Gu Zheng glanced back at Song Ning.
Song Ning had no attention to spare for him, but she seemed not to have heard what Lei Ming had said either.
She stood with her head lowered, lost in thought, the corners of her eyes faintly red.
Gu Zheng immediately declined politely. "You're too kind! Far too kind, Regiment Commander Lei! We'll pass on dinner this time! When we get another chance, we'll come bother you again with Dong Yuan!"
It was only four o'clock. If they stayed for dinner, they would be here until evening.
Gu Zheng worried that the young woman's tears might never stop.
Lei Ming tried to persuade them to stay, but Gu Zheng refused again with a smile.
Lei Ming was straightforward about it too. He waved his broad hand. "All right! Today was a bit rushed anyway! Dong Yuan's away on a mission too! When he gets back, dinner's on me, and we guys can have a proper drink together!"
"Great! It's a deal!"
Their two large hands clasped and shook firmly.
Gu Zheng asked Song Ning to stand up with him and say goodbye.
"We won't keep you any longer, then! We'll be on our way!"
"Wait!"
Lei Ming called out, "I have to leave too! Give me a moment, and I'll see you out!"
He turned to Meng Yu as he spoke. "Xiao Yu! That form I brought home last time, the one with that long list of questions about our family! Do you know where it is? It's due today! I came back especially to get it!"
Meng Yu said, "All I remember is that it took you several days to finish filling it out! I thought you'd handed it in ages ago! You didn't give it to me for safekeeping!"
Lei Ming