Jiang Nuan recalled how he used to always keep a cold expression toward her, and now it was as if he had become a completely different person.
It proved that he remembered her words.
She had asked him to smile more—and he had truly listened.
Her heart was enveloped in a rolling warmth. She didn’t fear hardship or poverty.
As long as a man could sense cold and warmth, remember what she said, and change accordingly, he was already one in ten thousand.
Jiang Nuan glanced at the meat in the bowl. Lu Lin fulfilled those two qualities.
How lucky she was to marry such a good man.
“Let’s eat.” Jiang Nuan smiled and lowered her head to start eating.
Lu Lin only began eating when he saw her move her chopsticks.
Jiang Nuan, afraid he might be hungry, kept putting more food into his bowl.
Lu Lin, worried she might not eat enough, kept putting meat into her bowl.
Both stared at the pile of meat and vegetables growing in their bowls and shared a smile.
The bright sunlight streamed through the window, falling upon them.
They remained in that posture, staring at each other foolishly, laughing helplessly for a long while.
After finishing the meal, Lu Lin put down his chopsticks and helped stack the dishes.
“Leave it, I’ll do it myself.” Jiang Nuan snatched the dishes from his hands. “I’ll put these away in the kitchen, then go to the team leader’s house to borrow the flat cart. We’re going to the commune to get our marriage certificate right now.”
Watching her handle everything nimbly, Lu Lin suddenly called after her before she left.
“Wait a moment. I have something for you.”
Jiang Nuan paused at the door and turned back, curious.
She moved the shabby wardrobe across from the bed as he instructed and dug out a cloth-wrapped box from underneath.
Seeing her curious look, Lu Lin’s lips curved into a small smile. “The day a comrade helped me return home, I had them dig a pit for this.”
Jiang Nuan dusted off the cloth, already suspecting what might be inside.
Lu Lin looked at her with gentle eyes. “Come over here.”
She pushed the wardrobe closer, carrying the box to the bedside to place it on the table.
Unexpectedly, he shook his head, looked up at her seriously, and said, “This is my compensation for retiring due to injury, a total of 2,000 yuan. From now on, it’s all yours.”
Jiang Nuan was shocked. She had guessed what might be inside but never imagined that Lu Lin would hand it over to her.
Seeing her dumbfounded, his eyes softened even more. “Why are you just staring? Open it and see if the money is damp.”
She pointed at herself incredulously. “You’re saying all this money is mine?”
He nodded, pulling her to sit on the bed, his face slightly red. “We’re about to get our marriage certificate. A man’s money should be kept by the woman.”
Jiang Nuan pinched her palm secretly to make sure she wasn’t dreaming, and looking at the handsome man, almost burst out laughing.
What insane luck is this?
She could actually marry such a good man!
In her previous life, Lu Dapo had never given her a single cent.
He drained her body while earning work points to support the family. Later, even when she got a job at a garment factory, he siphoned her wages for family expenses.
She had been used to supporting herself entirely.
Even in this new life, thinking about marrying Lu Lin, she never imagined using his money.
Yet now, he handed her all of his compensation money.
This was all he had.
“No, I can’t take this.”
Jiang Nuan placed the box back on the table and returned it to him. “You keep this money yourself.”
Seeing it returned, Lu Lin’s expression darkened. “Why don’t you want it?”
Aren’t all women eager to manage a man’s money?
During his army days, all the accompanying families were like this.
Jiang Nuan saw his disappointment and explained, “Don’t misunderstand. It’s not that I have other intentions. The money is too valuable. If I hold it, I won’t feel at ease.”
Lu Lin looked at her, eyes slightly red, hurt. “In my current state, I’m no better than a useless man. I can’t give you or the child happiness. All I can give you are these. If you won’t even take them, then what purpose do I serve besides causing trouble?”
His voice was filled with self-doubt and despair.
Seeing his reddened eyes, Jiang Nuan’s heart clenched. She quickly nodded.
“I’ll take it, I will. Don’t talk about yourself like that. I’ll accept it now. Don’t overthink it, and don’t be sad.”
Instantly, his expression brightened. He urged her, “Then check the money in the box quickly.”
Jiang Nuan, afraid he might overthink again, sat on the bed and opened the box.
A full bundle of notes came into view.
Her eyes lit up.
So much money.
She reached out, touched it, and smiled.
Seeing her excitement, Lu Lin smirked slightly.
Jiang Nuan eagerly checked every note, confirming none were damaged, and reported back.
“Exactly twenty bundles, not a single one damp.”
He nodded. “All of this is yours now. Spend it as you like.”
Hearing he said she could freely use the money, Jiang Nuan stared at him, heart overflowing with gratitude.
Lu Lin smiled. “Why are you staring? Spend it freely. Besides this, I also get a monthly pension of 100 yuan.”
By regulation, a retired soldier injured in service receives a lump-sum compensation and 75% of their monthly salary as a disability pension.
Jiang Nuan’s eyes widened. Besides the 2,000 yuan, he still got 100 yuan every month?!
At that time, a state-owned enterprise worker’s full salary was only 36 yuan a month.
Lu Lin’s pension alone could cover three months’ wages for someone else.
Seeing her astonished, he smiled and explained, “I haven’t told anyone about this,” including his elder brother, Lu Dapo.
Jiang Nuan nodded. No wonder Lu Dapo never mentioned it. If he knew Lu Lin got 100 yuan a month, he would worship him and never harm him.
“As long as I’m alive, neither you nor the child will go hungry.”
Seeing his solemn promise, Jiang Nuan thought of the child she had lost to Lu Laopo in her past life. Her heart instantly filled with resolve.
This time, she would do everything to protect Lu Lin and the child. No one would hurt them again.
Seeing her expression calm, he smiled. “No need to thank me. This is my duty.”
Jiang Nuan closed the box, thinking of hiding it safely. If Lu Dapo or Lu Laopo returned, it wouldn’t be safe here.
“I’ll put it in my room, then go borrow the flat cart.”
Lu Lin nodded.
As soon as Jiang Nuan entered her room, she placed the box in the space.
The space was like an open courtyard. She looked up at the blue sky and called for the cat.
“Mi Mi, are you there?”
“I’m here, I’m here!” The cat immediately appeared before her, its fluffy head held high. “Master, do you need my help?”
Jiang Nuan squatted, stroked its head, and said gently, “I put the stuff in the space. I don’t need to worry about it anymore, right?”
The cat nudged her hand with its head and lazily lay on the ground, showing its belly. “Master, anything placed in the space retains its original condition. The temperature is always stable. You can rest assured.”
Jiang Nuan nodded. “So vegetables or meat won’t spoil in there?”
The cat nodded vigorously. “Exactly! You’re so smart, Master!”
Jiang Nuan blushed at the praise. “Okay, I’m fine now.”
The cat, knowing she had important tasks, said, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave.”
Suddenly, she remembered. “You haven’t eaten. I’ll make something for you.”
The cat purred in delight, holding her hands. “Master, you’re so good! Following you is the best decision I’ve ever made! Don’t worry, I don’t need food, thanks to my spirit powers. Go with Lu Lin to get your marriage certificate. I wish you a happy wedding!”
Jiang Nuan blushed.
The cat kept chatting. “Master, your choice isn’t bad. Lu Lin may not move now, but you can tell he’s strong. When he recovers, he’ll make you happy every night! You, Master, will be the happiest woman!”
Jiang Nuan’s cheeks flamed. “Cough… I… I have to go now.”
She shook her head at the cat’s constant chatter—happy every night?
When she borrowed the flat cart from the team leader’s house, her face was still flushed.
Worried Lu Lin might notice, she washed her face at the well before carrying the blanket outside to the cart.
Once everything was ready, she lifted him from the house.
“Hold my neck tight.”
She slid her arms under his back and knees.
Lu Lin looked worried, but she smiled. “Don’t worry. I can carry you.”
With strength, she easily lifted the 1.9-meter man.
It was the first time in his life that a woman had lifted him. He felt very uneasy but still held tightly to her neck.
Jiang Nuan placed him on the flat cart, arranged a pillow under his head, and tucked the blanket over him.
She walked to the front, turned, and smiled. “Ready? Let’s go.”
Lu Lin nodded without hesitation.
They both looked toward the gate, knowing that once they stepped out, they would face a flood of gossip.
“Let’s go!”
Jiang Nuan pulled the flat cart out the gate.
It was the work start time, and many villagers glanced over curiously as they passed…