After Marrying the Officer Chapter 1264: 1263: Farewell

Noticing the shock on Xia Chuyi’s face, Huo Shiqian softly drew his wife, together with the baby in her embrace, into his chest.

“Chuyi, this concerns military secrets I can’t fully share with you,” Huo Shiqian explained to his wife. “But know that certain duties demand my attention.”

His words hit Xia Chuyi like a revelation, confirming Huo Shiqian was off on the mission.

Suddenly, a wave of reluctance flooded Xia Chuyi’s heart.

“When are you returning?” Xia Chuyi questioned. “Is it risky? Will it drag on forever?”

She lifted her gaze, eyes brimming with concern, fixed on Huo Shiqian.

His wife’s expression tugged at Huo Shiqian’s heart, filling him with profound hesitation.

Yet, as both soldier and spouse, Huo Shiqian masked his emotions, replying steadily, “No need to fret, it won’t be perilous.”

“Regarding the duration…” Huo Shiqian continued, “It’s uncertain right now, though it shouldn’t stretch too far.”

From Huo Shiqian’s voice, Xia Chuyi sensed that “shouldn’t be too long” likely meant quite the opposite.

After all, such phrasing hinted at a mission shrouded in unknowns.

Missions laced with unknowns could span any length.

Xia Chuyi hugged the child a bit tighter and pursed her lips, murmuring, “I worry you’ll stay away too long… and by your return, Shi Wu might not know you anymore.”

Huo Shiqian paused briefly before responding, “I’ll hurry back as fast as I can.”

In truth, little Xiao Shiwu barely recognized Huo Shiqian even now.

Still, as a devoted father, Huo Shiqian yearned to cherish every moment with his boy.

Huo Shiqian’s assignment sparked a stir across the Ou and Huo households.

Being military lineages, both clans grasped that some missions were unavoidable.

Prior to departure, Huo Zhongcheng, privy to details, cautioned his son, “Shiqian, watch yourself out there at the border.”

“Chuyi and Shi Wu are in my hands, along with your in-laws,” Huo Zhongcheng added. “Handle your mission with a clear mind.”

“Thanks, Father,” Huo Shiqian answered his dad.

Since his child’s birth, fatherhood had warmed Huo Shiqian’s bond with his own father.

Following Huo Zhongcheng’s words, Ou ZhenTing and Mrs. Ou offered their own counsel to the son-in-law.

“Shiqian, focus on your duty—we’ve got the home front covered!” Ou ZhenTing declared.

“Shiqian, with a family now, your safety comes first,” Mrs. Ou urged.

At last, Xia Chuyi herself visited the base to see Huo Shiqian off.

Given the mission’s nature, he’d depart via military aircraft.

“Stay safe,” Xia Chuyi whispered in their first post-wedding parting, her heart aching with separation.

“I will.” Huo Shiqian’s reluctance mirrored hers as he held her close, instructing, “Look after Shi Wu well and await me.”

To spare them deeper sorrow, Huo Shiqian pivoted and marched firmly away.

As her husband receded, Xia Chuyi waved, a pang of bitterness twisting inside.

Pre-marriage separations, though frequent, carried only yearning since family hadn’t formed yet.

Now, with home and child, this goodbye weighed Xia Chuyi down with heavier worries.

“Husband, protect yourself,” Xia Chuyi murmured inwardly, “We’ll be here waiting.”