When the children weren’t dating, it was worrisome. Now that they finally wanted to date, Gu Weiguo and his wife grew even more anxious.
To be precise, ever since their niece mentioned the man’s conditions, the couple hadn’t openly objected, but they couldn’t feel at ease.
Tossing and turning all night, unable to sleep soundly, they got up at the crack of dawn the next day.
Though they went about their usual routine—washing up, cleaning, cooking—their minds were preoccupied, and they kept glancing toward the second bedroom.
Then, at exactly 6 o’clock, Xu Huailan eagerly knocked on her niece’s door.
As soon as the door opened, she urgently asked, “Are you sure you don’t need us to go with you to get your high school classmate’s phone number?”
Gu Fangbai retreated into the bedroom, brushing her hair as she declined, “I’ll go alone. Having more people will just draw attention.” In truth, she already had Chu Yu’s phone number and address. Just in case, she had gotten them from Xiangxue last time, but before coordinating with Chu Yu’s older brother, she couldn’t tell her family.
“Look at you, what kind of situation is this? Dating like a thief—do you really have to go this route? How about letting your second sister find someone else for you?” Xu Huailan reached out to hang up the disheveled mosquito net for her niece, then bent down to fold the messy thin blanket on the bed.
Gu Fangbai immediately forgot about the half-braided pigtail and stepped forward to snatch the blanket, embarrassed. “Auntie, I’ll do it myself.”
“Fine, fine, you do it. Don’t forget to get the phone number quickly—your uncle already has Liao Pao on the corner of his mouth.” Realizing she might have spoken too hastily, Xu Huailan, who was bending over to pinch mosquito-repellent incense, quickly added, “If it rains tonight, wait a bit. Don’t foolishly go out in the rain. Your uncle’s mouth sores might just be from eating too much eel and getting overheated.”
Most of the eel had ended up in her and her cousin’s stomachs—her uncle had barely eaten any. How could he be overheated? It was surely from anxiety.
Gu Fangbai felt somewhat apologetic but couldn’t abandon the Chu family. After a moment of silence, she suggested, “Why not have Uncle call my cousin first? He’s the same age as Chu Yu—they might know each other.”
“Right! Why didn’t I think of that?” Xu Huailan slapped her forehead, suddenly unable to stay put, and hurried out to find her husband.
They might even be classmates. If that were the case, they’d know each other’s backgrounds.
Moreover, their son worked in the government, had seen the world, and surely had more foresight than these old-fashioned parents.
As long as their son thought it was acceptable to proceed, they could confidently call Little Chu and ask if he could return for a matchmaking meeting…
=
The newspaper office had an internal phone.
But using it for personal matters was nearly impossible.
Gu Fangbai didn’t want to be an exception, nor did she want her conversation overheard by colleagues, so she had to ask her editor for leave.
Of course, approval was contingent on completing the day’s work first.
Thus, by the time Gu Fangbai made it to the post office, it was already past three in the afternoon.
Fortunately, perhaps because of the rain, the queue wasn’t long.
After waiting just over ten minutes, it was Gu Fangbai’s turn.
She thought she wouldn’t be nervous.
But as the operator’s calls and the “click-clack” of plugging and unplugging cords gradually intertwined, her heartbeat lost its rhythm.
Well… how could she not be nervous about seeking to marry a stranger?
In her previous life, she had merely been a student who’d never dated or entered society. After turning sixteen, she had lived the pampered life of a young lady from a wealthy family.
No matter how difficult it was, for her grandmother’s sake, she had to persuade Brother Chu—unless he had a better alternative…
“…Comrade Gu Fangbai, the call is connected.”
On the other side.
586th Regiment, 1st Battalion.
Chu Yu was in a coordination meeting with the political instructor, deputy battalion commander, and staff officers, discussing the evening training march and subsequent training preparation tasks.
Suddenly noticing a young soldier from the communications company saying there was a phone call for him, he froze for a moment before standing up and saying, “Carry on without me, I’ll be back soon.”
In these times, most people wrote letters, or sent telegrams for urgent matters—phone calls were rare. After he left, the deputy battalion commander couldn’t contain his curiosity: “I heard the battalion commander’s family called a couple of days ago too. Why another call today… Could something have happened?”
At this, everyone else turned to look at the only person who might know the details.
“Why are you looking at me? I don’t know either.” With nothing confirmed yet, Sun Guangming could only play dumb. Then he stood up and said seriously, “Since you’re all so concerned about Old Chu, I’ll go check on the situation for you.”
Seeing the political instructor dash out the door as if chased by dogs, the others in the office grew even more curious.
Who on earth was calling?
Chu Yu, completely unaware of his subordinates’ curiosity, assumed it was another call from his sister after the young soldier mentioned it was a young female comrade. So when he answered, he asked directly, “Xiangxue?”
On her end, Gu Fangbai had already composed herself and replied calmly, “Comrade Chu, hello. I’m Gu Fangbai. Xiangxue has probably mentioned me to you.”
“…She has indeed. Hello, Comrade Gu. Is there something you need by calling me?” Though surprised by the caller’s identity, Chu Yu’s racing heartbeat steadied after just a few erratic beats.
At this point, hesitation was useless. With limited time, Gu Fangbai subtly hinted at her current predicament and expressed her elders’ wish to speak with him: “…I don’t have much time to spare, and my family is very worried. So, though it may be somewhat presumptuous, I still wanted to call and ask.”
Chu Yu suddenly understood. He had wondered why someone as well-qualified as Comrade Gu would take the initiative. But… even if he was fully willing, certain things needed to be clarified. After all, to him, marriage was a lifelong commitment: “Given your qualifications, I’m merely a last resort.”
“Even if one chooses someone good now, who can guarantee they won’t change in the future? Besides, I’ve always believed the Chu family is only facing temporary difficulties.” This was Gu Fangbai’s honest opinion. Though the marriage would begin as a way to repay kindness, she intended to strive for sincerity.
The girl’s voice through the receiver was calm and steady. Chu Yu was pleasantly surprised to find they shared the same perspective, and even more impressed by her composed demeanor—completely different from what he had imagined. For a moment, he wasn’t sure how best to respond.
“Also… time waits for no one. Xiangxue and I get along well, and she’s repeatedly assured me that you’re a good man.” Seeing that he hadn’t spoken, Gu Fangbai continued with her prepared reasons.
Finally, she vaguely added, “As for the old house… Xiangxue probably won’t be able to stay there much longer, and her library job is uncertain. If we marry, we could bring her with us to Sui Jun.”
Chu Yu’s heart skipped another beat—both because of Comrade Gu’s blunt boldness and his sister’s predicament. He pushed aside the comrade who was practically itching to answer for him and confirmed once more, “Comrade Gu, are you certain it’s me?”
Thinking of her grandmother, Gu Fangbai pushed aside her discomfort and replied firmly, “I’m certain!”
Receiving this confirmation, Chu Yu unconsciously relaxed the fist he’d been clenching at his side, only then realizing he hadn’t been as indifferent as he appeared. He smiled wryly to himself, “In that case, could you give me your uncle’s phone number? It should be me who contacts the elder.”
Success!!! While mentally praising herself vigorously, Gu Fangbai immediately suggested a suitable time.
Just as she was about to ask if he could return home for a visit, Chu Yu—who had been carefully noting down the time—spoke first, “I’ll return home as soon as possible, and then… pay you a visit.”
Just as Grandma had said, her eldest brother was truly responsible and decisive in his actions. Gu Fangbai responded with equal openness, “Alright, you can send me a telegram once your train schedule is confirmed. Xiangxue and I will come to the station to pick you up.”
Chu Yu wanted to refuse, but what came out was, “Okay.”
“We did it! It’s settled now.” After hanging up and leaving the communications unit, Sun Guangming immediately punched his comrade’s arm in excitement.
Chu Yu rubbed his warm cheeks and burning earlobes, unable to suppress a smile. Frankly, he hadn’t expected to be this lucky—to actually meet a female comrade who excelled in every aspect, especially given the Chu family’s current difficulties.
He had pinned nearly all his hopes on earning merits.
He was waiting for a dangerous mission that could earn him a first-class merit, planning to actively seek participation.
But now, Gu Fangbai’s appearance had resolved his family’s hardships ahead of schedule and alleviated Chu Yu’s anxiety.
So, even though Comrade Gu had explained her urgent reasons for marriage, Chu Yu remained deeply grateful—she had done the Chu family a great favor.
“…I’m talking to you, why aren’t you responding?” Sun Guangming shoved his comrade when he received no reaction to his chatter.
Chu Yu’s wandering thoughts were pulled back, “What did you say?”
Sun Guangming exclaimed excitedly, “About you having a partner! We should spread the news… You have no idea, that bastard Zhao Youliang actually came to me yesterday, inviting us to his wedding. Everyone knows he’s trying to one-up you! I wasn’t planning to go originally, but now that you have Comrade Gu, of course we should retaliate!”
His comrade had been hit too hard this past year. If not for the Chief’s intervention to protect his talent, he might not even have kept his current position.
Sun Guangming had been frustrated on his friend’s behalf for a long time. Now that such an outstanding Comrade Gu was willing to marry him, it would surely infuriate those spiteful villains who’d been predicting his failure.
“No need to say anything.” Chu Yu shook his head in refusal, then added, “And keep your mouth shut. We’re not officially together yet—we still need to meet properly.”
Sun Guangming automatically ignored the latter part, “Why not say anything? From what Comrade Gu said, you’re practically at the meet-the-family stage. I’m not boasting, but with your character and looks, it’s bound to work out.”
“Success comes through secrecy, failure through loose lips.” With villains hard to guard against, Chu Yu wouldn’t reveal anything until things were settled.
Sun Guangming regretfully said, “I was mistaken.” We should indeed keep it confidential. Should we tell the regiment commander? What reason should we use to request leave?”
“I’m taking family leave. It’s been over a year since I last went home anyway.” As for Comrade Gu, although Chu Yu had accepted the explanation over the phone, he still wanted to personally return and investigate. It might seem overly suspicious, but the Chu family truly couldn’t withstand any more turmoil.
He would confess everything and offer sincere apologies afterward. As for his superior… “I won’t inform the regiment commander for now.”
“Alright then, when will you apply for leave?”
“Right after the briefing meeting.”
Oh? Not wasting a single day? Quite urgent… Sun Guangming chuckled inwardly at his comrade’s calculation but didn’t press further. He suddenly felt envious: “You’re lucky to have such a wonderful sister-in-law found by your sister. Unlike my little troublemaker who only writes to demand money and coupons for pretty clothes.”
Mentioning his sister and recalling the phone conversation, Chu Yu inexplicably felt that without Xiangxue, Comrade Gu might never have noticed him at all.