Chapter 22

That night, aside from Yu Wan talking about Su Ruo with her husband in their room, there was another person in the Gu family who couldn’t stop thinking about Su Ruo.

Although Zeng Yaohong had already come to terms with the fact that her niece probably no longer stood a chance… If her niece were clearly better than Han Zecheng’s wife in every way, then fine, but it was obvious she wasn’t. There was nothing about her that was more attractive to a man than that Su Ruo. Even if there were issues between Han Zecheng and Su Ruo, what chance would her niece have?

Still, now that things had ended up like this, Zeng Yaohong had lost face, and deep down she couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.

And with embarrassment came a little misplaced resentment toward Su Ruo.

If Su Ruo were truly flawless, she might’ve accepted it.

But there was one glaring issue she couldn’t ignore, no matter how much she wanted to.

She suspected there was something questionable about Su Ruo’s background.

Because the girl’s delicate and refined manner—her dignified air—was exactly like that of a pampered young lady from an old capitalist family.

If her family background was problematic, would the military really allow Han Zecheng to have such a wife?

Would the Han family allow it?

So after her husband, Commander Gu, returned to their room, she finally couldn’t resist testing the waters or dropping a few hints.

But her relationship with Commander Gu wasn’t the same as Yu Wan’s with Gu Yilin.

She didn’t dare let her thoughts show so freely in front of her husband. Instead, she carefully weighed her words before finally saying, “Zongyao, that little Han’s wife—her bearing and speech are really different from ordinary girls. Does she come from a special background?”

Commander Gu gave her a glance and replied, “Her father is the principal of Nancheng Technical School.”

In the military, the family background of key officers was recorded in detail. Han Zecheng was the son of an old comrade-in-arms whom Commander Gu respected and appreciated greatly, so naturally, he was well-informed about his situation.

He had simply never mentioned it to anyone before.

Zeng Yaohong’s heart skipped a beat.

That girl had said her father was a schoolteacher. Anyone hearing that would naturally assume he was a primary or middle school teacher. Who would have guessed he was actually the principal of a technical school?

To deliberately conceal that—there had to be something going on.

“And her mother? What kind of background does she have?”

Zeng Yaohong cautiously continued asking, “Her parents, did they have some kind of status before the founding of the country? Have they suffered any political persecution over the years?”

Back then, older intellectuals often came from somewhat privileged backgrounds during the Republic of China era.

And in recent years, such people had generally not had it easy.

Commander Gu’s expression darkened.

He looked at her rather sternly. Only when Zeng Yaohong began to feel uneasy did he speak in a low voice: “Why are you asking about these things? That’s all in the past. The country has been rehabilitating many of those comrades, and soon many things will change. Besides, no matter what background her parents come from, Comrade Xiao Su has responded to the call of the state. First, she went to the countryside to aid rural development, and now she’s actively participating in the college entrance exams. She has always been a positive, progressive comrade.”

“I don’t care what kind of thoughts you’re harboring, but you’d better put them all away and don’t, out of selfish motives, make a serious and irreversible mistake.”

The blood drained from Zeng Yaohong’s face, then rushed back in a flush of shame.

She had been married to him for nearly ten years. Though their relationship was plain, he had rarely spoken so harshly to her.

For him to say this… it likely meant he had already seen through her earlier thoughts.

And her probing questions just now—he probably knew exactly what she was trying to get at.

Zeng Yaohong was overwhelmed with a sense of shame and embarrassment, as though her most disgraceful side had been laid bare before him.

She murmured, “Zong… Zongyao.”

Commander Gu looked at the awkward expression on her face for a long moment, then sighed. “Yaohong, you weren’t like this before. I know you’ve made sacrifices for this family and for me. We don’t have children, and I’m often busy with work, so maybe you feel neglected. But none of that is a reason for anyone to go astray. You should enrich yourself so that selfish desires don’t slowly corrode your heart.”

“But you don’t need to feel too ashamed. Everyone has selfish thoughts and desires. Even saints are no exception. That’s why we must examine ourselves daily. Only by staying vigilant and correcting our course in time can we avoid making big mistakes.”

Upon hearing these words, Zeng Yaohong’s eyes instantly reddened.

…………….

Han Zecheng’s application to bring his family with him and to move into a married couple’s quarters was approved the very next day.

The military acted swiftly, especially in Han Zecheng’s case. There was already an available unit designated for him, so by the third morning, he had the keys in hand.

The apartment was a three-bedroom, two-living-room unit in the military family compound, on the fifth floor, with over 120 square meters.

Basic furnishings were all provided—bed, sofa, wardrobe, desk. Even the kitchen was fully stocked with pots, pans, and utensils.

Su Ruo was both surprised and delighted to see everything so well-prepared.

If she had to buy it all herself, it wasn’t about the money—but it would’ve taken days of hassle.

With the exams coming up, she didn’t want to spend energy on those things.

Han Zecheng didn’t think much of it. That’s how things usually were in the military. But seeing how happy she was still made him feel good.

After looking around, Guoguo eagerly grabbed a small cloth and rushed into his little room, happily fussing about.

Han Zecheng stayed with Su Ruo as they toured the apartment, then headed to the kitchen with her. “Take note if anything’s missing, or if there’s anything you want to replace. Make a list, and when we get a day off, we’ll go into town to buy it.”

Su Ruo responded with an “Mm.” After checking the kitchen and bathroom again, she realized that everything was already well-equipped. The living room and bedrooms had full furniture sets, and the kitchen and bathroom were stocked. They could move in immediately.

So she said, “Let’s tidy up tonight and move in. No need to stay at the guest house anymore.”

Although the guest house was fine, it wasn’t home.

But as this thought passed through her mind, she was startled.

Did she really think of this place as her home?

She was in a daze when she heard him say “Okay,” followed by the sound of running water.

She turned around and saw him filling a bucket under the faucet.

It felt like, with him around, she didn’t need to do anything.

As long as she mentioned it—or even if she didn’t—he had already taken care of everything.

They had only spent a few days together, yet somehow, he already felt like family.

Reassuring. Someone she couldn’t help but trust.

But when she really faced that thought, she realized he was still a stranger in some ways—and that made her a little uneasy.

Han Zecheng was very capable at doing household chores.

In Su Ruo’s limited experience, whether in the city or countryside, men rarely did housework. They usually acted like entitled masters waiting to be served, expecting meals to be brought to their mouths… Ahem, well, that was basically true.

But Han Zecheng, who looked like a traditional “big man,” was unexpectedly fast and skilled with housework.

Su Ruo stood nearby wanting to help, but it felt like she couldn’t keep up with his pace.

Seeing her wanting to assist, he tossed her a clean towel and said, “It’s wet here. Don’t get your clothes soaked. I’ll wipe down the wardrobe and other stuff first. Then you can organize your and Guoguo’s things. Once I’m done cleaning, I’ll go to my dorm and bring my stuff over.”

Su Ruo saw sweat already forming on his forehead. She opened her mouth to tell him to wipe it off, but seeing the damp cloth in his hand, she said nothing. Still, the sweat bothered her—she didn’t want it to drip into his eyes—so after a moment’s hesitation, she stepped forward and wiped his forehead with a towel.

Han Zecheng was startled by her sudden action and froze in place.

He lowered his eyes to look at her, only to see her small face magnified up close, her black, watery eyes sparkling like gems. His Adam’s apple moved slightly as he noticed a blush gradually creeping onto her cheeks. Then, pretending to be calm though clearly a little flustered, she stepped back and said, “Then, I’ll go pack up.”

Han Zecheng watched her back as she left, not quite sure what he was feeling inside.

…….

That evening’s dinner was brought back by Han Zecheng when he went to the dorm to fetch his luggage. Though it was all homemade dishes, it was still quite a spread: braised pork ribs, sweet and sour fish fillets, red-braised eggplant, and stir-fried mixed vegetables. It was clear at a glance these were freshly stir-fried, not mass-produced by the cafeteria.

Su Ruo managed to stay composed, but Han Guo stared at the enamel bowls being uncovered one by one, practically drooling.

Su Ruo felt a pang in her heart.

What kind of life had this child been living before…

But now things were better. From now on, she was going to protect him well as he grew up.

They were all going to be just fine.

Thinking this, her heart inexplicably ached a little. She turned to Han Zecheng and asked, “Can you drink alcohol at home while in the army?”

“Hm?” Han Zecheng looked at her, puzzled.

Su Ruo smiled and said, “We can consider today the start of living in a new home, right? Didn’t we buy a bottle of rice wine from the cafeteria yesterday? Since the cafeteria sells it, I guess it’s allowed?”

Actually, she’d always loved sweet fermented rice since childhood. When she saw the rice wine, she got excited and bought a bottle.

Han Zecheng smiled and said, “Sure.”

But once Han Zecheng opened the rice wine and Su Ruo took a sip, she was startled by the sharp burn.

It was sweet, yes—but even more spicy.

Clearly, this was not the same thing as the fermented rice dessert she remembered. Even if it was called rice wine, it was nothing like the kind she used to drink at home, which was more like a sweet soup and had almost no alcohol content.

Han Guo, watching his mother, wanted to try too. Su Ruo, being a bit mischievous, handed her cup to her son even though he was still young. Han Guo took a sip, frowned, and squinted, but didn’t seem scared. He even held the cup and wanted more. This time Su Ruo didn’t allow it, snatching the cup back and handing it to Han Zecheng.

Han Zecheng looked at the mother and son’s antics and chuckled silently. He drank the rest from Han Guo’s cup, then poured himself a full bowl and downed it in one go without changing expression—leaving Su Ruo gaping in disbelief.

Drinking was prohibited in the military district, absolutely forbidden in the barracks. But in the family compound, the rules weren’t so strict, and a bowl of rice wine wasn’t considered a big deal to them.

After dinner, Su Ruo got up to clear the dishes, but Han Zecheng moved even faster. They both reached for the same bowl.

“You rest. I’ll wash,” he said.

Han Guo looked up curiously at them.

Then Han Zecheng added, “Take Guoguo to check out his room.”

He glanced at Han Guo. “When you’re older, you’ll wash.”

Han Guo: …I’m still small, don’t look at me.

He decisively got up and went to his room.

Su Ruo burst out laughing, let go of the bowl, and said, “Alright,” then followed Han Guo.

She brought Han Guo to his room, fiddled with Han Zecheng’s radio, turned it on for the boy to play with, then headed back to the kitchen.

She stood at the door, watching Han Zecheng wash dishes. After a while, she suddenly asked, “How was I so lucky back then? How did we meet?”

Han Zecheng’s hands paused mid-wash.

That blue-and-white enamel bowl had already been clean for some time. But ever since she had stood behind him, whether it was the slight buzz from the wine or the chill from the open window, he had felt a bit warm. So he just let the water run.

He turned off the tap, dumped out the bowl, turned to look at her, and asked, “What luck are you talking about?”

Su Ruo smiled and softly replied, “Marrying you. Being able to marry you—that’s such good luck.”

She meant it from the bottom of her heart.

No hidden meaning behind her words.

Even though she couldn’t remember, she could imagine how hard life must have been for her when she was sent to the countryside, how terrible her situation was.

And now she could stand here safe and sound, with a cute son and a stable home—all thanks to him.

But she had no idea how deeply her simple words of gratitude and emotion struck him.

He placed the bowl on the rack, stood still for a long moment to calm the urge rising in his chest.

He looked at her and asked, “You really think marrying me is good luck?”

Su Ruo nodded.

His eyes were dark and deep, like flames burning behind them.

The way he looked at her made her feel a bit pressured, and her face began to heat up again.

She turned her face away, took a quiet breath, and said seriously, “My situation must’ve been really bad back then, right? If not for you, it probably would’ve been terrible. So… how exactly did we meet?”

Whether it was what his mother had said or her chat with Sister-in-law Wu Xiumei, even if they were a bit biased, she could guess that her past situation wasn’t good at all.

Could it be… she had seduced him?

He replied, “There was a big flood at the farm. You were working on the outer embankment and didn’t evacuate in time. You were swept into the river. I saved you.”

There was even a life-saving grace?

She turned back to look at him in surprise.

And found that while she had looked away, he had already moved to stand a step in front of her.

He was very tall, with broad shoulders, long legs, and a narrow waist. In the November chill, he still wore a short-sleeved military green shirt, revealing dark, firm, and smooth arms.

Su Ruo wasn’t short, but still had to look up at him.

Staring up at him like this made the air in the kitchen seem thin. Her breath caught… and maybe because he’d had some rice wine, she could smell its faint scent on him—it made her dizzy.

She grew nervous and wanted to say something to break the awkwardness, so she blurted out, “Don’t tell me… don’t tell me it was like in those old stories, where you saved me, saw my body, and I forced you to take responsibility and marry me?”

She was just joking to lighten the mood.

But he didn’t smile.

He stared at her silently for a long moment, then suddenly stepped forward. Su Ruo was so startled she took a step back—only to forget that right behind her was the kitchen doorframe.

He came closer, reached out to latch the door, then used one hand to brace against the doorframe and with the other, brushed aside the thin soft hair on her forehead to the side.

Then he lowered his head and whispered just above her ear, “I’m willing to be responsible for you. So, will you let me be responsible?”

Su Ruo’s mind went “buzz” and froze.

Her heart pounded loudly, and her face flushed hot.

His hand moved from her forehead to her ear, gently pinching it.

Her ears were small, originally fair and tender, but now burning red with heat.

Her eyes closed, her long lashes trembling, revealing her nervousness.

Her lips were peach-pink, moist and shiny…

He could see nothing else but those lips, so he bent down and kissed that peachy pink.

This was the second time he kissed her, after that first night.

He pressed her against the door, breathing a little fast, kissing a bit roughly but still carefully, not hurting her.

Su Ruo was a bit shocked. She wanted to push him away, but his lips and tongue carried a strong scent of rice wine and sweetness, and she got dizzy at once. In the end, she didn’t push him away but grabbed onto his clothes.

Her reaction encouraged him. At first, his hands only supported her head, but soon he held her tightly in his arms. The kissing wasn’t enough, and his hands gripped her firmly, as if wanting to pull her body closer. The person in his arms went completely limp, until she softly let out a cry, sounding both pained and uncomfortable. Only then did he suddenly snap out of it, slightly pulling away, gasping a few breaths. When his breathing steadied, he held her close again and whispered by her ear, “Will you let me be responsible?”

His voice was rough, like it was grinding against her heart.

Su Ruo had been so overwhelmed by the kiss that her mind wasn’t working, but hearing that question finally brought some clarity—though just a little.

She looked at his chest, at his clothes, and felt like her heart would leap out.

She didn’t know—being kissed by someone felt like this, this kind of feeling… The last time didn’t count; she was too scared then.

How could she answer him?

She didn’t know how long had passed—long or short—but eventually he let go of her, fixed her hair and clothes, then stepped back, walked over to the stove, poured a glass of water, drank it in one gulp, and after a moment said, “Go outside now, be careful you don’t get your clothes wet.”