the door and left with long strides.

What had he come for in the end? Was it just to caution him?

Originally, Jing Zhe thought that the Great Regimental Commander Tongzi came looking for Lin Chuxia, but from what he observed, it was clear that the commander came specifically for him!

Did that mean the Great Regimental Commander Tongzi felt threatened by him?

Ahaha, could this inherently smug kid actually be scared?

Could it be that he truly fell in love with Lin Chuxia this time? Had he really let go of the past with Dai Rao?

Impossible!

Jing Zhe’s brows furrowed into a knot. He had targeted Zhou Mikang earlier because he thought that if Zhou Mikang truly loved Lin Chuxia, then let him marry her; he didn’t have the right to meddle.

However, the problem was that he knew very well the kind of relationship that Zhou Mikang had with Ye Meiru back in the day. Zhou Mikang didn’t reach the position of Great Regimental Commander at the age of twenty-seven solely due to family backing but rather by throwing himself into his career after his failed romance with Ye Meiru. Everything he had achieved today was earned through sheer perseverance!

He might appear dominant and ruthless, but in reality, he was one who valued relationships the most. Just like his close relationship with Younger Sister Zhou. Even though he knew Uncle Zhou had his reasons, he couldn’t bring himself to forgive Uncle Zhou no matter what.

He believed that Zhou Mikang probably felt the same way about Ye Meiru; although betrayed, it would be difficult for him to truly open his heart and accept another woman.

Aunt Lin and his own mom were close friends, and every time she visited his house to complain, it was always about how Zhou Mikang had rejected another girl, despite her suitable conditions.

Thus, he simply couldn’t believe that Zhou Mikang could have genuine feelings for a young girl he had only met a couple of times. The real reason for wanting to marry Lin Chuxia might be because he believed that such a wife wouldn’t bind him with her family’s expectations, and he could compensate her in the areas she needed most. In doing so, if he couldn’t offer love, at least his conscience would be clear.

Or maybe he was being too meddlesome, perhaps Lin Chuxia too would feel that such a marriage was a win-win happiness.

But, somehow, it just didn’t sit well with him. He couldn’t bear to see such a talented girl relegated to being just a housewife revolving around her husband and children.

The way Lin Chuxia had handled the emergency in the cafeteria earlier today convinced him that with proper nurturing, given time, she would definitely become a brilliant gem!

The door opened, and Zeng Meili walked in. Seeing Jing Zhe staring straight at her without uttering a word, she asked in perplexion, "Great Physician, why so serious?"

Jing Zhe: "..."

Zeng Meili stepped forward, waving her hand in front of his eyes. "Hello!"

"Ah?" Jing Zhe shuddered, coming to his senses, "Is the check-up finished?"

"Yes. What were you daydreaming about?" Zeng Meili smiled, poking him, "Did you fall for some girl? Tell me, who is it? Maybe I know her or perhaps I could even help you."

"Did you know your Third Brother is going to marry Lin Chuxia?"

"What, you know about that too?" Zeng Meili exclaimed, her eyes wide in surprise. "Did my Third Brother tell you?"

"Yes! I wanted to arrange for Lin Chuxia to be my assistant..." Jing Zhe then repeated everything he had said earlier to Zhou Mikang to Zeng Meili and concluded with, "That’s the situation. I really can’t get over it, it’s not easy to find such a promising talent, just to have it ruined like this, I..."

Zeng Meili interrupted him: "Are you sure it’s just for the reason you mentioned that you feel uncomfortable?"

"You..." Jing Zhe shook his head, "Forget it; you’re siblings, of course you’d side with him. I’m overthinking, why would I even discuss this with you, I should talk to Lin Chuxia in person. Where is she, has she gone back?"

"She’s gone." Zeng Meili sized him up and down. "Honestly, I think it’s more important for you to figure out what you really think. My Third Brother just said not to let Lin Chuxia follow the path you’ve set, not that she can’t work at all."

I know that when Lin Chuxia agreed to marry my Third Brother, she made three demands, one of which was that my Third Brother must allow her to continue working, or else she wouldn’t marry him.

Don’t underestimate Lin Chuxia just because she looks frail; when she gets stubborn, I reckon even my Third Brother can’t handle her. Anyway, my Third Brother has agreed to her conditions. Do you think my Third Brother is someone who doesn’t keep his word?"

Jing Zhe looked incredulous: "Are you telling the truth?"

"Of course!" Zeng Meili nodded earnestly. "After all, we grew up together. I even had a crush on you once. So, tell me, would I joke about something like this with you?"

"Just because you had a crush on me, that’s why I think it’s implausible." Jing Zhe noticed Zeng Meili’s face change, so he quickly added, "Okay, okay, I’m just kidding. Of course, I believe you wouldn’t deceive me about this, but honestly, I just can’t understand what your Third Brother is thinking; it’s quite puzzling."

"Jing Zhe, you like Lin Chuxia." Zeng Meili stared at him intently. "You just said that you didn’t want Lin Chuxia to be buried in obscurity, but now that you know my Third Brother won’t overlook her, you say you want to understand what my Third Brother is thinking. In reality, you’re just making excuses for yourself!"

"You siblings..." Jing Zhe looked exasperated, "Why are you all so presumptuous? Don’t I know whether I like Lin Chuxia or not?" (To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to vote for it on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation.)