He Ruchu searched through the original owner’s memories and quickly identified the three people.
They were Old Madam Shen, Shen’s father, and Shen’s mother Shen Siyuan’s grandmother and parents.
Apparently disturbed by her shout just now, everyone looked upstairs at the same time.
He Ruchu awkwardly tugged at the corner of her lips. With her hair in disarray and still dressed in pajamas, she quickly retreated back into her room.
He’s mother watched her flee and laughed helplessly.
“This child has been spoiled by us so much that she has no sense of propriety at all…”
Turning to the Shen family, she smiled and said, “Please don’t laugh at her.”
“Not at all,” Old Madam Shen replied with a kind smile. “A young girl should be pampered. If our family had such an adorable daughter, we’d spoil her too.”
Beside her, Madam Shen smiled politely and added,
“Exactly. Her lively personality is quite likable.”
Mother He smiled back.
“I’ll go upstairs and check on her.”
After speaking, she got up and headed upstairs.
A servant brought tea, pastries, and fruit.
Father He entertained the Shen family while continuing their conversation.
Having escaped the embarrassing situation, He Ruchu hid back in her bedroom.
She ran a hand through her hair and recalled the scene downstairs.
Could someone please tell her what exactly was going on now?
Knock, knock, knock…
A knock sounded at the door, followed by her mother’s voice.
“Chuchu…”
He Ruchu opened the door.
“Mom.”
Mother He nodded. Seeing her daughter still standing there with messy hair, she immediately pushed her into the washroom.
“You silly girl, why are you standing around? Hurry up and get ready. Siyuan is going to take you to the military base soon.”
Before He Ruchu could ask anything, her mother continued:
“Old Madam Shen and the others came today to discuss your marriage with Siyuan.
Originally, they wanted to hold the wedding while Siyuan was on leave.
But that boy suddenly received orders from his unit. Apparently there’s some mission that requires him to return immediately.
So the Shen family decided to register your marriage first. As for the wedding banquet and ceremony, they’ll wait until Siyuan gets his next leave.”
Mother He sighed softly.
She only had one daughter. How could she bear to let her suffer any grievance?
She had originally planned to organize a grand wedding and let her daughter marry in style.
But plans could never keep up with changing circumstances.
Siyuan’s profession meant he couldn’t always make his own choices, and after what happened yesterday…
Moreover, Old Madam Shen, Father Shen, and Mother Shen had personally come to apologize.
Their attitude was sincere and respectful, and their sincerity was obvious.
There wasn’t much the He family could say in response.
For now, things could only be handled this way.
“Old Madam Shen suggested that you accompany Siyuan to the military base first…”
To let the young couple spend more time together and develop their relationship.
As she hurried He Ruchu along, Mother He continued speaking softly:
“Chuchu, I already tested the waters just now. The Shen family seems pretty good.
That old madam appears kind and easy to get along with.
As for your mother-in-law, she’s not as gentle and amiable as the old madam, but she doesn’t seem like someone who enjoys making life difficult for others.
Your father-in-law doesn’t talk much, but he looks like an upright man.
Just pay attention when you’re around them.
And when you’re living with Siyuan at the military base, try to rein in your little temper and childish habits. After all, being outside isn’t the same as being at home…”
Through her mother’s endless reminders, He Ruchu gradually pieced everything together.
The marriage certificate had already been issued. No matter what she said now, it wouldn’t change anything.
She could only accept reality.
While getting ready, she thought about the biggest issue she now faced moving with the military.
Actually, looking at it from another perspective, accompanying Shen Siyuan to the military base wasn’t entirely bad.
At least she wouldn’t have to stay in the He household every day, constantly worried about exposing the fact that she wasn’t the original He Ruchu.
And spending more time with the male lead would help her gain his trust and treat his condition.
Sigh…
He Ruchu let out a soft sigh.
At this point, this was the only way she could comfort herself.
Remembering that Shen Siyuan had said she only had half an hour, she quickly finished washing up and started packing.
The Beijing Military Region where Shen Siyuan was stationed wasn’t actually very far from the residential compound. By car, it only took about three or four hours.
As a result, He Ruchu didn’t pack much.
She simply brought some daily necessities and a few changes of clothes. Anything else she needed, she planned to come back and get later.
Mother He helped her pack. Seeing that her small suitcase wasn’t even full, she couldn’t help saying:
“Chuchu, why don’t you pack a little more? It’s more convenient to have extra things when you’re away from home.”
“Mom, if I pack any more, I won’t be able to carry it. This is enough. Besides, it’s not that far away. If I need anything, I can always come back and get it.”
As she spoke, she locked the suitcase.
Mother He found herself unable to argue.
Thinking it over, her daughter was right.
“Fine. If you need anything, either come back and get it or call home. I’ll have someone bring it to you.”
He Ruchu nodded.
“Okay, Mom.”
“Daughter, come with me for a moment.”
Mother He pulled her into the master bedroom and took out a bankbook and a thick stack of cash from a cabinet.
She stuffed them into He Ruchu’s hands.
“There’s five hundred yuan here for your daily expenses.
And this bankbook there isn’t much in it, only 6,800 yuan. Take it with you in case of emergencies.
If it’s not enough, call me and I’ll send more. There’s a bank at the military district, so withdrawing money will be convenient.”
Looking at the money and bankbook in her hands, warmth surged through He Ruchu’s heart.
More than seven thousand yuan in this era was an enormous sum, even for a family like the He’s.
Yet her mother handed it to her without hesitation.
She would be lying if she said she wasn’t moved.
Pressing her lips together, she handed the bankbook back.
“Mom, the cash is enough. You keep the bankbook.”
Mother He refused to take it.
She gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind her daughter’s ear.
“Silly girl. When you’re away from home, it’s important to have money on hand.
Don’t ever mistreat yourself. If you want something, just buy it.
Don’t worry your father and I can still afford to support you.”
“Oh, and ration coupons…”
Mother He suddenly remembered something and produced another thick stack of coupons, stuffing them into her hands.
“These are all the coupons we’ve saved up industrial coupons, grain coupons, meat coupons, food coupons, all kinds.
Take them with you too.
You’ll probably need to buy a lot of things when you first arrive at the military base. Don’t be stingy. Buy whatever you need.
And if you’re short of anything, tell me. I’ll find a way to get it for you.”
“Mom, I can’t possibly use all of these. Keep some for yourselves.”
“We don’t need them. If necessary, we’ll just exchange for more.”
As she spoke, Mother He hurriedly led her back to her room and stuffed all the money, coupons, and bankbook into her shoulder bag.
Then she picked up the suitcase and urged,
“Come on downstairs. Siyuan is waiting.”
Just like that, carrying a heavy bag filled with her family’s love, He Ruchu was dragged downstairs before she had another chance to refuse.
The others were still chatting.
For some reason, whatever Shen Siyuan was saying had Father He nodding repeatedly, his eyes full of admiration.