Jiang Tang never expected that the man before her would give her such a huge surprise—being so candid about his family situation and even wanting to marry her.
Although Jiang Tang still couldn’t recall whether the original book mentioned Xiao Xun, she figured that with his status, following him to accompany the troops might be a pretty good choice.
In her past life, she had never been in a relationship, had never filialized her parents, and hadn’t even had the chance to serve her country. If she went to accompany the troops, she might just fulfill those aspirations.
However, marriage was no trivial matter. Jiang Tang thought it best to consult her parents and brother before making a decision.
Before Jiang Tang could even speak, another green-uniformed figure stepped forward and chimed in first: “What era is this, and we’re still doing this whole blind marriage and arranged match thing? Isn’t that inappropriate? Even if you’re a leader, you can’t force someone to marry you.”
Jiang Tang looked over and recognized the speaker as Song Chenchuan.
There didn’t seem to be anything wrong with those words on the surface, but Song Chenchuan’s tone was strange, as if he held a lot of resentment toward Xiao Xun.
Yet this also made it clear that Xiao Xun was certainly no minor character; he did have a crossover with the male lead, Song Chenchuan.
Xiao Xun glanced briefly at Song Chenchuan before looking away, turning his attention back to Jiang Tang. “Comrade Jiang, I have absolutely no intention of forcing you to fulfill the engagement. Explaining my personal situation was simply to give Comrade Jiang the opportunity to make her own decision. No matter how Comrade Jiang chooses, I respect your wishes.”
Su Yinyin, who had followed closely behind, looked as though her eyes wanted to glue themselves to Xiao Xun’s face.
Earlier, upon seeing Song Chenchuan, Su Yinyin had been captivated by his crisp green military uniform, falling in love with him at first sight and already contemplating marriage with him.
Yet upon seeing Xiao Xun, Su Yinyin’s thoughts began to waver back and forth.
Song Chenchuan was quite good, but Xiao Xun’s face was even more handsome—and he was even Song Chenchuan’s superior officer.
It was just a pity that Xiao Xun was blind; he actually took a fancy to Jiang Tang.
By what right does Jiang Tang get that?
Since Su Yinyin hadn’t heard the earlier conversation, she only knew that Xiao Xun wanted to marry Jiang Tang, unaware that it was because the two families had a long-standing engagement.
Noticing Su Yinyin’s gaze, Jiang Tang didn’t plan to expose her, simply saying, “I will carefully consider Comrade Xiao’s proposal and give you an answer as soon as possible.”
A smile unconsciously curved the corners of Xiao Xun’s lips. After exchanging pleasantries with the Jiang family, he walked out of the state-run restaurant, accidentally walking with his arms and legs moving on the same side.
Noticing this scene, Jiang Sijie couldn’t help scratching the back of his head in bewilderment: “Why did the leader suddenly start walking with his arms and legs on the same side? His goose-step has always been standard; I’ve never seen him make a mistake before—”
Song Chenchuan gritted his teeth in secret annoyance. Why else would he walk like that? He’s just way too excited.
If such a radiant and stunning beauty agreed to marry him, he’d probably be even more excited.
Although Jiang Tang hadn’t agreed yet, she hadn’t refused on the spot either, which meant there was definitely hope.
If he hadn’t met Su Yinyin first, Song Chenchuan would have really wanted to state his own personal situation right then and there to compete with Xiao Xun.
So what if Xiao Xun was his superior officer? They weren’t married yet, so he always had a chance.
But right now—
With his thoughts in turmoil, Song Chenchuan didn’t say much in front of the Jiang family and strode away.
Su Yinyin hurried to catch up; she still intended to get to know Song Chenchuan better.
Since she couldn’t grasp Xiao Xun, she would grab onto Song Chenchuan instead.
As for Jiang Tang, Su Yinyin planned to urge her parents to make Jiang Tang hand over her job as soon as possible. She had to go down to the countryside in a few days anyway; perhaps once Jiang Tang was in the countryside, Xiao Xun would completely forget about her.
Upon stepping out of the state-run restaurant, Song Chenchuan turned back to look at Su Yinyin trailing behind him: “Comrade Su, why are you following me?”
Su Yinyin’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she nervously twisted the cuff of her sleeve. “I heard that Comrade Song is also from Yuan City, and your parents are here too? I wanted to ask—does Comrade Song have any plans for marriage?”
Hearing this, Su Yinyin’s heart hammered wildly, practically leaping out of her chest.
This was her first time mustering up the courage to ask a man such a question. If she hadn’t sensed that Song Chenchuan liked her too, Su Yinyin would never have taken the initiative to speak up.
Song Chenchuan was momentarily stunned. In truth, from the very first moment he saw Su Yinyin, he had wanted to marry her.
The fragile and gentle temperament about Su Yinyin was something Song Chenchuan loved, and it was also something he rarely encountered before.
On top of that, Su Yinyin had a doll-like face that Song Chenchuan adored, and when she looked at him, her eyes held starlight.
Yet after seeing Jiang Tang just moments ago, Song Chenchuan’s mind began to waver.
Compared to Su Yinyin, he seemed to like Jiang Tang even more.
Therefore, instead of answering directly, Song Chenchuan casually brushed it off: “My marriage matters need to be discussed with my parents first.”
To Su Yinyin, these words meant that Song Chenchuan was very satisfied with her and was going to discuss it with his parents.
Thus, Su Yinyin lowered her head, growing even more shy.
“Then… I’ll wait for Comrade Song’s news.”
Sensing that Su Yinyin seemed to have misunderstood, Song Chenchuan chose not to actively explain, instead asking her about her family situation.
Figuring that the two of them would soon be married anyway, Su Yinyin told him all about her family background.
The more Song Chenchuan listened, the deeper his brows furrowed. Finally, he understood why Su Yinyin called Jiang Tang her older sister, while Jiang Sijie called Jiang Tang his younger sister.
As it turned out, Jiang Tang was the adopted daughter of the Jiang family, and her biological parents’ surname was Su.
Since she had already found her biological parents, presumably the “parents” Jiang Tang wanted to consult referred to her biological parents.
In that case, as long as he didn’t let Jiang Tang’s biological parents give their consent, Xiao Xun’s marriage to Jiang Tang would be completely impossible.
With this thought, Song Chenchuan’s brows gradually relaxed. “Comrade Su, can I go meet your parents?”
Su Yinyin clutched her sleeve even tighter, assuming Song Chenchuan was even more impatient than she was.
Still, having finally run into someone to her liking, Su Yinyin was more than willing to marry him as soon as possible.
Perhaps after getting married, she could even follow him to accompany the troops, and by then she wouldn’t have to care about the job in Jiang Tang’s hands anymore.
Nodding slightly, Su Yinyin brought Song Chenchuan to the machinery factory where Su Jiyong and Wei Cuiying worked, dragging the two of them over.
Seeing the machinery factory, Su Jiyong’s eyes lit up instantly.
“Comrade, is it you who wants to marry my daughter?”
Song Chenchuan glanced at Su Yinyin. Seeing her slightly lowered head and shy demeanor, he nodded in acknowledgement: “Yes, I’d like to have a detailed chat with Uncle and Auntie. My time visiting home is limited this time, and I’ll have to leave before long. I’m hoping we can settle things before I go.”
From Song Chenchuan’s perspective, he wasn’t technically lying—after all, Jiang Tang was their daughter, too.
Su Yinyin felt a surge of excitement and elation, her heart beating wildly as she envisioned living an even better life once they were married.