Ever since we left the military, Shen Jialin and I haven't been in touch. This is the first time.

In just over two months, hearing his voice again, I actually felt like I had traveled to a different world.

I collected myself and tried my best to sound cheerful and relaxed. "It's you. How did you get my phone number?"

After returning home, I got a new mobile number that only a few people, besides my colleagues, know.

"I asked for it from the team," Shen Jialin said.

I let out a long "Oh," as I pondered over my own foolishness. It's customary for soldiers to provide their contact information to their former military unit after they retire, but I never thought that Shen Jialin would have gone so far as to ask the brigade specifically for my phone number.

"How have you been recently?" Shen Jialin asked when he saw that I was silent.

"I'm doing pretty well," I said as I walked to the side of the sofa, holding my phone. I took out my earphones from under the coffee table and plugged one end into my ear, while the other end into the audio jack. Then, I sat down on the sofa, stretching my body and leaning against the backrest. "And you? How about you?"

"I am also doing well."

"That's good." I remember Shen Jialin mentioning that his family's business is very successful. It's almost certain that he will join his own company after returning from the military, so naturally he won't have to worry about anything."

After I finished speaking, Shen Jialin didn't say a word, and I remained silent as well. I didn't believe that he called me just to exchange pleasantries.

Sure, here's the English translation of the Chinese novel paragraph:

Sure enough, after a while, Shen Jialin asked, "Are you currently in City C?"

"Yeah." City C is my hometown, if I'm not here, where else can I be?

Shen Jialin said, "I will be on a business trip to City C the day after tomorrow. Are you free? Let's meet up."

I furrowed my brow. This news came so suddenly that I instinctively glanced down at my stomach.

If I weren't pregnant, we could just meet up and forget about this awkward situation of both of us liking Xie Xinyuan. Besides, we've been comrades-in-arms for five years, eating and sleeping together. After retiring, it used to be nice to go out for a drink or go to the sauna. But now...

I placed my hand on my lower abdomen, but my twelve-week pregnancy belly hadn't started showing yet. My once proud six-pack abs were nowhere to be found. Now, my belly was all soft and white, and somehow, it looked quite adorable.

I looked up at the ceiling, exhaled a breath, and said, "Sorry, I'm quite busy with work. I'm afraid I don't have time to entertain you."

There was a long silence on the other end of the phone. If it wasn't for the sound of breath coming through my ear, I would have almost thought that he had already hung up.

I know that what I'm saying is quite disrespectful. Just as I was thinking about whether I should say something to make amends, Shen Jialin said, "I'm sorry, I didn't consider it properly and caused you trouble."

I suddenly felt a little sad. In my impression, Shen Jialin has always been a calm and rational person. Even if he likes Xie Xinyuan, he would not behave as impatiently as I do. He always silently and carefully treats Xie Xinyuan well, without making her feel uncomfortable.

For example, he often goes to Xie Xinyuan's dormitory to help her with the laundry, and he would also wash my clothes at the same time. Every time he comes back from going out, he brings Xie Xinyuan many delicious treats and never forgets to bring some for me as well. He prepares supper for Xie Xinyuan and then invites me to join as well... He takes care of Xie Xinyuan in a way that is similar to taking care of a brother. Looking back now, I'm really not as good as him.

I touch my nose and express apologies, "Um, I really don't have time. I work in the criminal investigation department, and my schedule is quite unpredictable. I can't promise you anything."

"Sure, I understand," Shen Jialin said. "I happened to have a business trip for two days and thought of you. If you're not available, it's fine. We can meet another time."

"Alright," I responded cheerfully, "when I have time to visit the capital city, I'll look for you. Just remember not to avoid me out of revenge.”

"I won't." Shen Jialin's voice also carried a hint of a smile.

Afterwards, we hung up the phone one after another, and I quickly put this matter out of my mind. Just when I thought that there would be no further contact between me and Shen Jialin, he unexpectedly appeared in front of me without any warning.

No, there was still a warning after all. After all, not long ago, he called me to say that he was coming to the city of C for a business trip.