Chapter 6 I can’t do it anymore? How come I didn’t know!

“Thank you,” Ruan Xiangxiang politely nodded at Gu Rongqing, who had just brought over the fruit. As she smiled, her face lit up with grace and charm—especially those eyes, which seemed like they could speak, mesmerizing and unforgettable. Gu Rongqing’s breath caught in his throat. For a moment, he just stood there dazed.

Lu Hang noticed his usually aloof commander looking stunned and barely suppressed a laugh. Who would’ve thought—Commander Gu, who normally kept his distance from women, would be hit like this?

Sigh~ He had been thinking that if things didn’t work out between Commander Gu and Comrade Ruan, maybe he’d have a chance to pursue her himself. But seeing Gu Rongqing now, it was obvious he was falling hard. No way he could sneak in now.

Still, seeing how polite Comrade Ruan was acting, Lu Hang perked up again—maybe she wasn’t interested in his commander after all.

“Ahem, I’ll leave you two to talk. I’ll go see if they need help in the kitchen.” With that, he quickly fled to avoid laughing out loud.

Gu Rongqing, now embarrassed at his own loss of composure for the second time today, silently berated himself.

“Comrade Ruan, where are you from? I’m from the neighboring county—same as Commander Gu, actually. There’s lots of great food where we’re from. If you ever get the chance, you should come try some,” Lu Hang said while trying to keep the conversation going.

Ruan Xiangxiang smiled politely and nodded. Lu Hang was around 178cm tall, with a square-shaped face and a lean frame. He looked neat and upright in his uniform and had a decent bearing—but compared to Gu Rongqing, he paled in comparison.

Soon it grew dark and dinner was ready. The family gathered around the table for a lively, hearty meal.

After dinner, Ruan Xiangxiang figured the time was right and called Gu Rongqing into the room to talk privately.

Gu Rongqing’s Adam’s apple bobbed. Although he knew this was likely the conversation where she’d say they weren’t suitable for each other, he still felt nervous anticipation bubbling up.

Ruan Xiangxiang went in first. With Gu Rongqing following behind, his tall figure practically filled the small room, and under the dim light, his shadow completely enveloped hers. The already cramped space now felt even tighter.

Damn, this guy is really tall, Ruan Xiangxiang thought.

“Ahem… So, Comrade Gu, the situation is like this,” she began directly, “Auntie has probably already explained everything to you. Now that you’re back, we might as well be clear. We haven’t gotten our marriage certificate anyway, so let’s just let this go. I’ll leave the Gu family tomorrow. As for the 300 yuan bride price, my stepmother was the one who took it. If your family wants to settle accounts, talk to her—it has nothing to do with me.”

Straight to the point. Ruan Xiangxiang didn’t sugarcoat anything.

Gu Rongqing stood beside her, listening intently. After she finished, he pursed his lips, then slowly crouched down on one knee, lifting his head to look at her seriously.

A breeze stirred as he knelt, brushing past Ruan Xiangxiang’s ear.

“Is it because I’m too old?” he asked, his Adam’s apple moving as he swallowed. Under the dim light, there was an unmistakable awkwardness on his face. Admitting he was getting old—it was a bit embarrassing.

Ruan Xiangxiang: …No, handsome, your age isn’t the issue. The issue is that… you supposedly can’t perform… But how am I supposed to say that out loud?

“No, it’s not that!” she said hurriedly. “It’s just that we don’t know each other, and there’s no emotional foundation. A marriage like that isn’t going to last.”

She turned away, not daring to meet his eyes.

Oh no… He was standing too close, and Ruan Xiangxiang could smell the clean scent of sun-dried clothes coming off of him. She could hear his breathing. The dim light cast shadows across the sharp angles of his face. She’d never been this close to a man before—especially not one this handsome.

For a second, she even thought—Maybe if he’s this good-looking… maybe it doesn’t matter if he’s not functional. Worst case, we work on his technique or find a doctor…

Gu Rongqing saw that she didn’t answer and had turned away. He felt a little dejected.

So she really thinks I’m too old…?

“I admit it—we didn’t know each other before. But feelings can be cultivated,” he said gently. “As long as you don’t dislike me, I’m willing to try. I know I’m six years older, but that also means I’m more mature. I know how to take care of someone’s feelings. And I’ve worked my way up to commander—I earn decent bonuses and stipends every month. Without time and maturity, those things wouldn’t be possible.”

His tone was soft, as if afraid to scare her off, but his voice carried conviction. He had a feeling—if he didn’t speak his mind today, he might lose the chance forever.

Just like in the army—when it came to promotions or commendations, you had to fight for them. You couldn’t just sit back and hope someone noticed.

Ruan Xiangxiang cleared her throat. Seeing how open and honest he was, she figured he was genuinely interested in her.

So she decided to just say it directly.

“Comrade Gu, I understand your situation. It’s not about your age. But after marriage, children are still important. We can’t just not have kids. Are we really supposed to adopt one from your second brother’s family? I… really don’t like those two kids…”

She shuddered at the memory of those two runny-nosed, ill-mannered boys.

“Wait… adopt?” Gu Rongqing blinked. “We’re talking about us, how did this turn into adoption?”

Ruan Xiangxiang paused, confused. “Well, I heard that you got injured on a mission and, um… hurt your foundation. Auntie said you… weren’t doing too well in that regard, and that we might have to adopt from your second brother’s family to raise as our own…”

Her voice grew quieter and quieter until it was barely audible.

Gu Rongqing: …!!!!!!

So that’s why she’s been looking at me with that mix of pity and contempt!

She really thought I was useless??!

He let out a laugh.

“W-why are you laughing? I didn’t mean to bring it up!” Ruan Xiangxiang panicked, worried she had hurt his pride or made things awkward.

Gu Rongqing stood up, placed both hands gently on her shoulders, and looked earnestly into her beautiful eyes. Then, in a low voice by her ear, he said:

“How come I don’t know I’m ‘not functional’? Don’t listen to their nonsense. That’s not true.”

Ruan Xiangxiang: “…AH?!!!”