Chapter 78: Adrian Stone Explained with a Smile

"Uncle Wang and my father were old comrades-in-arms. Nathaniel and I grew up together—that kid used to follow me around all the time, calling me 'Brother Adrian,'" Adrian Stone explained with a smile. "When I heard he was sick, I happened to be on a mission nearby and came to check on him. I didn’t expect to run into you. If I hadn’t arrived in time, they would’ve kicked you out."

He found it strange himself. He had only met Elena Ward a handful of times, and each time, she was at her most vulnerable. Normally, he despised weak, easily bullied girls. He had a strong personality and couldn’t stand people who passively accepted mistreatment.

Yet, for some reason, he couldn’t let Elena go. Those tear-filled eyes of hers always managed to pierce the softest part of his heart. Stranger still, he felt an inexplicable trust in her—enough to vouch for her in front of Uncle Wang. If Elena failed to cure Nathaniel, he’d be in deep trouble.

"What about you? Why are you in town?" He remembered she should have been at home preparing for university.

Elena pointed ahead. "I came to visit my second sister. She married into town."

Grace Cooper was hurrying toward them. As soon as David Moore got home, he had recounted everything about Elena’s encounter at Factory Manager Victor Green’s house, leaving Grace and Aunt Martha Cooper horrified. What shocked her even more was that her little sister had suddenly gained a soldier fiancé!

From a distance, she spotted a tall, straight-backed figure in a military uniform—his short, neat hair and commanding presence unmistakably that of an officer. Up close, she realized just how handsome he was, speaking gently to Elena.

"Elena, who is this...?" Grace nervously rubbed her hands together.

"Hello, Grace. I’m Adrian Stone," he said before Elena could respond, extending his hand. "Elena’s fiancé. I’m an instructor at the military academy. I was passing through and wanted to meet you."

Grace hastily wiped her hands on her clothes before shaking his. "Oh, hello! Please, come inside." As she led the way, she couldn’t help adding, "Our Elena is a good girl. You must treat her well."

Elena covered her face, wishing she could disappear into the ground.

Adrian, however, saluted solemnly. "You have my word, Grace. As a soldier, I swear on my honor to take care of Elena. I’ll cover all her university expenses—"

"No, no!" Grace waved her hands frantically. "We may be poor, but we won’t let our sister rely on her fiancé’s money."

Elena smiled. "I can handle the tuition myself."

Grace tugged Adrian toward their small courtyard. Henry Cooper, flustered by the imposing officer, scrambled to find a bowl of sugared water as a gesture of hospitality. William Cooper, however, hid in his room, too intimidated to show his face.

"Henry, go get two pounds of meat! We’ll make dumplings for dinner!" Grace bustled about.

Adrian quickly stopped Henry. "Brother-in-law, don’t trouble yourself. I have to catch the last bus back, or I’ll face disciplinary action." He deliberately put on a pained expression. "The food at our mess hall is barely edible. I’d kill for a home-cooked meal. Next time I’m on leave, I’ll come try your cooking."

Henry wrung his hands. "But this won’t do! Your first visit, and we can’t even feed you..."

Elena stepped in. "Sis, military rules are strict. If he’s late, he’ll be confined to quarters."

Grace’s expression changed instantly. "Then you must go! Henry, take him to the station on your bike!"

In the end, Adrian politely declined Henry’s offer and left in a hurry. Before he went, he gave Elena one last lingering look—one that made her heart skip a beat.