Only I Understand His Gentle Heart - Chapter 102.1

Lin Ziyu had been in several relationships, mostly with men who had good family backgrounds and stable, lucrative jobs. Her criteria for dating were clear: she first evaluated a man’s career and family situation, then his looks. Only when all these factors met her expectations would she consider the possibility of dating him.

To put it bluntly, Lin Ziyu was practical.

She had a younger brother, and though her parents tried to treat their children equally, Lin Ziyu had always known they favored her brother. From a young age, her parents taught her that for a woman, success in life wasn’t about achievements but about marrying well. They constantly reminded her that choosing a partner with good prospects was the key to avoiding hardship.

She had never imagined that she would fall for someone like Zhang Wulin—a sunny, straightforward soldier with a ruggedly handsome charm. Nor had she thought she would find herself in a relationship with a younger man.

Some said that maturity in a man couldn’t be determined by age alone. Zhang Wulin was three years younger than Lin Ziyu, yet he was more thoughtful and attentive than any of her previous boyfriends. No man had ever treated her as well as he did, and no one had ever loved her this deeply.

How had it all started between her and Zhang Wulin?

Perhaps it began that one time when he carried her in his arms and rushed out of the training field, leaving a deep impression on her heart.

It had been a scorching day, with the sun blazing overhead.

Lin Ziyu was in Zhang Wulin’s arms, jolted uncomfortably as he ran. Her face twisted in pain, and she groaned, “You… Squad Leader… Slow down…”

Sweat drenched Zhang Wulin’s face. He glanced down at her, alarmed by how pale and pained she looked, as though she might shatter if he wasn’t careful. Frightened, he came to an abrupt stop. Panting, he looked toward the distant medical office and reassured her, “Don’t worry! We’re almost there. The doctor will check you soon.”

Lin Ziyu could only nod; the pain rendered her speechless.

“Just a little more. Hang in there,” Zhang Wulin said, steadying his steps. Soldiers like him were well-trained and physically robust, and Lin Ziyu was slim, so carrying her wasn’t a strain. He strode with determination, his face set with focus.

At the entrance of the medical office, Zhang Wulin shouted urgently, “Dr. Meng! Please take a look at her! She’s in a lot of pain!”

Dr. Meng, who was treating a soldier with a minor training injury, turned his head and said, “Put her on the bed first.”

“Okay.” Zhang Wulin carefully placed Lin Ziyu on the bed. Seeing her writhing in pain, his face filled with worry. “Are you alright?” he asked.

“Hurts…” Lin Ziyu’s eyes brimmed with tears.

Dr. Meng gestured to the injured soldier. “Wait a moment.” Then, turning to Zhang Wulin, he said, “Let me examine her.”

Zhang Wulin quickly stepped aside, his voice still anxious. “Dr. Meng, what’s wrong with her?”

Dr. Meng pressed gently on Lin Ziyu’s abdomen. “Does it hurt here?” he asked.

Lin Ziyu, her face pale, nodded.

Dr. Meng pressed another spot. “And here? Which one hurts more?”

“This one…” Lin Ziyu winced.

“It’s likely appendicitis,” Dr. Meng concluded. “She needs to be sent to the hospital.”

Dr. Meng glanced at Zhang Wulin. “Why are you standing there? Hurry up!”

Zhang Wulin straightened up. “Got it.” Without hesitation, he bent down and picked Lin Ziyu up again.

Outside, Lu Zhuofeng approached, having come to check on the situation. “What’s going on?” he asked.

“Dr. Meng says it’s appendicitis,” Zhang Wulin replied, sweat pouring down his face.

Lu Zhuofeng gave Lin Ziyu a quick once-over before saying to Zhang Wulin, “Take her to the hospital.”

“Yes, sir,” Zhang Wulin replied, lifting Lin Ziyu into the vehicle.

As she lay in the back seat, clutching her abdomen, Lin Ziyu’s pain intensified. Zhang Wulin crouched beside her, his voice gentle but firm. “We’re heading to the hospital now. Don’t worry.”

Through her haze of pain, Lin Ziyu opened her eyes slightly to look at him. She knew he was the young squad leader, Zhang Wulin—handsome, straightforward, and radiating a sunshine-like innocence. He was the kind of guy whose sincerity was written all over his face.

Dressed in a field uniform and drenched in sweat, he looked down at her with earnest concern.

Lin Ziyu’s heart stirred. Shaking her head weakly, she gasped, “Thank you…”

“It’s nothing. This is what I should do,” Zhang Wulin said, scratching his head sheepishly.

Director Jiang and writers Zhou Jing and others from the creative team joined them at the hospital. Lin Ziyu curled up in the back seat while Zhang Wulin sat beside her, keeping watch.

At the hospital, just before Lin Ziyu was taken into surgery, Zhang Wulin asked, “Do you want me to call your family? So they can be here for you?”

Due to their time spent together, Zhang Wulin had formed the impression that Lin Ziyu was rather delicate. He planned to stay with her through the surgery and help take care of her briefly, but he knew he needed to return to the base as soon as possible—his absence there would likely cause problems.

However, Lin Ziyu shook her head and said, “I’m not from here. My parents aren’t around…”

When she had first moved to Beicheng, she stayed with her aunt. After two years of working and saving, she had managed to afford her own place and lived independently.

Zhang Wulin paused, unsure what to do. Lin Ziyu turned to Director Jiang and the others. “Once the surgery’s done, I’ll hire a caregiver. My aunt will visit later, so you all don’t need to stay. You have a lot of work to handle.”

Director Jiang and Zhou Jing were indeed busy. Since appendicitis wasn’t a major surgery, they reassured her with a few words and promised to check in on her later before leaving.

After Lin Ziyu was wheeled into the operating room, the others left as well. Only Zhang Wulin remained, standing outside and waiting until she came out of surgery.

Lin Ziyu slept for two hours after the operation. During that time, Zhang Wulin kept watch. As soon as he saw her eyes flutter open, he rushed over and asked, “How are you feeling?”

Zhang Wulin had thought about stepping out to buy her something to eat, but the doctor had advised against it—post-surgery, she wasn’t allowed to eat until she passed gas and could start on liquids. Seeing Zhang Wulin standing there, Lin Ziyu blinked in surprise. “Why are you still here?”

Scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin, he replied, “I couldn’t leave until you woke up. Someone had to stay with you.”

Lin Ziyu glanced at the caregiver attending to the patient in the neighboring bed, then said to him, “Could you help me find a caregiver? Once that’s settled, you should head back.”

“Sure,” Zhang Wulin nodded.

He was quick to act and soon returned with a kind, honest-looking middle-aged woman. “This is Ms. Dai,” he said. “I’ve already explained everything to her. If you need anything, just let her know. I have to get back now, but I’ll come check on you if I get the chance.”

Lin Ziyu smiled faintly. “Thank you. You should go.”

After Zhang Wulin left, Ms. Dai brought over a basin of water to wash Lin Ziyu’s face. Smiling warmly, she said, “I thought that young soldier was your boyfriend. He gave such detailed instructions—told me to take really good care of you. Such a considerate young man!”

Lin Ziyu was taken aback. “Really?” She thought for a moment and said lightly, “Maybe it’s just because he’s a soldier. They’re usually more responsible.”

Ms. Dai chuckled. “That’s not always the case. I’ve been working as a caregiver here for years, and trust me, young men like him, with such attention to detail, are rare.”

Lin Ziyu gave a small smile but didn’t say anything more.

No matter how attentive Zhang Wulin might be, she couldn’t see herself dating a young soldier.

The day before she was discharged, Lin Ziyu was sitting up in bed reading. The door to her room was slightly ajar when a man in camouflage stepped in, his broad grin revealing a set of shining white teeth.

“Miss Lin, I thought you’d been discharged already,” Zhang Wulin said brightly.

Lin Ziyu looked at his cheerful expression and couldn’t help but smile. “Why are you here?”

Standing by her bed, he explained, “One of my comrades got injured, so I brought him here for a checkup. Thought I’d stop by and see if you were still here. How’s your recovery going? When will you be discharged?”

“Tomorrow,” Lin Ziyu replied. “What about your comrade? Is it serious?”

“He fractured a bone. Needs some rest.”

Looking at him thoughtfully, Lin Ziyu said, “You should be careful during training too.”

Zhang Wulin had changed significantly since his high school days. Back then, he was slim and although his features were well-defined, they lacked the maturity he had now. After three years of military service, his physique had become strong and muscular, his abs perfectly chiseled. He stood tall and commanding, radiating an air of confidence and determination. The youthful awkwardness had faded, leaving behind a robust and upright soldier who looked radiant in his uniform.

In his 23 years of life, no woman had ever shown him such concern.

Scratching his head, slightly embarrassed, he said, “Thanks, I’ll be careful.”

Just then, Ms. Dai returned with lunch. Spotting Zhang Wulin, she couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, young soldier, here to visit Miss Lin again?”