Tang Momo never expected that Gu Chengze’s reply would be a self-introduction letter. It was so detailed that it almost included his entire childhood experiences. This made Tang Momo think that what she saw was the most detailed version of his resume. 

No, that’s not right; this should be a marriage proposal. With this thought, Tang Momo couldn’t help but rub her forehead. 

Aside from this self-introduction, on another sheet of paper, he sincerely expressed that although he didn’t know her well yet, he found it enjoyable to spend time with her. He hoped she would give him a chance to get to know her better. 

Seeing this, Tang Momo couldn’t help but pinch the bridge of her nose. So, he meant for her to introduce herself to him as well? 

This time Tang Momo replied very seriously. She said that she had no plans to get married in the next few years. She had her own life plans, so she could not delay him and hoped that he would find a good match as soon as possible. 

After writing the reply, Tang Momo breathed a sigh of relief. Although she didn’t know why Gu Chengze suddenly liked her, she really didn’t want to delay him. 

In her plans, even if she got married, it would be after graduating from college, which would take at least six years. Moreover, there was a more important reason: she wasn’t fond of long-distance relationships. 

While this thought might seem selfish, she really couldn’t imagine a scenario where they could only meet once a year. 

Colleagues could see each other every day, let alone a more intimate couple. 

It was probably due to her experiences growing up that she lacked a sense of security. The only relationship she had in her previous life ended with the other party accusing her of being too controlling and making him feel suffocated. 

She didn’t understand at the time. She had made it clear before the relationship that she was insecure and might be more clingy than ordinary girlfriends. At that time, he had said he wished his girlfriend would cling to him every day. 

Unfortunately, after only three months, he became impatient. He felt that she was too reserved and unwilling to go further while wanting to control everything. 

After the breakup, Tang Momo had tried to reflect on it and later realized that it wasn’t her lack of security but rather her partner’s failure to provide enough security that made her feel passive in that relationship. 

That’s the reason why Tang Momo didn’t want to easily pursue romance now; she simply wasn’t prepared. 

After Tang Momo sent the letter away, she felt a brief moment of disappointment. The memory of Gu Chengze saving her kept playing in her mind. At first, it was just a blurry figure, but later it became a clear image of Gu Chengze. 

Tang Momo thought it was nothing for her. Every girl has a hero complex. If it had been anyone else that day, she would have thought of that person too. After all, that person saved her life.  

Tang Momo only felt down for a day, and the next day she was full of energy again. Romance really distracted her from studying; besides work, she also had to learn high school subjects. Two years should be enough. 

In this era, everyone seems to be very interested on matchmaking. Tang Momo never expected that Director Wu would introduce her to someone, and coincidentally, that someone was Yang Jianlin. 

It wasn’t exactly an introduction, but Director Wu found an excuse to let them have dinner with her. She said a few words at the dinner table and then found an excuse to leave. 

Tang Momo and Yang Jianlin looked at each other and saw helplessness in each other’s eyes. 

Yang Jianlin pinched the bridge of his nose and apologized first, “I’m sorry, it must have been my parents who asked Director Wu to help me with my personal matters.” 

But he didn’t expect that Director Wu would introduce Tang Momo to him. Perhaps she felt that the two had worked together for a while, and Director Wu felt that they were more familiar with each other. 

“This has nothing to do with you, Brother Yang; you don’t have to apologize.” 

After speaking, Tang Momo glanced at Yang Jianlin curiously. 

Yang Jianlin had a smile on his face, “What do you want to ask?” 

“I’m just a little curious about why Brother Yang doesn’t want to settle down yet. If you don’t mind me asking, it’s okay if you don’t answer; I’m not forcing you or anything.” 

Tang Momo was really curious. After all, early marriages were common in this era. 

Yang Jianlin thought about it seriously before speaking slowly, “It’s probably because I’m very satisfied with my current life and not ready for marriage yet.” 

No matter how good a relationship is before marriage, once married, it’s often filled with trivial matters. Thinking of the arguments between his brother and sister-in-law, Yang Jianlin felt that his current situation was the best. 

“Don’t your parents oppose it?” 

Tang Momo suddenly felt that everyone around her was remarkable. In this era, having such thoughts was truly insightful. Perhaps he and Hu Jie had something in common. With this thought, Tang Momo couldn’t help but pat her head; this was all irrelevant. 

“They neither oppose nor support, and that’s why things turned out like this today.” 

Yang Jianlin also wore a helpless expression, but he truly understood his parents’ concerns. 

“When you meet the right person, you might feel ready to get married. Don’t you know that many young girls in the factory like you?” Tang Momo said the last sentence teasingly. 

Yang Jianlin was momentarily surprised but then shook his head and said, “I probably won’t meet anyone like that in my lifetime.” 

Hearing this, Tang Momo couldn’t help but frown. “Why are you so pessimistic?” 

Could it be that he’s another person with a story? 

“I actually have a condition.” 

Yang Jianlin didn’t understand why he shared things he found hard to discuss with others so calmly with Tang Momo. Maybe it was because her eyes were so clear and gentle, unlike the way others looked at him. 

“Is it serious? Why don’t you go to the hospital?” 

Tang Momo never expected this would be the reason. 

Yang Jianlin smiled and shook his head, then explained gently, “It’s not a serious issue; I just can’t remember faces. Everyone looks the same to me. When I was younger, I often mistook people for others. Later, I realized I was different from others, so I started remembering people by their characteristics.” 

This is also the biggest reason why Yang Jianlin doesn’t want to get married. He doesn’t want to forget his wife and his children. 

“Face blindness?” 

Tang Momo had only heard about it online before and didn’t expect to encounter it in real life. 

“Face blindness?” 

Yang Jianlin’s tone was filled with surprise. 

Tang Momo wasn’t sure what’s the medical term for it, let alone how to treat it. When she met Yang Jianlin’s gaze, she just shook her head and then asked, “Does your family know?” 

“It doesn’t really affect my life, so there’s no need to tell them.” 

Yang Jianlin didn’t want his family to worry unnecessarily.  

Tang Momo regretted for a moment that she had just asked such a question. She wanted to say something, but felt it would be pointless. 

“Don’t feel sorry. I’m used to distinguishing people by their characteristics and voices. What about you? Is your reluctance to match with others related to that last person that I’ve seen you with?”  

Yang Jianlin’s tone was gentle, making it clear that he didn’t intend to offend anyone even if he asked such questions.” 

“Of course not; it has nothing to do with him. I have my own reasons. You know my family situation; I’m not ready to consider that right now.” 

Since she can’t disclose about the college entrance examination, Tang Momo could only use this excuse. 

“No matter what choice you make, as long as you’re happy, it’s the right choice.” 

Yang Jianlin never questioned other people’s choices. 

“You’re right, Brother Yang. I hope we can both live the lives we want.” 

Tang Momo raised her cup to clink with his. 

The two of them had a great conversation during the meal. When they left, both of them had smiles on their faces, pleased to have gained a friend with whom they could share heartfelt conversations. 

As soon as Tang Momo returned to the dormitory, Wang Qian and the others surrounded her with curious looks. “I heard that Director Wu introduced you to Secretary Yang.” 

“Who did you hear that from? It’s work-related. I was temporarily assigned to the factory director’s office, but now that I’m back in the publicity department. We just need to organize some things that weren’t handed over properly.” 

Tang Momo made excuses seriously. 

“Really?” 

Wang Qian looked suspicious. 

“What good would it do me to lie to you?” 

After saying this, Tang Momo gave her a sideways glance. 

“That’s true; when does Director Wu have the time to play matchmaker?” 

Hearing Tang Momo’s words, everyone started to question what they had heard before. 

Seeing that they didn’t ask any more questions, Tang Momo breathed a sigh of relief; otherwise, it would be really hard to explain this situation. 

The matter finally ended when Director Wu mention that it was a work-related matter. 

*** 

Tang Momo’s birthday fell on her day off, and Zhang Xiaoli also chose to take the day off. She had been busy since morning and planned to cook a big meal to celebrate. 

It was also to celebrate their new life properly. 

“Mother, there’s no need to prepare so much.” 

Tang Momo persuaded. 

“It’s not too much; what’s too much about it? Today is just for having fun. After today, you’ll be a year older and a grown-up.” After Zhang Xiaoli finished speaking, she rubbed Tang Momo’s head. 

“Mother, I’m working now, and Jianan and the twins are in school. You can actually think about your own matters too,” Tang Momo said seriously. 

Zhang Xiaoli was stunned for a moment and then realized what she meant. She looked at Tang Momo nervously. “Momo, did you hear something? Those people are talking nonsense. I have never considered this thing.” 

Upon seeing this, Tang Momo quickly held Zhang Xiaoli’s shoulders and said with a serious expression. “Mother, that’s not what I meant. Please listen to me.” 

After entering the shoe factory, everyone knew she was Tang Dajun’s wife. Now that Tang Dajun was gone, although she had three children, the oldest was also a worker, so the burden was not heavy. Therefore, many people in the factory had the thought of introducing someone to her, but she had refused them all. She never thought that Momo would know about this. 

“Mother, I know you haven’t considered remarriage because of us, but have you thought about it? You’re still so young; you have your own life and shouldn’t be tied down by us. In the future, we’ll all grow up and start our own families. What will you do then when you’re all alone?” 

In the future, everyone would have their own lives. How lonely would she feel staying home by herself? 

“I have you all, and that’s enough. I’m not planning to consider remarriage,” Zhang Xiaoli said firmly. 

“Mother, you don’t have to make a decision in a hurry. Whether you remarry or not is your freedom. You can choose whichever lifestyle makes you happy. No matter which one you choose, we will support you.” 

After Tang Momo finished speaking, she reached out and took the things from Zhang Xiaoli’s hand. Her idea was simple: it wasn’t just about Zhang Xiaoli remarrying, as long as Zhang Xiaoli felt happy. 

Looking at Tang Momo’s figure, Zhang Xiaoli felt a warmth in her eyes. Her Momo had truly grown up and was starting to care for others. 

Tang Momo couldn’t remember how she spent her last birthday. She probably had a meal with her classmates in the dormitory and ended it with eating a cake. 

Even though today’s meal is simpler than before, it is different because her family members are around. 

*** 

After her birthday, life returned to normal. Tang Momo still went to and from work every day until she was stopped by the guard as she passed by. 

“Here’s your letter.” When she heard those words, her heart raced a little. Gu Chengze actually wrote back to her? 

Tang Momo felt tense for a moment until her eyes landed on the envelope, which was indeed a letter from Gu Chengze. 

She held the letter in her hand and didn’t rush to open it. With her head lowered, she continued walking toward the dormitory.  

On the way, she encountered Wang Qian and Hu Jie. They called out to her several times, but she didn’t hear them. 

Wang Qian was a bit confused. “What’s Momo thinking about?” 

As she said this, she intended to approach her. 

Hu Jie grabbed her, nodding toward the envelope in Tang Momo’s hand. 

Seeing the envelope, Wang Qian stopped her approach. They had both caught a glimpse of the address on the envelope and speculated that the letter was from that soldier they had seen before. 

“Fortunately, you held me back last time. It would have been embarrassing if I had asked her to introduce me.” Wang Qian said, looking relieved.  

“Okay, don’t mention this matter when we go back.” 

Hu Jie thought that Tang Momo probably didn’t tell them about this now because she hadn’t figured it out yet. 

When they returned, Tang Momo was lying on her bed, seemingly asleep. However, recalling how she looked earlier, they knew she wasn’t truly asleep, but they still tried to be quiet.  

Tang Momo didn’t expect Gu Chengze to be unaffected by her previous words. In his letter, he expressed that he wasn’t in a rush and mentioned he didn’t know if he would get the chance to meet someone he could look forward to again, so he hoped she could give him a chance—a chance to get to know her better. 

Tang Momo felt very irritable, but she didn’t know why. Maybe it was because Gu Chengze wouldn’t give up, or perhaps his courage made her feel like a coward for not even trying. 

This time, she didn’t feel like replying. Maybe deep down, she wanted to escape because Gu Chengze’s persistence left her unsure of how to handle the situation. 

*** 

Xu Xiaoyun had the chance to meet Zhao Xiuli twice. During these meetings, she clearly felt that Zhao’s attitude toward her was not as warm as before. She understood what this meant. 

It meant that Zhao Xiuli was no longer considering her. This must have been due to something Gu Chengze had said, which discouraged Zhao Xiuli from her intentions. 

Even though she clearly expressed her refusal, her family didn’t give up on finding a match for her. She even threatened that if they forced her, she would go find someone from the Women’s Federation. 

But this is not a long-term solution. She has already reached the marriageable age, and she cannot always refuse. 

So, she needed to come up with a plan. Since Gu Chengze was unwilling, she could only find a way to make him do it. 

Xu Xiaoyun remembered that before their marriage, Gu Chengze had been injured once, though it wasn’t serious. This incident was revealed by his comrade during their wedding. 

Later, after they married, he sustained a severe injury, and this event strengthened her resolve to leave with Tie Yanming. 

“Now, none of this had happened yet, so these experiences were her bargaining chips. She intended to use them to make Gu Chengze marry her. She doesn’t believe that he wouldn’t care about his own life.”

***

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