When Gu Beiting returned home, Mu Youyou was preparing to head out with her basket.
Seeing him injured, she wanted to go to the village to see if she could buy a chicken to make him some nourishing food. Even though she could buy one from the space mall, she needed a reason to use it.
“Where are you going?” Gu Beiting asked, hurrying up to her.
“To the village,” Mu Youyou smiled.
“I’ll take you on my bike,” Gu Beiting said, heading into the yard to get his bicycle.
“No, I can go myself. You should rest—you’re still injured,” Mu Youyou reminded him, concerned about his wounds.
“I’m fine.” Without waiting for her consent, he pulled her onto the back seat.
“Hey!” Mu Youyou hadn’t even settled when Gu Beiting sped off, causing her to instinctively hug his waist.
He glanced down at her hands around him and smiled, then pedaled even faster.
Only then did Mu Youyou realize she was holding him.
She quickly let go, her face burning red.
“S-sorry…” she stammered, trying to explain.
Gu Beiting didn’t seem to hear her, eyes fixed ahead, focused on riding.
Mu Youyou looked at him and noticed the faint smile on his lips. Compared to his usual serious expression, this smile was warm and comforting, like spring sunlight.
Her heart raced uncontrollably, and she quickly averted her gaze, afraid she might lose herself if she looked any longer.
She mentally scolded herself for being such a lovesick fool.
At the village entrance, they got off and Gu Beiting pushed the bicycle.
They passed familiar villagers, and Gu Beiting greeted them all politely.
“You know the villagers well?” Mu Youyou asked.
“Yes. I often train around here, so I got familiar with them over time,” Gu Beiting explained.
“Gu Beiting, do you get hurt often?” she asked, fidgeting with her skirt. Yesterday she had noticed multiple scars and even signs of gunshot wounds on his body.
“Just from missions,” Gu Beiting said simply.
Mu Youyou nodded, knowing military personnel were very private. She didn’t press further.
“What do you want to buy?” Gu Beiting asked as they entered the village.
“A chicken,” she replied.
“Follow me,” Gu Beiting led her to the village chief’s house.
“Village Chief, is anyone home?” Gu Beiting called out.
Soon, a man in his forties appeared and warmly greeted Gu Beiting.
“Beiting! Come in!”
“I want to buy a hen,” Gu Beiting explained.
“All right, wait a moment!” the chief went to the backyard.
Gu Beiting waited outside.
A girl emerged from the house, wearing a white floral dress, long braided hair to her waist, delicate features, looking soft and obedient.
She froze, staring at him. “Beiting-gege, why are you here?”
“I came to buy a chicken from your father,” he explained.
“Oh…” she lowered her head, hesitating to speak.
Moments later, the chief returned with a plump hen.
“Here, Beiting, this is our fattest old hen.”
“Thank you, Village Chief.” Gu Beiting handed five yuan and turned to leave.
“Beiting-gege…” the girl called, cheeks flushed, shy.
He stopped and looked at her curiously. “Yes?”
“Nothing,” she muttered, looking down.
Mu Youyou remained silent the entire time.
Gu Beiting glanced at her, noticing her pale expression.
“Are you feeling unwell?” he asked.
“No,” she shook her head.
He also helped her buy some vegetables. He noticed Mu Youyou remained quiet and distracted the entire time.
Back home, Mu Youyou went straight to her room, locking the door. Gu Beiting parked the bicycle and followed her to the door.
“Youyou,” he said, noticing the locked door. “What’s going on?”
Mu Youyou didn’t answer immediately. She stood by the window in silence.
With a loud “KLANG”, the door was kicked open.
Gu Beiting entered and came straight to her side.
“What’s wrong?” he asked again.
Mu Youyou took a deep breath and slowly turned to face him.
“Gu Beiting, you didn’t want to marry me… because of that girl?”
“What?” Gu Beiting was momentarily taken aback.
“You didn’t want to marry me because of the village chief’s daughter?” she repeated.
“Of course not,” he said without hesitation, realizing her concern.
“You’re jealous, aren’t you?”
Mu Youyou bit her lip, remaining silent.
He pulled her into his arms tightly. “Youyou, I like you. I think of you when I train, when I’m on missions, in my dreams… I even imagine our future together.”
Mu Youyou froze.
She had felt a hint of insecurity, worried he might like someone else.
Hearing him declare his love left her stunned, completely unprepared.
“I love you,” Gu Beiting whispered, cupping her face tenderly.
“Mmm!” Mu Youyou felt his lips on hers, her mind blank, forgetting how to resist.
He kissed her for a long moment before releasing her, gently touching her lips.
“Youyou… you like me too, don’t you?”
Her brain spun; she couldn’t form words.
Seeing her dazed, Gu Beiting kissed her again.
“Mmm…” Mu Youyou widened her eyes in surprise.
He leaned down for another kiss. After a while, he finally let go reluctantly.
“Tell me you like me, okay?” he said hoarsely, full of longing.
Mu Youyou nodded dumbly, mind blank.
“So… does that mean our contract is void?” Gu Beiting’s lips curved into a sly smile.
She nodded. She liked him and was certain.
His joy was boundless.
“Youyou, you’re amazing! I’m so happy!” he exclaimed, holding her tightly, as if trying to merge her into his very being.