Uncle Lan and Aunty Lan were so enraged when they found out that they almost ended up in the hospital. They truly loved their daughter and let Lan Ling have her way. Originally, they intended for Lan Ling to retire and come home after three years, by which time her interest in the military camp would have presumably waned.
To their surprise, Lan Ling joined the special forces, where she was highly trusted and valued by her superiors. She was adamant about not retiring, and so the matter had to be dropped.
Later, Lan Ling died in the line of duty, causing Uncle Lan and Aunty Lan extreme grief, almost costing them half their lives.
That year, Lan Ling was not yet thirty years old.