The White Olive Tree

Chapter 47

"I'm leaving," Song Ran replied hastily as she raised her head, and their gazes briefly intersected before he looked away and ascended the stairs.

Glancing back at the extinguished cigarette on the candle holder, clutching the lighter tightly in her hand, she followed him upstairs, emerging from the underground.

Crossing the dim lobby to be greeted by the harsh sunlight made her squint. She shielded her eyes just in time to see Li Zan descending the steps, mounting a military motorcycle parked by the roadside, putting on his helmet, and fastening the strap with a slight nod of his chin. His profile was detached, indifferent.

Song Ran got into her car, which felt like a sauna under the sun, leaving her feeling oddly chilled. She rolled down the windows, started the car, and drove away from the scene. As she pulled away, she caught a glimpse in the rearview mirror of Li Zan slipping on black combat gloves.

Not long after she set off, she heard the sound of a heavy motorcycle behind her. A quick look in the rearview mirror confirmed Li Zan was following, seemingly in the same direction as her.

Song Ran took a deep breath, pursed her lips, and approached a crossroads, slowing down for a group of military and civilians digging trenches to cross the road. The motorcycle's engine grew louder as it pulled up beside her car, coming to a halt.

Leaning slightly forward on the bike, Li Zan supported himself with one foot on the ground, waiting for the group to pass. His fingers idly played with the handlebars.

Song Ran focused ahead, ignoring the curious and friendly glances from the Dongguo troops and civilians.

Noticing the attention she drew, Li Zan glanced at her.

Her profile was serene, cheeks flushed with a faint pink from the onlookers' scrutiny, her lips glistening with sweat.

The local people greeted Li Zan warmly, respecting him as a member of the Armed Forces, who were highly regarded in Dongguo. He smiled back faintly.

Song Ran looked out the window just in time to catch his smile, genuine though slight.

Sensing his gaze shifting towards her, she quickly looked away, her heart pounding as if caught in the act. With the road ahead clear, she fumbled with the accelerator and drove through the intersection.

Seconds later, the motorcycle roared to life, speeding up to catch up with her.

A car and a motorcycle raced down the deserted street. Turning corners and navigating alleys, the distant gunfire served as a backdrop to the lone sounds of the motorcycle's engine and the car's tires on the concrete.

But a car remains a car, and its stability falters at high speeds.

Song Ran slowed down on a bumpy road, expecting Li Zan to overtake her, but he didn't. Instead, he kept pace with her, side by side, all the way to the war hospital's entrance.

Song Ran's car stopped on the roadside, and Li Zan's motorcycle halted in the spot in front of her.

He pulled out the key, removed his helmet, got off the motorcycle, turned to look at her, and asked, "Are you sick?"

"No," she shook her head, "I'm here for an interview."

"Oh."

"And you?"

"Visiting a friend."

"Oh."

He awkwardly pursed his lips, nodded at her as a greeting, and turned towards the hospital.

Song Ran took her things from the back seat and locked the car.

At the hospital entrance, wounded individuals were constantly being brought in from the battlefield. Song Ran had become accustomed to such scenes.