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

"Officer Meng," Guan Tiezhu greeted.

"It has been a while, Tiezhu," Meng Xinian replied.

Observing their exchange, Chiang Xiao realized the two were already acquainted, even though she had just formally introduced Meng Xinian to him.

Guan Tiezhu stole a glance at Chiang Xiao before turning his attention back to the officer. "Officer Meng, over the last few days, I've picked up some talk among the families in town. They mentioned a possible dispatch to Ke Ku Li. Are you included on that deployment roster?"

Even Chiang Xiao, who rarely followed global politics, was aware of the brutal conflict currently consuming Ke Ku Li.

The mere mention of Country J, a land still torn apart by active warfare, was enough to make anyone's blood run cold.

Startled by Guan Tiezhu’s query, Chiang Xiao immediately shifted her gaze toward Meng Xinian.

Throughout these past few days, Meng Xinian hadn't uttered a single word regarding an overseas mission. Was it possible he was keeping such a significant matter from her?

Entering a war zone meant facing daily explosions and gunfire. Compared to standard missions, the peril of air raids and bombings made the danger level skyrocket.

In war, casualties were a grim certainty.

Chiang Xiao felt her heart tighten painfully in her chest.

She watched Meng Xinian with intense focus, unwilling to overlook even the slightest twitch of his facial muscles.

Given how deeply they understood one another now, she was confident she could detect any hint of a lie if she scrutinized him closely enough.

A frown creased Meng Xinian’s brow.

"I haven't received any official notification," he stated. "Do you have any idea who started this rumor?"

How was it possible for family members to be whispering about this before he, the officer involved, had been informed?

Guan Tiezhu shook his head. "No, they didn't have many details themselves. Most were just filled with dread. There are two couples who aren't wed yet; after hearing the news, they plan to rush their marriages. They want to ensure that if their partners are deployed, at least..."

He trailed off, glancing at Chiang Xiao with an expression of awkward hesitation.

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

Back then, she hadn't sensed any real romantic heat in the way Long Xiaocai looked at Meng Xinian.

Furthermore, based on that woman's behavior, she didn't seem like the type to let love rule her life. Long Xiaocai was fully aware of Chiang Xiao's existence and her engagement to Meng Xinian.

So, why was she so determined to meet with him?

What was the underlying 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. Sensing the man's discomfort, Meng Xinian answered in a low, somber tone, "At least leave a child behind for the family, right?"

This was a phenomenon they had witnessed before during major deployments.

Once the mobilization meetings ended and the oaths were sworn, a specific pattern would emerge within the ranks. Those with partners would rush home to settle their affairs and marry immediately. They would consummate the union and then return to the Alliance to prepare for departure once their leave ended. Similarly, married soldiers without offspring would use that brief window of time to try and conceive.

Because these special assignments carried a high risk of death, leaving a child behind served as a final comfort for grieving parents and spouses.

Guan Tiezhu nodded slowly, still finding it difficult to meet Chiang Xiao's eyes.

If the rumors were true and Meng Xinian was indeed on that list, the news would be a crushing blow to her.

She was reportedly only eighteen and just beginning her first year of university.

How could she possibly be expected to raise a child at such a time?