The White Olive Tree

Chapter 66

That morning, Li Zan slept until he woke naturally. It had been a long time since he had slept well.

In the days since returning to the country, he had slept both day and night. He woke up around eight in the morning.

Song Ran pulled back the curtains, allowing the morning sunlight to stream in. Outside the window, the trees were lush and verdant, with the morning light dappling the green leaves.

She opened the window, and the world was still quiet, with fresh air.

"The weather is nice today," she said, smiling at him, then returning to the bed and lying beside him. "A Zan, today we're going to the military hospital for a check-up. Don't be afraid."

He chuckled, his voice carrying the tenderness of just waking up. "I'm not a child."

Song Ran's heart softened, and she held his hand, whispering softly, "A Zan, do you know what month it is now?"

He didn't respond.

"It's August," she said. "It's been six months already. The war in Cangdi ended long ago, and Dongguo is now rebuilding everywhere. Do you know?"

He said, "I don't know."

"It's okay. All you need to know is that you've come back to the country, and we're now in Liangcheng, in our own home," she said softly. "We've come back home. Do you understand?"

Li Zan's dark eyes lingered on her face, and he said, "I understand."

He stared at her, his eyes unwavering, but he caught a glimpse of the trees outside being bathed in sunlight, appearing snow-white. The wind stirred the trees, causing them to sway and change shape. He didn't want to look.

"Take a whiff," she said, pulling up the blanket to his face. "It's all the smell of home."

He sniffed, his gaze softening.

She leaned over and hugged his neck, her figure blocking the greenery outside. "A Zan, the doctor said you might think this is an illusion, thinking you're still in Dongguo. But you're not. I brought you back. Do you remember?"

He nodded. "I remember."

"If you forget, I'll remind you."

"Okay."

After breakfast, they got ready to leave. Li Zan had a leg injury and was leaning on a metal cane, making his steps a bit difficult. Song Ran supported him as they slowly descended the stairs.

It was already half past eight in the morning, and the temperature had risen.

He struggled down the stairs, sweat beading on his forehead. As they slowly turned the corner, he couldn't help but smile.

Song Ran tilted her head and brushed aside some stray hair, seeing him smile, her mood lifted as well. She asked, "A Zan, what are you smiling about?"

He squinted his eyes. "I feel like this, it's like we're old, in our seventies or eighties."

Song Ran stared at his footsteps on the steps and smiled. "Isn't that good? When we're old, it'll be like this."

"When we're old, I'll support you," he said.

"Then you have to recover quickly, eat more, and slowly exercise."

"Okay," he said, helping her tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

Song Ran helped him into the car. It was still early, and there weren't many vehicles or pedestrians on the road, relatively quiet, with bright sunshine. Song Ran avoided the busy intersections and deliberately took the ring road.