Sun Guangming was more concerned about his comrade’s lifelong matter than the person involved.
After the briefing ended, he immediately urged the other to fill out the leave application form: “…I still have to go down to the company later, so I won’t accompany you to see the regimental commander.”
Chu Yu retrieved the form from the filing cabinet and replied helplessly, “I’m just going to request leave. I don’t need you to accompany me.”
Sun Guangming rolled his eyes: “I’m worried you might run into that bastard Zhao Youliang.”
Chu Yu found it amusing: “Do I look that easy to bully?”
Sun Guangming snorted coldly: “Aren’t you? Our Battalion Commander Chu has such a good temper. How many times have you talked back when Zhao Youliang was being sarcastic?”
Chu Yu didn’t think he had a good temper; in fact, he considered himself quite vengeful.
The reason he didn’t engage was mainly because he found it pointless for grown men to bicker. It was better to organize a few more inter-battalion competitions and crush them repeatedly.
But since his good friend was worried about him, he offered a few words of reassurance and then pushed the completed form toward the other: “Sign it.”
Although they were of the same rank, for him to request leave, his partner—the battalion Party committee secretary, also known as the instructor—was the first checkpoint, both for approval and as a guarantor.
Sun Guangming skimmed through it briefly, confirmed everything was correct, then signed in his designated spot and added, “The situation is verified, approved for submission.”
He still needed the regimental commander and political commissar’s approval, as well as to select a deputy battalion commander to temporarily take over his duties, so Chu Yu first went to see the regimental commander.
Regimental Commander Yue was aware of Little Chu’s family situation and didn’t waste words. With a flourish of his pen, he signed, discussed the replacement deputy battalion commander, and then began chattering about his outstanding subordinate’s lifelong matter.
A burly, rough man with a fiery temper, for the sake of his subordinate, he rambled on for over half an hour.
The main point was just one: get married as soon as possible.
Chu Yu felt his head buzzing and instinctively rubbed his temples: “I understand. Don’t worry.”
“I can tell you’re annoyed with me again,” Regimental Commander Yue fumed, gulping down half a mug of cold water to slightly cool his temper before continuing, “Don’t take it lightly. From July to September, many officers in the war zones will see changes. Regimental Commander and I will do our best to help you transfer to the Northern Theater Command, but whether it’s a promotion or a lateral move depends on your marital status.”
Of course, there was also the worse possibility—demotion or outright discharge from the military.
But Regimental Commander Yue didn’t want to say that; it was too painful. Even unspoken, Little Chu could guess.
Chu Yu indeed understood his situation better than anyone, so he adopted a more serious tone: “Regimental Commander, rest assured, I know what to do.”
Satisfied that he had truly taken it to heart, Regimental Commander Yue waved him off: “I’ll keep asking around to find you a good girl. Go on, go get Old Liu’s signature.”
Chu Yu said nothing, saluted, and turned to leave.
The political commissar’s office was right next to the regimental commander’s.
But Chu Yu wasn’t very lucky; Political Commissar Liu wasn’t in.
He calculated the time, guessed where the other was most likely to be at that moment, and decided to try his luck there.
Unexpectedly, he hadn’t gone far when he ran into the last person he wanted to see—Sun Guangming’s jinxed prediction had come true…
“Battalion Commander Chu? What a coincidence running into you here. Saves me a trip to the first battalion.” Zhao Youliang had been riding high lately. His biggest concern—his background—had been resolved, and he’d managed to snatch it right from under this Chu fellow’s nose. How could he not feel smug?
Though his wife was an ordinary-looking rural woman who couldn’t read, she was a first marriage after all, and came from eight generations of poor peasants!
As for Chu Yu… he probably didn’t have much time left.
Thinking about the mountain that had been pressing down on him soon retiring in disgrace, while he could continue serving the country, Zhao Youliang’s mood improved even more: “Battalion Commander Chu, I’m hosting several tables at the second cafeteria the day after tomorrow. You must come and share in the joy.”
When minds don’t meet, even half a sentence feels too many. Chu Yu acted as if he hadn’t noticed the other’s smugness, merely nodding before striding away.
Yet this reaction, in Zhao Youliang’s eyes, appeared as a fleeing defeat, stirring rare pity in his heart.
Chu Yu’s class status was far worse than his own. Even if he somehow got lucky and found someone willing to marry beneath them, the female comrade’s conditions would likely be utterly wretched…
=
Fang Bai remained completely unaware that a stranger had labeled her as “utterly wretched.”
After leaving the post office, she hesitated under the eaves for a few seconds before deciding not to return to work.
Since she’d already taken leave, she might as well go to the Cooperative to buy some good supplies to bring to Xiangxue after dark. That girl’s health needed proper nourishment.
But before that, Fang Bai first went to the glass factory.
The gatekeeper recognized her.
To be precise, most of the older workers at the glass factory knew Gu Fangbai.
Sure enough, upon learning her purpose, the usually stern-faced old man not only warmly welcomed her into the guardhouse to shelter from the rain but immediately grabbed an umbrella and hurried into the factory to find someone.
Gu Weiguo arrived quickly.
Compared to his heavy expression that morning, he now looked positively relaxed.
Seeing this, Fang Bai felt delighted: “It seems Big Cousin really does know Chu Yu.” And must have put in many good words.
Gu Weiguo reached out and patted his niece’s head: “What a coincidence. Your cousin attended both junior and senior high with the Chu boy. Same grade, different classes. They know each other but aren’t close.”
Fang Bai: “What else did Big Cousin say?”
At this, Gu Weiguo’s expression twisted into something both pleased and displeased.
Fang Bai didn’t understand: “What’s wrong?”
Gu Weiguo replied with a pained expression: “Your cousin praised Chu Yu up and down. Said if you’re willing to marry that boy, it’d be like sending charcoal in snowy weather—his future wouldn’t be much affected. Also said the Chu family’s current setback is probably temporary. Oh, and…”
“And what?” Why was he suddenly gritting his teeth?
“And he said if the Chu family hadn’t fallen on hard times, our two families wouldn’t be well-matched at all. We might not even have been able to climb up to their level!”
So that was it. Fang Bai looked amusedly at her fuming uncle, soothing gently: “Big Cousin’s right, you know.”
After all, in earlier years, while the Chu family couldn’t be called “Half of Su City,” they were still among Su Shi’s notable great merchants, with centuries of heritage behind them.
She was just an orphan girl from an ordinary family. Even though her parents and grandfather had sacrificed for righteousness, many still looked down on her.
Most considered it inauspicious, preferring girls with perfect backgrounds in all aspects. So her cousin’s analysis was quite rational.
Gu Weiguo grew even more displeased: “How could she be unworthy? Our Fang Bai is outstanding! She’s beautiful, has a good temperament, a college graduate, and wealthy!”
Her few thousand yuan was nothing compared to the Chu family… Gu Fangbai knew her uncle cared for her deeply, so she didn’t want to argue with him about this. She good-naturedly went along with his praise of herself, and only after she had cheered him up did she state her purpose.
“Huh? Little Chu offered to call me?”
“Yes!”
“And scheduled for 6 PM today?”
“Exactly, I gave him the factory’s number. Uncle, remember not to rush home after work.”
“Alright, alright, I’ve noted it down.” After learning that Little Chu not only offered to call but also promised to visit soon, Gu Weiguo felt completely at ease. Then he remembered to ask his niece whether she was heading home or back to work.
Not wanting her uncle to worry, Gu Fangbai told a white lie: “Back to work, I took time off to come here.”
Gu Weiguo urged her: “Then hurry back, it’s almost dark.”
Summer days were long, but rainy days were an exception. So Gu Fangbai didn’t dare delay further. She placed a few candies on the table, picked up the umbrella leaning against the outer wall, bid her uncle farewell, and left.
Only after stepping out the gate did she remember to smile and wave at the gatekeeper who had deliberately stepped outside.
=
Same rainy day, same evening.
But this time, Gu Fangbai wasn’t standing conspicuously at the entrance of the Chu residence.
She hid at the mouth of a nearby alley, secretly observing, and only emerged to knock after that scumbag Fang Zhifan had left.
Worried that Xiangxue might not respond, Gu Fangbai called out toward the house: “Xiangxue, it’s me!”
It was only drizzling today, the pitter-patter of rain couldn’t mask too much noise. Inside, Chu Xiangxue, who was about to change out of her rain boots, recognized her old classmate’s voice. Forgetting all about changing shoes or even grabbing an umbrella, she dashed across the courtyard straight to the main gate.
But before sliding the bolt, she still softly confirmed: “Fang Bai?”
“It’s me.”
“Really you? Come in quickly!” She slid the bolt open and, confirming it was indeed her old classmate, Chu Xiangxue was overjoyed but didn’t forget to quickly pull her inside, then slammed the door shut with a “Bang!”: “Did anyone see you?”
These nerve-wracking days… Gu Fangbai’s nose tingled with emotion, but she feigned pride on her face: “Who am I? I’m clever, I made sure no one was around before knocking.”
Chu Xiangxue immediately beamed, her almond-shaped eyes crinkling: “Truly clever. Quick, let’s go inside to talk.”
Once in the main hall, Gu Fangbai took off her raincoat and pulled out several packs of pastries, a lunchbox, and another can of malted milk she had hidden inside.
Chu Xiangxue, returning with a clean towel, asked curiously: “Why so many things?”
Gu Fangbai took the towel and patted her damp clothes: “Bought them for you.”
“For me?” Chu Xiangxue was astonished.
“Yes, you’re too thin, you need to nourish yourself.”
Chu Xiangxue felt very embarrassed: “That’s too much. How about this—consider it as you buying them for me, and I’ll give you the money and coupons.”
“No need. In a few days, I’ll be your sister-in-law. Family shouldn’t split things so clearly.” Noticing raindrops on Xiangxue’s hair, Gu Fangbai took the towel and gently ruffled it dry.
Chu Xiangxue was utterly stunned, completely unaware that her smooth hair had been tousled into a mess. She stammered as she pressed for answers, “You… what sister-in-law? Fang Bai, has your family already agreed?” So soon? It’s only been two or three days, right?
Gu Fangbai guiltily reached out to smooth Xiangxue’s hair a few times before calmly recounting her actions over the past couple of days.
Chu Xiangxue was bombarded with one pleasant surprise after another, leaving her at a loss. She stood dazed for a long while before pinching herself.
“Ouch…” Oh my, that was too hard—it really hurt! She wanted to burst into tears.
So this really wasn’t a dream?!
Her old classmate was really that bold?! Not only had she convinced her family, but she had also taken the initiative to call her own eldest brother?
Had her hard-to-marry elder brother’s marriage been settled so easily? Why did it feel so unreal? She hadn’t even put in much effort yet…
After tidying herself up and noticing that Xiangxue was still lost in a daze, Gu Fangbai unceremoniously poked her and said, “I’m staying here tonight. Is there anything to eat?”
“Huh?” Chu Xiangxue was still floating on cloud nine.
Gu Fangbai had no choice but to repeat herself.
This finally snapped Chu Xiangxue back to reality. She was so overjoyed she wanted to scream: “Yes, yes, yes! What do you want to eat? Let me go to the State-run Restaurant to get some good dishes to celebrate… Oh my goodness, Fang Bai, you’re amazing.” Taking the initiative to call her eldest brother to discuss marriage—she was genuinely, deeply impressed. It really brought honor to women!!!
“No need, I’ve already packed two dishes. We can just cook some noodles.” Influenced by Xiangxue’s mood, Gu Fangbai also grew cheerful. She lifted her chin, just like she used to when showing off in front of her grandmother: “I really am amazing!”
“Haha… Yes, yes, yes, especially amazing!” Having changed out of her rain boots, Chu Xiangxue pulled her old classmate along to the kitchen, chattering nonstop: “Fang Bai, how are you so wonderful… I’m so lucky, no—our whole family is lucky to have you willing to marry down… Ah, I’m so happy! By the way, did my brother say when he’ll be back?”
Gu Fangbai, praised to the point of unconsciously smiling, replied: “He didn’t say, but it probably won’t be long.”
Chu Xiangxue analyzed: “Knowing my eldest brother, he’ll be back in at most a week.”
Gu Fangbai agreed completely; she also felt that Chu Yu was in quite a hurry.
But… she never expected him to be in such a hurry.
Because the very next morning, less than an hour after she started work, she received a telegram sent from the military to the newspaper office.
The content was very brief—only the train’s arrival time.
Gu Fangbai did the math and realized that Chu Yu had already boarded the train back to Su Shi.
Considering the distance of about a thousand kilometers, that meant… they would meet tomorrow?!
As the saying goes, “When the gun fires, you either sell your children or pawn your wife.”
Xie Lao San, who had squandered his family fortune and just finished pawning his wife, indeed set his sights on his thirteen-year-old daughter.
Xie Qinghe, who had crossed over into this world with a price tag of just one silver yuan and eight copper coins, refused to accept her fate.
She fled dozens of miles overnight and boarded a small steamboat.
She was headed to Shanghai to seek refuge with her aunt.
=
Su Gongguan.
As a technical backbone in the servant world, the cook Aunt Liu had a poor relative visiting from her hometown.
The girl was thin and small, but her striking beauty couldn’t be concealed.
Servants also had a hierarchy.
Gatekeepers, kitchen helpers, cleaning maids… Any low-level laborers with sons at home, hoping to “climb up” by connecting with Aunt Liu, began considering marrying the girl.
Yet, months later, the orphan girl whom everyone had reluctantly accepted was seen carrying textbooks into school.
Though the servants felt sour about it, they no longer dared to hope, only cursing Aunt Liu in their hearts for her cunning.
Raising a poor relative like this—they feared she intended to offer the girl to some young master as a concubine.
But the orphan girl shattered everyone’s expectations once again: she bought a house, moved out of Su Gongguan, and even became a published, renowned writer.