The next day, Zhou Runq ng came downstairs in his regular uniform. His upright figure stretched under the morning light, the sharp lines of his form carved by the sunlight.
The curve of his shoulders and back was steady, like a ridge; the neatly pressed military-green shirt made his spine appear even straighter.
Even the folds of his clothing seemed meticulously sculpted, as if painted by a skilled artist not only pleasing to the eye but also radiating the distinctive discipline of a soldier.
He descended the stairs step by step, his gaze sweeping across the coffee table in the living room, when suddenly his steps halted, his pupils narrowing.
On the coffee table lay a golden badge and a military marriage certificate stamped with a bright red seal.
His eyes flickered slightly as he picked up the party emblem and the marriage certificate, scanning downward with urgency.
Comrade Zhou Runqing Comrade Lin Yuqiu.
Marriage Approved
In that instant, his Adam’s apple moved silently, and even his breathing softened.
From behind came his mother’s gentle voice, barely contained: “Your father didn’t sleep all night. He called Commissioner Wang at the regiment overnight to verify that girl’s political background, poring over all the documents issued by the military, just to avoid any oversight.”
“Fortunately, you handled things carefully and had her documents ready in advance. But she’s still the daughter of a capitalist; it’s not appropriate to leave her here where people might gossip.”
She gestured toward the two items in his hands. “This morning, your father went to the administrative building and brought the certificate back for you. As for the party emblem, it should be the one Shi Yun’s girl brought yesterday.”
Zhou Runqing clenched the certificate tightly, looking at his mother; the gratitude in his eyes was unmistakable.
Even Zhou’s mother, hard as her heart usually was, softened seeing her son like this.
If she were to like anyone, it would be Shiyun the thoughtful, kind, and considerate daughter-in-law.
When she first met Miss Lin, she hadn’t taken to her.
She looked like a refined lady of the old era, her eyebrows and eyes too gentle, lacking the sharp, decisive aura of a modern revolutionary woman.
Even her walk carried a slow, delicate grace, unlike the girls in their compound who could bear arms in the military and labor in the fields.
Moreover, for her son’s career, she would have been a liability!
Yet she still hoped her son could marry someone he truly liked.
Sighing helplessly, Zhou’s mother said, “Your father also has something to tell you.”
“Go ahead.”
“He’s waiting for you in the study.”
Zhou Runqing drew a deep breath, put away the party emblem, carefully folded the certificate, and tucked it into the chest pocket of his uniform. His voice was calm and steady: “Mom, I understand what you and Dad are thinking. You can rest assured. I’ll go upstairs first.”
With that, he turned sharply, his back straight, his steps steady and forceful each step exuding the aura of a soldier, yet carrying a subtle, uncontainable excitement.
He strode up the stairs, and upon reaching the study door, paused to catch his breath. Raising his hand, he knocked, his voice deep and resonant: “Dad.”
His father, standing with his back to the window, slowly turned at the sound, rubbing his knuckles against his brow. His gaze fell on his son, taking in the quiet strength in his features a seven or eight-tenths likeness of his own demeanor before speaking after a long moment: “You’ve seen the certificate. If you’ve made your decision, then go and do what you want to do.”
“Thank you, Dad,” Zhou Runqing said with a slight nod, his tone solemn.
His father frowned slightly, speaking in a low voice: “But I have three words of advice. First, the path you chose, you must walk it through, grit your teeth and endure. Second, take care of your wife; her background is special, don’t let her bring trouble to the family. Third, within three years, achieve something that silences everyone.”
“I don’t want my son, Zhou Jianjun, to ruin his future for a woman.”
“Your path ahead will be more difficult. But remember, you are a soldier’s son; there is no obstacle you cannot endure.”
Zhou Runqing responded earnestly, every word sincere: “Thank you for your guidance, Dad.”
His father said no more. He turned and opened a desk drawer, taking out a bank deposit slip and a thick stack of cash, pushing them toward him.
“Your marriage partner has a special status. It’s not appropriate to hold a big ceremony in the compound.”
“Once you’ve received the certificate, take her to your island!”
Zhou Runqing accepted the deposit slip and the stack of cash, saluted his father in standard military form, and then strode out.
Outside, the sound of a car engine starting could be heard. Zhou’s father closed his eyes deeply, shaking his head helplessly.
In the sanatorium guesthouse, Lin Yuqiu rested her chin on her hand, sitting by the window, holding a tube of military ointment.
After applying it over the past two days, the scabs had nearly fallen off this morning, leaving no trace.
She twisted off the cap and inhaled the strong scent of animal fat mixed with a faint herbal fragrance, not unpleasant.
She pocketed the ointment, then pulled out the phone number the man had given her.
After the main line, a string of extensions likely belonged to the military district’s family compound.
Yesterday, she had wanted to visit her mother at the sanatorium. Even though it was only a few steps from the guesthouse, the guard at the door refused her entry without showing work credentials and a visit application.
Without Zhou Runqing, she had tried every way possible but couldn’t even see her mother for a moment.
She paced anxiously in her room, clutching the paper with the number, resolved to go out.
As she opened the door, she bumped into the man in the corridor, about to knock on a door.
His sharp eyes noticed the paper in her fingers. A faint smile lifted the corner of his lips, softening his cold features.
“Looking for me?”
His tone carried an unusual softness.
Lin Yuqiu blinked, then nodded.
Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed him casually stepping in, his gaze predatory like a hawk locking onto prey, sending a shiver down her spine.
Her heart leapt, her legs involuntarily stepping back two paces, trembling, as he closed the door behind him.
A few days ago, he had been formal and courteous, never locking the door when they were alone.
Her heart raced in her chest, her breath caught. Yet he seemed unaware, his gaze roaming freely over her as he entered, unrestrained, as if inspecting territory, speaking casually yet with undeniable intimacy: “Did your household registration get lost during the search?”
Lin Yuqiu frowned. “What?” Then she nodded slightly.
Zhou Runqing gave a slight nod, his tone serious: “Pack up. We’re going to the police station to replace your household registration documents.”
Lin Yuqiu’s heart skipped. “What?”
He raised an eyebrow, then approached her. His steps were slow but carried an inescapable sense of pressure, closing the distance steadily.
Looking into her clear, spring-like eyes, his deep voice, close enough to murmur, said: “What else? Get the registration, get the certificate.”
The slight tremble in his voice seemed to hook into her heart.
At that moment, the overwhelming presence of his masculine aura made her tense all over, and her carefully held composure shattered like a balloon suddenly pierced panic, confusion, and forced calm all collapsed.
She blurted out: “So soon.”
“Soon?” Zhou Runqing raised an eyebrow, then murmured helplessly: “Wife, I don’t have many days off.”
Lin Yuqiu’s face flared red, her heart fluttering as if roasted, and she lowered her head in embarrassment: “Don’t call me that.”
He watched the blush on her cheeks and the graceful bow of her head, so beautiful it made one forget to breathe.
As she looked up, she quickly pulled out the deposit slip and cash her father had given her, seriously saying: “Dad gave you these.”
Lin Yuqiu glanced at the two thousand yuan marked on the slip, slightly surprised: “For me?”
Zhou Runqing nodded, then gently took her hand, carefully running his fingers over hers, one by one spreading them across his palm.
Her fingertips tingled, yet when she looked up, he was back to his stern expression, as if she had imagined the softness.
He methodically placed the money and slip in her hand, his voice low and solemn: “Since we can’t hold a wedding in the compound, this is compensation.”
Seeing her gentle expression, he added seriously: “I know you were once a wealthy young lady. It may not match the grandeur you’re used to, but from now on, any allowances or rewards I receive will all be for you.”
Having experienced family hardships, this sense of stability was enough to comfort her.
Recalling the days when she earned just a few cents from coal work, Lin Yuqiu understood that this tranquility was the best life.
Her nose tinged, she asked: “How did your father so easily agree to marry me?”
Zhou Runqing’s expression paused, his gaze fixed on her face, his Adam’s apple moving slightly, before he said in a low voice: “He had one condition.”
“After the wedding, I’ll immediately take you back to the island.”