Extra 40 Returning from the exercise
Mama Dang Hong had replaced Pan Lei's single bed with a double bed since the couple began regularly visiting the military compound. Dang Hong would ask Tian Yuan to stay with them whenever Pan Lei was due to be away from home for an extended period of time, fearing that Tian Yuan would simply go through the motions when he ate alone. It was also convenient because they could both commute to and from work.
A small-scale military exercise was held once a year, and a large-scale military exercise was held every three years. Despite the fact that it was not the time for the large-scale military exercise, Pan Lei couldn't forsake his duty for the time being, no matter how badly he wanted to return and accompany his baby. Many military regions were merging for exercises, and he expected to go more than 2,000 kilometers behind enemy lines.
He constantly complained when he phoned. We haven't seen each other in fifteen days, baby; I haven't touched you in twenty days, baby; and we haven't rolled the sheets in ages, and it's killing me, baby.
Tian Yuan felt sorry for him as well. It was too far away, and he even ventured to the border, where the summer temperatures exceeded 30°C, and it was hot and humid in the woods. He was bound to suffer greatly.
Pan Lei had been gone for 35 days when they received word that the mission was over and they could return, but then the news was cut off.
Dang Hong comforted Tian Yuan.
"It's okay, it's okay, it’s just a military exercise, not a real battlefield. Don't worry."
"Why hasn’t he come back yet?"
"It’ll take a few days, won’t it child. I spoke with the CO the day before yesterday on the phone and learned that they were on their way back."
"I know you miss him."
Tian Yuan reddened at Mama Dang Hong's words and, flustered, took up a medical journal to ask her about academic questions.
Papa Pan and Mama Dang Hong laughed heartily. This child was still so shy after so many years of marriage.
Tian Yuan clenched his fist over the phone, unable to sleep. Pan Lei hadn't called him in three days. He had no idea where Pan Lei was or when he would return. He was fine throughout the day when he was working. But he really missed Pan Lei at night. When they were together, Pan Lei was so noisy that Tian Yuan sometimes wished Pan Lei would leave sooner, but when he did, Tian Yuan started missing him again.
The quilt was large, and the bed was quite comfortable. Tian Yuan, however, tossed and turned, unable to sleep because Pan Lei was not around.
Tian Yuan thought to himself as he stared at the drapes, "They are indeed a military family. Even the curtains match the army's pine green color." Tian Yuan envisioned Pan Lei returning and yelling for him. Pan Lei wouldn't go to their home since he knew Tian Yuan was in the military compound. When Pan Lei was around, life was always vibrant and full of sounds and activities.
Huh? The light that suddenly reflected on the drapes drew Tian Yuan's attention. It's so late; how can a car arrive at this hour?
Tian Yuan cocked his head to listen, and sure enough, he heard a car door close, someone calling Aunt, and then conversation.
"Is everyone sleeping?"
Tian Yuan leapt out of bed and dashed outside. Pan Lei’s back. He’s finally back.
Pan Lei had just entered the living room when he rushed out.
"Hey, my ancestor, what are you doing running out without shoes?! Do you want to freeze?"
Pan Lei's joy turned into yelling when he saw Tian Yuan run out in his pajamas and without shoes.
He hurriedly took two steps forward, intending to pick up Tian Yuan, but who knew that his baby was feeling particularly frisky today and threw himself at him, wrapped his arms around Pan Lei's neck.
Pan Lei laughed, held his butt up and hugged him, kissing him on the ear.
"Miss me?"
Tian Yuan buried his face in Pan Lei’s neck and inhaled deeply.
Of course he missed him; how could he not? They hadn't seen each other in nearly forty days. Only when he hugged this tall and strong body did he believe Pan Lei had come back.
He knew all too well what "going crazy with lovesickness" was.
Pan Lei was absolutely delighted as he patted Tian Yuan’s butt. It was not in vain that he drove back in the middle of the night after being greeted so warmly when he came home.
Thanks to his great strength, he easily supported Tian Yuan's buttocks with one arm, allowing Tian Yuan to hang on to his body without falling off. He wanted to kiss Tian Yuan, so he tugged his head with his free hand.
Tian Yuan frowned as he looked up from his arms.
"What’s that smell? You haven't showered in a few days?"
"Yeah, it has been more than half a month. Why?"
Tian Yuan shoved him, seeking to get away from him.
"You stink. Go take a shower first."
Pan Lei arched his brow. Yo, were you waiting to despise me because I smell ripe? Why didn’t he let go when he was holding him just now? Pan Lei wrapped his arms around Tian Yuan’s waist and refused to let go. Try escaping now.
"Alright now, it's the middle of the night, so stop messing around. Leizi, are you hungry? Shall I ask the nanny to prepare you a bowl of noodles?"
Mama Dang Hong was also standing in the living room, dressed in a robe and pajamas, watching the young couple make a scene as soon as Pan Lei returned.
"I'll do it myself, mom. You and Dad can rest. We’ll both wash up and head to bed. We won't go back tomorrow; we will stay with you for two days."
He patted Tian Yuan's butt.
"This time, I’m going to spend quality time with you, baby."
"Get in the shower!"
Tian Yuan punched him, but Pan Lei held on tight. He simply lifted Tian Yuan's waist and carried him on his shoulder. Mama Dang Hong shook her head and laughed as she went to her room. The young couple were in a good mood, so let them make a fuss. She returned to her bed.
Tian Yuan was extremely embarrassed. He was still messing around like this in front of his parents.
"Hush, don't be noisy in the middle of the night. If your yelling bothers the neighbors next door, they'll think our house has been burglarized. If all of the guards come to our house to catch the thieves, no one will have peace of mind."
Pan Lei carried Tian Yuan into the bathroom. Pan Lei hurriedly placed Tian Yuan on the small stool because he was barefoot.
"Rub my back for me. This month has been hell. I’ve been hiding in the deep mountains and old forests for a month. There was barely enough water for drinking, let alone for taking a bath. Maybe I’ll take this dress off and it’ll just stand there with a prod."
"Then I'll go grab your clothes."
"Nah, I'll just leave wrapped in a bath towel. It’s just the two of us anyway. I miss you and can’t bear the thought of turning around and not seeing you."
Muah~ He kissed Tian Yuan, who rose to his feet and undressed him. This camo combat suit was caked in muck and dust. They hadn't seen each other in over a month, and Pan Lei had grown darker and slimmer.
"Sit there. You’re not wearing shoes, so don't catch a cold."
Pan Lei didn't need his help. Tian Yuan squatted instead of sitting back to untie the laces of his high-top military boots.
"It’s summer, so it's alright."
Pan Lei couldn't stomach the thought of him assisting him in taking off his shoes, so he quickly undressed. Tian Yuan's keen eyes noticed red blotches on his back.
"How did this happen?"
"Eczema. The woods are hot and humid. I had to lie down for hours at a time and didn't have time to shower or change my clothes, thus this stuff appeared. It itches like hell."
"You'll feel better when I dab some medicine on you. Don't scratch it because the infection is easy to fester." Is there any need to look so funny? Look at him!
Pan Lei felt aggrieved. He wanted to scratch it, but wasn’t allowed to. His back was very itchy and irritable, so he rubbed against the wall with a dejected expression.
I haven't seen him like this in a long time. Tian Yuan first laughed at Pan Lei, much to his astonishment.
Pan Lei was annoyed. He’s still laughing when I’m like this! Pan Lei grabbed him and went straight to the spray head to shower, regardless of Tian Yuan’s struggle. Tian Yuan continued to push and shove, yelling that he had taken a shower, but he was still soaked through and through. He raised his head and choked on some water.
His face turned red as he coughed. Pan Lei smirked as he patted him on the back.
"Go on, make fun of me."
"Your uncle!"
"My uncle is at his base. I'll take you to see him and tell him how much you miss him and greet him."
Pan Zhan would kick them both to death if he dared to go, yelling, "Let's see if you'll greet my father again!"
They were such a bickering couple. They had only met for a few minutes and were already quarreling. Tian Yuan coughed, pulled Pan Lei under the nozzle, and handed him the small stool.
"Sit down, and I'll rub your back. God alone knows what fertilizers you ate to grow so tall. I have to stand on my tiptoes if I want to shampoo your hair."
Pan Lei chuckled. Tian Yuan casually removed his pajamas, which were already damp. He squirted some shampoo onto his palm and rubbed his hands together to create a pile of foam. His fingernails were clipped because surgeons are not allowed to have long fingernails. His finger pads brushed across Pan Lei's scalp, lightly massaging his head. Pan Lei was completely exhausted. He was weary from the month-long training. Tian Yuan massaged his head and he groaned comfortably. He stretched out his arms and wrapped them around Tian Yuan's waist.
"It's still great to be home, and my baby is the best."
"Alright, get up. You should eat something and get some rest when I wash you up. Look at those dark circles under your eyes."
"I haven’t had a good night's sleep in forever."
Tian Yuan wiped his back with a soft cloth and carefully observed the eczema patches. It was a large area that took up one-third of his back. It looked uncomfortable.
"The bugs in the woods are terrible. Don't you have some kind of insect repellent spray; it’s ineffective."
"Do you have any idea how many different kinds of those things there are? It's similar to a fly. After just one bite, the region becomes big, swollen, and inflamed. They are also probably resistant to drugs. Ordinary insect repellents don't work."
Tian Yuan yanked Pan Lei's hand away as he stretched it out to scratch it.
"The skin is tender; don't scratch it."
"It’s itchy."
"Since this is a sensitive place, no irritant medication can be used. You can only endure it."
"Let's go to bed. The swelling will go down tomorrow."
Translator:
Let's head to the final chapter...
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