“Wife, are you not mad anymore?” Gu Beiting leaned close, grinning.
“Not that mad,” Mu Youyou laughed, giving him a playful glare. Being angry every day would make life unbearable.
“Just knew my wife is the best,” Gu Beiting said, planting a kiss on her cheek.
Since it was already late, they had a simple breakfast—Mu Youyou made some dough-drop soup.
“My wife, how about we go tide-pooling?” Gu Beiting suggested after washing the dishes. Today was his last day off.
“Can we?” Mu Youyou’s eyes sparkled. She had never done this before.
“Of course,” Gu Beiting said, patting her head. Today, Mu Youyou wore a pink shirt with black pants and two cute braided pigtails—innocent and adorable.
The village allowed soldiers and their families to collect seafood at low tide. As long as the required quota was submitted, anything else could be taken home.
“Then let’s go now!” Mu Youyou eagerly grabbed two buckets and pulled Gu Beiting along.
By the time they reached the beach, many villagers were already tide-pooling, chatting as they worked.
“Ah, Captain Gu, bringing your wife to the tide?” an elderly lady waved.
“Granny Wang,” Gu Beiting greeted politely. Mu Youyou smiled and nodded.
“Captain, your wife is really beautiful,” Granny Wang teased.
Mu Youyou blushed instantly.
Gu Beiting, unfazed, replied casually, “Of course.”
Granny Wang laughed heartily.
Mu Youyou rolled her eyes—he dared to reply to everything!
Curious villagers gathered around to see the bride.
“Ah, Captain Gu, this must be your wife?”
“Yes, let me introduce—this is my wife, Mu Youyou,” Gu Beiting said, putting an arm around her shoulder naturally and comfortably.
Villagers praised the scene.
“This girl is truly beautiful, perfect for our Captain Gu.”
“Yes, indeed.”
…
Everyone was chattering and complimenting, while Gu Beiting smiled the whole time, as if the praise were naturally his due.
Mu Youyou was surprised—usually cold and distant, Gu Beiting could be so approachable with villagers.
Seeing his wife blush like a ripe apple, Gu Beiting quickly said, “Everyone, go on with your work. My wife hasn’t done this before—I’m just showing her.” He led her to the shallow water.
They removed their shoes and put them aside. Gu Beiting rolled up Mu Youyou’s pants and gently placed her feet in the cool water.
“Hold my hand, don’t let go,” he said, taking her small hand as they walked toward a rock outcrop. He lifted her onto it, “Sit here and rest for a bit. I’ll find some seafood for you.”
“Okay,” Mu Youyou nodded obediently, sitting on the rock and gazing at the sparkling ocean. She felt refreshed and at ease.
“Look, wife,” she looked up as Gu Beiting caught a sizable eel.
“Wow, such a big eel!” she exclaimed, jumping excitedly. He steadied her to keep her from falling.
“Careful, don’t fall in,” he warned, placing the eel into the bucket and teasing her nose.
“I want to try too!” Mu Youyou looked at him eagerly.
“Okay,” Gu Beiting said, lifting her down.
Experienced, he led her along the shore, finding octopus, abalone, sea cucumber, crabs, shrimp, bass, and more.
“Wife, here are lots of clams,” he said, taking out a rake he had brought along.
After collecting a plateful, he stopped.
Before leaving, Mu Youyou casually mentioned liking big crabs. Gu Beiting found several on the beach, using the tracks they left in the sand to locate them. Small ones were left behind.
Their two buckets were full. Gu Beiting led Mu Youyou to the weigh station, where the village chief’s daughter was.
She stared at their joined hands, hesitant to speak to Gu Beiting.
He ignored her glance, lifting Mu Youyou’s loose hair behind her ear.
“Beiting…?”
“Comrade Wang Li, this is my wife. From now on, call me Captain Gu or Comrade Gu—I don’t want my wife to misunderstand,” Gu Beiting said firmly.
Mu Youyou glanced at Wang Li, who turned pale with tears in her eyes.
She sighed. A young girl liking someone who didn’t reciprocate was no crime. Since they all lived in the military area, keeping relations smooth was better.
Mu Youyou looked at Gu Beiting. “Weigh the seafood. I want to say a few words to Comrade Wang Li.” He nodded, taking the buckets aside but keeping his eyes on her.
Mu Youyou approached Wang Li. The girl stared in awe—never had she seen someone so beautiful. Though praised in the village, next to Mu Youyou, she felt inferior.
“Comrade Wang Li, do you like Gu Beiting?” Mu Youyou asked gently.
“I…” Wang Li nodded silently.
“Liking someone is not wrong, but Gu Beiting and I are married. You can see we truly love each other,” Mu Youyou said softly.
“I never intended to… do anything,” Wang Li whispered.
“You couldn’t. It’s a military marriage. Not something anyone can disrupt.”
“I understand. You’re a good girl. You deserve someone who loves and cherishes you,” Mu Youyou smiled warmly.
Sunlight bathed Mu Youyou in a golden glow, making her look like a storybook princess—dreamlike and enchanting.
“Yes! Thank you! Congratulations on your wedding!” Wang Li finally relaxed, smiling.
Mu Youyou returned the smile, and the two girls waved goodbye.
At Mu Youyou’s request, Gu Beiting only kept the big crabs, the eel, and some clams; the rest were handed in, too much for them to consume.