After Marrying the Officer Chapter 1353 - 1352: Main Story Finale 25

Upon seeing Huo Shiqian, a wave of surprise and delight washed over Xia Chuxin, her heart swirling with a multitude of feelings.

"I was worried something had happened to you..." Xia Chuyi, nestled in Huo Shiqian’s arms, confessed with a voice thick with emotion.

Then, Xia Chuyi felt the gentle caress of Huo Shiqian’s hand stroking her back, a gesture that seemed to offer comfort.

Soon, the jumble of emotions subsided, replaced by pure joy. Xia Chuyi eagerly inquired, "Why did you return so suddenly? Guo Jiumin mentioned an incident at the border; are you alright? Were you injured anywhere?"

Xia Chuyi pulled Huo Shiqian closer, scrutinizing him from head to toe.

Huo Shiqian remained silent, allowing Xia Chuyi to examine him without reservation.

"Where is Panpan?" Huo Shiqian’s voice broke the silence after Xia Chuyi had finished her inspection.

"Oh, right, Panpan!" In her elation at seeing Huo Shiqian, Xia Chuyi had momentarily forgotten about Xia Pan.

Prompted by Huo Shiqian, Xia Chuyi quickly retrieved Xia Pan from behind the bookshelf.

Once Xia Pan was brought out, Xia Chuyi directed Huo Shiqian’s men to escort Xia Pan away for her hand to be bandaged.

Following this, the study was left with only Huo Shiqian and Xia Chuyi in its quiet confines.

At this juncture, despite confirming Huo Shiqian’s uninjured state, a pang resonated in Xia Chuyi’s heart, and a flood of unspoken words welled up.

She particularly noticed the travel-worn dust on Huo Shiqian and the slight weight he seemed to have lost due to his demanding mission.

Xia Chuyi felt a deep sense of distress.

"Shiqian..." As Xia Chuyi began to speak, Huo Shiqian interjected, "We can discuss this when we get home."

"Ah?" Huo Shiqian’s response elicited a double-blink from Xia Chuyi.

This... felt a little unusual?

Xia Chuyi gazed at Huo Shiqian intently.

While it was true that Huo Shiqian often wore a serious expression, his stern demeanor now carried a subtle undercurrent of displeasure.

Could this hint of anger be directed at her?

Xia Chuyi’s eyes flickered, and with a moment’s reflection, she grasped the reason.

"Honey..." Xia Chuyi gently tugged at Huo Shiqian’s sleeve, her voice soft. "Are you upset? Upset that I acted without permission and contacted Guo Jiumin?"

"Please don’t be angry; I knew what I was doing. I was prepared for this!" Xia Chuyi whispered, emphasizing, "You know I have ways to protect myself!"

Xia Chuyi sent Huo Shiqian a meaningful glance.

The unspoken message was that she possessed a special space, and within it, she had the means to ensure her safety.

However, Huo Shiqian appeared far from appeased, his expression remaining cold. Turning to his wife, he questioned, "Ways to protect yourself?"

"Did you consider the unforeseen circumstances?" Huo Shiqian pressed on. "What about Panpan?"

"Panpan’s presence was to facilitate your plan, wasn’t it?"

"You can safeguard yourself, but what about Panpan?"

"If not just Panpan, but also Mingming, or even Shi Wu were with you, then what?" Huo Shiqian asked sternly. "Have you considered how you would escape if they were all with you?"

"I..." Xia Chuyi opened her mouth, intending to retort.

But ultimately, a sense of uncertainty overtook her, and she conceded, "It was indeed my mistake... I won’t do it again."

In truth, the incident where Xia Pan injured herself, fearing Xiao Kong might not locate them and subsequently biting her own finger, had already instilled some regret in Xia Chuyi.

Even with her spatial abilities, she shouldn’t have become overconfident.

After all, not every situation was entirely within her control.

There were moments when unforeseen events could lead to consequences she might not be able to bear.

Her circumstances differed from Huo Shiqian’s; when he undertook missions and faced danger, it was for the nation, an unavoidable duty.

For her, however, many such dangers could have been averted.