Chapter 23: Can You Be My Girlfriend?

In this era, when a lesbian asked a straight guy if he wanted to “be with her” (literally “be her partner”), it almost implied discussing marriage.

Maybe because Shen Nanqing was so open and straightforward, showing no shy or coy feelings typical of romance between men and women, Song Huaiwen wasn’t sure at first if she really understood the implications.

He felt his ears burning, his heart pounding like a drum, his mind nervously wandering everywhere except at the person standing right before him. His mouth moved slightly but his throat felt choked, unable to say a word for a long moment.

He was afraid it was all just wishful thinking.

Before this, he had been curious about Shen Nanqing.

The first time they met, she was sharp-tongued, a little fiery girl who insulted people without using any curse words.

The second time, on a stage crowded with people, only she shone, every spin so beautiful it took his breath away.

Since then, he couldn’t help but want to understand her, pay attention to her. For the first time ever, he stayed at his sister’s place just to catch a glimpse of her from afar.

Feelings are truly strange, they come without reason.

He truly realized his feelings the moment he saw her being followed. He had faced death on the battlefield before and never felt afraid, but at that moment, he was.

His heart raced uncontrollably, overwhelmed by fear for her safety — such strong, genuine fear.

Only then did he realize, without knowing when, Shen Nanqing had already settled deep in his heart.

Seeing him hesitate to answer, Shen Nanqing felt a little disappointed inside but showed no sign of it. She smiled and said, “If it’s inconvenient, forget it. I’ll go first then.”

“No, I…” Song Huaiwen clearly grew anxious.

The moment he spoke, he grabbed Shen Nanqing’s wrist. The gentle touch made her breath quicken.

Although no one was at the entrance of the state-run restaurant, it wasn’t the right place to talk.

Song Huaiwen quickly glanced around and found a somewhat safer spot, then pulled Shen Nanqing over.

Her skin was fair and translucent, so Song Huaiwen deliberately adjusted their position to block the scattered sunlight, afraid she might get sunburned.

He took a deep breath and suddenly gave a very formal salute: “Report, Comrade Shen Nanqing, please allow me to introduce myself.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he spoke loudly and clearly.

Shen Nanqing was caught off guard by his tone, which sounded like he was reporting to a superior. She blinked in surprise.

Looking up at Song Huaiwen, she saw him serious and upright like a poplar tree, nervous yet solemn. The sight made her almost want to laugh.

But touched by his sincerity, she put away her smile, instinctively straightened her back, and responded with equal seriousness: “Comrade Song Huaiwen, please begin your self-introduction.”

Though no one was around, Shen Nanqing was still a little shy, so she added, “Comrade Song, please speak a little more quietly to avoid disturbing others.”

Her words sounded playful. Song Huaiwen’s tense nerves relaxed slightly but he remained serious.

“My name is Song Huaiwen. I am eighteen years old and currently serve as the regiment commander of the 18th Regiment. My family has a long military history—my grandfather took part in the Long March but died in battle. My father now works in the military district, and my mother works at the Women’s Federation. I have two older brothers and one older sister—you know my sister, she works in the performing arts troupe. All three of them are married, and our family is easy to get along with. Since you’re so nice, they will definitely like you.”

“I enlisted at eighteen and have been awarded military merits. Besides carrying out missions, I spend most of my time organizing training, and whenever I have free time, I study military tactics. Occasionally, I smoke or drink in special circumstances, but I’m not addicted. I have no bad habits.”

After finishing, he nervously tugged at the edge of his clothes, looking at Shen Nanqing expectantly.

“Can you be my girlfriend?”

As the saying goes, “You may have never eaten pork, but you’ve seen a pig run.”

Shen Nanqing had seen many troupe members get publicly proposed to. Every proposal scene was lavishly decorated, with the groom often inviting close female friends of the bride as witnesses to give blessings, making the event lively and festive.

But right now, in this remote corner, there were no flowers, no rings, and no audience—just the two of them.

There wasn’t even any sweet talk or grand promises, but these simple and unadorned words, falling softly into Shen Nanqing’s ears, stirred her heart more deeply than any dramatic declaration she’d ever heard.

Shen Nanqing inexplicably felt a little shy. It was as if her heart was gently squeezed by a tender hand, her cheeks faintly flushed.

“Let’s go.” Shen Nanqing lowered her eyes, lightly biting her lip, then reached out and took Song Huaiwen’s hand.

At twenty-eight, this was the first time Song Huaiwen had held a girl’s hand, and his heart suddenly went out of control, pounding so loudly it felt like his eardrums would burst.

Her hand was small and soft, seeming so fragile that the slightest squeeze might break it. It carried a faint warmth, and her palm was slightly sweaty.

It was clear she wasn’t as calm on the outside as she appeared—she was just as nervous as he was.

At that moment, silence spoke louder than words. He already knew she had given him a definite answer.

“Mm.” Song Huaiwen nodded repeatedly, carefully returning the grip without squeezing, afraid that even a little pressure might hurt her, yet worried that holding too loosely might let slip away this hard-earned happiness.

If the young ladies from the state-run hotel had walked out and seen the two walking side by side, hand in hand, they’d surely exclaim how perfect and sweet they looked together.

The weather was hot; both their palms were sweaty, but they held hands all the way without the slightest intention to let go.

At the bus stop, they queued up to board.

The ticket clerk, an older lady, seeing their goofy smiles, couldn’t help teasing, “You two must have just gotten married. You’re so clingy—it’s really sweet.”

The bus was crowded. Hearing this teasing, Shen Nanqing felt a little embarrassed and tried to pull her hand back, but Song Huaiwen tightened his grip slightly, refusing to let go.

Feeling resigned, Shen Nanqing retaliated by scratching his palm lightly, which earned a teasing rub from his thumb that sent a ticklish sensation through her.

Along the way, people would occasionally glance their way. Nowadays, overly affectionate behavior between men and women in public was often seen as inappropriate.

Some looked on with envy, admiring the perfect match; others disapproved, thinking it indecent.

An older woman tried to step forward and scold them but backed off when met with Song Huaiwen’s sharp gaze, muttering quietly, “Shameless.”

Shen Nanqing didn’t care. Raised with modern ideas, holding hands was nothing—kissing in public was ordinary. Song Huaiwen wasn’t afraid, and neither was she willing to retreat.

She hadn’t had enough of holding her boyfriend’s hand yet.

When they got off the bus, Shen Nanqing was drenched in sweat. The weather was too hot, and the bus had no air conditioning. Though it wasn’t crowded, it was still stuffy.

Only then did they truly let go of each other’s hands and looked at the sweat beads on their palms.

Shen Nanqing looked up, eyes full of laughter. “Why do I suddenly feel like we’re so silly?”

Song Huaiwen looked down at her affectionately, seeing her flushed cheeks and the tiny beads of sweat on her forehead. He reached out to wipe them away but seemed to hesitate and pulled back his hand.

“Wait for me. I’ll be right back,” he said, then quickly ran off.