Chapter 4: Catch a Soldier and Get Married on the Spot

As soon as Xu Huai’an walked into the supply and marketing cooperative, he immediately noticed Shi Qingqian. A surge of delight rose in his heart, but he tried hard to restrain his emotions. He had originally planned to find a chance later to ask her name. Unexpectedly, Shi Qingqian went straight to the point, catching him completely off guard so that he didn’t know how to respond.

Chen Chen, standing beside him, widened his eyes in disbelief. The hell?! Is this even possible? A pretty wife delivers herself to your doorstep—how could you not grab the chance?!

Seeing Xu Huai’an still standing there stunned and not answering, Chen Chen was so anxious he nearly wanted to pry open Xu’s mouth and force the words out for him.

Chen Chen hurriedly started pitching:
“This comrade here is Xu Huai’an, regimental commander of the 19th Regiment of the Southern Military District. He’s upright, responsible, filial to his parents, loving toward wife and children, clean, hygienic, and hands in his full salary without skimming a cent. Absolutely honest, guaranteed no trickery! Passing by, don’t miss such a chance!”

Shi Qingqian couldn’t help laughing at Chen Chen’s nonstop sales pitch. She looked at Xu Huai’an:
“So, Commander Xu, what do you say?”

Xu Huai’an’s ears, already red, turned so crimson they looked ready to bleed. He coughed lightly, trying to compose himself.
“You…”

“I’m Shi Qingqian.”

“Shi Qingqian. A very nice name.”

Chen Chen nudged Xu Huai’an with his shoulder.
“Old Xu, don’t you think it’s a nice name?”

Xu Huai’an had been silently repeating her name in his heart. Suddenly pressed by Chen Chen’s question, he panicked for a moment. His eyes flickered, but when he looked at Shi Qingqian, he still answered seriously:
“Very nice.”

Chen Chen raised his brows. Looks promising—my mission might just succeed.

“Aiya, I just remembered my mother called me home for dinner, I should head off.” With that, Chen Chen slipped away in a flash, leaving only Xu Huai’an and Shi Qingqian inside the co-op. The atmosphere instantly became delicate.

“Why don’t we find a place to talk?” Shi Qingqian suggested.

Xu Huai’an, too nervous to know what to say, nodded immediately.

They went to a small river nearby. The breeze brushed gently past, the water flowed softly, bringing a hint of coolness. Xu Huai’an stood there nervously, his fists slightly clenched, unsure how to break the silence.

Shi Qingqian was amused by his awkwardness. Tilting her head, she asked,
“Commander Xu, are you nervous?”

Xu Huai’an’s face reddened even more. He coughed lightly, trying to look composed.
“A… a little.”

Shi Qingqian smiled.
“Let me introduce myself. I’m Shi Qingqian, 20 years old. No parents, a bit of money, and the day after tomorrow I’ll be sent down to Xi Province, Xiangyang Village.”

Xu Huai’an was startled at the coincidence.
“I’m Xu Huai’an, 27 years old, active-duty soldier, regimental commander of the 19th Regiment, Southern Military District. Salary 126. I have parents and two elder brothers, a younger sister, a nephew and two nieces. My home is also in Xiangyang Village, Xi Province. I’m here on family leave.”

“I know. I was sitting in the back during your blind date just now—I heard everything clearly.”

Shi Qingqian’s interest in Xu Huai’an was partly because of his strikingly handsome face, but also because his home was in Xiangyang Village. The original owner’s uncle’s family had been sent there, so she had to go as well. But farm work? Impossible. She needed a man with looks, money, and one who wasn’t home often. Xu Huai’an fit perfectly.

“You just said…” Xu Huai’an hesitated, not sure how to ask. He feared she might change her mind, worried she might not be serious, and anxious that he might one day fail her. Being a soldier meant heavy responsibility; he couldn’t often be with his wife and children. To be a military wife was an honor, but it also meant long loneliness and waiting.

Shi Qingqian said seriously:
“I meant what I said earlier. I wasn’t joking. So—do you want a wife or not?”

Her blunt words made Xu Huai’an’s heart skip a beat. He stood frozen like a stunned goose.

When he didn’t answer after a long time, Shi Qingqian’s excitement faded. She wasn’t desperate—if Xu Huai’an was hesitant, she saw no need to push further.

She lifted her chin slightly.
“If Commander Xu finds it so difficult, then just pretend I never said anything.”

Her tone was calm but carried a trace of distance. She turned to leave.

Xu Huai’an suddenly jolted awake. Seeing her about to go, he panicked and quickly grabbed her wrist.
“I’m not finding it difficult.”

Shi Qingqian stopped but didn’t turn around. She still felt a little wronged.
“Then why didn’t you say anything? You made me think you were hesitating, even rejecting me.”

Xu Huai’an hurriedly explained:
“I was just too surprised. I didn’t know how to respond for a moment.”

“Then say it now. Will you marry me or not?”

“Marry!” Xu Huai’an answered instantly, afraid that if he hesitated again she’d leave.
“From the moment I saw you, I knew you were the one I’ve been waiting for. I will be as loyal to you as I am to my country.”

“That’s more like it.” Shi Qingqian’s lips curved into a radiant smile. It was like the most dazzling flower of spring, instantly lighting up Xu Huai’an’s world.

“Qian… Qingqian, do you have any elders at home? I’ll come propose tomorrow.”

Shi Qingqian shook her head.
“My elders aren’t here. You can just propose directly to me.”

Xu Huai’an was briefly stunned, then his eyes softened with tenderness. He shoved all the money he had on him into her hands.
“This is all I have right now. Once I’m home, I’ll give you my savings book. I use all my money—including all future wages—to propose to you.”

Shi Qingqian accepted it without hesitation. Her man’s money was naturally hers.
“Since you’re so sincere, I’ll reluctantly accept. But if you ever betray me, I’ll make sure you end up penniless.”

Xu Huai’an gazed at her proud demeanor, his eyes brimming with affection.

After handing over his wages, the two began to discuss when they’d leave for Xi Province. Shi Qingqian’s original plan was the morning after tomorrow, while Xu Huai’an was leaving tomorrow morning. They decided together that Xu Huai’an would buy her a new ticket, and they’d take the train together the next day.

After buying the tickets, Xu Huai’an escorted Shi Qingqian to the guesthouse and got her a room. She really didn’t want to see that mother and daughter pair again. But she wasn’t going to just let them off either—the grievances the original owner had suffered weren’t something a few scoldings could erase. Shi Qingqian narrowed her eyes slightly, already plotting how to teach that pair a lesson.

As for her not going home, Xu Huai’an didn’t pry. After sending Shi Qingqian into the guesthouse, he headed off to Chen Chen’s house, where he’d been staying these past few days.