Chapter 5: Crazy Love Confession

Who brings a potted plant on a date?

But Gu Congshuang’s heart fluttered. In her favorite action movie, the female lead carried a potted plant.

“Is this for me?”

Ye Bei nodded slightly. The pot was blue and white porcelain, the crimson crabapple blossoms creating a classical feel.

“These are crabapple blossoms I’ve grown. I’ve been in the army for years, and they’ve thrived. I couldn’t bear to cut them, so I brought them.”

Gu Congshuang’s eyes welled up. If Ye Bei knew she was a plant killer, he probably wouldn’t have given them to her. ( ﹁ ﹁ ) ~→

Gu Congshuang, single for years, had never received flowers before. She was thrilled.

“Thank you. I didn’t prepare anything.” Gu Congshuang awkwardly accepted the pot.

Lin Wanxing sneered, “It’s just a flower. I thought it would be something impressive.”

He pretended to be talking to Mo Wanwan, but his voice was loud enough for the whole restaurant to hear.

Li Yuqin felt uncomfortable. Was her daughter being dismissed with a mere flower?

“Oh, what gift did Miss Mo Wanwan receive?” Gu Congshuang asked playfully.

Mo Wanwan was speechless. Besides eating and watching movies, they rarely exchanged gifts.

In the late 1970s, resources were scarce. There were no flower shops or gift shops; even small stores required coupons for purchases. Only formal weddings had elaborate gifts. Movie or play tickets weren’t impressive.

“Gu Congshuang, don’t think I don’t know your intentions. Stop trying to sow discord between Wanwan and me.”

Lin Wanxing’s face darkened, regretting his earlier words.

He was puzzled. He didn’t care about Gu Congshuang, but since she got a boyfriend, his attitude changed. His possessiveness made him speak without thinking, only to slap himself in the face.

“Oh, so nothing? And this is true love?” Gu Congshuang laughed, a beautiful laugh.

Then, she linked arms with Ye Bei, exclaiming, “Thank you! This gold necklace is so precious! I don’t dare wear it outside; someone might steal it!” Ye Bei frowned. When did he give her jewelry? But he didn’t correct her.

This infuriated Lin Wanxing.

“Wanwan, let’s go. I’ll buy you the best jewelry at the gold shop.”

Gu Congshuang had achieved her goal. It wasn’t childish; she knew Lin Wanxing, before starting his factory, was an ordinary worker. Buying gold would deplete his savings, hindering his future business ventures. She’d get to see him fail.

Finally, she vented her frustration from reading the novel.

Li Yuqin, seeing them arm-in-arm, saw Ye Bei’s height, handsome appearance, and manners. He was far superior to Lin Wanxing.

She dreamt of becoming a proud mother-in-law.

Seeing the waiter approaching, she quickly finished her water and left the restaurant to avoid further expenses.

The waiter: …

Ye Bei watched them, shaking his head, like two children bickering.

Barely seated, Gu Congshuang blurted out, “Are you married?”

Ye Bei, mid-sip of tea, almost choked. This girl was up to something.

“What?”

“Shall we get married?”

Ye Bei coughed, frowning. He’d seen brave female soldiers in the army, but never anyone like Gu Congshuang – passionate, bold, and direct.

“But I’m already married.”

Gu Congshuang was disappointed. She looked for Li Yuqin but found she was gone. Relieved, she considered that such an excellent officer would be married.

Handsome men belong to the country.

Ye Bei, intrigued, decided to tease her.

“I have four children.”

Gu Congshuang’s eyes widened. “Four! Isn’t that over the birth limit?”

“Birth limit? What birth limit?” Ye Bei asked, confused.

Gu Congshuang realized birth control hadn’t been strictly enforced yet.

“Oh, it’s fine. Please eat. This is to thank you. I’ll repay your medical expenses later.”

Gu Congshuang, with no appetite, rested her chin, her mind wandering.

Besides Ye Bei, how could she escape the abusive husband plot?

Ye Bei noticed her fading enthusiasm. He seemed to recall a sad memory.

He took a sip of tea, saying bitterly, “Don’t worry about the money. Life is precious. Never jump into a river again. The living are the ones who suffer.”

“I’m divorced. I’m raising four children alone.”

Gu Congshuang was shocked. “Why?”

Four children meant a strong relationship. Ye Bei, handsome and young, with clear eyes, would give up his marriage?

Ye Bei’s eyes held sadness. He finished his tea and stopped eating:

“Those four children aren’t mine. During a cross-sea battle, my comrades sacrificed themselves to protect me. I’m raising their children as my own.”

“My ex-wife divorced me after learning this. The commander approved it, so she wasn’t affected.”

Ye Bei’s voice was heavy with sorrow.

Gu Congshuang saw a chance, blurting out, “Then marry me.”

Ye Bei paused, smiling wryly, “You don’t know me.”

“We’ll have time to get to know each other.” Gu Congshuang couldn’t miss this chance to escape her family.

The abusive husband was a looming threat. She had no money to run away. The 1980s and 90s were dangerous, with human traffickers and exploitative factories.

“I understand your anger towards Lin Wanxing. I didn’t say anything, but marriage isn’t a game.”

“It’s not a game. I want to spend my life with you.”

“If you marry me, you’ll have to take care of four children. It’s my promise to my comrades.”

“I’m not afraid. I can do it. I’ve helped many children at orphanages.”

“I’m twenty-eight, eight years older than you. You’ll have to live on the island with me, far from your family…” Ye Bei expected her to back down.

But her eyes shone brighter. She seemed more excited about being away from her family.

Ye Bei was even more confused.

“It’s okay. You’re the wind, I’m the sand, together until the end of the world.”

Ye Bei was touched by her passion. His serious face turned red.

“I… I have a bad temper… and I’ll be busy with military training, I won’t have much time for you.”

“It’s okay. I’m very tolerant. I can handle everything at home.”

“I’m clumsy and not good with words. You might not like me.”

“I like you. I love you!”