Chapter 47.1

‘Marry him?’

She seemed quite willing.

Imagining their future life together, she suddenly felt quite excited.

But…

“I haven’t turned 20 yet…” Su Xi said in a gentle voice.

Hearing that the girl didn’t seem to have any objections, Xie Zhen couldn’t help but chuckle softly. He leaned in kissed the girl’s brows gently, and whispered: “It’s okay, we can report it in advance. When you turn 20, we’ll get married right away, okay?”

Su Xi’s birthday was on the 15th day of the lunar month of May. Considering that, there was still more than half a year left. By then, they would have been in a relationship for almost a year, so getting married seemed quite normal.

With this in mind, Su Xi lifted her small hand to cup the man’s handsome face, and she gave his thin lips a hard kiss, making a loud ‘mwah.’ Then, seeing the man’s gaze darken, she playfully asked, “Alright, but who will be in charge of our home?”

The term ‘our home’ had especially made Xie Zhen happy, causing Captain Xie’s heart to bloom with joy.

Ignoring the various shameful thoughts in his mind, the handsome man immediately made a firm declaration, “We’ll all listen to you.”

Su Xi, with a look of satisfaction, slightly lifted her delicate chin and said, “Well then, how about it? Isn’t your fiancée particularly graceful and exceptionally gentle and considerate!”

Xie Zhen, glanced at the girl’s ears, which were turning red, though he didn’t expose her shyness but smiled even more.

The man, without any formal training when it comes to flattery, learned to speak flattering words: “Our Xixi has always been a particularly beautiful, gentle, and generous little fairy.”

Su Xi chuckled and buried her face in the man’s neck, rubbing against him playfully, “Just flatter me.”

Xie Zhen, with his fiancée rubbing against him, felt his gaze deepen. When he spoke, his voice was husky, “Then… would the little fairy like to kiss me?”

Su Xi stiffened, seemingly unable to believe that such words came from the man. She looked up at him.

But due to the angle, she could only see the man’s rolling Adam’s apple.

Strangely, Su Xi found herself opening her red lips and… biting the sensual spot.

Then, everything spun around, and Su Xi was met with a heavy kiss.

The gentle kisses between lovers were always sweet and tempting. Soon, they were lost in each other’s breaths, entwined in an extreme, tender embrace.

—o—o—o—

The disaster area in Baxin County was widespread, with almost the entire county turned into ruins.

A week later, Su Xi and her team received an evacuation notice.

The subsequent rebuilding efforts would be handled by relevant departments.

As they were leaving, Su Xi and the other medical personnel sat in the back of a truck. Many locals came out voluntarily to see them off, and everyone looked at them with eyes full of gratitude.

At that moment, Su Xi felt that sticking to her original intention and becoming a doctor who saved lives was truly worthwhile.

After being busy for more than a week, upon returning to the island, Director He, understanding the hard work of the rescuers, generously arranged for everyone to have a rotational rest.

Su Xi happened to be scheduled in the first batch for rest.

On her day off, she went nowhere, catching up on sleep. When she woke up well-rested, it was just in time for lunch.

After lunch, Su Xi began to feel drowsy again. She lay down on a lounge chair under the eaves of the house, squinting her eyes and chatting with Grandma Chen, who was making shoe soles nearby.

“By the way, Grandma Chen, I’m going to file a marriage report when I go to work tomorrow,” Su Xi said, her face covered by a straw hat, lounging in the rocking chair and swaying back and forth, looking utterly relaxed.

Chen Xiangyun nodded, looking approving, “It’s time to file the report. You’ve been dating for months. If you don’t file it soon, people will start talking.”

Su Xi lifted her hat, sat up, and looked at the calm Grandma Chen, “Grandma Chen, why are you so indifferent? Aren’t you going to miss me?”

Grandma Chen gave her a glance and laughed, scolding, “Stop being so dramatic!”

Su Xi grinned and lay back down in the rocking chair, looking as if she had no bones.

“I wonder when Dongdong will bring his partner to show me,” Grandma Chen sighed. She had finally heard that her eldest grandson was in a relationship, and it was long-distance. She wondered if his girlfriend might run away.

“Grandma Chen, didn’t you say yesterday that you were going to the fields to plant vegetables? Let’s go check out the fields. Otherwise, I might fall asleep again,” Su Xi said, her scalp tightening as she quickly changed the subject.

“You’re still tired, aren’t you? If you want to sleep, go ahead. The work in the fields doesn’t need you to worry about it,” Grandma Chen said with concern for her granddaughter. After returning the day before, Su Xi’s face had become noticeably thinner.

But Su Xi had already gotten up from the rocking chair. “I can’t sleep anymore. If I do, I won’t be able to sleep tonight, and how will I go to work tomorrow?”

Grandma Chen thought about it and didn’t insist further. She tidied up the sewing basket she was holding and asked Su Xi to take the things into the house.

When Su Xi came out of the house, Chen Xiangyun was fully equipped.

She wore a straw hat and carried a bamboo basket on her wrist, which contained some vegetable seeds and a small hoe.

Su Xi quickly walked over to Grandma Chen, put on her own hat, and took the basket from Grandma Chen’s arm to carry it herself.

Although her current physical condition made her immune to sunburn, and she wouldn’t tan, Grandma Chen still thought she was afraid of the sun, so Su Xi had to obediently wear the hat.

As soon as they exited the house, Su Xi saw Grandma Chen heading straight to the neighboring yard. Grandma Chen was good friends with Mrs. Wu from next door.

Although there was a twenty-year age gap between them, it didn’t hinder their friendship.

From what Su Xi knew, every bit of gossip about the family quarters that Chen Xiangyun heard was often spread by Mrs. Wu.

The two of them, despite their age difference, enjoyed each other’s company wherever they went.

Just like this time, even though she had her lovely and beautiful granddaughter with her, Grandma Chen instinctively invited Mrs. Wu along.

“Ah, Doctor Su Xi is here today too? Are you accompanying your Grandma Chen to the fields?” Mrs. Wu soon emerged from her yard, dressed similarly to Grandma Chen, and looked happily at the tall and graceful young girl.

Su Xi greeted politely, “Sister-in-law, just call me Su Xi. It’s rare to have a day off, so I’m accompanying Grandma Chen for a walk.”

After saying this, Su Xi’s gaze fell on the girl behind Mrs. Wu, someone she had never seen before, who looked to be around her age.

The girl opposite her also curiously stared at Su Xi. Her eyes were not very large but were clear and bright, indicating that she was a rather naive girl.

Perhaps noticing Su Xi’s scrutiny, Mrs. Wu introduced the girl as she walked, “This is my brother-in-law Wu’s younger sister. She’s here looking for a match. I say, our team’s soldiers are quite good. My sister-in-law is good-looking and hardworking, managing both the home and outside chores. Any family that marries her will be lucky.”

Mrs. Wu was straightforward in her praise, making the girl’s face turn bright red with embarrassment, wishing she could dig a hole to hide in.

Chen Xiangyun carefully examined the girl’s appearance and praised, “The girl looks pretty good, plump and robust, clearly well-raised at home.”

Su Xi covered her face, thinking, Oh Grandma Chen, is this how you compliment people?

Aren’t you worried that Mrs. Wu might cut ties with you?

Then came Mrs. Wu’s hearty laughter, “I think so too. My little sister-in-law is just fine.”

Su Xi turned abruptly, looking incredulously at Mrs. Wu and her little sister-in-law, who were happily basking in the praise, feeling utterly dumbfounded.

So it turns out that the clown was actually herself?

Su Xi worked for three hours in the fields, helping Grandma Chen turn the soil and plant several types of vegetables that could grow in the current season, such as Chinese cabbage, cabbage, and green onions.

As the sun set, Grandma Chen pulled up a few carrots from the ground, planning to make a cold salad with them and have porridge for dinner—something that Su Xi really liked for its refreshing taste.

On the way back, Grandma Chen continued to chatter, “In about ten days or so, we’ll need to harvest all the radishes. By then, your Brother and little Xie should be back, right?”

Although Su Xi didn’t understand the connection between harvesting radishes and Brother or Xie Zhen, she answered honestly, “They should be back in a few days, don’t worry.”

Chen Xiangyun sighed, “How can I not worry? When you, doctors go out, you come back looking much thinner. I don’t know how much hardship you’ve endured; it’s not easy for soldiers.”

Su Xi couldn’t deny this. Thinking about how much thinner the men had looked when they parted, she fell silent.

When they returned home, having adjusted their moods, Su Xi squatted by the well to help Grandma Chen draw water, and couldn’t help but whisper, “Grandma Chen, why did you describe Mrs. Wu’s sister as ‘big and rough’? Is that really a compliment?”

Su Xi still felt that praising a girl like that wasn’t likely to make her happy. Perhaps the girl was just good-natured and had managed to smile at lunch.

Grandma Chen, peeling the carrots with a knife, didn’t take much notice of Su Xi’s concern and said, “You don’t understand. Many families actually like wives like that. What I said was a compliment.”

Su Xi: “…”

Really…?

In her previous life, if someone had given her such a ‘compliment’ on her fit physique, she couldn’t even imagine it—just thinking about it made her fists clench.

Su Xi decided not to continue the discussion about whether ‘big and rough’ or ‘slim and delicate’ was more beautiful; it was a difference in aesthetic standards caused by the times.

She changed the topic, “Isn’t Vice-Captain Wu in his forties? His sister looks to be about my age.”

Grandma Chen was dismissive, “So what? Nowadays, having seven or eight children is quite common. It’s normal for there to be a twenty-year age gap between siblings.”

Su Xi was shocked, “Isn’t seven or eight a bit too many?”

“Hey, if they’re willing, it’s fine! But you can’t do that. When you marry Xiao Xie, you mustn’t have so many. One or two children will be enough,” Grandma Chen was quite double-standard.

Su Xi was curious, “Why is that?”

Chen Xiangyun turned to her granddaughter with a look of exasperation, “Didn’t you study medicine? Isn’t giving birth harmful to women?”

Su Xi laughed, “You know about that too?”

Chen Xiangyun brought the cleaned vegetables to the kitchen, saying as she walked, “Of course, your grandfather was a doctor all his life. Otherwise, how could I have just had your father?”

When it came to Su Xi’s father, both of their moods darkened a bit.

Su Xi didn’t want Grandma Chen to dwell on her sadness, so she quickly changed the subject with some playful banter to distract Grandma Chen.

Soon, the optimistic Grandma Chen was laughing heartily again, thanks to Su Xi’s coquettishness and charm.

As the sun gradually set, the orange glow of the evening sky replaced the sunlight, painting the whole sky red. It looked like a beautiful painting, with clusters and patches, each displaying its own splendor.

—o—o—o—

Time passed swiftly, and the year 1965 came to an end in the blink of an eye.

On New Year’s Eve, Su Xi’s home was unusually lively.

Apart from Yan Guoqing, who had returned to his hometown for the New Year, neither Xie Zhen nor Yan An went home.

Yan An stayed behind because Shi Lingling was already more than eight months pregnant and was not fit to travel.

Xie Zhen planned to save his vacation days for their wedding so that when he took Su Xi back to J City, he could take a few more days off.

Now, gathering together for the New Year was just for the sake of celebration, and the relationship between Shi Lingling and Su Xi went without saying.

Xie Zhen and Yan An had also always been on good terms, so everyone agreed to celebrate the New Year together.

Seven or eight people gathered around the table, which was filled with a variety of dishes meticulously prepared by Grandma Chen.

There were sweet and sour pork, braised pig’s knuckles, fish head and tofu soup, braised fish pieces, duck and radish stew, spicy and sour shredded potatoes, stir-fried cabbage, and pork with vermicelli.

These dishes, which might seem ordinary in later years, were considered quite lavish for the time.

As the son-in-law who had been introduced to the family, Xie Zhen had sent the New Year’s gifts several days in advance. Among the gifts were two bottles of Maotai liquor that he had managed to get through a friend.

Because of their professions, the men usually abstained from alcohol. However, on New Year’s Eve, they decided to take out the liquor. They filled four small ceramic bowls, dividing them evenly so that each person had about half a pound of liquor.

After a hearty meal and drinks, it was already dark outside.

During this time, there were few evening activities. Considering Shi Lingling’s eight-month pregnancy, they decided to disperse after dinner.

Su Xi held Xie Zhen’s hand as they accompanied Yan An and Shi Lingling back.

Then, the two of them walked along the stone-paved path, listening to the distant and near sounds of firecrackers, strolling to aid digestion.

The festive atmosphere was palpable. Even though it was dark, the usually dimly lit family quarters were brightly lit, and the sounds of laughter and joy continually drifted out.

“Is it okay for you to just make an appearance at the cafeteria tonight and then leave? Will Commander Zhang be upset?” Su Xi, in high spirits, swayed their joined hands and asked curiously.

Xie Zhen, who rarely drank, had a slight buzz after half a pound of white liquor. Though he wasn’t drunk, he was definitely a bit tipsy.

Hearing the girl’s question, Xie Zhen, slightly slowed by the effects of the liquor, responded with a lazy, husky tone, “It’s fine. Commander Zhang would actually be happy if we could make his wife happy.”

Su Xi looked at him. Even the thick darkness couldn’t hide his bright eyes. She thought Xie Zhen seemed more straightforward after drinking.

At that moment, Su Xi was suddenly embraced.

Because of her physical constitution, she wasn’t afraid of the cold and was only wearing a very thin coat.

Xie Zhen, on the other hand, was like a human furnace. Su Xi was tightly held in his embrace.

Slowly, the man’s intense warmth seeped through the clothes and reached Su Xi, making her feel a bit dazed.

Su Xi raised her small hand and placed it on his waist, murmuring, “What’s wrong?”

Xie Zhen mumbled, “I’m just really happy and wanted to hold you.”

Su Xi tilted her head with a soft smile, “Are you drunk?”

Xie Zhen chuckled lightly, his voice deep and enticing, “Not really drunk, just a bit lightheaded. I’ll be fine soon.”

“So, why are you so happy?”

“We’re spending the New Year together. I’m really happy.”

Su Xi was taken aback. She hadn’t expected such a simple thing to make the usually calm and reserved man as happy as a child.

Her gaze softened, “Then do you want to be even happier?”

Xie Zhen, feeling a bit dizzy, leaned in and rested his chin on her shoulder, squinting and mumbling, “Yes!”

Su Xi suggested, “Then why don’t you stay in my room tonight?”

Xie Zhen was shocked, and the effects of the liquor seemed to dissipate immediately. He released her from the embrace, placed his hands on her shoulders, and with eyes wide in disbelief, repeated, “Stay… stay in your room?”

Su Xi smiled wickedly and said, “Yes, I live with my Grandma Chen!”

Upon hearing this, Xie Zhen was unsure whether to feel relieved or disappointed; his expression was a mix of both for a moment.

Su Xi was amused by the man’s expression and laughed heartily, thinking that maybe during the holiday, she could let Xie Zhen drink again. He was so cute when drunk.

Seeing the little girl laugh so happily, Xie Zhen couldn’t help but smile as well.

Suddenly, he took the girl’s hand and walked outside.

Su Xi asked, “Where are we going?”

Xie Zhen replied, “To get some clean clothes.”

“I sleep with my Grandma Chen. Do you still need to go?”

“Of course. At least we’re getting closer.”

“Are you not afraid of Brother hitting you?”

“He can’t beat me.”

“……”

In the dark, quiet woods, the rustling of the wind gradually covered the whispers between the young couple.

Although their subsequent words were not audible, the hand-holding, occasional glances, and whispers between them revealed their affectionate love.

—o—o—o—