Priceless Baby: 101 Bedside Stories

Jack got to the 24-hour cafeteria that Ye Ling had arranged to meet him at. It was especially bourgeois and was a suitable place for couples to date the whole night. At this time, only the 24-hour restaurant and cafeteria were open.

Ye Ling was more direct and went straight to the point. “Mu Yuan was beaten badly by his father last night. He’s having a fever and is lying at home as he’s unable to move.”

Jack’s fingertips trembled. He tightened slightly and clenched into a fist.

“So?”

Ye Ling said calmly, “You are all adults. Let me be more direct. You are also very clear in your heart that Xiaoyuan loves his country and his family the most. You are his friend. For the moment, I’ll say that you are his friend. We have different identities. It is a little forceful just by being friends, not to mention anything beyond a friendship. That is not realistic. Whether it is you or him, both of you have to recognize clearly. Xiaoyuan is still young, and he is purer. He is not willing to resign to his fate. You are older than him. If he does not recognize this, you have to teach him how to see his future route clearly. If you turn back now, it isn’t too late. Our country’s situation is different from yours. Don’t use your set of standards to measure us. Since you have chosen to join the military, you have to obey orders. We, as soldiers, have to go through political investigation when we get married. If you are an officer of my rank, your marriage partner will be thoroughly checked by the organization. It is the same for Mu Yuan. Do you understand?”

Ye Ling’s character had always been so straightforward. He said it very clearly.

Jack slightly narrowed his eyes.

Silence.

Ye Ling said, “You came to City A this time for that batch of machine tools. I have already received the news, but I did not ask you. Firstly, it was not necessary. Secondly, it was my wedding day, and I didn’t want to dampen the spirit. I don’t care about you and Mu Yuan becoming friends. I also welcome you to follow Mu Yuan to my wedding. However, you have your responsibilities, and I have mine. If you cannot compromise, I also cannot give in. There will be a day when we become rivals. If you and Mu Yuan are friends, it will make me very vexed. I will consider whether he will be a fixed target if I send him to the battlefield one day.”

“I will not!”

“No one can say it clearly.”

“What exactly is your identity?”

“You don’t have to know my identity,” Ye Ling said calmly. “Major Jack, after one or two years, you will also be promoted to a higher military rank. You will be exposed to more and more secrets and will participate in more international disputes. At that time, Xiaoyuan’s and your standpoints will be opposing. Since you have already stepped on the cliff, either you retreat or you die.”

Jack’s face was cold. He did not reply. Ye Ling was also not in a hurry to make him come up with any replies. The two men who had a strong presence faced each other. Neither of them was willing to give in to the other.

Jack said, “You really bother a lot.”

“I have already told you. Our country’s conditions are different. When we get married, we have to pass the political investigation,” Ye Ling said. “Don’t use freedom to measure us. We don’t have freedom. Xiaoyuan is a little stubborn, or I should say, a little foolish, and very naive. If you feel that it is not credible, I can provide you with an idea.”

Ye Ling paused for a while. “He cannot accept betrayal the most. Since you have come because of this batch of machine tools, I’ll cooperate with you and put up a show. Of course, the choice is yours!”

“Ye Ling, Xiaoyuan is your friend. By doing this, how does it benefit him?”

“How does it benefit him when you are friends with him?” Ye Ling asked him back. “He bit his teeth and did not say anything. He was nearly beaten to death by his father. What benefits does he have? To you, is his life important, or is your perception important?”

He paused for a while again and said, “I am sorry. We are all old-fashioned parents. We cannot accept the freedom of love!”

“…” Jack was dumbstruck.