014, novelty, a sense of wonder

Jing Qingxin carefully held the large iron porcelain cup. The water inside was just the right temperature—not so hot as to burn her hands or mouth. At the moment, the water’s warmth merely qualified as “hot”—nothing like the boiling temperature one would expect from freshly boiled water. If one desired truly scalding water, it would have to be drunk the moment it finished boiling.

Turning, Jing Qingxin walked to the bedside, holding out the cup to Gao Shen and murmuring softly, “A glass of water in the morning is good for your stomach and intestines.”

“Thank you.” Gao Shen took the cup and drank in earnest.

Jing Qingxin picked up the backpack from the wooden cabinet, sat down on the edge of the bed, and began unpacking it, arranging each item on the wooden cabinet beside the bed.

Gao Shen sipped his water, but his gaze was inevitably drawn to the items Jing Qingxin was taking from her bag. He had noticed this black, leather-like material early that morning, thinking it resembled a backpack. He couldn’t help but marvel inwardly—were things from sixty years in the future all this refined?

After finishing the water, Gao Shen set the cup on the cabinet, quietly watching as Jing Qingxin organized the brightly colored bags, his eyes full of curiosity.

Jing Qingxin noticed Gao Shen’s inquisitive gaze and said cheerfully, “Look, these are all gifts I brought for you! Go ahead, take a look.”

“For me?” Gao Shen raised his eyebrows slightly, a bit surprised.

“Yes! This is chocolate, which helps replenish your energy. These are medicinal pastries—you can eat them with rice porridge in the morning, or pair them with flower tea when you're hungry. My mother made them—they’re delicious and good for your health. These are wellness pills—one a day will help your recovery.” As she introduced each item, Jing Qingxin placed them before him.

Gao Shen, full of curiosity, studied each object intently. Thanks to Jing Qingxin’s explanations, he could roughly understand what each item was, but it was the packaging that truly caught his attention—he had never seen anything like it before.

Jing Qingxin’s lips curved in a gentle smile. Watching Gao Shen seriously examine each item amused her greatly. Then, she produced a small porcelain bottle from her bag, her tone earnest. “This is Divine Tendon Water. It can treat your leg injury. Apply it to the wound every day—one bottle lasts for three days. There are two here! When you finish them, I’ll bring you more.”

Gao Shen, who had been examining the chocolate, immediately set it down upon hearing this. He took the small porcelain bottle from Jing Qingxin, his expression tinged with excitement as he confirmed, “This will treat my leg? My leg can really be healed? I can recover fully?”

Jing Qingxin nodded, her smile gentle. “Yes, your leg can be saved. You can recover completely and return to your unit to continue serving your country!”

“You know?” Gao Shen’s gaze grew deeper.

“Well, isn’t there a set of military uniform under your bed? Judging by the insignia, you’re a company commander, aren’t you?” Jing Qingxin lifted her chin, confident in her assessment.

“You know about military ranks and the army?” This time, Gao Shen couldn’t hide a trace of surprise—an expression he rarely showed.

Jing Qingxin found Gao Shen’s reaction all the more interesting, and inwardly wondered: Had life in the modern world been so dull for her that she traveled back sixty years just to tease this earnest and traditional man? Since they had met, his demeanor had always been composed and solemn. Only this morning, upon waking, had she glimpsed a softer side to him.

“I know more than you think!” Jing Qingxin replied with a bright smile.

Gao Shen pressed further, “Is everyone in the future like you? Familiar with military affairs and medicine?”

“Haha, well… not exactly! People have different talents. It’s a long story, but in short, the future is an era of knowledge and technological advancement.” Jing Qingxin didn’t want to dwell on the topic; talking about her own era could go on endlessly.

“Alright,” Gao Shen nodded. If the future would truly be so promising, then all the sacrifices and perseverance now would be worthwhile.

“In any case, follow my instructions and your leg will fully recover,” Jing Qingxin said with a smile.

“I’ll do as you say. What should I do?” Gao Shen nodded, seeking direction.

“First, apply the medicine regularly. Give your leg a massage every day. Once the wound improves, you’ll need to start rehabilitation exercises. You can’t just lie in bed all day—that won’t help your recovery. You have to try walking a bit to promote healing,” Jing Qingxin explained.

“Understood.” Gao Shen’s response was succinct and resolute. If this would restore his leg, no hardship was too great.

Suddenly, Jing Qingxin remembered something else. She reached into her bag and brought out two military-themed books, lifting her voice in delight. “Tada! I also prepared these for you. Take a look—do you like them?”

Seeing Jing Qingxin’s bright and proud expression, Gao Shen accepted the books with a puzzled look. The bold title on the cover instantly deepened his gaze, making it grow cold.

“What’s wrong? You don’t like them?” Jing Qingxin asked quietly, not getting the reaction she’d anticipated.

“These kinds of books… are they common in your time?” Gao Shen’s voice was low.

“Well, not exactly everywhere, but they’re easy to find. Of course, classified materials aren’t made public, but I was born into a military family, so our home had plenty of books like these.”

Gao Shen’s eyes flashed with surprise. He hadn’t expected this delicate-looking woman to come from a military family—her relatives must be outstanding.

“Is there something wrong with these books?” Jing Qingxin asked, a little apprehensive. She had simply thought they’d be useful to him and help pass the long days of recovery.

Gao Shen’s expression darkened slightly. Stroking the cover, he spoke softly, “There’s nothing wrong with these books. In fact, they are too precious. If my comrades had access to more knowledge about military strategy, they wouldn’t have died so needlessly. At least, they’d have a better chance at survival.”

In these times, so much depended on trial and error. When facing foreign enemies, they simply lacked the necessary skills and knowledge. Comprehensive military books like these were exceedingly rare, and those that did exist were never circulated among ordinary soldiers. Gao Shen couldn’t help but feel a bitter ache for the hardships of the present day.

This novel was first published by Xiaoxiang Academy. Please do not reproduce.