Only I Understand His Gentle Heart - Chapter 102.2

Zhang Wulin explained, “I brought my comrade here for a checkup and thought I’d stop by to see if Miss Lin had been discharged.”

As Ms. Dai arranged Lin Ziyu’s meal on the bedside table, she chuckled. “Miss Lin will be discharged tomorrow. This morning, I was wondering why you hadn’t come by yet, seeing as she’s leaving so soon.”

Unaware that Lin Ziyu was part of the creative team visiting the military for field research, Ms. Dai had mistaken Zhang Wulin’s actions as pure devotion. Lin Ziyu didn’t bother clarifying; she never expected Ms. Dai to misunderstand the situation so thoroughly.

Zhang Wulin, oblivious to the implications, smiled. “Our team has strict rules. I don’t get days off and can’t leave whenever I want.”

Ms. Dai glanced at Lin Ziyu and thought, So that’s why she’s indifferent toward him. Poor soldier, giving his warm attention only to meet a cold shoulder.

It was a shame, she thought, that the earnest young man’s attentions weren’t reciprocated.

Zhang Wulin only stayed for about ten minutes before leaving.

After being discharged, Lin Ziyu spent a month recuperating at home.

The creative team, meanwhile, was scheduled to join a field training session in a remote border area to observe live drills and exercises. Lin Ziyu, though unfamiliar with anything military-related, decided to join despite lagging behind due to her recovery. Her uncle had arranged her placement with the team, and her aunt had encouraged her to go, saying, “This is a rare opportunity to work on a military-themed film. You might even meet some officers—who knows? Maybe one of them will be a good match for you!”

After a month of resting, Lin Ziyu knew she wasn’t in sync with the team’s schedule, but she decided to push forward anyway.

During the uphill trek for field training, Zhang Wulin walked ahead of Lin Ziyu, keeping a watchful eye on her. Every now and then, he turned to caution her about tricky paths, offered tips on how to step, or even helped her climb by pulling her up. At one point, he took her backpack and slung it over his own shoulders. His attentiveness left her both surprised and touched.

Perhaps Lin Ziyu had always been starved for affection. When someone showed her a little extra care, she couldn’t help but draw closer, craving more of that warmth and attention.

The conditions on the mountain were harsh: the food wasn’t great, they stayed in tents, and the area was teeming with insects. Normally, Lin Ziyu might have fussed about these inconveniences, but she was too exhausted to care.

Before meals, field training officially began. Standing beside her, Zhang Wulin leaned close and said in a low voice, “Miss Lin, the scenes coming up might not be for the faint-hearted. I think you shouldn’t watch—you seem like you’d scare easily.”

Lin Ziyu blinked. Was it that obvious that she was timid?

Seeing her speechless reaction, Zhang Wulin added, “Really. If we catch anything, like a wild chicken, I’ll make sure you get some to eat. You’re still recovering, and your face is looking pale.”

Amused, Lin Ziyu glanced at him. “And what about you? What will you eat?”

Scratching his head, Zhang Wulin replied with a sheepish grin, “I’ll eat whatever—doesn’t matter, as long as it fills me up.”

“Do you get any breaks or time off?” she asked.

“Sometimes, yeah. We might get a half-day break to step out, though most of the time we just hang out with the team. Plus, since I’ve been serving for three years now, I get a family leave once a year.”

“And have you taken your leave this year?”

“Nope.”

Lin Ziyu smiled but didn’t press further.

That evening, they indeed managed to catch wild chickens in the forest. True to his word, Zhang Wulin ensured Lin Ziyu was well taken care of, handing her food and pouring her water. Among the creative team, Lin Ziyu received the most thoughtful treatment, but it wasn’t entirely because of Zhang Wulin. In the team’s midst was Ming Zhu, who was under the constant care of Captain Lu Zhuofeng. The two were clearly the focus of everyone’s attention, and Lin Ziyu couldn’t help but feel envious.

Still, Zhang Wulin’s attentiveness filled her with warmth. In this desolate wilderness, having someone care for her so devotedly brought unexpected contentment. Sometimes, as she watched Zhang Wulin in his element—focused, determined, and serious—she found herself thinking that he looked… quite handsome.

That night, Lin Ziyu shared a tent with Ming Zhu and Tang Xin. The two were chatting softly as Lin Ziyu drifted in and out of sleep. Their hushed laughter finally roused her, and she murmured drowsily, “What are you two talking about?”

Tang Xin grinned. “We’re talking about you and the young squad leader.”

Startled, Lin Ziyu felt a flicker of embarrassment. “Don’t be ridiculous. He’s only paying more attention to me because of my recent surgery. He’s worried I haven’t recovered properly.”

Tang Xin teased, “Exactly! See how lucky you are? Ming Zhu has Captain Lu, and you have the squad leader. Meanwhile, I’m stuck fending for myself.”

Ming Zhu quipped, “As if you haven’t been enjoying the chicken we hunted!”

Tang Xin pouted in mock indignation but quickly turned back to Lin Ziyu, her expression mischievous. “I’m telling you, the young squad leader likes you.”

Lin Ziyu froze for a moment and lowered her head, remaining silent.

To say she felt nothing…

That would be a lie.

She had a vague idea that Zhang Wulin might like her. After all, why else would he treat her so well? She wasn’t as beautiful as Ming Zhu or Tang Xin, but she was pretty in a delicate, fresh way—soft and slender. On top of that, she wasn’t short on admirers in her everyday life.

But someone like Zhang Wulin, who was so openly kind and attentive right from the start, was someone she had never encountered before.

Her thoughts wandered for a moment.

Did Zhang Wulin know she liked him too?

…

When Zhang Wulin got injured, Lin Ziyu heard that he had hurt his spine and was undergoing tests at the hospital. She didn’t know how serious it was, but the news left her worried and anxious. Zhang Wulin loved being a soldier; if the injury turned out to be severe, he might have to retire from service.

When she returned to the border unit, Lin Ziyu immediately wanted to see him. But she hesitated, afraid of being gossiped about, and instead waited until she could visit with a group from the creative team.

She heard that his injuries weren’t serious, but he needed rest and recovery.

When they went to his dormitory, Lin Ziyu saw Zhang Wulin lying face-down on his bed. When he saw them arrive, he smiled.

There were many people, all chatting with him. Lin Ziyu only got to exchange a few sentences with him.

As they were leaving, she looked at him and said, “Take good care of yourself.”

Zhang Wulin grinned widely. “Okay.”

The next day, Lin Ziyu was alone in her own dormitory. After some thought, she went to Zhang Wulin’s dormitory again. This time, it was quiet; the door was slightly ajar, and no one else was inside. She saw Zhang Wulin shift slightly on the bed, struggling to sit up.

She quickly pushed the door open and entered. “Squad Leader, what are you doing?”

Zhang Wulin was startled to see her. “What are you doing here?”

Lin Ziyu pressed her lips together and replied softly, “I just came to check on you.” She asked, “Do you need help with something?”

Looking a little embarrassed, Zhang Wulin scratched his head. “I… I just wanted to go to the bathroom.”

His injury wasn’t severe, but he needed to stay lying down for a week and avoid unnecessary movements. Technically, he could go to the bathroom, but doing so alone was inconvenient; it was easier if someone could support him.

Earlier, Captain Lu had suggested assigning someone to care for him, but Zhang Wulin, unwilling to disrupt others’ training, stubbornly refused.

He hadn’t expected Lin Ziyu to show up.

Lin Ziyu was momentarily stunned before stepping forward. “I’ll help you.”

Zhang Wulin quickly said, “No, it’s fine. I can wait until—”

“You’ll hold it in until they get back and burst your bladder,” Lin Ziyu cut him off with a dramatic eye-roll. Without hesitation, she grabbed his arm. Her long hair fell forward, brushing his face and shoulder as she asked, “Is this how I should support you?”

The scent of her hair lingered faintly in the air. Zhang Wulin’s face grew warm, and the tips of his ears flushed red. He glanced at her briefly before lowering his gaze and replying in a low voice, “Uh… thanks.” Bracing himself on the edge of the bed with one hand and using Lin Ziyu’s arm for support, he slowly straightened his body and shifted into a kneeling position before sitting up on the edge of the bed.

Helping him was no easy task, and Lin Ziyu found it rather challenging.

He was surprisingly heavy…

As Zhang Wulin stood up, Lin Ziyu stayed close to his side, her chest inadvertently pressing softly against his firm arm. She didn’t seem to notice, but Zhang Wulin stiffened, his entire body going rigid, and his ears turned a deeper shade of red.

Sensing his tension, Lin Ziyu asked nervously, “What’s wrong? Does it hurt?”

“No, no, it’s nothing.” Zhang Wulin, flustered, pushed her slightly, intending to pull away.

But he misjudged his strength. Lin Ziyu staggered backward, taking two unsteady steps.

Realizing what had happened, Zhang Wulin instantly regretted it and tried to reach for her.

The sudden movement pulled on his back injury, making him wince and hiss in pain. His body swayed slightly, leaning forward.

Seeing this, Lin Ziyu panicked. Without thinking, she rushed forward and caught him in an embrace. Holding him tightly, she scolded, “What are you doing?! What if you fall? Don’t you care about recovering?”

🌸 Kliraz’s Reflections: Love, Duty, and Cultural Traditions 🌸

This passage artfully intertwines Lin Ziyu’s pragmatism with Zhang Wulin’s earnest care, painting a vivid portrait of love blooming against expectations. Lin Ziyu’s early approach to relationships reflects traditional Chinese values where marrying well, rooted in Confucian ideals, was seen as a cornerstone of success for women. In many cultures, like India’s arranged marriage system, financial stability and family standing also carry great weight. Even in the West, the 20th century often saw relationships driven by practicality before shifting toward romantic compatibility.

The younger soldier’s genuine care challenges her ingrained expectations, symbolizing a shift toward valuing emotional connection over material considerations. Japan’s evolving dating culture, where arranged meetings (omiai) have declined, mirrors this progression toward choosing partners based on mutual respect and personal attachment.

Behaviorally, Lin Ziyu’s slow realization of her feelings can be linked to the psychology of kindness. Studies show that consistent acts of care can inspire deeper emotional bonds, as seen in Zhang Wulin’s small, attentive gestures. A relatable practice? Start noticing how someone’s consistent actions make you feel—it might reveal more than words ever could.

Readers, have you ever felt your heart change due to someone’s steady care? Share your stories! (*≧▽≦)ﾉｼ