Lu Beiting’s pale, chapped lips moved slightly again before he finally raised his head and looked at her with resolute eyes.  

His voice was low and hoarse as he said, “I mean, you don’t have to marry me just to secure admission to the military hospital. Our contract is void.”  

There was no reason for a cripple like him to drag her down.  

Xia Zhi’s breath hitched. She couldn’t tell whether she was angry or something else, but seeing him already giving up on himself made her heart ache terribly.  

“Are you really sure about this?” Xia Zhi bit her lip and stared at him.  

Lu Beiting clenched his fists, feeling an unexpected reluctance. They had only known each other for a few days, after all. “You’re a good girl. You shouldn’t be held back by someone like me.”  

Xia Zhi nodded. “Fine. If that’s what you’ve decided.”  

Then she stormed out, though she couldn’t understand why she didn’t feel the least bit happy about it.  

Watching Xia Zhi’s retreating figure, Lu Beiting let out a heavy sigh. Earlier, the chief had come to inform them that an auspicious date had been chosen—the eighth day of the next month.  

He had already started planning the betrothal gifts, the banquet, and even mentally listed the relatives and friends to invite in such a short time.  

He had been looking forward to sharing the good news with Xia Zhi when she returned. But then his parents showed up. Without saying a word or asking anything, they hurled insults at Xia Zhi.  

They had never even met before, yet their hostility was so intense. He couldn’t bear to imagine what Xia Zhi would face if she married into his family.  

After leaving, Xia Zhi aimlessly kicked a pebble on the ground. Lu Beiting was a patient, after all—she wouldn’t take it to heart.  

The marriage could wait, but his illness was something she was determined to treat.  

The only problem now was where she was supposed to stay.  

Sighing…  

Xia Zhi walked to a corner by a wall and crouched down helplessly.  

The early spring temperature fluctuated wildly, and as soon as the sun set, the cold crept in. She tugged her clothes tighter around herself, sniffled, and felt a wave of self-pity.  

Zhang Yi searched for a long time before finally spotting Xia Zhi in the corner. He hurried over with a military coat in hand.  

“Sister-in-law, it’s getting cold. Let’s head back,” he said, handing her the coat.  

Xia Zhi didn’t stand on ceremony and immediately wrapped herself in it. The warmth carried a familiar scent, which made her snort in annoyance.  

“Go back? Where am I supposed to go?” Lu Beiting wasn’t even willing to take her in.  

“Sister-in-law, the, uh—the chief has arranged separate accommodations for you. Tomorrow’s market day, so we can go buy some daily necessities then,” Zhang Yi said, nearly slipping up before correcting himself.  

“Don’t call me sister-in-law! I’m not your sister-in-law!” Xia Zhi huffed and took a few steps forward before turning back. “Which room is it?”  

Zhang Yi led Xia Zhi back to the dormitory building and opened the door to the room next to Lu Beiting’s.  

Lu Beiting sat in his wheelchair by the doorway. Only when he saw the two familiar figures approaching did he turn around and close his door.  

“Zhang Yi, is that empty plot of land next door being used? Can I have it?” Xia Zhi looked around the small but clean and bright room before asking about the adjacent space.  

Zhang Yi thought for a moment and scratched his head. “Sister-in-law, no one’s using it. Originally, it was supposed to be a cafeteria, but the area was too small, so it’s been left empty.”  

“Great. I’d like to grow some vegetables and herbs there. Could you let the Chief know?” Xia Zhi smiled, her eyes sparkling with anticipation for the future.  

This was perfect—she could finally start her own little garden.  

Zhang Yi nodded repeatedly. In truth, the Chief had already given instructions: whatever Sister-in-law wanted, she could have. The military base was huge, and a small plot of land wouldn’t make a difference.  

“Sister-in-law, you should rest early. We’ll go to town tomorrow.”  

“Alright. Thank you, Zhang Yi.”  

Zhang Yi waved it off. “No need to thank me, Sister-in-law. It’s nothing.”  

After Zhang Yi left, Xia Zhi sat on her small bed and felt the bedding beneath her. Lifting the sheet, she found two layers.  

She sniffed—no musty smell. Picking up a basin, she washed her face briefly and dried it with her sleeve.

The next day, Xia Zhi still asked Zhang Yi to bring the medicine to Lu Beiting before waiting for him at the door.  

“Battalion Commander, what are you thinking? Sister-in-law is such a good person, and you’re pushing her away? Let me tell you, Squad Leader Xu has his eye on her. If it weren’t for me last time, he might’ve already made his move.” Zhang Yi sat on a small stool, his face full of frustration. Why did his battalion commander seem so unwilling to fight for what was his?  

Lu Beiting paused as he drank the medicine. “That’s fine. After all, he’s a whole, healthy man.”  

Unlike him, who couldn’t do anything.  

“Ah, but didn’t Sister-in-law say she could cure you?”  

Lu Beiting lowered his gaze. “You should go now.”  

Zhang Yi sighed and stood up to leave.  

“Wait.” Lu Beiting pulled out several ten-yuan bills from under his pillow and handed them to him.  

Zhang Yi gave him a helpless look before taking the money. “Understood.”  

When Zhang Yi hurried over, he spotted Xu Rufeng chatting with Xia Zhi from a distance.  

“Sister-in-law, let’s get in the car.”  

Not far away, Hao Liping watched as Xia Zhi climbed into the vehicle, then glanced down at the ox cart she was sitting on—complete with dried dung stains.  

Resentment flared in her heart, but she could only console herself with the thought that Xia Zhi’s good days wouldn’t last long.  

Once Lu Beiting was completely paralyzed—or dead—his military allowance would stop. Then she’d see how Xia Zhi managed.  

Her current hardships were only temporary. In the future, her life would only get better and better.  

Hao Liping looked at the basket at her feet, filled with cabbages and potatoes. Today was her first time going to town to sell vegetables, and she was sure it would be a great success.  

“Liping, hold on tight.” Gu Yunshen beside her reached out to steady her considerately.  

A blissful smile spread across Hao Liping’s face.  

A man like Lu Beiting was completely useless. Xia Zhi had no one to love her—she must be miserable, probably crying into her pillow at night.  

The thought made Hao Liping even happier.  

After arriving in town, Xia Zhi followed Zhang Yi out of the car and headed to the supply and marketing cooperative, relying on her original self’s memories. She bought toiletries, clothes, and some snowflake cream.  

Just as she was about to pay, Zhang Yi stepped forward with cloth ration coupons and ten-yuan bills.  

“Hey, I can’t let you pay for me!”  

Zhang Yi scratched his head. “Sister-in-law, the Battalion Commander gave me this money this morning.”  

“Hmph. Fake kindness. I’ll pay him back tonight.” Xia Zhi stuffed her purchases into a basket, which Zhang Yi swiftly slung over his shoulder.  

“Sister-in-law, is there anything else you need to buy?”  

Xia Zhi nodded. “I’d like to buy some chicks.”  

Zhang Yi took her straight to the poultry seller and bought a hen along with six chicks without hesitation.  

“Oh, little comrade! Come, come—Auntie will give you a discount! Here, take some vegetable leaves too, on the house!” The middle-aged woman selling the chickens grew enthusiastic the moment she saw Zhang Yi’s military uniform.  

Zhang Yi dropped the money and quickly backed away. “Auntie, we can’t accept this. The price is the price. If I take extras, I’ll get punished.”  

“Ah, what are you saying? Without you all, how could we have such a good life now? Take it—it’s just a small token of Auntie’s gratitude!”  

Zhang Yi grinned sheepishly, revealing two little canine teeth. The surrounding aunties and uncles crowded around, asking about their situation.  

Watching the scene, Xia Zhi felt her eyes grow moist. Her thoughts involuntarily drifted to Lu Beiting.  

The fear of his injury, the lack of understanding from his family… He must be suffering deeply inside.  

“Eh? Where’s Little Lu? Why haven’t we seen that kid today?”