Cannon Fodder in an Era Drama — I Survive with Acting-Chapter 147: No Counterattack?

Cheng Peng swallowed, his voice so low it was almost a whisper. "But... the higher-ups were specific. Evacuation only. No engaging. Even if we encounter hostile interference, we are strictly forbidden from fighting back..."

He glanced up furtively at Fei Jin as he spoke.

Fei Jin’s hand clenched into a fist, the veins on the back of it popping.

’No fighting back?’

’Evacuate the civilians, but we can’t strike back?’

’Who’s going to protect the old and the young, kneeling on the ground, crying and begging for help?’

"Get the vehicles ready! Assemble in three minutes! The whole team moves out!"

Fei Jin ordered in a low, heavy voice.

"Yes, sir!"

Cheng Peng snapped to attention, saluted, and turned to run out.

"Wait!"

Fei Jin suddenly called out to him.

Cheng Peng spun around. "Village Chief, any other orders?"

Fei Jin was silent for a moment. His gaze was as still as a deep pool, yet it concealed a raging undercurrent.

"Go back and tell everyone—the mission comes first, safety second. But remember, protect yourselves, and protect the civilians. No one gets left behind! No matter what happens, not a single person is to be lost!"

Meanwhile, Song Qingya was in bed, tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep.

Her heart felt heavy, as if something was clutching it tight.

"Ajin..."

Just then, Fei Jin was in front of the full-length mirror, putting on his military jacket.

Hearing the stirring from the bed, he stopped what he was doing, walked over, and stood by her side, gently stroking her hair. "What’s wrong? Still awake?"

Song Qingya looked up at him, her eyes shimmering. Her lips moved slightly, but no sound came out for a long moment.

’She wanted to tell him how uneasy she felt. She wanted to beg him not to go, to stay with her just a little while longer. But she couldn’t hold him back.’

"I... I’m fine."

She shook her head, forcing a smile. "Be careful out there. Stay safe."

Fei Jin gazed at her for a few seconds, his eyes deep and gentle.

He knew she was putting on a brave face, thinking of him.

"Knowing you’re here at home puts my mind at ease."

He said softly, reaching out to take her hand.

Song Qingya felt a lump form in her throat, and her eyes grew hot.

She squeezed his hand back tightly, as if trying to hold onto his warmth forever.

"You have to come back safe."

Fei Jin looked at her and nodded firmly.

Just before leaving, he hesitated, his steps faltering.

He turned back and said in a low voice, "Qingya, remember this: Song Chenglu... she’s not as simple as she seems. She’s been making a lot of moves lately, and her words are ambiguous. I have a feeling she’s up to something. You need to be wary of her."

Song Qingya’s heart lurched as if an icy wind had pierced straight through it.

’Why would he suddenly bring this up?’

’Song Chenglu has always been so well-behaved and sensible. Why would Fei Jin be so cautious of her?’

’Has he discovered some clue I don’t know about?’

’Or are there rumors going around the work district?’

"I understand. Don’t worry."

She nodded, keeping her voice as steady as possible. "I’ll be careful."

Fei Jin gave her one last, deep look, then finally turned and strode out.

The door clicked shut, leaving Song Qingya alone in the room.

The night grew deeper.

The wind, colder.

Fei Jin was gone.

But he knew he was leaving for the safety of many others. No matter how treacherous the path ahead, he could not retreat.

The noise outside woke Liu Li, who threw on a robe and came out.

"Qingya, where’s Ajin? Where did he go so late at night?"

she asked, rubbing her eyes.

"Mom, Ajin went to Jing City."

Song Qingya answered softly.

"To Jing City? What for?"

Liu Li’s heart clenched.

’Why would Fei Jin be sent to a place like that at a time like this?’

"The higher-ups sent him to lead a team to escort the civilians evacuating from there."

Song Qingya’s voice was calm, but her eyes couldn’t hide her worry.

She knew what that meant.

Jing City was already in a state of emergency. The roads were blocked, communications were down, and every mission was a matter of life and death.

Liu Li’s face went deathly pale, and her body began to tremble.

"Escorting civilians... Then Ajin... will he be in danger?"

Her voice trembled, and she was on the verge of tears.

’She didn’t dare to imagine what would happen to their family if something happened to Fei Jin.’

’How would she live out her final years?’

"Mom, don’t be scared. Ajin is very capable. He’ll be fine."

Song Qingya held her steady, gently patting her back. "You have to trust him, and trust me."

She helped her mother to the sofa and placed a hand on her shoulder.

’She was the family’s only pillar of support right now. She had to be strong, even if it was just an act.’

Liu Li grabbed her hand and said through sobs:

"Qingya, you have to take good care of yourself, and the baby... Please don’t let anything happen."

"Mom, I promise you, I will."

Song Qingya’s eyes reddened as she nodded forcefully.

With Song Qingya’s help, Liu Li slowly walked back to her room.

Song Qingya supported her, carefully helped her over the threshold, got her into bed, and tucked her in.

Only after Liu Li closed her eyes and her breathing steadied did Song Qingya quietly exit the room, pulling the door closed behind her.

But Song Qingya couldn’t calm her heart.

She stood by the window, gazing into the dark night, praying over and over—

’Ajin, you have to come back safely.’

「Early the next morning」

Song Chenglu walked into the dining room, rubbing her eyes.

She yawned and looked around, but noticed someone was missing.

"Huh? Where’s Brother Ajin? Where’d he go?"

she asked, looking all around.

’She remembered Fei Jin was clearly home last night. How could he be gone so early in the morning?’

As she spoke, she walked over to the dining table and sat down, her gaze fixed on Song Qingya.

"He had a mission. He left before dawn."

Song Qingya said calmly, ladling porridge for Mrs. Song.

She placed a bowl of hot porridge gently in front of Liu Li, then picked up the spoon and stirred it to make sure the temperature was just right.

"A mission? What kind of mission is so urgent?"

Song Chenglu stared at her, her eyes glinting with suspicion.

’She didn’t believe this "mission" excuse for a second!’

’How could Fei Jin suddenly be sent on an urgent mission?’

’Song Qingya must have done something to drive him away!’

’She had always felt that Song Qingya was scheming and manipulative, always trying to keep her down. And now she wouldn’t even leave Fei Jin alone.’

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Her chest heaved, and she was on the verge of exploding.

Song Qingya glanced up at her but didn’t respond. She turned to Mrs. Song and said, "Mom, this porridge is the perfect temperature. You should have some while it’s hot. It’ll warm your stomach."

She didn’t want to start an argument right now, especially not in front of Liu Li.

Ignored, Song Chenglu’s face immediately darkened.

She was about to speak again, but Mrs. Song stopped her. "Lu Lu, don’t ask anymore. Ajin has his reasons for what he does."

Song Chenglu could only shut her mouth reluctantly, her heart heavy with frustration.

She lowered her head and stared at the porridge in her bowl, unable to take a single mouthful.

’She didn’t understand why everyone sided with Song Qingya when she, clearly, had done nothing wrong.’

’She had to find out where Fei Jin had really gone!’

「At the same time, Fei Jin had already arrived in Jing City.」

The scene before him made his heart sink.

The streets were littered with collapsed walls, with bricks and stones scattered everywhere. The roof tiles had been shattered into countless pieces.

Cheng Peng stood beside him. After just one look, he cursed through gritted teeth, "Those bastards! They even went after civilians! Are they even human?!"