There was no other way. Both of them felt guilty.
It was like fighting for custody in a divorce.
Lin Zhilan now had to work hard to win her daughter's favor, so as not to let Zhou Chen take her away.
As for Su Lang, he had to win the favor of both his wife and daughter.
Losing either of them was unacceptable to him.
As for Zhou Chen, the initiative was ultimately with Zhilan and the child; it all depended on their own abilities.
While Su Lang was recovering from his injuries, the military leaders also came to visit him.
He had made a great contribution in this operation. The intercepted ship was connected to foreign forces, making it a highly rewarding mission.
Unfortunately, Su Lang was severely injured and had undergone a splenectomy.
According to the Officer Service Regulations, he had basically lost the ability to work at sea and had to be transferred away from the frontline naval vessels.
Warships, submarines, and the marine corps all involved high-intensity environments with a high risk of infection. Su Lang's next time working at sea might be his last.
The leaders felt it was a pity. Su Lang was a promising talent, and they all thought highly of him.
Only Division Commander Qin and Commissar Zhuang knew that this kid had actually wanted to retreat to the second line for a long time.
Even without this surgery, Su Lang would have pushed for a transfer within the next year or two.
The leaders asked Su Lang if he had any requests.
Su Lang, who was already able to sit halfway up, looked resolute. Chiefs, I want to vie for the position of detachment commander of the Echeng Base Water Police District.
The leaders exchanged glances.
The military region was indeed perfecting the naval organization in Echeng, and the position of detachment commander was currently vacant.
But...
Su Lang was ultimately too young.
Elevating him to this position would likely cause controversy.
Commissar Zhuang noticed the leaders' hesitation and stepped forward to say, Positions aren't given just because you ask for them. This needs to be discussed by the leadership. Don't be arrogant about your achievements!
Hey, one leader spoke up, you can't say that either. We've all seen Su Lang's contributions. We will carefully consider his request.
With Commissar Zhuang playing the bad cop, Division Commander Qin played the good cop.
Good, good! Su Lang, you heard what the leaders said, aren't you going to thank them?
Su Lang quickly seized the opportunity, Thank you, leaders!
This... The leaders pointed at the three of them in exasperation. You guys, what's the use of finding loopholes in my words? We still have to report this level by level. It only counts if the higher-ups approve it.
Division Commander Qin said casually, That's for sure, but since everyone here has spoken, you have to put in a good word for Su Lang.
Definitely, definitely.
A week after Su Lang had his stitches removed and was able to get out of bed and walk around.
His transfer order finally came down.
Deputy Detachment Commander of the Echeng Base Water Police District.
Although he was the deputy detachment commander, the military region had not appointed a detachment commander.
In other words, even though Su Lang held the title of deputy, he had to take on the work and responsibilities of the detachment commander.
But there was also a benefit to this.
Commissar Zhuang had privately hinted to Su Lang that as long as he performed well, the detachment commander position would be his sooner or later.
This was Commander Gu's intention.
It was not a time of war, and for Su Lang to reach the position of detachment commander in his early thirties meant he was already an exceptional talent.
Actually, Su Lang also benefited from Lin Zhilan's influence.
Su Lang's hometown was in the capital. If he chose to change careers, he could easily work in a government agency there.
If he left the military region, they would indeed lose a promising talent.
However, Commander Gu could not let Lin Zhilan go.
The pharmaceutical factory on the island was doing better and better, with significant investments from both the military and the local government.
Commander Gu felt most at ease with Lin Zhilan staying at the military hospital.
As for Su Lang, his abilities were indeed outstanding, and he had made many contributions.
Giving him the position of deputy detachment commander was reasonable enough.
Although the transfer notice had been issued, Su Lang had three months of sick leave. During these three months, he could rest well at home and spend time with his family.
It just so happened that Jiang Chengzhou had an agricultural learning assignment for school.
Lin Zhilan was busy with work, so she handed this task over to Su Lang.
The yard at home had been planted with flowers by Lin Zhilan and Wang Rou.
So Su Lang took the children to his parents' house.
After all, he had just recovered from a major illness. Walking from the family compound to the neighboring village, a distance of less than a mile, left Su Lang covered in a cold sweat.
Auntie Yu happened to walk out of the house and was startled when she saw him.
Your injuries haven't healed yet, why did you come over?
She scolded him mildly while hurrying to help him.
Linlin circled her dad's feet. Auntie Yu, I'll help Daddy.
Good girl.
Auntie Yu praised the child, quickly helped Su Lang inside, and nimbly brought out a rattan chair. She placed a soft cushion on it and let him sit in the shade of the courtyard.
Xu Yueyun also came out at this time, and seeing Su Lang, she inevitably criticized him a bit.
Su Lang sat down in the rattan chair and let out a long sigh of relief.
Having been indoors without sunlight for almost half a month, his previously tanned skin had paled again.
Unfortunately, his face still lacked color, making him look pale as a ghost.
Su Lang casually wiped the sweat from his forehead, his tone relaxed. I've been lying in bed for so long; if I stay there any longer, I'll become useless. It's good to come out for a walk, and I can play with the kids.
Xu Yueyun could easily tell her son was forcing himself, but she also knew his stubborn temper; there was no talking him out of it.
She poured a cup of warm water from the house for her son and couldn't help saying, Once you recover, you can play with the kids however you want. Why be in such a rush?
Linlin stayed close to her dad's leg, her small hands resting on Su Lang's knee.
Hearing her grandmother's words, Linlin pointed her little finger at her brother. Not playing, helping brother study.
Huh? Study? Xu Yueyun didn't quite catch on.
Yes, Grandma, take a look. Jiang Chengzhou pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Xu Yueyun.
Xu Yueyun opened it.
Agricultural Practice Activity Record Sheet.
It required students, under the guidance of parents or teachers, to participate in agricultural labor such as planting, weeding, and watering, and to write observation diaries.
Xu Yueyun looked around but didn't see Su Bingcheng.
Your grandpa is always disappearing and reappearing out of nowhere. If you want to learn farming, you have to find him.
Su Bingcheng was from a farming background and was currently very enthusiastic about planting.
Rather than tiring out her son, it was better to let the old man do it.
What are you saying about me? Su Bingcheng happened to push the door open and walk in.
Xu Yueyun handed him the paper. Take a look, this task is yours now.
Su Bingcheng read it and laughed heartily. This is nothing. Chengzhou, what do you plan to plant?
Jiang Chengzhou thought hard for a moment. Grandpa, what's the easiest to grow?
In this weather, you could plant mid-season rice, but there's too little farmland on the island. We only plant life-saving rice, so we can't let you kids ruin it.
Su Bingcheng thought for a moment. How about planting some watermelons, or sweet potatoes?
Then I choose watermelon! Jiang Chengzhou made his decision immediately.
If he had to farm, he definitely wanted to grow something he loved to eat.
Grandpa, Linlin ran over, looking up at Su Bingcheng, I want to plant too.
Su Bingcheng crouched down. Okay, what does our little sweetie want to plant?
A big chicken leg!
