Chapter 15

Only now did Song Qingdai realize—the bed upstairs was a double, the pillows were newly added, and there were signs that someone had lived in the room.

Inside the wardrobe were many of Gao Han’s clothes, all folded neatly. Even the blanket on the bed was made in perfect military precision, squared off like a block of tofu, without a single wrinkle. Everything in the room was arranged with order and discipline—there wasn’t a trace of mess.

Gao Han leaned casually against the doorway, arms crossed, watching Song Qingdai with an easy expression.

The girl had fair skin, and the fan whirred beside her, blowing a cool breeze that brought a touch of comfort.

“All the other rooms are storage—completely full of stuff. This is the only bed on the second floor. What, are you afraid I’ll eat you?”

That last line made Song Qingdai’s face turn scarlet.

In her last life, she’d never experienced romance. Now facing someone like Gao Han, who could throw out flirtatious remarks without blinking, she didn’t stand a chance.

“Comrade Gao…”

“You’re still calling me comrade? We’re about to get married, Qingdai. What should you be calling me instead?”

His deep eyes looked into hers. Though he leaned lazily in the doorway, he didn’t come across as improper in the slightest.

Instead, he carried a unique, indescribable aura.

One very different from what people said about him outside.

All that talk about being a bumpkin, someone who beat up anyone he saw, someone who could scare a child into tears…

She hadn’t seen any of that in him.

Seeing that she didn’t respond, Gao Han understood. She was shy. After all, they’d only known each other for two days.

“You can call me Ah Han. I don’t mind,” he said.

In fact, he’d quite like it.

“You… do you really work at the town’s brick factory?” Song Qingdai asked.

He didn’t look like someone who hauled bricks all day. His muscles were well-defined, and even under his clothes she could make out the faint lines. His body tapered in at the waist, his abs hidden just below.

She quickly looked away.

She couldn’t deny it—Gao Han’s looks were definitely among the best in Hongxing Town. There wasn’t a close second.

“Even if I do haul bricks at the factory, I can still support you,” he said plainly.

“I didn’t mean it like that. I meant—just now Auntie Ye said we’d be moving to the provincial capital after we get married, and you’d have to find a new job there…”

The capital had more opportunities. If one had enough startup money, it was entirely possible to start a business.

Especially now that the government was supporting private enterprises. Being a self-employed merchant was actually a great option.

Though she died early in her last life, Song Qingdai still understood one thing—opportunities were something you had to go after and seize for yourself.

“You don’t need to worry about that,” Gao Han replied, locking his eyes on her.

His gaze burned, wolfish and unrestrained, a clear claim of possession.

Even someone as slow as Song Qingdai could feel the intensity. Her whole body began to feel hot.

“Comrade Song, do you think I’m some kind of criminal? Is that why you’re worried I’ll be useless after we get married?”

Song Qingdai froze.

Well… she had thought that, but hearing it spelled out so bluntly still made her flustered.

“I…”

Just as she was about to deny it, he chuckled.

“Comrade Song, if you’re so afraid… why did you agree to marry me? I’m not the type to force anyone.”

“I understand.” Song Qingdai cut him off.

Her bright, clear eyes looked straight at him with sincerity.

“I’ll live a good life with you.”

She meant every word.

Then, nervously clutching the hem of her dress, her knuckles turning white, she asked, “Will you… hit me?”

Gao Han: “…”

So the rumors had gotten to her.

Or maybe it was what she saw earlier today—him beating up Song Guangji in the courtyard. Had that frightened her?

Gao Han stood there, quietly reflecting. Next time he had to handle something, he’d make sure she didn’t witness it.

But to Song Qingdai, his silence looked like silent confirmation.

“Comrade Song,” he suddenly called out.

Then took a step forward.

Reflexively, Song Qingdai stood up from the bed, her whole body tense with caution as she looked at him warily.

Not that she could be blamed—when she’d been married to Zhang Shaoxing in her last life, he often hit her.

They even fought each other. But men had far more physical strength—she was no match for him.

His mother, especially, would always say, “What woman doesn’t get beaten? After a few times, once your man vents his anger, he’ll stop.”

Qingdai had always wondered if the old woman said that because she had been beaten too much when she was young.

Seeing Qingdai so guarded now, Gao Han frowned deeply.

Was she really this scared of him?

“I married you to build a good life together, not to hurt you,” he said firmly.

“And I won’t lay a hand on you.”

How could he bear to?

He only ever hit people who deserved it.

No matter how rough he might be, he wasn’t a thug who just beat people for fun.

Song Qingdai stood there frozen.

Gao Han knew their time together had been short. It would take a while for her to accept and trust him.

But that was fine. They had time.

“Take a look around. Let me know if anything’s missing. There’s not much at the Hongxing Town market—I’ll take you to the provincial capital tomorrow.”

He had seen how little she owned—just a few faded clothes and some books.

Not a single item that most girls had—no perfume, no lipstick, no scented balm.

“While we’re there, we’ll check on the house too. Get it set up. After the wedding, we’ll move there.”

Since they were getting married, he’d need to file a report with the organization. But that was something he wouldn’t mention to her just yet.

Song Qingdai thought for a moment and nodded.

The Gao family rarely visited the capital. Their house there probably hadn’t been cleaned in a while.

If they were going anyway, they might as well tidy up.

—

During dinner, Madam Ye Chunjiang brought up the trip too.

Then she handed Song Qingdai a package wrapped in brown kraft paper.

“What’s this?”

“Well, since you’re heading to the capital tomorrow to shop, you’ll need to spend money, won’t you? There’s not a lot in here, but take it and buy yourself something you like. Don’t be too frugal. A girl only gets married once!”

Madam Gao beamed at her, her face full of affection.

“But…” Song Qingdai held the heavy envelope, emotions swirling inside her.

“No buts. You’re our daughter-in-law now, even if you haven’t officially married in yet. You won’t lack anything you deserve. And if that brat Gao Han ever dares bully you—tell me or your auntie. We’ll make sure to teach him a lesson!”

Gao’s father gave Gao Han a sharp look.

Gao Han: “…”