Caught "in the act," Li Zan was a little uncomfortable. He said in a low voice, "Is that camera of yours ever off?"

Song Ran: "..."

'My fault, is it?'

He jumped into the wheat field. His companions were already on the small path at the bottom of the slope. He started to chase after them, but after a few steps, he stopped running and started walking instead.

Song Ran guessed he was probably waiting for her, so she quickened her pace to catch up.

Just then, a wind blew across the hillside. Clumps of harvested wheat stalks brushed past her feet, like little hands scraping at her legs, a little painful and a little itchy.

On the way back to the city, everyone was tired. They all leaned against the truck's canopy to rest.

Li Zan also leaned his back against the canopy and closed his eyes. His head swayed gently with the occasional movement of the vehicle, making it look as though he had fallen asleep.

Song Ran sat beside him, physically exhausted but unable to sleep. The scene replayed in her mind like a slideshow—the blue sky, the brilliant sun, he and she walking down the golden hillside, a constant, parallel distance between them; neither said a word, and they just walked.

She had been sensitive and delicate since she was a child, and trivial details could always easily leave an impression on her heart. This was not a good thing.

Song Ran felt a little upset. She furrowed her brow tightly, suppressing the trace of bitterness and self-abandonment that rose in her heart.

She really wanted to get off this truck immediately and run as far away as possible.

Half an hour later, they returned to the center of Galuo City. As the truck drove over the cracked concrete road, a group of dark-skinned children saw it and ran over to chase it, some reaching out their hands to ask for things. But the soldiers hadn't brought anything and could only wave at them.

The children didn't mind. They continued to chase the military truck, frolicking, jumping, shouting, and even singing. They had too little entertainment. It wasn't until the truck was almost at the entrance to the base that they scattered like a swarm of bees.

After getting out of the truck, Captain Yang called the soldiers over to line up. Everyone stood straight in two rows.

"Attention!"

"At ease."

"Today's mission was completed exceptionally well, especially by comrades Li Zan, Dong Wenbin, and Zhang Kai, who were bold yet meticulous, and calm in their work. At the same time, a few other comrades, Jiang Lin and Wang Sicun, had some oversights. I hope you will be more careful in your future work. Remember, this is not a drill..."

The soldiers' faces were serious, reddened by the sun under their military caps.

"It was hot today, and everyone endured a full day under the scorching sun. You've worked hard. Continue to work hard in the future. Alright, attention!—Dismissed!"

The soldiers dispersed on the spot. Song Ran turned off her camera and went to find Captain Yang. According to the TV station's request, she still needed to conduct a one-on-one interview with a soldier.

Captain Yang took off his cap, wiped the sweat from his hair, and asked, "A solo on-camera interview?"

"Yes."

He looked back at the soldiers who had already dispersed, squinted his eyes, and yelled, "Ah Zan!"

Li Zan turned around.

Captain Yang beckoned to him, then turned back to Song Ran and said, "I picked a good-looking one."

"..." Song Ran didn't say anything. She wanted to ask if they could pick someone else, but she kept her mouth shut.

Li Zan walked over and asked, "Captain Yang?"

Captain Yang pointed at Song Ran and said, "You're going to cooperate with Reporter Song for a solo interview."

"Alright."

Captain Yang turned and took a step away, then turned back and pointed. "Wash your face and hair, and change into some clean clothes. Tidy yourself up and look good."

Li Zan: "..."

...

Song Ran set up the camera on its tripod, prepared her audio recorder and notebook, and sat in a chair organizing her materials.

Before long, there was a knock on the door.

Song Ran turned her head. Li Zan had come in.

He had taken a quick shower. His hair was clean, his face was handsome, and he had changed into a fresh set of camouflage combat fatigues.

"Officer Li," Song Ran stood up, pointed to the chair opposite the camera, and said, "Please sit here."

Li Zan went over and sat down. Facing the dark black lens in front of him, he was a little awkward, raising a hand to adjust the collar of his uniform.

Song Ran said, "It's fine. If you feel any part wasn't recorded well, we can re-record it. You can interrupt me. Don't be nervous."

Li Zan found it funny and said, "I'm not nervous."

"Oh." Song Ran handed him a small notebook. "These are the questions I'll be asking you. You can prepare for a moment."

"Mm." He took the notebook and began to read it seriously.

Perhaps because he was quite tall, he looked rather slim. But he had a great figure; his shoulders made the camouflage uniform look crisp and straight. He had long legs too, the cuffs of his pants casually tucked into his boots. Even while sitting, he looked full of vigor.

His hair was cut in a crew cut, making him look energetic and masculine, and also very photogenic.

Song Ran was unwilling to look for long. She lowered her head to take notes until he looked up.

She pressed her lips together. "Are you ready?"

"Ready." He leaned forward to return the notebook to her, habitually straightening his posture as he sat back down.

Song Ran turned on the equipment. On the monitor, his expression was calm and steady.

The room was quiet. She sat down beside him lightly, held the microphone out in front of him with her left hand, and asked in a low voice, "What was your main responsibility during this operation?"

Li Zan kept his voice very low, "Mine clearing, bomb disposal, and explosion prevention."

Song Ran paused.

"What's wrong?" He thought something had gone wrong.

She explained, "You don't have to whisper along with me. Just speak normally. I'm the reporter, a secondary role. You're the main character."

Li Zan was taken aback. He lowered his head, a little embarrassed, touched his nose and chuckled. His face even turned a little red.

He said, "Got it."

"Shall we start again, then?"

"Alright." He nodded, glanced at the camera, then suddenly raised a hand. "Wait a moment."

"What's wrong?"

Li Zan pointed at the camera, then at her. "Should I look at it, or at you?"

Song Ran froze for a second, then said, "Either is fine."

He looked at the lens for half a second, then his gaze moved to meet her eyes. His lips curved into a smile. "I'll look at you, then."