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Lin Xingchen hadn’t bothered asking Su Momo what she wanted to eat. Instead, he simply ordered every meat dish available.
“One braised beef, one ribs with green beans, one tofu with minced pork. For vegetables, stir-fried cabbage. And three bowls of rice.”
The staff at the state-run restaurant noticed his military uniform with its four pockets clearly an officer. Her attitude became instantly respectful.
When Lin returned after paying, the next customer stepped up, and Su Momo finally realized the difference. The same staff member who had been all smiles now looked down her nose at others, her face full of disdain.
Lin sat back down and spoke earnestly.
**“Comrade Su, let me introduce myself properly.
My name is Lin Xingchen. I’m an orphan—my parents died when I was seven. Until ten, I lived on food given by different families in the village. After that, I survived by hunting in the mountains. At sixteen, I was recruited into the army ahead of age, and now I’m a deputy regimental commander.
My monthly allowance is one hundred and six yuan, with extra bonuses for missions. I’ve never dated anyone. Until now, my only focus has been serving the country. If we live together in the future, I hope you’ll tell me directly if something bothers you. Don’t hint at it, I won’t figure it out even after years.”**
Su Momo liked his directness. She, too, had been an orphan in her past life and understood what he meant. Those who had never been loved didn’t know how to love others. But the fact that he was willing to learn and change was enough.
She smiled.
**“All right. I’ve got plenty of flaws myself. I don’t like housework, I can’t farm, and I’ll never be that ‘virtuous wife’ people talk about. The one skill I do have is cooking, and my family says I’m good at it.
Also, I love spending money. In other words, I’m a bit of a spendthrift. I don’t like stingy men, so if I buy things, don’t fuss about it.”**
She knew herself well. In her last life, she had plenty of scholarship money, and while most expected orphans to be frugal, she had chosen instead to enjoy life through her hard work. By 1970s standards, that made her look like a wasteful wife. She hated housework, preferred hiring part-timers, and needed meat at nearly every meal. Few families would accept that.
Lin nodded.
“I’ve never had much to spend money on, so I’ve saved quite a lot. I even brought my passbook. Here, take a look. From now on, everything I earn will be yours to manage. Just give me some pocket money each month. My married comrades all say their wives handle the finances.”
Su Momo didn’t stand on ceremony. She took the passbook, and the more she looked, the more satisfied she felt. His sincerity was plain to see.
Just then, the dishes arrived. Lin hurried off to carry them back.
As soon as he left, Su Tingjie leaned over and whispered to his sister:
“Well? Not bad, huh? Your brother’s judgment is pretty good, right?”
Su Momo grinned.
“Handsome, has money, has status… Brother, you are really my brother! From now on, whenever you visit, I’ll cook you the best food.”
A glance at the passbook showed more than five thousand yuan saved. In the early days, he hadn’t earned much. But with promotions, his salary had grown. Just as he’d said, he barely spent anything—so the money piled up.
Lin returned and carefully placed the bowls in front of her.
“This restaurant’s braised beef and ribs are excellent. Especially the beef, it’s rare. You’re too thin. Eat more.”
The aroma rose in waves, making Su Momo’s stomach grumble. She scooped two spoonfuls of beef onto her rice.
The meat was tender, melting in her mouth. The salty-sweet flavor paired perfectly with the rice, and she almost wanted to bite her tongue in delight. The ribs slid off the bone, the beans carrying both sweetness and meatiness.
Her eyes curved with happiness.
“This is amazing! The beef is so fragrant. Every dish tastes wonderful.”
She looked like a kitten savoring cream, cheeks puffed as she chewed, almond eyes half-closed in bliss. Lin’s heart stirred. At first glance, she had been a gentle breeze. In conversation, a clever little fox. But now, she was a pampered, lazy cat, soft and bright, the kind that needed coaxing and care.
He smiled.
“If you like it, we’ll come again. Braised beef isn’t always available, but if we come often enough, we’ll catch it.”
“Next time I’ll cook. My skills are just as good.”
“Deal. Then I’ll leave the cooking to you. I’m useless in the kitchen, but I can do chores. Washing dishes, cleaning up, those are mine.”
Smooth talk. Su Momo’s cheeks warmed. He didn’t even call her “Comrade Su” anymore, just “Momo.” She was pleased, shy, and secretly annoyed at herself. You’re from the 21st century! Why blush just because a man says a few nice words?
She coughed lightly.
“So… when can we get our marriage certificate? You know it’s better to settle this early.”
“Anytime. The marriage request has already been approved. Tomorrow, we can register and take our wedding photo.”
If not for her travel-worn appearance, he would have gone today. But wedding photos were once in a lifetime; she had to look radiant.
Su Momo nodded.
“Good. Then I’ll stay at the guesthouse tonight.”
“No need. The small courtyard house has already been assigned. If you prefer a communal block, you’d have to wait. But the courtyard is ready now.”
“I like the courtyard better. Quiet and private. We can plant vegetables or trees. In those communal buildings, you can’t keep any secrets. Say one word or quarrel once, and the whole building knows the next day.”
She had read enough novels to know. Life in those crowded blocks was suffocating.
The two of them chatted happily about their future. Su Tingjie, meanwhile, quietly ate on the side, completely forgotten.
Su Momo’s eyes were bigger than her stomach. After two-thirds of her rice, she set her chopsticks down with a groan.
“I can’t eat another bite…”