Rebirth: Splendid Marriage in the 80s Chapter 2321 - 2257: Shocking News

"Great Officer Meng."

"Tiezhu, it has been a long time."

As the two exchanged greetings, Chiang Xiao realized they were already acquainted, even though she had just formally introduced Meng Xinian moments ago.

Guan Tiezhu stole a glance at Chiang Xiao before abruptly turning to Meng Xinian. "Officer Meng, I've heard some chatter among the families in town over the last few days. They mentioned rumors of a dispatch to Ke Ku Li. Are you included on that deployment list?"

Chiang Xiao usually ignored international politics, yet even she was aware of the brutal conflict currently devouring Ke Ku Li.

The mere mention of Country J, a land still gripped by the fires of war, was enough to make anyone's blood run cold.

Stunned by Guan Tiezhu’s revelation, Chiang Xiao’s gaze snapped toward Meng Xinian.

Throughout the past few days, not a single word regarding an overseas deployment had left Meng Xinian's lips. Was it possible he was keeping such a secret from her?

To go to a region devastated by active warfare—where explosions and gunfire were constant and air raids were a daily reality—meant facing dangers far beyond any standard mission.

In war, casualties were a certainty.

Chiang Xiao felt her heart tighten painfully in an instant.

She watched Meng Xinian with intense focus, unwilling to let even the smallest twitch of his facial muscles escape her notice.

Given how deeply they understood one another now, she was confident she could discern if he was being dishonest through careful observation.

A frown creased Meng Xinian’s brow.

"I have received no such notification. Do you know the source of these rumors?"

It seemed impossible that several families were already informed while he remained in the dark.

Guan Tiezhu shook his head. "No, the details were vague. Mostly, people are just frightened and anxious. I know of two couples who aren't married yet; upon hearing the news, they intend to rush their weddings. That way, if their partners are indeed on the list, at least..."

He trailed off, glancing at Chiang Xiao with a look of visible discomfort, unable to finish the thought.

For some reason, the memory of Long Xiaocai asking if she was only eighteen flashed through Chiang Xiao’s mind.

At the time, she hadn't detected much romantic affection in the way Long Xiaocai looked at Meng Xinian.

Furthermore, judging by the woman's behavior, she didn't seem like the type to prioritize love above all else. Long Xiaocai was fully aware of Chiang Xiao's existence and her engagement to Meng Xinian.

Why, then, was she so determined to meet with him?

What was her true motive?

Suddenly, Chiang Xiao sensed that this situation was far more complex than it appeared on the surface.

"At least what?" she pressed.

Guan Tiezhu looked toward Meng Xinian. Understanding the man's hesitation, Meng Xinian answered in a low, somber tone, "At least they can leave a child behind for the family, right?"

This was a phenomenon they had witnessed during previous deployments.

Following the mobilization meetings and the swearing of oaths, a specific trend would emerge within the unit. Those with partners would rush home to settle their affairs, marry, and consummate the union before returning to the Alliance for departure. Those already wed but childless would similarly scramble to make the most of their final short break.

Because these special deployments carried a high risk of never returning, a child was seen as a final comfort for grieving parents and spouses.

Guan Tiezhu nodded slowly, his eyes avoiding Chiang Xiao’s.

If the rumors were true and Meng Xinian was destined for the front lines, the news would be shattering for her.

She was reportedly only eighteen and still in her first year of university.

How could she possibly be expected to bear a child now?