The whistle screeched harshly over the military port. The gangway hit the dock with a heavy thud.
People began to surge forward, disembarking with their luggage, urgently searching for their loved ones on the shore. Chen Shuang and Madam Zhou stayed a few steps behind, letting the crowd thin first. She raised her eyes again and noticed a strikingly upright figure standing out among the people on the dock, walking straight toward the gangway. The insignia on his epaulettes marked his rank—Regimental Commander. His entourage naturally fell back half a step, further emphasizing his cold, commanding presence.
Getting closer.
Chen Shuang saw his face clearly. More rugged than in the photos, and… deeper somehow. His skin was tanned, his brows sharp, eyes deep-set, nose high, lips pressed into a firm line as if by habit. He looked to be about twenty-five, shoulders broad and straight, a physique honed through strict training and real combat. Most striking of all were his eyes—calm as a deep pool, sharp as a hawk’s—now precisely fixed on her, exuding a serene yet penetrating scrutiny.
Yet, at the instant his gaze touched her face, Chen Shuang keenly noticed a barely perceptible flicker of surprise in his eyes—a brief pause, like a startled ripple. It was a pure, instinctive reaction to unexpected beauty, immediately suppressed by his strong self-control, returning to its usual calmness.
“Comrade Chen Shuang?” His voice was low and steady, carrying the clarity and authority unique to a soldier. No small talk, just direct confirmation. Yet perhaps due to that fleeting astonishment, his tone softened just slightly.
“That’s me.” Chen Shuang met his gaze, suppressing the momentary ripple in her chest, her voice clear and calm. “Commander He.”
“Hm.” He gave a slight nod in acknowledgment, then naturally turned his gaze to Madam Zhou, nodding once. “Comrade Zhou Xiulan, it must have been a long journey.”
Madam Zhou quickly nodded. “Not at all, Commander He!”
He did not say more, but reached for the moderately heavy rattan box in Chen Shuang’s hands with decisive efficiency. Noticing the small bundle in Madam Zhou’s hands, he signaled a young, good-natured-looking soldier beside him. “Xiao Zhang, help with that.” The young soldier stepped forward immediately and politely took the bundle from her.
“I heard about the journey. Brave and careful, well done.” His eyes returned to Chen Shuang’s face, a faint, almost imperceptible note of approval in his tone, gone as quickly as it appeared. “Stay first at the regimental guesthouse, rest a while. This way.”
His manner remained efficient and attentive, yet his sharp gaze seemed to linger just a beat longer on Chen Shuang’s composed, graceful profile.
The vehicle drove toward the camp, arriving at the guesthouse. Registration and room arrangements were made smoothly. Commander He handled everything in order, even considering Madam Zhou’s comfort. Finally, he stood at the doorway, looking at Chen Shuang. “Settle in first. Dinner will be delivered later. I still have business at the regiment.” He paused, adding, “Tomorrow morning, we will discuss further.”
“Understood, Commander He.” Chen Shuang nodded.
After he left, Chen Shuang and Madam Zhou tidied up briefly, arranging the room comfortably with the belongings they had “brought.” Dinner was delivered by Xiao Zhang and was quite plentiful. Outside, the island buzzed with insects at night. Chen Shuang lay on the bed, her thoughts far from calm. She had noticed the fleeting astonishment in Commander He’s eyes at their first meeting. Perhaps it could give her a slight advantage in this new environment—at least he wouldn’t dismiss or dislike her for being a capitalist heiress. But more importantly, the practical arrangements ahead still mattered most.
Meanwhile, at the regiment office, the political commissar’s office.
Smoke curled in the room. Commissar Zhao Gang frowned, looking alternately at the marriage application report in his hands and at Commander He sitting opposite him, expressionless.
“Old He, give me the full story.” Zhao Gang set down the report, leaning forward. “Comrade Chen Shuang’s background is clearly written. While she’s shown good conduct and this time has kept boundaries, that part of her file can’t be erased. You’re young, already a regimental commander with a bright future—do you really want to shoulder this burden for a marriage? There’s no rush to marry immediately. You could observe longer, or… choose someone else?”
Commander He remained silent, a cigarette burning between his fingers. The image of her face at the dock came unbidden to him—pale and clear, with calm, resilient eyes, entirely unlike the delicate, flustered heiress he had imagined. And the way she decisively smashed the jar and scolded the culprit on the ship… courage, quick thinking, clarity, even a certain composure under danger.
“Old Zhao,” He finally spoke, his voice low but unusually clear and firm, “I’m twenty-seven, not some impulsive young man. I’ve studied her file and background carefully. Her uncle is her uncle, and she is herself. During the incident in Shanghai, she was both victim and decisive actor. The organization approved her coming here, which itself is a form of assessment and recognition.”
He tapped off the ash, continuing, “As for her background, I’ve considered it. I trust the organization’s judgment, and I trust my own. She has the capability and willingness to start a new life. I need a partner who can manage the household and understand responsibilities; she needs a stable place and a new identity. Each of us takes what we need and willingly bears responsibility for each other.”
Zhao Gang stared at him. “Just for that? Old He, don’t hide it from me—is it because… the girl is exceptionally beautiful?” Half-joking, half-serious. He knew He’s usual high standards and workaholic nature; his decisiveness here was unusual.
The slightest twitch crossed He’s face, but he didn’t answer directly. He inhaled again, then said, “Beauty is given by parents, not chosen by her. What I value is her character and ability.” He paused, adding, “Of course, being pleasing to the eye makes interaction smoother.”
Zhao Gang chuckled in resignation, shaking his head. “Alright, since you’ve thought it through, I won’t argue. I’ll sign the report. But Old He, let me warn you—if any trouble or gossip arises because of this, you bear it yourself.”
“I understand.” He extinguished his cigarette and stood. “Thank you, Old Zhao.”
“No need for thanks.” Zhao Gang picked up a pen and signed the application. “When will you handle the procedures?”
“As soon as possible.” He took the report. “Tomorrow, I’ll clarify things with her and settle the household. Once the procedures are complete, she can be at ease.”
“The house is prepared as you requested—a private courtyard, quiet, fully furnished. Anything else, she can inform the quartermaster.” Zhao Gang said.
“Good.”
The next morning, He returned to the guesthouse, wearing a clean military shirt, freshly shaved, looking particularly sharp and upright. Madam Zhou opened the door, slightly hesitant to meet his gaze.
“Is Comrade Chen Shuang here?” He asked.
“She’s here, Commander He, please come in.” Madam Zhou hurriedly replied.
Chen Shuang emerged, wearing a clean blue cloth shirt. Her hair was neatly braided; her bare face accentuated her jade-like skin and delicate features. Morning light poured through the window, casting a soft halo around her.
He’s gaze lingered briefly on her face before returning to normal. “Comrade Chen Shuang, if convenient, shall we take a walk? I have some things to discuss with you.”
“Okay.” Chen Shuang nodded to Madam Zhou and followed He out of the guesthouse.
Behind the camp was a small grove of coconut trees, with a few stone benches, relatively quiet. He gestured for her to sit; he took the opposite bench. The sea breeze rustled the coconut leaves.
“Comrade Chen Shuang,” He began directly, placing the signed marriage application report on the stone table in front of her, “this is my marriage application, approved by the political commissar.”
Chen Shuang studied the report, calming herself. Approval came quickly—his determination seemed firm, and resistance less than expected.
“I’d like to clarify a few things beforehand.” He looked at her with sincerity. “Our union has a special background. It’s a practical need, approved by the organization. I will fulfill my duties as a husband, secure your life, and maintain this family. Correspondingly, I expect you to fulfill the duties of a wife, manage household affairs, and uphold our image with military families.”
He paused, voice firmer. “Regarding your family background, I hope you understand it correctly and completely separate from the exploitative class in the past. In the future, you may need to act more actively and modestly, accepting public supervision. You must be mentally prepared for this.”
Chen Shuang met his gaze without flinching. “Commander He, I understand. From the moment I left Shanghai, I made my choice. I will prove my stance through my actions. The past has nothing to do with me anymore.”
Her answer was direct, her eyes clear and firm. He’s last doubts vanished. He nodded, voice softening slightly. “I trust you. As for feelings… I cannot promise what I can offer now. But I can guarantee loyalty, respect, and trust. I hope we can trust each other like comrades, support each other, and build this home together.”
“I accept.” Chen Shuang replied just as decisively. “Affection can grow gradually, but responsibility and trust are the foundation. I will do everything I should.”
He looked at her composed, beautiful face, a strange sense of stability rising in his heart. This woman was sharper, stronger, and… more admirable than he imagined.
“Good.” He put the report away. “The house in the family compound is ready—a private single-story house with three rooms and a yard. This afternoon, Comrade Zhou Xiulan can go check it and note anything missing. Tomorrow morning, we’ll register the marriage. Then you can officially move in.”
“Okay, I’ll follow your arrangements.” Chen Shuang nodded.
“Also,” He added, “your work is temporarily unassigned. First, familiarize yourself with the environment and settle in. Opportunities will come later.”
“I understand.”
With the formalities done, a brief silence fell between them. The sea breeze was gentle, sunlight dappled through the coconut leaves.
“The island is humid, with many insects—take care to prevent illness.” He said suddenly, tone less formal, with a faint trace of concern.
“Thank you, I will.” Chen Shuang smiled slightly.
He looked at her gentle smile, and the hardness at the corners of his lips softened just a little. “I’ll return to the regiment first. This afternoon, I’ll take you to see the house.”
“Okay.”
He stood, paused, nodded at Chen Shuang, and strode away. His back was straight as a pine, steps steady.
Chen Shuang sat on the stone bench, watching him disappear beyond the coconut grove, letting out a light sigh. The hardest hurdle seemed behind her. The road ahead still required caution, but at least she now had a clear partner and a place to call “home.”
The sun was warm, the sea breeze carried saltiness across her cheeks. Chen Shuang looked up through the swaying coconut leaves toward the high, clear blue sky. A new life was truly beginning.