In 1980, after Chen Zhou proposed for the third time, Sheng Qianyu finally nodded in agreement.
She was somewhat curious about what Chen Zhou liked about her.
They had parted ways in 1963 and never met again after that, maintaining only phone contact. Especially before she transferred to the fighter aircraft design research institute, it was fortunate if they could contact each other once a year. It wasn’t until three years ago that Chen Zhou was transferred back to Beijing, and even then, they could barely meet once every ten days or half a month. His first proposal had only come half a year ago.
“Have you thought this through clearly?”
Chen Zhou nodded. “Yes.”
“The world is vast, and there are many good girls out there. I might not be able to give you what you want.”
Chen Zhou pondered for a moment before standing up. “Do you know what Zhao Xiaoyu said to me after she was recognized by the Zhao family? She said that if it weren’t for the mix-up at birth, the one who grew up with me as childhood sweethearts would have been her, and the one I would have feelings for would also have been her. I was still young at the time, inexperienced and impulsive, but I didn’t know how to refute her.
Later, after joining the military, I often reminisced… Yes, she said she would have been my childhood sweetheart, but the only one I’ve ever liked is you.
I would only have shared childhood affection with her, which would have faded as we grew older. I would have eventually met you, and for the rest of my life, my eyes would only be on you. It’s just that the accident of the mix-up at birth brought the awe-inspiring encounter that was meant for many years later forward.
If I hadn’t met you, I would have grown old alone.
I, Chen Zhou, would either spend my life in solitude or marry the one I truly love.”
Even though the young man before her had shed his youthful naivety, gaining an uncommon steadiness, and his features had matured, that trace of stubbornness and spirited ambition was still faintly visible.
The original host had liked this person, and she seemed to understand why.
She took the gold ring from him and slipped it onto her ring finger. Glancing at his excited face, she said, “It fits perfectly.”
Their wedding was only attended by close acquaintances.
Zhao Daxiong and Qin Fang also came. They sat in a prominent position not far from the Sheng family, watching their adopted daughter don a bright red qipao, her hair elegantly styled, stunning everyone present.
Many people from the military compound also attended, and they couldn’t help but gossip about Sheng Qianyu.
“Back then, that girl Qianyu was already exceptionally talented. Who would have thought she’d achieve such success and even marry…”
Chen Zhou had climbed higher than the older generation, a topic not easily discussed by ordinary families in the compound.
“Truly a perfect match.”
“After all the twists and turns, these two still ended up together.”
“I heard that before the reform and opening up, one was at a research institute in Beijing, and the other was on an island. They didn’t see each other for ten years…”
Everyone sighed in amazement.
“Hey, Mom, I wish I had been born a few years earlier. Academician Sheng has made tremendous contributions to the country, and on top of that, she’s so beautiful.”
The woman being called “Mom” twitched at the corner of her eye. “You wish! She’s from the same generation as your mom! Are you asking for a beating from your dad today, or do you want one from me instead?”
After marriage, Sheng Qianyu remained dedicated to science, spending little time with Chen Zhou.
By the time Sheng Qianyu turned forty, there was still no sign of a pregnancy.
Chen Zhou’s mother grew increasingly anxious and spoke to Sheng Qianyu privately a few times.
Afterward, Sheng Qianyu sought out Chen Zhou alone and said, “If you want a divorce, I have no objections.”
Chen Zhou looked at her. “Have you ever loved me?”
After a moment of contemplation, Sheng Qianyu replied, “I thought I had already answered that question when you proposed for the last time.”
…He had lost his composure.
He had already won her, yet he yearned for more from her.
He was too greedy.Knowing full well she was the bright moon in the sky, something he could never truly grasp, their marriage certificate merely served to cut off others’ covetous gazes toward her.
“I’m sorry.”
Sheng Qianyu looked at him and sighed, “If this marriage has brought you exhaustion, then I should be the one apologizing.”
“It’s not exhaustion, Qianyu. You should know my love for you has only grown over the years. But humans are often greedy—the longer time passes, the more I forget my initial modest hopes. I’ve already obtained you, so why am I still unsatisfied?”
Seeing him like this, Sheng Qianyu placed her hand on his cheek, stood on her tiptoes, and comfortingly pressed a kiss to his lips.
“This isn’t your fault; it’s my problem. I will try to love. There will be no one else but you, even if this marriage ends.”
End the marriage…
Just as she was about to pull away, his sword-like brows furrowed slightly. His sturdy arm firmly encircled her slender waist, nearly lifting her off her feet, then he deepened the kiss with a mix of dominance, possessiveness, and deep-seated grievance.
Later, the matter of children was resolved after they adopted one.
The one who objected most was Mother Chen, though she only dared to voice her complaints behind closed doors with her husband.
The retired Political Commissar Chen advised, “We’ve watched Qianyu grow up. Don’t you know what kind of person she is? Just look at her achievements—they’re recognized both domestically and internationally. Countless people abroad are eyeing Qianyu covetously. If it weren’t for our country’s military equipment reaching a difficult bottleneck, talent poaching might even spark conflicts.”
“Yes, her contributions are seen not just by us, but by the entire nation. But as a daughter-in-law, as a lover, she falls short.”
“Falls short where? As a lover, where does she fall short? If it weren’t for your son insisting on marrying no one but her, would Qianyu have married him? She could have devoted her entire life to science—science is her lifelong spiritual pillar—yet she still married your son.
As a daughter-in-law, she personally returns to greet you every year on your birthday and holidays. For your nieces and nephews with talent, she does her best to support and promote them. Where is she lacking?”
“She… she can’t bear children…”
Political Commissar Chen scoffed, “So what if she can’t bear children? Biological children aren’t necessarily good. Look at Old Zhao—he has decent character, right? Qin Fang is also a well-educated lady from the old era, correct? But look at their offspring—who doesn’t shake their head at the mention? Enough, you’re getting old. Children and grandchildren have their own fortunes; without them, we can enjoy our own peace.”
“…” Thinking of that Zhao Xiaoyu, Mother Chen seemed somewhat convinced. She fell into a heavy sleep, lying awake all night. Afterward, she began to see Sheng Qianyu in a more favorable light.
It seemed true.
Apart from not being able to bear children, this daughter-in-law excelled in every other aspect.
Not to mention how many elderly ladies in the compound envied their family for marrying such a capable woman. Even if she couldn’t bear children, her status was undeniable. Even if Sheng Qianyu didn’t love her son, she had plenty of outstanding young talents to choose from.
If she used this reason to pressure her son into divorce, Sheng Qianyu would likely handle it just as she did when leaving the Zhao family—allowing Chen Zhou to choose filial piety without putting the Chen family in a difficult position. In the future, she would be resented by her son, who might transfer elsewhere and rarely return, while Sheng Qianyu would only climb higher, continuing to be admired by all.
Wasn’t that just how it was?How pitiful those two, the old Zhao couple. They didn’t disturb Sheng Qianyu, and the latter repaid their upbringing by never initiating contact. Even when Sheng Qianyu got married, both sides only exchanged nods, truly becoming the most familiar strangers…
No, absolutely not.
Adoption it is then, as long as the young couple lives their own lives well forever. What if they have a child like Zhao Xiaoyu? Better not to have one at all.