Raising her head, Xiao'ai continued to play cards with the military officer.
As the game ended and Xiao'ai showed no signs of letting go, Su Shu feared that the child's fondness for play would delay the officer's rest. With such hard-earned downtime, one shouldn't waste it accompanying a child.
Just as she was about to approach Xiao'ai, a soldier ran over, saluted the officer, and delivered a message.
"Company Commander Ji Dong, the group captain wants you at the group headquarters," he said.
The officer laid down the cards he was holding, "Now?"
"Now."
"Understood."
After delivering the message, the soldier departed. The officer set aside the cards in his hand and spoke softly to Xiao'ai, "Little friend, uncle has to go to work now and can't play with you anymore."
Clinging to her cards, Xiao'ai's face showed a touch of reluctance, but she obediently nodded her head.