Chapter One The Closest Yet Farthest Person (Ten)

Tao Zhen frowned, “What? Is something wrong?”

“Nannan… is in the hospital.”

Tao Zhen put down his coffee cup.

“Qiu Wei sent an urgent telegram this morning, saying Miss Suixin has acute gastroenteritis. She was admitted to the hospital a week ago, and although her condition is stable now, the doctor recommended hospitalization for observation to be on the safe side. Seventh Master, over these years, you’ve been so busy with state affairs and military duties that you’ve spent very little time with Nannan… Now that she’s sick, you really should go back and see her. Otherwise…” Tu Huyi observed Tao Zhen’s expression as he spoke slowly, pausing at the word “otherwise.”

Tao Zhen pondered.

He knew all too well what Tu Huyi meant by that “otherwise.”

“Young Master Seven…” Tiger Tu still wanted to persuade him, but when he saw Tao Zhen wave his hand, he had no choice but to fall silent.

“I’ll return to Shanghai tomorrow,” Tao Zhen said.

Tiger Tu breathed a sigh of relief and chuckled.

Tao Zhen glanced at him and asked, “How are things at your place?”

“The mischievous little one really wears Qiouwei out,” Tu Huyi said with a smile.

“Lately, because of Suixin, Qiouwei has been working hard. Logically, she should have been sent back to her grandmother’s side earlier. But Suixin just loves sticking to Qiouwei,” Tao Zhen said. Even when speaking of his daughter, his tone didn’t soften in the slightest.

“Seventh Young Master, what are you saying? Given Qiouwei’s position toward Miss Suixin, of course, she wouldn’t dare say she treats her as her own, but she certainly puts in her utmost effort,” Tu Huyi said.

Tao Zhen nodded.

“I just came to see you. The troops are about to move to the southern part of the city to await orders.” Tu Huyi stood up and saluted Tao Zhen.

Tao Zhen looked up at this subordinate who had followed him through life and death, nodded, and called out, “Little Si!”

“Here!” A sturdy, boyish fellow entered from outside the door.

“Give Colonel Tu something good,” Tao Zhen said as he also stood up.

“Thank you, Seventh Master,” Tu Huyi replied with a smile.

“Get lost,” Tao Zhen cursed, finally letting a smile show on his face.

Tu Huyi, Little Si, and Lu Sihai left the headquarters together.

“Little Four.” Tu Huyi waited until they had walked a bit further, ensuring their conversation wouldn’t be overheard, before speaking up.

“Yes, Regimental Commander Tu.” Lu Sihai was a very spirited young man.

“How has Seventh Young Master been doing lately?” Tu Huyi adjusted his military cap.

Lu Sihai remained silent.

Tuhu Yi kicked him from behind, saying, “Kid, keeping secrets from me? Who am I, huh? Who am I? When I was holding the horse’s reins and fastening the stirrups for the Seventh Young Master, you didn’t even know where you were pissing and playing with mud yet. Speak up!”

“Aiyaya, where’s my newly washed uniform… Didn’t I already say it all?” Lu Sihai scratched the back of his neck. “Not very good. He doesn’t sleep well. Sometimes when Miss Su calls, he hangs up after just a few words. Miss Su came to see him from Shanghai some time ago, and he refused to meet her. It made Miss Su furious, but he didn’t seem to care much…”

“What about food? Is he eating on time? How much does he eat?”

“On time is on time, I make sure of it. He just doesn’t eat much. He drinks a lot of coffee and smokes even more heavily. He doesn’t drink alcohol anymore, though. Ever since that time last year when he drank until he had stomach bleeding with General Pang and the others, he hasn’t touched much alcohol,” Lu Sihai said.