Chapter 23: Shen Nanzheng "Scams" His Wife

Wen Ran?

Shen Nanzheng recognized her in an instant as her profile flashed by.

She was dressed in a white uniform with matching trousers and a white cap, looking every bit the young nurse. Her slender frame, complemented by the pristine white attire, made her appear like an angel who had descended to earth. She looked much younger than she had when she jumped from the building in his past life; the youthful innocence on her face was unmistakable.

He knew this face better than his own.

He took two quick steps to pursue her, but stopped after only a few paces. His remaining sense of reason conquered his impulse. At this point in time, they were strangers; approaching her rashly would likely frighten her.

He turned to ask He Changshan, "Uncle He, has the hospital been hiring recently?"

He Changshan was puzzled by the sudden question, but pleased to be addressed as "Uncle He." "Yes, it’s been about twenty days. It coincided with the latest batch of graduates—we hired three doctors and five nurses. Three of the nurses are apprentices, not graduates from the health school. Why? Is there an enemy agent among them?"

It was no surprise He Changshan would ask this; Shen Nanzheng often took on assignments involving counter-espionage, so it was natural for him to be cautious.

Shen Nanzheng pondered for a moment. "Give me a detailed list of their files."

"Right." He Changshan became tense and quickly retrieved them for him.

Wen Ran’s file was very detailed, and Shen Nanzheng felt a sense of relief. When Factory Manager Wei had mentioned she found a job, he had been curious; he never expected her to have become a nurse. Being a nurse was a fine profession, and an apprenticeship was a good start.

Seeing him silent, He Changshan asked cautiously, "Is there a problem?"

"No, it’s quite good," Shen Nanzheng said, pointing to Wen Ran’s name. "Especially this one—please look after her for me."

He Changshan’s eyes lit up, and he asked keenly, "You know her?"

"Yes," Shen Nanzheng replied, offering no further explanation.

That was enough to shock He Changshan. Given Shen Nanzheng’s character, he rarely paid attention to women, let alone pulled strings for them. Only a woman he intended to marry could elicit such care. If the girl he pointed out hadn't been so young, and his expression so calm, he would have assumed she was his bride-to-be.

Feeling uneasy under He Changshan’s probing gaze, and unable to explain much before re-establishing a relationship with his wife, Shen Nanzheng quickly made an excuse to leave.

***

Yet, his heart was brimming with uncontrollable joy.

He made a point of loitering near the medical supply room where she was temporarily working, hoping for a "chance encounter." However, after wandering around for a while, he didn't run into her.

He was perplexed. After pondering all night, he made a decision. She might not accept a formal introduction, but she couldn't avoid a chance meeting.

The next day, he took action. He waited specifically on the path Wen Ran had to take, like a tree in full bloom, standing solemnly under the sunlight. His anticipation trembled like petals in the breeze. While waiting, he had rehearsed every scenario, even predicting what she might say. The thought of finally making contact made him nervous. He paced back and forth within a few dozen meters, his peripheral vision constantly darting toward the path.

When he caught sight of her, he immediately pretended to have lost something, bending over to search the ground inch by inch.

Wen Ran, just as he had hoped, was cycling toward him. The wind lifted the stray locks of hair from her forehead; her face was clean and flawless. Even in ordinary clothes, she made the attire look beautiful.

For some reason, she had become nervous whenever she saw a green military uniform lately. Every time she saw a back in uniform, she felt it was Shen Nanzheng, and only by pretending to be busy could she force herself to stay calm.

When the green uniform appeared before her again, her grip on the handlebars faltered. The more she looked, the more he resembled Shen Nanzheng. Could it be him? He seemed to be looking down for something.

Fortunately, he didn't know her yet. She could pretend to be composed and cycle past him, perhaps picking up a little speed. But just as she was about to pass, he suddenly bent over and turned toward her path.

Seeing they were about to collide, she shouted, "Move! Get out of the way!"

Shen Nanzheng had no intention of moving; this was exactly the effect he wanted. To win his wife back, a little pain was a small price to pay. He gave her every opportunity to crash into him, catching her off guard.

Wen Ran tried her best to pull the brakes, but they were unresponsive, and her speed had been a bit high. She never imagined he was doing this on purpose. She watched helplessly as her front tire struck his leg. He let out a muffled groan, yet still managed to grab the bicycle to prevent her from falling in her panic.

He looked up; their eyes met.

They were the people each had longed for in their hearts. But as neither knew the other held memories of a past life, both averted their gazes without a trace.

Feeling guilty, Wen Ran quickly got off her bike. "I’m so sorry, comrade! Did I hurt you?"

Her voice was clear and sweet, with a hint of a tremor. Shen Nanzheng felt a pang of heartache, realizing he had frightened her. "Don’t be afraid. I won't blame you."

Despite his words, he deliberately lifted his pant leg as he bent over. There was an abrasion from two days ago, and the impact had caused it to seep a little blood. Once he ensured she saw it, he quickly lowered his trousers.

Seeing that she had caused his old wound to bleed, Wen Ran felt a wave of guilt. She realized he hadn't been able to dodge in time because he was already injured. She couldn't just walk away. It was her fault for riding too fast—why was she feeling so guilty? But it was too late now, and time wouldn't turn back. Even without the bond of their past life, she couldn't just leave him.

Guiltily, she said, "Let me take you to the hospital to get that bandaged. Can you still walk?"

"No need to bandage... hiss~" Shen Nanzheng wasn't in much pain, but to further their acquaintance, he deliberately sucked in a breath of cold air, certain she wouldn't leave him behind.