Chapter 1719 You Must Come Back
Usually, the soldiers' family members would not be informed when they were sent on a mission. This time, the higher-ups had made a call to Xia Wen directly, which meant that it was a very serious matter.
Even Xia Mao and Xu Lan were not allowed to know about this mission. The military would only allow one family member to be informed.
"I guess so. If it's over quickly, I'll be back in a few months. I don't think it'll take too long," Xia Zhe said, pretending to be relaxed.
"When do you set off?" Xia Wen asked.
After a long silence, Xia Zhe said, "I'm on leave for 10 days this time round and there are only seven days left. I'm leaving for the mission after this break."
Xia Wen slowly squatted down as he leaned against the wall. He was unwilling to accept the fact that Xia Zhe had to go on this mission. Why did it have to be his younger brother? Why not someone else?
This was his only younger brother. After his divorce, he had finally found Mo Zhu whom he wanted to marry. Xia He and Deng Fan were happy and blissful together. Xia Zhe and Qiao Mei were having their third child and Xu Lan's health was gradually improving. Xia Mao was now a commander and no longer needed to face danger at the front line. He had thought that the Xia family was finally going to have good days ahead, but Xia Zhe had to leave them at this moment.
Why did the heavens always seem to play jokes on him?
"Eldest Brother… if I can't make it back…" Before Xia Zhe could finish speaking, Xia Wen interrupted him. "If you can't come back, I'll let Qiao Mei return to Foshan Village! She won't be the Xia family's daughter-in-law anymore! This is your home and you have to come back! I won't take care of Qiao Mei for you! You have to be responsible for your own wife! And your children! I won't care about them either!"
Xia Zhe chuckled softly. He knew that Xia Wen was just saying it out of anger and also understood that Xia Wen was feeling pained right now. Anyone who knew about this matter would feel terrible.
"Alright, I promise you. I'll be back," Xia Zhe said.
"This matter… Do you plan to tell Qiao Mei?" Xia Wen probed.
"I don't. Since the superiors didn't call her, it means that she doesn't have the right to know about this matter. Just let her think that I'm just going on an ordinary mission. She's pregnant now and it's not good for her to hear about this anyway," Xia Zhe said seriously.
For such a mission, one had to hide one's identity or even change one's identity and appearance. The mission could last a few months, a few years or even a few decades, or one may never meet one's loved ones again.
Xia Wen knew of many such comrades who went on such missions back then and they all died in the end. Even their graves were just cenotaphs because their bodies were not even found.
At the thought of this, Xia Wen had goosebumps all over his body. He was afraid that this farewell would be forever.
"You… Can't you not go? If there's really no other way, why don't we ask Father to intercede for you. Or maybe Grandfather? Grandfather still has a lot of clout, so he can make a difference. After you retire from the army, you can come and work under me or go to Qiao Mei's factory to help her. You can even just stay at home and do nothing! Do you want to go and discuss it with them?" Xia Wen said in a state of panic.
Xia Zhe looked at Xia Wen quietly and finally said solemnly, "I'm a soldier. My duty is to protect every citizen of this country."
Xia Wen looked at Xia Zhe dejectedly. He knew for sure that Xia Zhe would definitely go on this mission.
"Eldest Brother, I still hope that you can help me take care of my family. Qiao Mei… Qiao Mei is pregnant. I might not be able to make it back on the day our child is born. Can you help me take care of her…" Xia Zhe said in a choked voice.
"Alright, I understand, but I'll only help you take care of Qiao Mei until she gives birth safely. You still have to come back and take care of the rest yourself. Do you understand?" Xia Wen said.
"It's a deal," Xia Zhe said with a smile.
Xia Wen laughed when he saw the cheeky look on Xia Zhe's face. He looked at Xia Zhe helplessly and said, "How do I get a younger brother like you? You're really… really not too bad…"
"I'm your younger brother for life. You won't be able to get rid of me," Xia Zhe said.
The two of them spoke a lot about the mission. By the time Xia Wen left Qiao Mei's house, it was already getting dark. Qiao Mei looked at the departing Xia Wen and asked, "What did Eldest Brother come to talk to you about?"
"Nothing much. He just came to ask if his former comrade-in-arms is doing well in the army. That person joined our army base recently," Xia Zhe said perfunctorily.