Chapter 10

Although it might seem a bit impolite to say this about Song Qingdai’s mother, the fact that Yao Jiahui wasn’t quite right in the head was well-known throughout the entire town.

Her mental state would fluctuate.

Even when she was in a “good” state, she’d just sit and stare blankly, barely saying a word. When she was in a bad state, she would keep shouting that she wanted to go back.

But when asked where she wanted to go, she could never give a clear answer. So honestly, there wasn’t much difference between her good and bad days.

“Auntie, I came today because Comrade Gao Han mentioned that you once knew my mother. I didn’t expect…”

“Oh yes, your mother even said back then that if you were born a girl, she’d have you marry our Gao Han!” Ye Chunjiang laughed warmly.

That was probably the only halfway coherent thing she had ever heard from Yao Jiahui. Most of the time, she was completely off in her own world.

“Have some watermelon,”

Gao Han came in holding a plate of freshly cut watermelon, and Ye Chunjiang quickly called Qingdai over to eat.

“Um… Little Song,”

“My Gao Han… he hasn’t bullied you, right?” Gao’s mom asked cautiously.

After all, not long ago, the whole town had been saying that Song Qingdai was going to marry Zhang Shaoxing. Now, out of nowhere, she was engaged to her son. Anyone would be suspicious.

Ye Chunjiang couldn’t help but wonder if her son had done something shady to rope the girl in.

At this, Song Qingdai suddenly felt a little guilty.

It wasn’t Gao Han who had pressured her—she was the one who practically dragged him into it.

She cleared her throat and quickly shook her head. “No, Comrade Gao Han is very nice.”

“Really? What do you think is nice about that rascal?” Gao’s mom’s eyes lit up—this was the first time she’d heard anyone compliment her son.

Well, besides one other person…

“Uhh…” The question caught Qingdai off guard.

She glanced toward the man now in the kitchen stir-frying food, wearing a floral apron clearly meant for women. It looked out of place on his tall, broad frame.

But his movements were smooth and efficient.

He seemed… different from what people said about him.

At least, Qingdai had never seen him hit anyone. He’d never shown her any hostility. On the contrary, he even seemed to protect her.

Though she wasn’t sure if that was just her imagination.

“Comrade Gao Han is pretty good in all respects. He’s tall, and he has a good temper,”

Qingdai forced a smile and complimented him through gritted teeth.

Dear heavens—

If Gao Han had a “good temper,” then there wasn’t a single bad-tempered person left in the world.

Every word of the girl’s soft praise fell clearly into Gao Han’s ears.

Even though he knew she didn’t mean it, he still couldn’t stop the slight curve of a smile on his lips.

“As long as he hasn’t bullied you, that’s good.”

Ye Chunjiang was clearly relieved and happily chatted away with Qingdai.

At the dining table, Qingdai and Gao Han sat side by side.

The man was the first to speak, “Qingdai, what are your thoughts on our marriage?”

He wanted to respect her opinion.

Immediately, both Gao’s parents turned their eyes toward Qingdai.

Qingdai tensed slightly, feeling an odd pressure.

But she’d already lived through one lifetime—she wouldn’t be timid or cling to some naive fantasy about love anymore.

Now that she was walking into marriage again…

In her mind, love and romance were lies.

Hadn’t Zhang Shaoxing also promised to treat her well when they got married?

And what happened?

On their wedding night, he showed his true colors.

“I have no objections. I’m very satisfied with Comrade Gao Han.”

“Th-then… this month?” Gao’s mom asked gently.

After all, the two hadn’t even gotten to know each other properly before suddenly deciding to get married. She was worried the girl might be rushing into something she wasn’t ready for.

But unexpectedly, Qingdai simply nodded.

“Alright.”

Gao Han’s gaze sharpened for a moment, while Gao’s mom beamed, saying,
“Great! I’ll find someone to pick an auspicious date. Once that’s settled, we’ll hold the banquet!”

It’s happening!

It actually worked out!

She had thought her son would be a lifelong bachelor, but suddenly he’d brought home a fiancée.

And not just any girl—but the one she liked most in all of Hongxing Town. Of course Ye Chunjiang was thrilled. She couldn’t stop smiling, her gums practically showing.

She kept putting food into Qingdai’s bowl.

“Eat more—you’re way too thin,” Gao Han whispered softly in her ear.

“Ms. Ye! Uncle Gao! Are you home?”

Just then, a bright and lively voice came from outside the courtyard—loud and clear before the person even arrived.

Moments later, a stylish girl appeared.

Wearing a fitted pink puff-sleeve dress, a woven sunhat, and high heels, she walked in with poise.

“Gao Han-ge!”

Both of Gao’s parents’ expressions changed the moment they saw her.

Their eyes reflected annoyance, patience, and mostly helplessness.

“Huh? And who is this?”

Ren Nana immediately noticed the girl sitting next to Gao Han at the table—Song Qingdai.

She was beautiful. Quiet.

But dressed plainly, with a cheap-looking dress that probably cost less than her own heels.

And she had the nerve to sit beside Gao Han?

“Oh, it’s Nana! Just in time. Let me introduce you,”

Ye Chunjiang was nothing if not experienced. She instantly grabbed Qingdai with a warm smile and said,

“This is Song Qingdai, Gao Han’s fiancée. She’s here today to discuss the wedding.”

“And since you’re here, let your parents know so they can attend the wedding banquet!”

Just like that, in a few words, Qingdai picked up on something off.

This girl—clearly fashionable, vibrant, and rich—wore a beautiful lady’s wristwatch and a pearl necklace around her neck that added an elegant touch.

Ren Nana’s expression froze.

“M-Married?” she stared in disbelief.

“You’re marrying her, Gao Han-ge?”

“Hello, I’m Song Qingdai,”

Qingdai stepped forward, offering a polite smile and extended her hand.

Ren Nana bit her lip and glared. “I’m not shaking hands with some poor country bumpkin!”

Confirmed.

A spoiled, temperamental rich girl.

Qingdai didn’t feel embarrassed. She just calmly pulled her hand back.

“Miss Ren, this is the Gao household. It’s not a military compound, and it’s not your fancy military academy either. You can drop the arrogant act.”

Gao Han’s words were blunt, targeting the situation—not the person.

He didn’t care who she was. He wasn’t about to show her any courtesy.

Ren…?

Perhaps seeing the confusion on Qingdai’s face, Ye Chunjiang quickly added, “Her name is Ren Nana. She’s the daughter of the provincial military academy’s headmaster.”

“My father used to be a high-ranking officer. Gao Han-ge used to serve under him! I—Gao Han-ge and I—”

“Shut up.”

Gao Han’s voice turned cold, eyes sharp and commanding.

He didn’t need to raise his voice. His presence alone silenced her.