When the books appeared in front of Mu Youyou, her cheeks flushed so red it seemed like they might bleed.
“Cai Cai, you’re still just a kid,” she said.
“I saw it in novels. In ancient times, brides had to read this before getting married,” Cai Cai replied, twisting her mechanical head.
“…” Mu Youyou didn’t even dare look at them. She was a modern person, okay? Even if she hadn’t eaten pork, she still understood basic knowledge!
Thanks to Cai Cai’s antics, Mu Youyou became less nervous and fell asleep shortly after leaving the space.
What Mu Youyou didn’t know was that Gu Beiting was also extremely nervous. He paced outside her door until midnight, wanting to check on her but mindful of pre-wedding traditions. Eventually, he ran ten laps around the military training ground before finally going to sleep.
The next morning, Mu Youyou got up early. She wore the red dress, styled her hair in a modern bride’s bun, added a flower from the mall, and applied light bridal makeup. She looked pure yet charming.
“Wow, the bride is ready?” Li Yumei and Liu Shuzhen gasped when they entered.
They had always known Mu Youyou was beautiful but had not expected her to look this stunning.
“Yumei Jie, Shuzhen Jie,” Mu Youyou shyly lowered her head.
“Already shy?” Liu Shuzhen laughed, still praising her, “So beautiful!”
“Once Captain Gu sees you, he won’t be able to move,” Li Yumei teased.
Mu Youyou blushed even more, her face like a ripe red apple, making Liu Shuzhen and Li Yumei envious.
The waiting felt endless. Mu Youyou’s hands and feet were ice-cold, and she clenched her fists in her lap.
Finally, the door opened.
Gu Beiting stood tall and upright, wearing a pristine military uniform. His brows radiated authority, and his demeanor exuded a cold, detached air. Yet when he looked at her, his gaze was gentle and indulgent, making Mu Youyou’s heart skip a beat.
“My wife, I’m here to take you,” Gu Beiting said, looking at the girl in front of him. She was dazzling in red, with exquisite features and an elegant aura, as if she had stepped out of a painting—so perfect it took his breath away.
Li Yumei and Liu Shuzhen exchanged glances, unable to hide their surprise.
Was this really the Gu Beiting they knew?
Gu Beiting strode toward Mu Youyou. With each step closer, her breathing grew quicker, her heart raced, and her whole body felt like it was about to combust. She could hardly control her excitement.
“My wife,” Gu Beiting said, taking her small hand gently, his voice deep and alluring.
Hearing his magnetic voice, Mu Youyou almost lost composure but restrained herself, obediently letting him lead.
Seeing the two of them frozen like on pause, Li Yumei chuckled and reminded them, “If you keep looking at each other like this, it’ll be dark before we know it. Save the rest for after the ceremony behind closed doors.”
Embarrassed, they both looked away. Mu Youyou quickly freed her hand.
Gu Beiting turned to thank Li Yumei and Liu Shuzhen.
“My wife, let’s go,” he said indulgently, bending to lift her in his arms and carrying her out of the yard.
Today they rode in Zhao’s car, making a loop through the village before heading to the military hall. A large red flower was attached to the vehicle, announcing their wedding.
Zhao had specially arranged his driver for them. Curious villagers looked at the car and realized it was the military captain getting married. The car moved slowly, and Gu Beiting distributed wedding candies along the way.
“Congratulations, Captain Gu!”
“Captain Gu is marrying this year! Next year he should have a chubby little one.”
“Today is a big day for Captain Gu!”
…
Villagers offered their congratulations. Gu Beiting smiled and nodded in thanks, handing out candy to everyone.
Such a beautiful car rarely passed through the village, attracting crowds. Bold girls even ran after the car, filling the air with laughter.
Mu Youyou spotted a figure in the distance, possibly the village chief’s daughter, and sighed silently. Matters of the heart never seemed fair.
When they arrived at the hall, many soldiers waited outside, Zhao standing at the front.
“Salute!” At the command, soldiers executed a perfect military salute. The atmosphere was solemn.
Gu Beiting carried Mu Youyou down from the car. Zhao personally welcomed them, and the soldiers applauded their blessings.
Gu Beiting and Mu Youyou, wearing the bride and groom’s corsages, stood on the stage. Zhao held the microphone beside them.
The audience included soldiers and many military family members.
“Today, I am not your commander, but an elder for the couple,” Zhao said, looking kindly at Mu Youyou.
He continued, “Today is the joyful day of Comrades Gu Beiting and Mu Youyou. On behalf of your elders and the military, I extend my sincerest wishes. May you be united in heart, grow old together, and live a life of happiness.”
“Salute!”
The soldiers stood and saluted again, this time more perfectly, their smiles brighter.
“From now on, my life will be spent with Mu Youyou, hand in hand through all joys and hardships, without regret, loving, cherishing, and being loyal to her,” Gu Beiting solemnly declared, his deep eyes full of resolve.
His words came from the heart, and he would prove his commitment and love for her for a lifetime.
Mu Youyou, looking into his steadfast and devoted eyes, suddenly burst into tears.
She knew that once this man made a decision, it would never change.
“From now on, my life will be with you, through storms and trials, never betraying, never abandoning,” Mu Youyou also solemnly declared.
Gu Beiting’s deep eyes sparkled in response.
The military wives present couldn’t help wiping their eyes—some with envy, some jealousy, but most with blessings.
As military wives, pride comes with hidden tears and hardships only they understand.
The hall erupted in applause, lasting for a long time.