Chapter 87#

Hospital Visit#

Later, Ning Feng and Yin Beichen were taken onto a fighter jet and urgently sent back to the base for treatment.

Due to prolonged exposure to extreme cold, combined with intense physical activity, Yin Beichen was in a state of hypothermia. By the time he was brought in for treatment, his condition was dire—his muscles had stiffened, and he had already fallen into a coma. Fortunately, it was discovered in time; any later and the outcome would have been uncertain.

Although his condition wasn’t severe enough to warrant being sent to the main star for treatment, he would still need to stay in the medical recovery ward for some time.

Ning Feng learned all of this after returning to the base and powering himself on.

Compared to Yin Beichen, Ning Feng was in much better shape.

Thanks to the special-grade lubricating oil he usually used, aside from some wear and tear on his joints, all he needed was defrosting, and he would be as good as new. However, due to improper use, his power source had been heavily drained and had to be replaced. The current battery was one he had just exchanged on the platform; its specs and performance couldn’t compare to the previous one, but it would have to do for now.

What a waste of a good battery.

The moment he stepped out of the repair bay, Ning Feng rushed to the recovery ward to check on Yin Beichen’s condition. To his surprise, he was turned away at the door—by Ou Jingshan, no less.

“No visitation? Why?” Ning Feng frowned, leaning past the big bald man’s shoulder to look at the tightly shut ward behind him. Not only was the door firmly closed, but two guards stood on either side.

Ou Jingshan shifted his body to block his view. “Because the military doctor said his condition is too serious. He needs plenty of rest and can’t be disturbed.”

“Is he awake yet?”

“Not yet.”

“That serious?” Ning Feng frowned again.

He understood the severity of hypothermia, but three days had passed. Yin Beichen’s symptoms shouldn’t be this severe. Sensing something off, he said, “I’ll go talk to the military doctor.”

Ou Jingshan quickly stopped him. “Hey, hey, I told you, it’s serious. Can’t be disturbed.”

“I’m talking to the doctor.”

“Can’t disturb the doctor either.”

“Then who can I ask to get the full picture?”

Ou Jingshan cleared his throat and carefully studied Ning Feng’s expression. “If you’re really worried, you can ask me. I’ll pass it on to the doctor.”

“You?” Ning Feng raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on his lips. “Captain Ou, the eye-worms are running rampant all over the starfield, you have your hands full clearing them out. When do you have time to worry about others? Besides, what’s there about Yin Beichen that I, as the acting adjutant, am not allowed to inquire about?”

“That’s right, you’re the acting adjutant!” Ou Jingshan clapped his hands together.

“With so much going on lately and the commander in this condition, you need to handle things well for him. I’m still a department head, and this happened right under my nose—it’s only natural that I pay a little more attention, isn’t it?” He leaned in and lowered his voice, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you—not many people know about the commander’s situation.”

Hearing this, Ning Feng’s brow furrowed even tighter.

He understood what the other meant. The highest-ranking military commander being injured and unconscious was an extremely serious incident. A single misstep could shake the morale of the troops, especially with the insectoids showing signs of stirring lately.

He wondered if the bugs watched the news.

In the end, unable to argue further, Ning Feng had no choice but to ask Ou Jingshan to keep an eye out and inform him immediately if anything came up. Then he headed back to the office to handle matters.

**

Although Yin Beichen had dealt with some things before leaving, the backlog of work accumulated over the past few days was still considerable. Fortunately, Ning Feng was experienced and handled it all with ease. Moreover, he didn’t need to eat or sleep; as long as he kept an eye on his power level, he could work around the clock if he pushed himself. After working nonstop for two or three nights straight, he finally finished everything.

At first, when he took over the base’s military affairs, many people doubted Ning Feng’s abilities. But after he implemented bold and decisive measures, the skepticism gradually faded. However, the way people looked at him became a bit odd, and there was no shortage of whispers behind his back.

But Ning Feng didn’t care. He was only acting as commander for a few days anyway. Once Yin Beichen returned, he would gladly hand all this troublesome stuff back.

When Yan Zhengsheng entered the office, Ning Feng was lounging back in his chair, legs crossed, comparing two documents in his hands.

That posture…

A flicker of recognition passed through Yan Zhengsheng’s eyes, but he quickly masked it. He placed a stack of files on the desk. “These are the upgrade plans for the storage equipment. And these other documents need General Yin’s signature.”

“Thanks~ Just leave them there. I’ll take a look later,” Ning Feng said without looking up.

Glancing at the mountain of files, Yan Zhengsheng asked casually, “How’s the commander’s injury lately?”

“Heard it’s healing well.”

“You haven’t seen him?”

“No, I didn’t want to disturb his rest.”

Yan Zhengsheng paused for a moment, then said with feigned indifference, “It’s rare to see him rest for so many days.”

Ning Feng’s pen paused, his eyes fixed on the words below.

Indeed. Yin Beichen was a die-hard workaholic. Since they started working together, Ning Feng had never seen him take this much time off due to illness. But even now, with urgent military matters to be handled, he only had the documents sent over for his signature and then sent back—completely out of sight.

During this time, Ning Feng had pressed Ou Jingshan for updates, but the man never gave him detailed information, only saying that he was improving. But as for how much he had improved, the answers were always vague.

Was he seriously injured?

If not, then what was there to hide?

Ning Feng unconsciously furrowed his brows, his fingers tightening around the pen.

“Little turnip?” Yan Zhengsheng called out to him.

“Alright, I’ll handle the rest,” Ning Feng snapped back to attention and casually flipped through a few files. “Oh, by the way, I submitted the last proposal. Take a look and see if I missed anything.”

Yan Zhengsheng seemed puzzled but didn’t show it. He picked up the documents and carefully reviewed them. When his eyes landed on the fluid signature—especially that unmistakably familiar “Feng” character—his pupils contracted sharply.

He stared at the robot who was hunched over his desk, reading files, for a long moment. Then he let out a soft chuckle.

“What? Did I get something wrong?” Ning Feng asked.

“No. With such trivial matters, how could you possibly make a mistake?” Yan Zhengsheng withdrew his gaze and began tidying up the files. “Alright, that’s about it. Those files I just mentioned are relatively urgent. If you have time, keep an eye on them.”

“No problem.” The words felt a bit strange, but Ning Feng couldn’t pinpoint why, so he quickly dismissed the feeling.

“I’ll get back to work.”

“Okay.”

Yan Zhengsheng walked to the door, then stopped. He turned slightly and cast a glance at Ning Feng.

“Welcome back, Feng Ge.”

Then, without giving Ning Feng a moment to react, he opened the door and left.

Ning Feng was stunned for a second, then let out a helpless laugh.

“How is it that everyone recognizes me? Is it really that obvious?” He leaned back heavily in his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling. His peripheral vision caught the pile of documents on the desk. His brow gradually furrowed again. After thinking for a moment, he sent a message to Ou Jingshan.

[Captain Ou, please inform the doctor. I want to enter the recovery ward.]

After a pause, Ning Feng added two more words.

[Right now.]

**

Ning Feng arrived at the ward carrying his files, but the two guards said no one was allowed in except the military doctor, unless they had Ou Jingshan’s approval.

He frowned.

As an adjutant, he fully understood the importance of the commander’s safety. But under such safe conditions, this level of strict security was highly unusual.

After thinking for a moment, Ning Feng called Ou Jingshan.

However, Ou Jingshan was busy running drills on the training ground and couldn’t get away anytime soon. He also refused to let the guards allow Ning Feng in, only leaving the words “Wait there” before the call mysteriously dropped. Ning Feng waited for about another hour before the big bald man finally trudged over, dragging his feet.

“Captain Ou, could you walk a bit faster?” Ning Feng said with a tight, forced smile.

“Oh, if it isn’t Little Turnip. You’re here early,” Ou Jingshan said with a sly grin. “What’s so important that it needs the commander’s signature right now?”

“This is work.”

“Yeah, right. ‘Work.’ Couldn’t you just send it over online?” Ou Jingshan jabbed Ning Feng in the chest with his elbow. “So? After holding out for a few days, worried sick, huh?”

Hearing this, Ning Feng narrowed his eyes. “You did that on purpose?”

“Would I dare? I was just following the doctor’s orders,” Ou Jingshan laughed heartily, waved for the guards to step aside, and personally opened the door. He made a “please” gesture.

Paying no mind to the other’s sarcastic manner, Ning Feng walked straight in.

White walls, white ceiling, and a white hospital bed, all shrouded in a dim gloom, like a suffocating prison cell. The room was filled with various medical devices, beeping incessantly, grating on the nerves. A smell of disinfectant mixed with medicine hung in the air, exuding a sickly atmosphere.

Then, he saw Yin Beichen.

He was lying on the bed, breathing slow and faint, his face as pale as the sheets. A faint hint of greyish-blue showed through beneath his eyes. Compared to the last time they met, his thin lips had a touch more color, but he had noticeably lost weight.

Ning Feng and Ou Jingshan hadn’t exactly been quiet, but Yin Beichen showed no reaction at all. His eyes remained tightly shut as he slept.

Ning Feng’s brows knitted tightly.

He had never seen Yin Beichen in such a disheveled state before. In the past, when he got sick, he always recovered quickly—not like this, looking so haggard and worn out.

Ou Jingshan cleared his throat. “You two take your time. No rush.”

With that, he thoughtfully closed the door behind him.

Ning Feng stood by the entrance for a moment before finally walking over quietly, stopping beside the bed. He hesitated, then placed the files on the nightstand, reaching out to touch Yin Beichen’s cheek.

Still a bit warm.

He tried to find the medical chart by the bed, but it was nowhere to be seen. The military doctor wasn’t around either, leaving no one to ask about the condition. Still, Yin Beichen seemed to be out of danger, and the worry that had been gnawing at Ning Feng for days finally began to ease.

“Yin Beichen?” he called softly. No response.

Looking down at that handsome face, Ning Feng’s brows remained furrowed.

He couldn’t stop thinking about Yin Beichen’s reactions out in the snow, along with his previous attitude. A flood of conflicting thoughts surged within him.

He felt guilty about Yin Beichen’s injury.

Ever since returning to the base, he couldn’t help but think about it, couldn’t help but worry. But whenever he thought about the past, he found it hard to soften his heart. Sure, his old crush was his own doing, but he knew himself—he was too shallow. He was afraid that at some point, his brain would short-circuit and he’d come running back again.

The past few days had been agonizing. He could only force himself to focus on work and stop dwelling on it. But today, when Yan Zhengsheng’s casual remark inadvertently struck a nerve, it ripped apart the fragile calm he had been trying to maintain.

With a silent sigh, Ning Feng looked away.

Since he wasn’t awake yet, it was better not to disturb his rest. As long as the man was fine, that was enough. He wasn’t a doctor anyway; staring at him a few more times wouldn’t cure anything.

Just as Ning Feng was about to get up, he heard Yin Beichen mutter something indecipherable in his sleep. A moment later, his eyelids fluttered and slowly opened. He tilted his head slightly to look at Ning Feng, locking his gaze onto the man.

The two stared at each other for a moment, neither speaking.

Yin Beichen quietly studied Ning Feng, his blue eyes clear and lucid, with an unreadable emotion flowing beneath the surface.

Ning Feng’s brow twitched, and he looked away. “You’re awake?”

“Mm.” Yin Beichen’s voice was hoarse.

He struggled to sit up, but even that simple movement left him slightly out of breath. Ning Feng hesitated, then reached out to help, propping up two pillows behind him.

“Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?” he asked.

“…Water.” Yin Beichen coughed a few times.

Ning Feng poured a cup of warm water and held it out to Yin Beichen. But Yin Beichen didn’t move, just stared at him quietly. Noticing the bandages wrapped around his arm, Ning Feng’s brow twitched again. In the end, he brought the cup to Yin Beichen’s lips himself.

Yin Beichen drank very slowly, his prominent Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. Even though Ning Feng was careful, a few drops trickled from the corner of his mouth down his throat. He frowned slightly, as if uncomfortable, but didn’t say anything, simply watching Ning Feng. Unable to ignore that gaze, Ning Feng finally grabbed the hospital gown and casually wiped it off.

Yin Beichen’s eyes darkened, his lids lowering slightly. He coughed again, this time with a hint of discomfort.

“Do you have something to discuss?”

“No.” Ning Feng glanced at the files on the nightstand. No matter what, he couldn’t bring himself to make a sick man do paperwork.

“Is there something that needs to be handled?” Yin Beichen ignored his answer, following his gaze to the stack of documents. “Are these it?”

“No.”

“I’ll sign them and have someone send them over.”

“Hey, can’t I just come to see you?”

A faint, almost sarcastic smile tugged at Yin Beichen’s lips.

“You can.”

Seeing that expression, Ning Feng felt a lump form in his chest. But he really had come under the pretext of work, so he couldn’t argue.

He choked on his words for a long moment before finally forcing himself to calm down. He pulled up a chair and sat down. Discreetly observing Yin Beichen’s complexion, he lowered his eyes and spoke quietly.

“Are you feeling any better?”

“Mm.” Yin Beichen shifted his arm, a pained expression on his face.

“What’s wrong with your arm?” Ning Feng immediately noticed something was off.

“Nothing.”

“Let me see.”

Frowning, Ning Feng forcibly took his hand and turned it over, examining it from every angle.

Yin Beichen’s skin was fair and smooth, his fingers long and slender, very beautiful. They felt cool to the touch. Perhaps tickled by the touch, his fingertips twitched slightly and gently wrapped around Ning Feng’s fingers, but made no further move.

Ning Feng rubbed for a long time. Aside from feeling some muscle stiffness, the entire arm seemed to lack strength, hanging limply.

“What’s going on?” He furrowed his brows.

Yin Beichen was silent for a moment, then let out a soft sigh. “I can’t lift it.”

“Did you injure the bone? What did the doctor say?”

“The doctor said it’s nothing.”

“Nothing?”

Yin Beichen’s lukewarm attitude irritated Ning Feng, but looking at that haggard face, he couldn’t bring himself to get angry. After all, this whole mess was his own fault. He knew that if the man didn’t want to talk, no amount of pressing would get an answer. So he decided to find the military doctor later to clarify the situation, and then gently tucked Yin Beichen’s hand back under the blanket.

“Keep warm. Don’t move it too much.”

For a moment, the room fell silent.

The only sounds were the beeping of machines and the sterile, awkward atmosphere hanging in the air. Just as Ning Feng was thinking about leaving, Yin Beichen broke the silence.

“Has anything happened at the base lately?”

“No. It’s been very quiet.”

Ning Feng gave him a rundown of the base’s recent situation and a few urgent military matters. Yin Beichen listened quietly the whole time, occasionally adding a comment or offering advice.

Whenever he talked too much, Ning Feng would feed him some water. The atmosphere between them became warm and harmonious.

Not long after, a nursing robot brought in a tray of food and medicine. Ning Feng glanced at the time. They had been talking for so long—it was already evening.

He stood up. “It’s good to see that you’re okay. You should eat first. I need to get back to work.”

Yin Beichen gazed at him, letting out a soft “Mm” without stopping him.

Just as he reached the door, Ning Feng paused. He turned his head slightly and saw Yin Beichen sitting up in bed, still in the same position, a hint of loneliness on his face.

A flicker passed through Ning Feng’s eyes. Then he withdrew his gaze and left the room.

Yin Beichen watched the tall, straight back disappear through the doorway, a fleeting, unreadable emotion flashing in his eyes. He lowered his gaze to the bandages on his hand, and the supposedly “useless” hand nimbly touched and squeezed the fabric, as if savoring the memory of the warmth from moments ago.

After a long while, Yin Beichen looked toward the door again, a faint smile curling at the corners of his mouth.