“Really, you weren’t bullied?” Chu Yu still didn’t believe it.
Chu Xiangxue assured him again: “Really, I wasn’t. I’m not just imagining things either. Everything I said just now is true.”
But Chu Yu’s frown deepened: “What about Fang Zhifan? Put that boy on the phone.”
This meant he still didn’t believe her. The always good-tempered Chu Xiangxue wished she could travel through the phone line to her big brother’s side and give him a hard kick: “He’s not here! I came alone.”
That Fang boy really was unreliable, Chu Yu lectured his sister: “What did I tell you before? Didn’t I say not to act alone?”
He had joined the military early and didn’t know much about the fiancé his parents had hastily arranged for his sister.
He’d met him once or twice as a child, but with their age difference, they never played together. He’d only seen him once after the engagement.
To be honest, unlike his parents who were full of praise, his impression of Fang Zhifan was just average. He always felt the young man was too calculating and fake.
Even though he always wore a smile and appeared cultured and refined, exceptionally… gentle and harmless.
Of course, being scheming didn’t necessarily mean having poor character.
But his experience from countless dangerous missions and repeatedly brushing with death wasn’t fake. Chu Yu trusted his judgment—Fang Zhifan likely had significant ambitions.
Even if that weren’t the case, he didn’t dare gamble with his sister’s future on human nature.
So Chu Yu had long planned that after being transferred to the Northern Theater Command, his first priority would be to help his sister break off the engagement and bring her to his side…
“…Brother, since things with Fang Bai aren’t settled yet, I didn’t plan to tell Zhifan. I definitely couldn’t bring him along. Oh, let’s not talk about him. Our time is limited—have you thought it over?”
Pies don’t just fall from the sky. Chu Yu still couldn’t make sense of it. After weighing his words for a few seconds, he asked: “Does that Comrade Gu have some difficulty? Or did you save her life?”
“…” Chu Xiangxue actually had some doubts about her old classmate’s motives too. But right now, she was like a drowning person clutching at a life-saving straw—she couldn’t afford to be picky: “Fang Bai wouldn’t harm me. Brother, just tell me whether you’re willing to date her or not.”
Chu Yu sighed helplessly: “Is this something that can happen just because I’m willing? Didn’t you say Comrade Gu is still considering?”
This meant he was willing. Chu Xiangxue’s eyes lit up: “Brother, don’t worry. Even though Fang Bai is still thinking it over, I’ll do my best to help you win her over. She’s really a very, very good girl…”
Unlike the agony of waiting for the call, the three-minute conversation passed in the blink of an eye.
The siblings didn’t even have time to properly ask about each other’s recent situations before hurriedly hanging up.
Sun Guangming approached again, now in a highly excited state: “Old Chu! This is great! You’ve found a way out through the darkness! This is what they call—fate! Hahaha… This’ll make those bastards who predicted your failure die of envy… Especially Zhao Youliang. He’s been so smug lately, practically looking down his nose at everyone… Heh heh, this’ll piss him off!”
“Be more composed, show the quality of an instructor… There’s not even the first stroke of the character yet, don’t go around shouting about it and ruin the reputation of the female comrade.” Compared to his partner’s excitement, Chu Yu still showed no joy. Whether as the eldest son of the Chu family or as a military man, he wouldn’t allow himself to relax until he understood the true intentions of that Comrade Gu.
Sun Guangming punched his brother: “You kid, you’re worried that the female comrade has ulterior motives, aren’t you?”
Chu Yu didn’t deny it: “Otherwise, why would I be?”
“What are you afraid of? Is there anything political screening can’t uncover?” Sun Guangming had unwavering faith in the organization’s capabilities. He then advised: “I know you’ve been walking on thin ice these past two years, but don’t be too pessimistic. Couldn’t it be that she’s genuinely interested in you? I’m not boasting, but with your character and appearance, few in the entire army can compare.”
Chu Yu was amused: “Good looks my ass, get lost.”
Sun Guangming joked around: “Hey? Wasn’t that boast good enough? Want me to make another one?”
Chu Yu: “Get lost!”
=
In the 1960s, Su Shi was still a fragile ancient city that “slept by the water.”
With its low-lying terrain and dense river network, whenever there was excessive rainfall, water would overflow.
Like today, heavy rain had been falling for a day and night, causing great trouble for the citizens going about their business.
Gu Fangbai had thought that in such weather, Xiangxue probably wouldn’t come.
Unexpectedly, around 7 PM, she appeared abruptly at the newspaper office, wearing rain gear but still looking extremely disheveled.
“…Fang Bai, am I disturbing you?” Seeing her old classmate hurriedly approach, Chu Xiangxue forced a smile, trying to appear less flustered.
But covered in dirt with a pale face, Gu Fangbai could immediately tell something was wrong. She quickly stepped forward to pull her inside: “Why wait outside? Take off your raincoat and come in.”
“No, no, I won’t come in. I’m too dirty. I’ll just say a few words and leave.” Chu Xiangxue shook her head while stepping back, then suddenly remembered something. She pulled out a carefully wrapped bag from under her raincoat and said somewhat ingratiatingly: “I brought you something delicious.”
“…” Moisture gradually filled Gu Fangbai’s eyes. Heartbroken by her old friend’s cautiousness, she remained silent for several breaths before reaching out to take it: “Then wait here for two minutes. I’ll go upstairs to get something.” Then she reached up to wipe the dirt from the other’s brow: “Did you fall on the way? Are you hurt?”
“I’m not injured.” Confirming that her old classmate wasn’t displeased by her visit, Chu Xiangxue finally relaxed her tightly wound nerves, then unconsciously touched her face… She had clearly washed her face with rainwater outside. Could it be she didn’t get it clean?
Hu Yaoying, who had followed down, asked curiously: “Fang Bai, is this your relative?”
Only then did Gu Fangbai remember she hadn’t introduced them: “Yes, this is Chu Xiangxue, my best friend from high school… Xiangxue, this is Hu Yaoying, also an editor.”
She’s Fang Bai’s best friend… Chu Xiangxue smiled until her eyes curved: “Hello, Comrade Hu.”
“Hello, hello! Why call me comrade? Fang Bai’s friends are my friends. Just call me Yaoying.” Hu Yaoying greeted her cheerfully, then clicked her tongue twice: “You’re so pretty too. Do you good-looking people only befriend other good-looking people?”
Xiangxue was praised, and Gu Fangbai also became happy: “Exactly, otherwise why would I be friends with you?”
Hu Yaoying immediately cupped her face: “Oh my, I think I’m quite good-looking too.”
“Alright, alright, enough joking. Keep Xiangxue company for a while, I’ll be right down.”
“Leave it to me!”
Gu Fangbai ran all the way back to the office, first greeted the editor-in-chief, quickly tidied her desk, then grabbed her umbrella and purse before heading downstairs.
Hu Yaoying: “You’re pretty fast. Heading back to the dorm now?”
Gu Fangbai: “Mm, Xiangxue is completely soaked. Do you want to come with us?”
Guessing the two probably had something important to discuss, Hu Yaoying waved her hand directly: “I still need some time… I checked earlier, Uncle Wang is still here. Let him take you back.”
If all of Su Shi were compared to a bowl, then the newspaper office would be right at the bottom of the bowl.
Therefore, every rainy season, several nearby streets would always flood first.
During such times, families with black-canopied boats would row through the streets and alleys, earning a few small bills.
A lantern hung at the bow of the black-canopied boat.
Plus, Uncle Wang was very familiar with the area, so it only took him a few minutes to deliver the two girls to the dormitory.
Gu Fangbai paid the fare and arranged with him to pick them up at 6:30 the next morning before taking Xiangxue straight to the dorm.
As for Chu Xiangxue, even after standing in her old classmate’s dorm and holding a warm cup of malted milk, her mind was still somewhat dazed.
She had only intended to hurry over and tell Fang Bai about her brother’s attitude, then try to persuade her further. How… how did she end up following her to the dorm?
“What are you standing there for? Hurry up and take off your raincoat. The bathhouse is open today, I’ll take you down for a hot shower.” Gu Fangbai pulled two sets of clean summer clothes from a rosewood chest and, turning around to see Xiangxue still wearing her raincoat, quickly urged her.
“Ah? There’s no need for a shower. I didn’t bring any clothes, and I’ll just get wet again on the way back.” After replying, Chu Xiangxue curiously glanced around and noticed that the small room actually had four beds. Clearly, this wasn’t Fang Bai’s private space, making her even more reluctant to overstay her welcome.
Gu Fangbai sighed helplessly: “You can wear my clothes. What do you mean, go back? With all this thunder and rain, you’re staying here tonight. I’ve already arranged with Uncle Wang to pick you up at 6:30 tomorrow morning to take you to the bus stop.”
So that earlier arrangement was for her boat ride. Chu Xiangxue scratched her cheek somewhat sheepishly: “Is it really okay for me to stay overnight here?” She was quite willing, but there were clear signs of other people living here. Staying so shamelessly would definitely cause trouble for Fang Bai.
Gu Fangbai immediately saw what was bothering her: “Don’t overthink it. Only Yao Ying and I live in this dorm. I already checked with her earlier. Hurry up and drink your malted milk, then we’ll go shower.”
Relieved that she wasn’t causing trouble, Chu Xiangxue first took a small sip of the malted milk to confirm the temperature was right, then tilted her head back and gulped it down in one go…
=
“…I went to line up at the post office at 6 this morning. After finally getting through, my brother actually thought I’d gone crazy. Isn’t that infuriating?” After showering and hanging the washed clothes in the corridor to dry, Chu Xiangxue returned to the dorm complaining while drying her hair.
Gu Fangbai was also tidying her long hair: “It’s true, but wouldn’t it be strange if your brother didn’t suspect anything at all?”
“That’s right, but we only had three minutes to talk, and he wasted two whole minutes just doubting you.”
“Then write him a letter and explain the situation in detail.”
“Ah?” Chu Xiangxue was stunned for a moment before her face lit up with delight. “Does that mean you’ve agreed to date my brother?”
Gu Fangbai lifted her chin, putting on an air. “What can I do? I was moved by your sincerity in braving the rain to come see me.”
“Hehe… You’re teasing me again.” Having gotten what she wanted, Chu Xiangxue was overjoyed, but soon voiced the worry that had been on her mind all day. “Fang Bai, if you’re willing to date my brother, did something happen? Are your uncle and aunt treating you poorly? Is that why you want to leave Su Shi?”
No! She was only repaying a kindness while avoiding the original host’s tragic fate. But Gu Fangbai knew she had to give the Chu siblings a reason. “My uncle and aunt treat me very well, no less than their own child.”
Before the other could press further, she continued, “Because of my status as a martyr’s orphan, I’ve been quite popular these past few years.”
Chu Xiangxue grew anxious. “That’s because you’re outstanding yourself!”
“I know.” Gu Fangbai chuckled but soon sighed. “But sometimes being special is a sin. Over the years, there have been so many matchmakers coming to my home, and others who harassed me directly under the guise of free love… Most of them had some power but terrible character. Fortunately, my parents left behind some connections, and my uncle and aunt protect me fiercely… But sometimes I worry, what if someone we can’t afford to offend comes along?”
Chu Xiangxue hadn’t expected this to be the reason and didn’t know how to comfort her, so she could only worryingly squeeze her classmate’s hand.
Gu Fangbai patted her hand in return. “The military is quieter than the outside world. Plus, I genuinely admire soldiers, so I might as well marry an officer and accompany the military.”
Chu Xiangxue suddenly understood. “So that’s why you suddenly came to see me yesterday?”
“Just realized? I thought, rather than finding some unknown soldier, why not your brother? At least your family’s character is guaranteed… Instead, you should remember, when someone who’s been absent for years suddenly reappears, they always have an agenda. Don’t be foolishly deceived.” In truth, Gu Fangbai could have denied it, but her grandmother owed her nothing, and the Chu family owed her even less.
In fact, the entire Chu family had done her a kindness, as the wealth they left behind had supported her for over a decade.
Thus, she had to find a reason that would allow for a balanced relationship in the future.
Of course, this reason was real—the original host had indeed been troubled in recent years.
Chu Xiangxue murmured, “But… you didn’t deceive me.”
Gu Fangbai couldn’t resist poking her. “I’m different. I would never harbor any intention to harm you, but others might not be the same.”
For some reason, Chu Xiangxue suddenly felt as if she were facing her eldest brother. She protectively covered her forehead and changed the subject. “I know, I’m smart. So… when will you tell your family?”
A sly glint appeared in Gu Fangbai’s eyes. “After I finish the blind date with that comrade doctor.”
Chu Xiangxue, who had already forgotten about this matter: “!!!” Oh no, is my brother in danger?