Chapter 19 – Supporting You Isn’t a Problem

Cheng Wanying nodded slowly. “You’re right. That makes sense. I’ll go talk to Xu Nuo now and hear what she thinks.”

As she left the study, she felt nervous.

They had reached a decision among themselves, but whether Xu Nuo would be willing to accept it—whether she’d think poorly of them—that was another matter entirely.

Cheng Wanying knocked on the guest room door on the first floor. Xu Nuo was alone; Xu Shan was nowhere to be seen.

“Mrs. Cheng, what brings you here? Please, come in and sit.” Xu Nuo welcomed her in and immediately turned to pour her a glass of water.

While Xu Nuo was busy, Cheng Wanying took the opportunity to glance around the room. Everything was clean and neatly arranged.

Aunt Lin had mentioned that she hadn’t needed to clean the guest room at all these past couple of days. Looks like this girl really was tidy and hardworking.

Although Yang Peiying had passed away early, the child’s grandmother must have raised her well.

“Here, Mrs. Cheng. Your water.” Xu Nuo handed her the tea with both hands, then sat down beside her. Before the older woman could speak, Xu Nuo opened her mouth first.

“You came to talk about the engagement, didn’t you?”

She thought that might have sounded too vague, so she added, “I mean… the engagement between me and Brother Lu Chen.”

Cheng Wanying was quietly impressed. The girl was sharp—she hadn’t even said a word yet, and Xu Nuo had already guessed the reason.

“Since you already know, I won’t beat around the bush.” She gave a sigh. “I know this situation is unfair to you. We just discussed it with Lu Chen—he’s willing to go through with the marriage. But what matters most is how you feel. If you’re willing, then we’re all for it. If not, both your Uncle Lu and I will respect your wishes and help you resolve your household registration.”

Xu Nuo looked surprised. “Brother Lu Chen agreed?”

Cheng Wanying nodded. “Yes. You saw what happened tonight. Lu Cheng is a brat, but Lu Chen… he’s steady, responsible. He doesn’t talk much, and he always looks serious, but he’s a good person.”

Xu Nuo gave a slight nod.

She’d noticed. From the very first time they met, she could feel the difference—this man, a few years older, really stood apart.

Lu Cheng only ever thought about himself. But Lu Chen considered the bigger picture and everyone else’s feelings.

He’d been outstanding since he was young. The youngest regiment commander, attentive, thoughtful—and to top it off, a soldier. That alone proved his character.

And on top of that, his looks and build were top-tier.

If he were on the marriage market today, he’d be one of the most sought-after candidates out there. With such amazing qualifications, she really didn’t have any reason to refuse.

As for love…

Xu Nuo wasn’t one to demand it.

In this era, being able to eat well, dress warmly, have a job she liked, and live a peaceful life—that was already more than enough.

“Mrs. Cheng, I agree,” Xu Nuo said at last.

Cheng Wanying had been anxious, but upon hearing Xu Nuo’s response, her heart finally settled.

“Oh, that’s wonderful! Just wonderful! Nuo Nuo, you’re such a good girl. Don’t you worry—once you marry into our Lu family, neither your Uncle Lu nor I will treat you poorly. And Lu Chen won’t either.”

Xu Nuo smiled faintly. “I believe you.”

“That’s good, that’s good,” Cheng Wanying couldn’t stop smiling. She’d been worried for years over Lu Chen’s love life. The boy was nearly thirty and still single—she’d begun to feel like she was letting him down as a mother.

Who would’ve thought, thanks to Lu Cheng’s mess, he’d end up getting married to Xu Nuo?

Well, good! So what if there’s no love at the start?

Feelings grow with time. Sooner or later, they’d find their way to each other.

---

“Since you’ve agreed,” Cheng Wanying said cheerfully, “I’ll have Lu Chen submit the marriage report to the unit. Once it’s approved, we’ll start preparing for the wedding. Fortunately, he’s on leave these days, so he can take you shopping for the wedding essentials. Oh right, we’ll also need to return to your village to get a proof of marital status.”

Cheng Wanying was truly overjoyed. Now that Xu Nuo had agreed, she immediately began planning the next steps in her mind.

Xu Nuo gave a small smile. “Mrs. Cheng, would it be alright if I talk to Brother Lu Chen?”

After all, it concerned both of them—she had to at least speak with the other person directly involved.

“Yes, yes! Look at me, how scatterbrained I’ve gotten!” Cheng Wanying quickly stood up, thrilled. “I’ll go get him right now!”

She returned to the study, a wide smile on her face. No need to ask—her expression said it all.

“She agreed?” Lu Cheng immediately stood up.

“She agreed!” Cheng Wanying grinned like a blooming flower. “She’s such a smart and sensible child.”

Lu Huaizheng snorted, “Of course she is. Otherwise, would she have had the backbone to propose ending the engagement herself? Just look at this third one—he only ever does disgusting things.”

“Exactly!” Cheng Wanying gave Lu Cheng a fierce glare. Then, turning to Lu Chen, her face softened with warmth again. “Nuo Nuo said she wants to talk to you. Go on.”

Lu Chen nodded. “Alright, I’ll go now.”

He went downstairs and entered the guest room. Xu Nuo was waiting for him. The two sat side by side on the bed. At over 1.8 meters tall, even just sitting silently, Lu Chen exuded an unspoken intensity.

“Brother Lu…”
“Xu Nuo…”

They spoke at the same time.

“You first,” Lu Chen offered.

Xu Nuo smiled slightly. “Lu Chen, I…”

The words Brother Lu Chen didn’t feel quite right anymore. Their relationship had changed—Lu Chen was more appropriate now.

“Lu Chen, I know this marriage might not have been your choice. You’re doing it for the sake of your family’s reputation and interests. So I just want to say, now that we’ve agreed, we should at least aim to make it work. Of course, feelings can’t be forced. If we get along, that’s great. If we don’t… then let’s just divorce early, no need to waste each other’s time.”

Lu Chen looked at her, slightly surprised. Were these really the words of an eighteen-year-old girl?

“Alright,” he nodded in agreement.

“And don’t worry, I won’t cling to you after we’re married. I’ll find a job and won’t be a financial burden.”

Lu Chen was silent.

“That’s all I wanted to say. Now it’s your turn. Do you have any expectations of me?” Xu Nuo asked.

“No.” He replied simply. “Just be yourself.”

She nodded, satisfied with his answer. “Okay, thank you.”

Lu Chen continued, “Let me introduce myself briefly. I’m Lu Chen, 27 years old, currently serving as a regiment commander in the X Military Corps. After we’re married, you’ll likely be accompanying me to my unit. I receive a monthly stipend of 117 yuan—supporting a family and you won’t be a problem. I rarely smoke or drink, and I have no bad habits.”

“Alright.” Xu Nuo smiled and nodded.

“Do you have any other questions?”

“No, that’s all.”

“Good. We’ll learn more about each other after the wedding,” he said as he stood up. “Tomorrow, I’ll go back to the unit to file the marriage report. After that, there’ll be a political background check on you and your family. Once you pass, you’ll need to get a certificate of marital status. Then, we’ll proceed with the wedding.”