Chapter 7: Engagement Gift

“But what?” Gu Chengfeng froze, his smile faltering.

“But we agreed, once your illness is cured, we’ll divorce.” Shen Sisi said firmly, without allowing for argument. “Commissar Feng, you can be a witness.”

“Wait, why?” Feng Yanzhou didn’t understand. Shouldn’t a cure be cause for celebration? Why divorce?

Shen Sisi’s heart sank. She knew Gu Chengfeng had a close childhood friend, a girl he’d fought for, even getting sent to Lin County because of their rivalry.

That girl was also from the military compound, still in university. If it weren’t for his injury, they would probably be together already.

If Gu Chengfeng could be cured…

She would definitely divorce him. She didn’t want to break up a couple.

Shen Sisi said solemnly, “No reason… It’s my only condition.”

Though she knew she didn’t have the right to set conditions.

Gu Chengfeng’s knuckles whitened. She really was… only agreeing to marry him out of pity. Did she still not forget that other man?

He almost ground his teeth: “Fine, whatever you say!”

It should have been a joyous occasion, but Gu Chengfeng couldn’t quite smile.

Feng Yanzhou also squinted, his head aching.

He thought Shen Sisi was clever, that she would choose Gu Chengfeng based on the situation.

Unexpectedly, she set this condition, leaving Gu Chengfeng no way out.

He silently sent Gu Chengfeng a sympathetic look, held up Niu Niu, breaking the silence: “Um… Niu Niu, you’re going to have a new daddy…”

Niu Niu didn’t know what the adults were talking about. Hearing “new daddy,” she danced with joy.

Yay, she had a father!

She wasn’t a child without a father anymore!

But… was the new daddy this uncle with the beard?

Niu Niu pouted, her large eyes, which seemed too big for her thin face, cautiously scrutinizing Gu Chengfeng.

Although this uncle wasn’t bad, she preferred Uncle Feng, who held her.

Why couldn’t Uncle Feng be her dad?

She wished her mother would marry Uncle Feng…

Gu Chengfeng was flustered by the “new daddy,” his gaze softening towards Niu Niu.

Shen Sisi blushed, not daring to raise her head.

Commissar Feng was too… direct!

Now that it was settled, the next step was to file the report.

For a military marriage, both parties needed background checks and political reviews.

Feng Yanzhou saw Shen Sisi lost in thought. This future sister-in-law’s background and story… were problematic!

In front of Shen Sisi, Feng Yanzhou didn’t reveal anything, only giving Gu Chengfeng a look.

“Um, you and your wife stay in Lin County, I’ll handle the paperwork. Marriage is a big deal, I’ll let the village know beforehand, and go back tonight to report to the leader.” Feng Yanzhou said.

Gu Chengfeng nodded, giving him an appreciative look.

“Go ahead, when you get back, come to my place for a drink.”

Shen Sisi’s mind was filled with “sister-in-law, sister-in-law,” she couldn’t speak clearly: “Um… thank you, Commissar Feng.”

“Still calling me Commissar? Call me Brother Feng.”

“Thank you, Brother Feng!”

That “Brother Feng” was sweet, Feng Yanzhou couldn’t stop smiling, confidently promising: “Don’t worry, your happiness is in my hands.”

Feng Yanzhou left as quickly as he came, lest he miss the tractor to Jinfeng Village.

Only Shen Sisi and Gu Chengfeng remained, with Niu Niu, wide-eyed and curious, between them.

Gu Chengfeng’s heart pounded. Seeing Shen Sisi also lost in thought, he spoke first: “Um… shall we go to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy some things?”

Shen Sisi came back to her senses: “Buy things?”

“Such a big event, shouldn’t we tell our family?”

At his reminder, Shen Sisi thought of her aunt.

Her only relative in Lin County was her aunt.  Such a big event as marriage, she really should tell her aunt first.

She had to catch the train tomorrow, time was tight.

So, Shen Sisi didn’t hesitate, and nodded in agreement.

“You’re thoughtful, we should tell them.”

She stood up, about to pick up Niu Niu, but Gu Chengfeng snatched her up: “Let me do it!”

Niu Niu struggled slightly, like a kitten scratching in his arms, eventually giving up, letting his strong arms hold her tightly.

“It’s windy outside, wear your scarf, I’ll take care of the child!” Gu Chengfeng helped her adjust her knitted scarf, noticing a hole in it.

“Let’s go to the supply and marketing cooperative, I’ll buy you a new scarf.”

Shen Sisi looked down and saw the hole: “No need…”

Gu Chengfeng didn’t give her a chance to refuse: “I have a lot of coupons, I don’t use them in the army anyway, they’re just sitting there.”

Shen Sisi knew he was doing it on purpose, and knew she couldn’t refuse, only blushing: “Then… thank you!”

“What are you thanking me for? We’ll soon be husband and wife, this is what I should do.  My people don’t suffer hardships.”

He said stiffly, not daring to look at Shen Sisi’s expression, carrying Niu Niu and turning to leave.

He had long legs and took large strides, quickly gaining distance. Shen Sisi was about to catch up when she noticed Gu Chengfeng slowing down, subconsciously waiting for her.

Looking at his tall and handsome back, Shen Sisi’s lips curved slightly.

Leaving the hospital, they went to the nearby supply and marketing cooperative.

Two packs of cigarettes, two bottles of Maotai, two pounds of milk candy and fruit candy, four pounds of red dates, five pounds of flour, a basket of eggs, and two pounds of pork belly.

Gu Chengfeng wanted to buy more, but Shen Sisi glared at him, pulling his sleeve, saying it was too much.

One might think they were going to propose marriage.

Gu Chengfeng carried the bags in one hand and Niu Niu in the other: “Your parents aren’t here, your aunt is your elder, this is only right.”

Shen Sisi felt a pang of sadness. Since having Niu Niu, she hadn’t expected anyone to be kind to her, let alone care about her family.

She stared at Gu Chengfeng, but he walked straight to the women’s clothing counter, beckoning her: “Come on, pick something.”

His hands were beautiful, his fingers strong.

Thinking of the feeling of being held by those hands, her cheeks flushed.

“What style do you like?” Gu Chengfeng saw her clothes were old, with some pilling, though well-maintained, the fabric was faded.

Seeing her standing still, he was silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on her: “If you don’t choose, I’ll choose for you, as an engagement gift.”

Shen Sisi felt the pain of the mountain of gifts, Gu Chengfeng bought things so lavishly, like buying cabbages.

“Really no need.” Shen Sisi tried to refuse, but the saleswoman’s eyes lit up: “Oh, you’re getting engaged, you should choose red, red is festive.”

The red woolen coat was the most expensive in the store.

“This coat’s size and style are very good, this woman will look great in it!”

“Would you like to try it on, comrade?”

Before Shen Sisi could speak, Gu Chengfeng coldly raised his chin, looking at a simple, straight-cut coat.

“Get it, try it on!”