Jiang’s mother was furious and showed him the door directly. “Comrade Chen we have family matters to attend to so I will not keep you.”
“Mother…” Jiang Chiyue looked stunned.
“Quiet.” Jiang’s mother scolded sharply.
Chen Zhiyuan’s face turned ashen. He looked at Jiang Chiyue and spoke gently. “Chiyue little sister I will take my leave then.”
“Zhiyuan brother…” Jiang Chiyue stood up watching him go and shouted angrily. “Mother why did you do that? Zhiyuan is not an outsider.”
“Have you lost your mind? His family is in such a state and you still want to marry him. Do you have any idea what that life will be like?” Jiang’s mother’s voice trembled.
“I do not know and I do not want to know. You have always disliked Zhiyuan. Ever since you found out he was supposed to meet Yaoyao you have treated him poorly. But he loves me so why should you say no?” Jiang Chiyue glared at Xu Yaoyao fiercely and stormed out in tears.
Jiang’s mother sank back into her chair looking heartbroken. Xu’s mother patted her hand soothingly. “Sujuan do not let this upset you. Children grow up and make their own choices they will come around in time.”
“I am sorry for this mess Lifen.” Jiang’s mother felt ashamed. They had come to celebrate a marriage and instead her own daughter had ruined everything.
“We have been friends for decades there is no need for such words.” Xu’s mother smiled gently. “It is getting late so we will head back now.”
Xu Yaoyao stood up instinctively. Her mother looked at her and smiled. “Daughter you and Chiye just got your marriage certificate today. You two should spend time together getting to know each other better. It is perfectly fine if you do not come home tonight.”
“Mother!” — how could she be so cruel? It was like throwing her straight to the wolves. Her legs trembled just thinking about it.
Jiang Chiye stood up and placed an arm around his wife’s waist. He nodded gratefully toward Xu’s mother. “Thank you mother. I will make sure we get to know each other well.”
Xu’s father tried to speak but one look from his wife silenced him. Outside he fixed Jiang Chiye with a stern warning. “Take it easy son. My daughter is still young.” He could not bear the thought of his delicate daughter being overwhelmed by such a strong broad shouldered man.
“Father I understand.”
Xu’s father paused. The boy certainly picked up the habit of speaking quickly and confidently he thought even more thick skinned than he had been in his youth.
As they watched Xu’s parents walk away Xu Yaoyao felt utterly abandoned. Her own mother had sent her right back to him.
A firm hand rested on her waist and he leaned close. “Wife let us go for a walk and help you digest your meal.”
Alarm bells went off in her head. She folded her arms defensively and stepped back. “What do you think you are doing?”
Jiang Chiye blinked realizing she had misunderstood. A playful smile curved his lips. “What were you thinking my dear? I meant a walk. Or would you prefer to do something else instead?”
Her face burned bright red and she lowered her head wishing she could vanish into the floor.
“You look lovely when you blush.” He reached out took her hand in his and stroked it gently. “I could just kiss you.”
She looked up feeling flustered. “You…”
A familiar voice interrupted her. “Yaoyao.”
She pulled her hand away quickly and looked toward the man approaching. “Senior Gu what are you doing here?”
Jiang Chiye frowned at the empty feeling in his palm. He did not like the way this man looked at his wife.
“Yaoyao may I speak with you privately?” Gu Lin looked at her with unmistakable tenderness.
“No.” Jiang Chiye answered without hesitation pulled her close and claimed his place. “I am her husband. Whatever you have to say you can say in front of me.” He had seen the longing in the man’s eyes and it was obvious. He would not step aside for anyone.
Gu Lin stopped in his tracks his face pale. “Yaoyao you are married?”
“Yes we just got the certificate today.” She nodded. “Is there something you wanted to tell me senior?”
Gu Lin shook his head and forced a smile. “Not anymore. I will take my leave.” He walked away unsteady and alone. Married. And to someone who clearly held rank and standing. What chance did he ever have? He had seen the fierce possessiveness in that soldier’s eyes and it was clear he loved her deeply.
Gu Lin stood lost in thought at the compound gate. A soft voice broke his reverie. “Senior Gu did you come to find Yaoyao?” Li Qiuyue stood before him eyes bright with admiration and shyness.
Gu Lin looked at her sadly. “Qiuyue did you know Yaoyao has married? Did she do it because of the countryside assignment? Does she love him?”
Li Qiuyue’s gaze shifted. “Senior Gu Yaoyao and Brother Jiang have known each other since childhood. I believe she does love him.”
Gu Lin smiled bitterly regret flickering in his eyes. “Of course. Why else would she marry someone she does not love?”
“Senior Gu I saw your name on the countryside assignment list.” Li Qiuyue changed the subject quickly. “It appears we have been assigned to the same brigade.”
“Very well.” Gu Lin had no desire to stay and talk. He nodded and walked away. Li Qiuyue watched him go a knowing smile spreading across her face.
Later that night Jiang Chiye walked Xu Yaoyao back home after all. Her mother looked surprised to see them return.
“Why have you come back?”
Xu Yaoyao sighed dramatically. “Not happy to see me? I will be leaving in a couple of days anyway do not miss me too much when I am gone.”
“Nonsense.” Her mother gave her a mock glare then turned to her new son in law. “Chiye why not stay the night? You are officially married after all. It would be a good chance for you two to grow closer.”
Xu Yaoyao’s eyes went wide in horror. She held her breath waiting for his answer.
Jiang Chiye hesitated. “Mother are you sure that would be proper?”
“Of course it is proper.” She waved away his concern. “You are husband and wife. I have heard it said that newlyweds must share a room or the bond will not grow strong.”
“I have never heard such a saying.” Xu Yaoyao frowned suspiciously.
Her mother shrugged. “You young people do not know everything. Do as I say and you will be fine.”
And so Jiang Chiye stayed. He stood tall in Xu Yaoyao’s room filling the space with his presence. It was a soft gentle room filled with her scent sweet and delicate and utterly captivating.
Xu Yaoyao sat on the edge of the bed nervous but resolute. She took a deep breath and looked up at him. “Who should wash first you or me?”