The Qinghe County photo studio had a modest storefront, with a few sample photos displayed in the window—all in black and white.
Some had been hand-tinted, with rosy cheeks and red lips that looked a bit unsettling.
The studio had just opened, and there weren’t many people around.
The old photographer emerged from behind the black cloth of the vintage camera, sizing up the two of them.
At a glance, his eyes lit up.
The man was tall and straight-backed, wearing a crisp officer’s uniform with four pockets, his expression stern and cold—clearly someone not to be trifled with.
The woman, however, was radiantly beautiful, somewhat resembling those movie actresses from big cities.
“Taking wedding photos?”
Gu Huai’an nodded. “Yes, one photo.”
“Alright, take a seat over there.”
The two sat in front of the red backdrop.
In those days, wedding photos didn’t involve many poses—just sitting side by side, with badges pinned to their chests.
On the long bench, there was a clear gap between them, like a boundary line.
The old man waved from behind the camera. “Move closer to the middle! Why sit so far apart? Is she a spy you’re interrogating?”
Gu Huai’an frowned but didn’t budge.
In his life, aside from slinging an arm around his comrades-in-arms, he had never been this close to a female comrade.
His nostrils were filled with the scent of vanishing cream from the woman beside him, making him feel uncomfortably warm.
“Be more proactive, comrade! She’s your wife. Don’t look so stiff—smile!”
Gu Huai’an forced another slight smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes, making his expression look even fiercer.
He actually smiled quite often, especially when mocking others or disciplining greenhorn soldiers—his deceptive smiles were the most intimidating.
But now, facing the dark lens of the camera, he felt utterly uneasy, his palms sweating.
“Alright, alright, stop smiling. It’s a bit frightening.”
The old man gave up. “You two, move closer!”
Gu Huai’an still didn’t move.
Shen Yu couldn’t stand it any longer.
If they kept dawdling like this, it would be dark before they finished.
Usually so bold, why was he acting like a wooden stump now?
She shifted her hips, her shoulder bumping directly against Gu Huai’an’s arm.
The warm touch made Gu Huai’an tense up all over. He looked down at her.
“No backbone?”
Shen Yu tilted her head toward his shoulder without hesitation, smiling brightly.
“Doesn’t this show how close we are? Master, take the photo!”
“Ah! That’s more like it! Now you look like a married couple!”
Click.
The flash went off, freezing the moment.
Gu Huai’an asked the assistant to expedite the processing, paying an extra twenty cents.
After waiting about half an hour, they received the photo. Leaning in to look, they saw:
The man sat ramrod straight, his expression serious, while the girl beside him leaned against him, smiling like a flower.
No matter how you looked at it, he seemed…
like a bad guy.
Shen Yu pointed at the photo teasingly. “Look at you, not even smiling. People might think you were forced into this marriage.”
Gu Huai’an stuffed the photo into his pocket and shot her a sidelong glance.
“Wasn’t I forced into it by you?”
Shen Yu rolled her eyes. “Then why don’t you call it off? Tear up the photo, and we’ll go our separate ways right now.”
Leaving the photo studio, they headed straight for the Civil Affairs Bureau office.
The office was located next to the county government Compound. In the hall, several newlywed couples were lined up, all dressed in new clothes, blushing and keeping their heads down.
Even when they spoke, it was in hushed tones, and the slightest touch made them pull back as if shocked.
When it was their turn, the clerk stared at them for a long time.
The clerk repeatedly checked their letters of introduction, glanced at the marriage application report, and frowned.
"Voluntary?"
These days, there were plenty of soldiers who bullied others with their status.
The man was handsome but looked fierce, while the woman was delicate—they didn't seem like a match at all.
Gu Huai'an slapped two photos on the table, his tone impatient. "We've already shared a bed. How could it not be voluntary?"
"…"
The hall fell silent instantly. Several young people waiting in line blushed down to their necks.
Shen Yu's eyelids twitched, and she stomped hard on his foot under the table.
How dare he spout such nonsense!
The clerk's face stiffened. "Comrade, this is a lifelong matter. Be serious."
"I am serious," Gu Huai'an said with a straight face. "The report's been filed, the political review's passed, and I want to take responsibility for her. Isn't that serious enough?"
Even Shen Yu couldn't bear to listen any longer.
If he kept talking, he'd be arrested as a hooligan.
She quickly leaned her elbow on the counter, nudging Gu Huai'an aside, and flashed a sweet smile at the clerk.
"Sister, don't listen to his nonsense. He's been in the army too long—his brain's gone dull, and he can't speak properly."
"Actually, I fell for his good looks and begged to marry him. He took pity on me and agreed. If he didn't marry me, I wouldn't want to live anymore."
The clerk was stunned.
In these times, couples were usually reserved, but this pair was something new.
Without further ado, she stamped the seal.
A bright red official stamp came down, and two marriage certificates, like certificates of merit, were handed over.
Unlike the hardcover versions of later years, these were just soft sheets of paper printed with red double-happiness symbols and sunflowers.
Shen Yu took them, examining them with curiosity.
Her eyes brimmed with pride. "From now on, I'm your lawful revolutionary partner. If you try to ditch me, you'll have to face the Military Tribunal."
Gu Huai'an reached over, took the paper from her, folded it twice, and tucked it directly into his inner pocket.
"Let me hold onto it. I haven't had a good look yet."
Shen Yu tried to snatch it back.
Gu Huai'an blocked her hand. "You'll lose it if you keep it. I'll handle the filing."
He then leaned down, his large hand gripping the back of Shen Yu's neck, kneading the soft flesh firmly. "Once you're in my wolf's den, even your bones belong to me. If you try to run, it'll be up to me whether I allow it."
His grip was strong. Shen Yu shrank her neck but retorted stubbornly, "Who wants to run? I still need to eat your food, drink your drinks, and spend all your subsidy allowance, so you won't even be able to afford cigarettes later."
"Is that all you've got?"
Gu Huai'an chuckled. "Serve your commanding officer well tonight, and I'll bring you mountains of gold and silver."
Shen Yu shot him a sidelong glance. "Already thinking about tonight? Aren't you afraid of straining your back at your age?"
"Don't try to provoke me," Gu Huai'an said, opening the car door and shoving her inside. "Whether my back's good or not, you'll find out tonight."
"All talk and no action."
Gu Huai'an started the car. "Anything else we need to buy?"
Shen Yu shook her head. "Let's go back. I need to tidy up our little nest. Now that we're married, we can't let it look like an unfinished house."
"Suit yourself. We can have He Zheng come over to help with the mess. Getting married is a happy occasion—we should treat the brothers to a drink."
"Who's He Zheng?"
"Second Battalion Commander," Gu Huai'an glanced at her. "When you see him later, ignore his foul mouth."
Shen Yu perked up with interest.
If even Ghost's Despair finds someone talkative, just how gossipy must that person be?
Returning to the tube-shaped apartment building, a tall figure suddenly darted out from the stairwell, running right into them.
"Regimental Commander!"
Gu Huai'an lifted his chin slightly. "This is He Zheng."
He Zheng actually had quite a proper appearance—thick eyebrows, big eyes, and a square face that gave off the image of a standard, upright soldier.
It was just that his eyes kept darting around.
He glanced into the car and immediately spotted Shen Yu getting out of the passenger seat.
"Whoa!"
He Zheng sucked in a sharp breath.
He had led a team on a mission a couple of days ago and only returned late last night.
He'd heard from those greenhorn soldiers that the regimental commander had brought back a pretty girl and was dead set on marrying her.
He originally thought those boys were just inexperienced and spreading nonsense. Who could Gu Huai'an possibly take a liking to?
But he never expected the girl to be so damn gorgeous!
Gu Huai'an got out of the car and slammed the door shut, giving He Zheng a cold look before lifting his leg to feign a kick. "What are you staring at? Greet her properly."
Snapping back to reality, He Zheng grinned, stood at attention, and saluted.
"Sister-in-law, hello! I'm He Zheng, one of Commander Gu's soldiers."
Shen Yu smiled generously, not the least bit intimidated. "Hello, Camp Commander He. I'm Shen Yu. I'll be living in this building from now on, so I'll have to trouble you to look out for me."
Her poised and confident demeanor didn't seem at all like a girl from the countryside who'd never seen the world; instead, she carried herself like someone who grew up in the Compound.
This air of hers earned He Zheng's respect.
"No trouble at all! It's my duty!"
He Zheng sidled up to Gu Huai'an and whispered, "Old Gu, not bad! How did you trick her into coming back? I heard from Xiao Zhang that you straight up took her to your dorm? Is that true?"
Gu Huai'an gave him a solid kick right in the rear.
"Get lost. If you're that bored, go run a few laps on the training ground."
He Zheng wasn't bothered. He brushed the dust off his pants and winked at Shen Yu.
"Sister-in-law, don't be scared of him. He's just like this—sharp-tongued and… and pretty ruthless at heart, but he definitely doesn't hit his wife."
Finding this person amusing, Shen Yu joined in on the banter.
"I'm not scared at all. Just now at the civil affairs bureau, he was crying and begging to get our marriage certificate with me. I couldn't even say no."
He Zheng's eyes widened as he turned to look at Gu Huai'an. "Really? You cried?"
Gu Huai'an's face darkened, his jaw clenched. "Don't listen to her nonsense. If either of you keeps spouting nonsense, I'll sew both your mouths shut."
Seeing Gu Huai'an's flustered expression, He Zheng felt immensely pleased.
There's always someone who can rein you in—even Ghost's Despair has his day!
Shen Yu laughed happily, linking her arm with Gu Huai'an's. "Alright, who was it that said they'd treat the brothers to drinks? Where are we eating?"
Gu Huai'an shot her a glance but didn't shake off her hand. "Go to the canteen and let Old Wang know to slaughter a pig. We're adding dishes tonight—the whole regiment gets a share."
Hearing there would be drinks and a chance to enjoy a pork feast, He Zheng turned and ran off immediately.
"Got it! I'll go notify the whole regiment right away! We're definitely going to drink the regimental commander under the table!"