Strongest Soldier King

The Commander had instructed the squadron leader to ensure someone cared for him, and ordered the hospital to spare no expense in treating him. After leaving with a big group of people, only a piece of good news remained: the competition's organizing committee had approved his immediate promotion before the competition, restoring Luo Zheng to the rank of Lieutenant as some consolation. According to the rules, the top three competitors could also be promoted one level. He was so close! The squadron leader was tightly wound and felt it was really unfair for Luo Zheng.

Luo Zheng, being unconscious, of course, knew nothing of this. Lan Xing knew some details and after the Commander and others had left, she scoffed and said, "The committee's rewards are passable, at least there are some. Why is the Group Army so stingy? Fourth place doesn't count anymore? Weren't we told that as long as you're not last, you're making a contribution? And all that talk about a hero; so enthusiastic. Tsk, tsk, they ditch you once they've crossed their bridge. Too utilitarian."

"My dear heavens, can you stop running your mouth?" The squadron leader anxiously looked around to make sure no one was near and then, somewhat relieved, reprimanded discontentedly, "Do you think it's not chaotic enough? Just fulfilling the committee's awards is good enough. The Commander isn't a stingy person. Haven't you considered that there might be something else at play?"

"Are you talking about the Song family?" Being from an influential family herself, Lan Xing quickly caught on, her brow furrowed and her face becoming stern as she muttered discontentedly, "Just wait, grandma here isn't finished with them. Ice Beauty finally finds someone she sees eye to eye with, and they want to make my sister a spinster? I'll show that Song scum; completely turn him into a eunuch."

"Alright, I'm warning you, don't mess things up. Your sister is a smart lady, and that young man is no fool either. They'll figure out their way. Your meddling will only make them more vulnerable," the squadron leader hurriedly whispered in caution.

"Alright, really, stop nagging. Do you take your clever younger sister for a fool?" Lan Xing retorted, dissatisfied. She glanced towards Luo Zheng on the bed, her expression one of confusion. For her sister to fall seems foolish; women can be impulsively blind at times, and her savvy older cousin seems quite fond of this guy too. Could there really be something special about him?

As she pondered, someone knocked on the door. Lan Xing exchanged a look with the squadron leader, slightly irritated, and walked up to open the door, finding four military officers dressed in full attire, their uniforms crisp and faces stern. Upon seeing their ranks—three Lieutenants and a Captain—she asked with dissatisfaction, "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

"And who are you?" the Captain asked, his eyes flickering with wariness.

"Never mind who I am. Are you going to let the patient rest with people coming and going like this?" Lan Xing shot back, scrutinizing the visitors.

"Hello, I'm Wu Jing, the patient's brother," the newcomer, who looked like a scholar, promptly explained, thinking Lan Xing might be related to Luo Zheng.

"A scholar? So the others must be a gardener, a farmer, and a monk then?" Lan Xing was taken aback but quickly changed her expression to a teasing smile, pressing the scholar who nodded. She opened the door wider, gesturing everyone to come in and then closed the door, continuing, "Perfect timing, I was just about to look for you guys."

Upon seeing Luo Zheng still unconscious, the scholar's spirits sank. He glanced at another bed where a woman lay sleeping, a flicker of confusion passing his face, but still, he decisively saluted the squadron leader and greeted him. After the squadron leader returned the salute, he then turned to Lan Xing and asked, "You are?"

"I've already said stop worrying about who I am. Why all the pointless questions?" Lan Xing replied discontentedly.

The scholar, not easily intimidated having met all sorts of people, responded, "Alright, you ask, but I may not answer."

"What a hassle. I just have one question about him," Lan Xing pointed at Luo Zheng on the bed and asked, "Seeing how much you care for him, why?"

"He is our brother, someone with whom we can entrust our lives," the scholar said solemnly, his expression serious.

"Huh?" Lan Xing was momentarily stunned, but then he understood. As a soldier, although not a combatant, he knew a soldier's pride, loyalty, fervor, and soul. There was too much implied and represented by that phrase. Lan Xing did not ask further; one sentence was enough.

"Squadron leader, how is he? We..." Scholar asked heavily.

"He's just too tired and wants to slack off for a few days. Let him sleep for a while. I understand how you all feel. Your coming to see him means a lot, and as his superior, I thank you on his behalf. Go back now, to your respective units. I believe there will be another day when we meet."

"Can we sit here for a while?" Monk asked.

"My life is his, let me stay with him for a while, alright?" Farmer said sorrowfully.

"Squadron leader, I—" Florist started, his eyes reddening and his voice filled with heartache.

"Enough, soldiers need to be strong and face everything with a backbone, standing tall. Why are you all acting like women, making a spectacle? He's not dead. He just wants to be lazy, and you're treating it like a matter of life and death. He needs rest. Get out, all of you, just get out! I'll pass on your loyalty to him," the squadron leader consoled.

"We—" Scholar and the others retorted somewhat reluctantly.

"Alright, let's go," Lan Xing stood up to usher them out. Watching the deeply loyal Scholar and others, Lan Xing suddenly realized he understood Lan Xue better. A man who could earn the respect of proud Special Forces soldiers was undeniably a true hero, the kind of man who deserved his sister.

At the door, the group lingered reluctantly. Scholar turned to Lan Xing seriously, "I don't know who you are to my brother, but please take good care of him. If needed, call me immediately. Consider it a favor owed by us brothers. Even through fire and water, we won't hesitate." Just then, a nurse came by, and Scholar borrowed a pen and paper to quickly write down a series of numbers and handed it to Lan Xing.

"Favors shouldn't be promised lightly, and I can't take yours lightly either. If he needs anything, I will call you," Lan Xing accepted solemnly, feeling somewhat heavy as he watched Scholar and the others leave. Returning to the room, he leaned against the door, looked at Luo Zheng, and then at his sleeping sister, and began to feel happy for her.

"Little sister, tell me the truth, do you think the Song family will make a move against him?" the squadron leader suddenly asked, his face turning grave as he slightly closed his eyes, a barely noticeable murderous intent flashing within them.

"When has the Song family ever endured a loss? You know as well as I do how strong their vengefulness is. Besides, having our sister here is like a slap in their face. Do you think the Song family will let it go?" Lan Xing countered.

"It seems I need to arrange for some reliable people to take care of him," the squadron leader said, his eyes narrowing coldly, an aura of chill emanating from him.

"Hold on, considering how our sister feels, others might not be trustworthy. Let's ask her opinion first," Lan Xing suggested.