He had heard Sheng Zexi mention that in the northwestern military region, during the coldest winters, heavy snow would block the mountains, making movement difficult and supplies scarce.

Although the exact wedding date hadn’t been set yet, Gu Yunnan thought it would likely be within the next two weeks. After all, as a soldier, Sheng Zexi rarely had leave, and it was impossible for him to stay for too long.

In half a month, Sheng Zexi would take his younger sister to the northwestern military region, and they would soon enter the coldest period there. Therefore, they needed to prepare for his sister in advance.

In another room of the west wing lived Gu Yunzhou, the third son of the Gu family, who had yet to marry.

Sitting cross-legged on his bed, he was counting his money, planning to visit the black market in the county town when he had time. His younger sister liked shiny jewelry, so he intended to secretly acquire some and give it to her as a wedding gift.

Meanwhile, Gu Jianing, whom everyone was thinking about, was wrapped in a blanket, sleeping soundly on this cold night, feeling no chill at all.

Although she had jumped into the river in the middle of winter, she hadn’t fully recovered her strength, so she still needed to sleep early to regain her health as soon as possible.

Similarly, there was another person whose heart was burning with warmth—Sheng Zexi, who was in a hotel, diligently writing his marriage report application.

Today, after leaving Huaihua Village and returning to the county town, he began purchasing the items needed for the engagement and the betrothal gifts for the wedding.

The “three turns and one ring” (bicycle, sewing machine, wristwatch, and radio) were a must, and Sheng Zexi had prepared 500 yuan as the bride price.

Of course, this was just the surface. Privately, he planned to find a time to give Jianing his savings account and the wages he had accumulated over the years since joining the military.

He knew that little girl had a bit of a love for money.

After waking up, Sheng Zexi first went to the post office to mail the marriage application, then called his military superior, Brigade Commander Zheng, to inform him that he had submitted the marriage report.

“You brat, you finally decided to get married. Alright, once your marriage report arrives, as long as there are no major issues, I’ll approve it,” Brigade Commander Zheng said.

After hanging up the phone, Brigade Commander Zheng, who was far away in his office in the northwestern military region, felt deeply moved.

He clenched his right fist and struck it heavily into his left palm, his face filled with joy.

Sheng Zexi was the most capable soldier under his command, having won several “Soldier King” titles. At a young age, he had already accumulated numerous military merits and was now a battalion commander. However, Brigade Commander Zheng knew that if it weren’t for Sheng Zexi’s father holding him back, Sheng Zexi might already be a regiment commander.

Brigade Commander Zheng had some understanding of the conflict between Sheng Zexi and his father, which explained why Sheng Zexi had developed such a rebellious and sharp-tongued personality.

Although he was rebellious and sarcastic, often infuriating Brigade Commander Zheng with his words, the latter knew that Sheng Zexi was a good man.

When Sheng Zexi had been injured and his health deteriorated, Brigade Commander Zheng had truly feared that the young man would remain single for life. After all, he had rejected several arranged meetings without hesitation.

There were plenty of women in the military region who liked Sheng Zexi—relatives of the military wives or many girls from the cultural troupe had boldly confessed their feelings and pursued him, but all had been driven away by Sheng Zexi’s sharp tongue.

Brigade Commander Zheng had thought Sheng Zexi would never marry, but now, after taking leave, he had met someone and directly submitted a marriage report. From the tone of his voice, it was clear that Sheng Zexi genuinely liked her.

“I hope that girl and Sheng Zexi can have a happy and harmonious life together.”

After hanging up with Brigade Commander Zheng, Sheng Zexi made another call to his maternal grandparents’ home in Beijing.

“Hello, who is this?” A gentle, elderly voice came through the phone, and Sheng Zexi immediately pictured the kind face of his grandmother.

“Grandma, it’s me, Xiao Xi,” Sheng Zexi, who was usually rebellious, spoke in an unusually gentle tone, his voice filled with joy. “I’m planning to get married.”

“What? Xiao Xi, you’re getting married?!” Grandma Sang exclaimed in surprise. Grandpa Sang, who had been wearing glasses and writing down data, paused his pen upon hearing it was his grandson Sheng Zexi on the phone. He pricked up his ears and, upon hearing the latter part of the sentence, stood up and quickly walked over to his wife, eagerly leaning in to listen to the call.

Sheng Zexi quickly explained how he had met Gu Jianing, submitted the marriage report, and planned to get married soon.

“Good, good, that’s wonderful,” Grandma Sang repeatedly praised, tears streaming down her face, though her lips were curved in a relieved smile.

Even Grandpa Sang couldn’t help but tear up. Their poor grandson was finally getting married.

From now on, he would have someone to share warmth and companionship with, and he would no longer be alone.

As for whether the girl was from the city or the countryside, they didn’t care.

Hearing his grandmother’s choked voice on the phone, Sheng Zexi felt a pang of sadness in his heart. After his mother passed away, his father had remarried, and his once-loving father had become distant. The only people who truly cared for him were his maternal grandparents.

He also knew that over the years, his grandparents had been deeply concerned about his unmarried status.

“Xiao Xi, does the girl and her family know about your health condition?” Grandma Sang hesitantly asked.

They were aware of Sheng Zexi’s infertility, which made them even more heartbroken for their grandson.

“They know. I’ve told them everything. Grandpa, Grandma, although they’re from the countryside, they’re good people. Jianing is also very beautiful, cute, and clever. I’m sure you’ll like her once you meet her.”

Was Gu Jianing beautiful? Undoubtedly, she was both beautiful and charming.

As for her being spoiled? In Sheng Zexi’s eyes, it was just her being clever and adorable.

It must be said that love blinds one to flaws, and Sheng Zexi’s perception of Gu Jianing was heavily filtered.

“Alright, then we’re relieved.”

“Grandpa, Grandma, are you planning to come?” Sheng Zexi asked after a long hesitation.

He was mainly concerned about the long journey, as his grandparents were elderly. Moreover, while his grandmother was retired, his grandfather was a professor at the national weapons research institute and was very busy.

“Yes, of course we’re coming!” Grandma Sang had just agreed when Grandpa Sang took the phone.

“Xiao Xi, such a big event as your wedding—your grandma and I will definitely come. Don’t worry, just let us know the date. We’re still in good health and can make the trip. I’ve also accumulated a lot of leave, so I’ll take this opportunity to use it.”

However…

“Will you tell your father about this?”

At the mention of his father, Sheng Zexi’s expression turned cold, and without hesitation, he replied in a firm tone, “No, I won’t tell him. This is my business.”

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by a sigh. “Alright, if you don’t want to tell him, then don’t. That man is a fool with a muddled mind. It’s better not to tell him.”

If they did, they feared he might interfere. Although his father had been misled by his stepmother and had become unreasonable when it came to family matters, he was still shrewd in his work. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have risen to such a high position.

If he found out, he might indeed create obstacles for Sheng Zexi’s marriage.

So, it was better not to tell him.

“Wait for your grandma and me to come.” How could their grandson get married without them there?

As his grandparents, they had to be there to show their support and to demonstrate their respect for the bride’s family.