The ceremonial guard’s uniforms were not as flashy as modern ones, but they had a unique charm. The atmosphere was solemn and serious, just like any military formation. Soldiers, at their core, were the same. Zhu Yanyi deeply admired her country’s soldiers. Chinese soldiers did more than defend the nation; they protected their homes.
Unlike soldiers abroad, Chinese soldiers went wherever disaster struck. Whether it was floods, droughts, or earthquakes, they were always on the front lines. Many sacrificed their lives quietly, yet they wrote a different kind of youth story with their blood and passion.
This was why Zhu Yanyi respected soldiers. Sacrificing in disasters was unavoidable, but she felt it was unfair if they died from illness. So, she studied medicine. It was her way of fulfilling that same passionate dream.
Zhu Yanyi knew her personality wasn’t suited for being a soldier, but she could be a good doctor.
After the flag-raising ceremony, Zhu Yanyi parted ways with Zhu Shun Yao and the others. Zhang Haifeng took them to breakfast first. Zhu Yanyi took the bus directly to Grandpa Yao’s place. As soon as she entered, she said, “Grandpa Yao, I haven’t had breakfast. Do you have anything good to eat?”
Grandpa Yao chuckled at her words. “You didn’t come this early just for my breakfast, did you?”
“Xiao Zhang took us to see the flag-raising. I had no time to eat,” Zhu Yanyi said, making a face as if she would starve to death if she didn’t feed her.
“Go make something in the kitchen yourself. There should be some noodles left,” Grandpa Yao said with a helpless smile.
Zhu Yanyi smiled lightly. “Have you eaten, Grandpa Yao?”
“I had plain porridge with pickled mustard greens this morning,” Grandpa Yao replied. He preferred light food for health reasons.
Zhu Yanyi nodded and walked into the kitchen. Sure enough, there was a bundle of dragon-whisker noodles. She cooked a bowl for herself, added an egg, and sat down to eat. Grandpa Yao didn’t mind her familiarity; she found it amusing.
Watching her eat happily, Grandpa Yao said calmly, “Remember to buy ingredients for lunch after you finish.”
Zhu Yanyi paused, swallowing her noodles. “Grandpa Yao, you’re enslaving me after just one bowl of noodles? You’re really heartless.”
“If it means enslaving you, I’m more than willing,” Grandpa Yao answered with a grin.
“Fine, I’ll buy them,” Zhu Yanyi said. She seemed to remember something, took out several books from her bag, and handed a few to Grandpa Yao. “I copied these. The originals are with me. You can ask for them if you want.”
Grandpa Yao didn’t hesitate. “The copies are enough. Why do I need the originals? Keep them.” He started reading, his expression turning surprised. The ancestors’ experience was truly amazing. But many things had been lost due to past turmoil. Thinking of this, he felt regretful. “Have you learned the techniques in these books?”
“Yes. I’ve mastered all thirteen needles of ‘Withered Tree Meets Spring.’ I’ve also learned two-thirds of the medicinal diets. The rest will come soon,” Zhu Yanyi said, standing up after finishing her noodles. “I used the ‘Withered Tree Meets Spring’ needles on the train last time. It worked very well.”
She went to the kitchen to wash the bowls before coming back out.