“Yuge, I’m taking you now to the Army Guest House. It serves military personnel and their families exclusively. The rates are far lower than outside—only thirty fen per night, with hot water provided. This will be your residence for now.
But one thing I must stress clearly: henceforward, your identity is my younger sister. Also—guest house accommodation is limited to three months. If you have not married by then, you must leave. Even I will be powerless to help you.”
“Alright, I hear you. Rest easy. I know how to conduct myself. I won’t place you in an awkward position. By the way—surely there is a mess hall?”
“There is. Once you are checked in, I will show you around and point out the way. I shall also speak with the mess staff—simply tell them you are my sister. However…” He paused.
“Never fear. I shall pay my own way. I won’t let you foot the bill.”
“—Foot the bill?” Gu Nianchen blinked, confused.
“—I meant, I won’t cause trouble. Or pick fights,” she murmured quickly.
“Picking fights? Missile? Xia Yuge—let me warn you: this is a military base. Do not even think of reckless behavior!” Alarm surged through him. He was already second-guessing bringing her here. Was it too late to send her back?
Reckless? Who’s being reckless? Xia Yuge thought. Only a fool would go back! I am not the helpless girl who lived here before—I am far too clever for that! Still—she knew better than to stir up trouble here. She would set his mind at ease.
“Alright—stop imagining things. You misheard. I said I won’t cause trouble or mischief. And I shall pay for every meal at the mess hall myself. Set your mind completely at rest.”
“Ah—very well. But if you truly fall into hardship… I shall not stand idly by. Only—please be frugal for now. To speak plainly: I truly have no money left.” Gu Nianchen looked distinctly embarrassed.
“I understand perfectly. I shall manage. These past few days on the train—you know my health has always been frail. I feared exhaustion or fainting mid-journey, which would have been far more trouble.”
“You speak true. That was thoughtless of me. And… for what it is worth—I apologize on behalf of my entire family.”
He spoke with absolute sincerity. He had spent barely days at home, yet he was not blind.
Check-in was swift. Within minutes, Xia Yuge held her room key.
“Place your things inside first. I shall wait. Presently I will walk you around and introduce you to what you should know.” Gu Nianchen gestured toward her cloth pack.
“Very well. Wait just a moment—I shall be but a minute.”
She could have found her own way easily enough. But a free guide? Why refuse?
Together they walked toward the mess hall. As they went, Gu Nianchen issued earnest warnings.
“Yuge—this is a military base. Certain areas are restricted even to family members. Do remember this—straying where you ought not to be could see you taken for a spy. People have been shot for far less.”
He worried over her as though she were made of glass.
“I understand. I value my life too much to be careless. Come—show me the rest. Where is the Family Quarters?”
“This way then.” Gu Nianchen indicated the direction. He had not forgotten her purpose in coming: to find a husband—preferably one whose rank allowed family co-residence. And that meant the Family Quarters were where she must look.
Though—he was a bachelor and a soldier. What did he know of matchmaking? Especially for the woman who had once been his own intended bride? The thought alone was awkward enough.
That afternoon, Gu Nianchen walked her through every accessible section of the base—even pointing out his own dormitory.
“Yuge—this is where I live. If ever you face something you cannot resolve—come here and seek me. I am here except during drills or duty. And regarding… finding you a suitable match—I shall ask the officers’ wives for assistance. I am a soldier. Such matters are best left to women.”
“Rest easy. I understand all that. I leave it in your hands. I shall return to the Guest House now.” Xia Yuge smiled pleasantly.
“Allow me to walk you back.”
“There is no need. I have the way perfectly. Goodbye!” She waved and turned, walking briskly back along the path they had come.
Gu Nianchen watched her go—that slender form, seeming as though a strong wind might carry it away. A strange, heavy feeling settled in his chest. I was the one who ended the betrothal… why then does my heart feel so reluctant to see her go?
He stood watching until she vanished from sight, then turned slowly toward his quarters.
Meanwhile, back in her room, Xia Yuge barred the door and windows—and released Little Nine from its soul-space.
[Mistress… shall we live here henceforth?] the little fox asked immediately.
“For the time being, yes. Beyond that—I know not what fate holds. But fear not, Little Nine. I am naturally gifted, with skills to heal the sick and mend the dying. Finding a good man to share a life with—surely that cannot be so difficult. Am I right?” She smoothed back her hair and spoke with unbounded confidence.
[Mistress… your healing arts are beyond compare, that I know. But regarding this… ‘natural beauty’ of which you speak… are you quite certain you possess it?]
The white fox regarded her with frank, innocent doubt. Dry, brittle hair, skin weathered as pine bark, and a figure so slender it barely exists… how does that equal beauty?
“Little Nine! That look! That tone! You dare mock me?” Xia Yuge lunged playfully at the fox. Knowing better than to dodge or offend her mistress, Little Nine submitted to being caught and cuddled in a warm embrace.
For half an hour they romped and played upon the bed, happy as could be. Then Xia Yuge rose and looked into the mirror. The face that looked back was gaunt, thin, skin sallow and dry. Little Nine was right. Looking like this—officers would not glance twice. Even ordinary soldiers might turn away.
And there was more: regulations stated only officers of Platoon Leader rank or higher could bring their families. Marry a common soldier, and in three months she must leave—returning to his village, perhaps to find another household exactly like the Gu family. That would be escaping the tiger only to meet the wolf.
No. Absolutely not.
It was then that Little Nine spoke—one single sentence that struck Xia Yuge like a bolt of enlightenment.