By the time Song Zhiyi arrived at Beiqiao Village, the sky was already bright.
The dirt roads in the village were rugged and uneven.
She was long familiar with the way to the Xie family’s home.
In her previous life, Xie Xingwen had never touched her once after their marriage because his heart belonged to another woman.
Shortly after the wedding, Xie Xingwen returned to his military unit.
Due to her husband’s indifference, her mother-in-law saw her as useless and piled all the dirty, exhausting chores onto her.
Even Xie Xingwen’s older brother, the family’s mentally disabled son, was dumped on her for daily care.
When Song Zhiyi helped him wash, he would stare at her with a lecherous, slimy gaze and grope her all over.
When Song Zhiyi complained to her in-laws, her mother-in-law scolded her for being shameless and accused her of slandering her son. “My eldest may be simple-minded, but no one has ever said such things about him. He’s just a child—how dare you accuse him? You’re the wanton one, don’t you dare frame my son! I’m ashamed for you! No wonder you climbed into my Xingwen’s bed before the wedding!”
Song Zhiyi clenched her fists, her eyes burning with a crimson fury.
She would never marry into this Xie family.
And just like the Song family, she wouldn’t let them off easy.
Meanwhile, on the other side.
Xie Xingwen and Xie Guang were busy hanging red decorations for the wedding’s “three major items.”
Nearby, Xu Lan pouted. “Look how much effort you’re putting in—just going through the motions is enough. The Song family is so desperate to marry off this daughter, they’re practically begging us to take her.”
Xie Xingwen paused, casting a deep, thoughtful glance at his mother.
In his past life, it was precisely this attitude of hers that made Song Zhiyi’s life in the Xie family a living hell.
It wasn’t until Song Zhiyi, pregnant with his child, was killed by his brother that he learned she had been treated like a servant by his mother and violated by his older brother.
If he hadn’t left her to suffer at home, his own child wouldn’t have died along with her.
After her death, Xie Xingwen married his childhood sweetheart, who constantly pestered him for money and eventually caused trouble in the family compound, ruining his career prospects.
Song Zhiyi was the one who had truly cared for him.
After marrying him, she wrote him letters every two or three weeks, sent him clothes she embroidered herself, and assured him that everything at home was fine. The salary he sent back, she hadn’t touched a single cent—she relied entirely on her own dowry.
Perhaps by the grace of his Xie ancestors, he had been given a chance to live again. This time, he was determined to be a good husband to Song Zhiyi for the rest of their lives.
Before long, Song Zhiyi arrived at the Xie household.
The courtyard gate was slightly ajar. Just as Song Zhiyi was about to push it open, a tall, imposing figure stepped out from inside, blocking her path.
It was Xie Xingwen.
He wore a standard military-green uniform, his posture undeniably superior among the village youths. His features were sharp and distinct, with bold eyebrows and bright, piercing eyes.
Seeing Song Zhiyi, his eyes lit up.
“I’m here to speak with your parents about calling off the engagement,” Song Zhiyi stated bluntly, her tone as cold as ice.
She didn’t want to waste words on him—this man was the root of her tragic past life.
She hated him.
Her in-laws were despicable, but his unconditional trust in his childhood sweetheart was even more so.
In her past life, his childhood sweetheart became a widow not long after marrying and would visit the Xie family every few days, spreading malicious gossip about her to her mother-in-law.
She claimed to have seen Song Zhiyi seducing her brother-in-law.
From then on, Xie Xingwen’s attitude toward her worsened. He watched as she was berated by his mother and beaten by his brother, doing nothing but observing coldly from the sidelines.
The mere thought of it made Song Zhiyi’s gaze unconsciously sharpen with ferocity.
Xie Xingwen pressed his lips together, his brows furrowing tightly. “Call off the engagement?”
“Right.” Song Zhiyi met his gaze. “Xie Xingwen, I know you’re unwilling about this marriage, and I don’t want it either. You know perfectly well that nothing happened between us that night. There’s no need for us to be bound together. Go withdraw the marriage report immediately, and we can go our separate ways, with no further ties.”
These words should have hit exactly what Xie Xingwen wanted.
After all, in her previous life, he had wanted nothing more than to stay as far away from her as possible.
However, Xie Xingwen’s response took her by surprise.
“No.”
Those two short words left Song Zhiyi stunned. “What did you say?”
“I said no.” Xie Xingwen repeated. “The marriage report has already been submitted. The military unit’s procedures aren’t something you can just withdraw on a whim.”
He paused before continuing, “After we get married tomorrow, pack your things and come with me to join me at the military unit.”
Song Zhiyi was completely bewildered.
Join him at the military unit?
In her previous life, he had avoided her at every turn. Just one week after their wedding, he had returned to his unit alone.
Why, in this life, was he not only refusing to call off the marriage but also asking her to join him at the unit?
Song Zhiyi stared at him intently, trying to discern something from his expression.
Her heart sank.
If he refused to withdraw the marriage report and it was approved, she would still be a military spouse, still bound to him.
“Fine, I understand.” She lowered her gaze, her voice betraying no emotion.
Xie Xingwen hadn’t expected her to be so compliant, but he didn’t press further.
“Come in. Since you arrived early, it’s just as well. My parents are preparing for tomorrow’s wedding banquet.”
Song Zhiyi didn’t refuse.
Since he was so eager to get married, let them continue inviting relatives and friends to the wedding banquet.
If the bride didn’t show up tomorrow, it would waste the Xie family’s money and embarrass them in front of the entire village.
“Do as you please with the wedding banquet.”
“I’ve found a guesthouse in town. I don’t need to stay at your place overnight.”
“If you want to fetch the bride, come to the guesthouse tomorrow.”
With that, she turned and walked away without looking back.
“Song Zhiyi!”
Xie Xingwen called after her, his voice tinged with anger, but Song Zhiyi didn’t so much as glance back.
Instead of going to the guesthouse, Song Zhiyi went straight to the town’s post and telecommunications office.
She remembered the phone number for Xie Xingwen’s military unit.
If the marriage report was approved by the unit, she would take the matter directly to them!
After the call connected, Song Zhiyi clearly stated her name, identification details, as well as Xie Xingwen’s unit designation and name.
“Comrade, hello. I am Song Zhiyi, the marriage applicant for Comrade Xie Xingwen.”
“I am now formally declaring to the organization that I do not consent to this marriage and that I am being forced into it. I wish to report that they are perpetuating the outdated customs of the old society—a blind marriage.”
“I request the withdrawal of the marriage application. Please investigate this matter thoroughly!”
The person on the other end of the line was clearly taken aback by the call and remained silent for several seconds.
“Comrade Song Zhiyi, are you certain? This is no trivial matter, and this is also an accusation against Comrade Xie Xingwen’s family. Our organization will need to conduct an investigation.”
“I am absolutely certain!” Song Zhiyi declared resolutely. “A forced union brings no happiness. I believe the organization will respect my personal wishes and uphold the interests of the people.”
“Very well. We have taken note of the situation and will temporarily suspend Comrade Xie Xingwen’s marriage application.”
After hanging up, Song Zhiyi let out a long sigh of relief, feeling the heavy knot in her chest loosen considerably.