Chapter 2: Let's Get Married

Lu Feng looked at the girl who had suddenly walked up to him, youth radiating from her every pore. He frowned, lowering his head to quickly scan the little notebook in his hand, trying to find her name.

Fu Xiaoxiao glanced at the densely packed list of names, the corner of her mouth curving in a knowing smile. Just as she had expected, the notebook was filled with names of girls he was supposed to meet for blind dates.

But she herself was not on that list.

“Let me introduce myself. My name is Fu Xiaoxiao, I’m twenty years old, with a high school education. I just overheard your requirements for a partner, and I think we’re a great match. So, I’m boldly recommending myself to you.” Fu Xiaoxiao smiled confidently, extending her hand toward Lu Feng.

“You heard my requirements and think you’re suitable?” Lu Feng wondered if something was wrong with Fu Xiaoxiao’s head. His requirements were notoriously harsh for any girl, yet she thought they were a good fit?

“Yes. Why don’t we find somewhere to discuss the details?” Fu Xiaoxiao flashed him a bright smile, issuing an invitation.

Lu Feng had meant to refuse, but looking into Fu Xiaoxiao’s eyes, he was painfully aware of just how badly he needed a wife who could help him care for his children.

“Let’s go over there, then…” Noticing the sweat beading on Fu Xiaoxiao’s forehead, Lu Feng was about to suggest a shady spot when, all of a sudden, a man stormed over.

“Comrade Fu Xiaoxiao, don’t you think you’re going too far? How am I any worse than this blockhead? I can also provide the three hundred yuan betrothal gift and the three essentials!” Liu Guang stood in front of Fu Xiaoxiao, refusing to accept her rejection.

“And this is?” Lu Feng looked to Fu Xiaoxiao for an explanation.

Fu Xiaoxiao chuckled lightly, unflustered. “He’s my blind date for today. He wants to outsource his filial duties, which I don’t think is a good fit for me, so I turned him down.”

“Comrade Liu Guang, it’s not about the bride price. I just can’t fulfill your requirements. I’m moved by your devotion to your parents, but I can’t be filial on your behalf. I’m sorry.” Fu Xiaoxiao nodded at him, expressing her apology.

Truly sorry, but your filial piety isn’t something I can take on.

She gestured for Lu Feng to go with her, but Liu Guang wouldn’t let it go.

“We can talk this over. Whatever terms you want, I can meet them. Comrade Fu Xiaoxiao, I like you. I want you as my wife, and I promise to treat you well.” Liu Guang grew desperate, reaching out to grab her hand.

Lu Feng frowned and stepped protectively in front of Fu Xiaoxiao, preventing Liu Guang from touching her.

“Comrade, she’s already refused you. Putting your hands on her is crossing the line,” Lu Feng said, having already picked up on Fu Xiaoxiao’s disinterest in Liu Guang.

“And who do you think you are? This has nothing to do with you. Step aside—she’s the woman I’ve chosen.” Liu Guang glared at Lu Feng and tried to push him away. But at only one-seventy in height, he was no match for Lu Feng’s imposing six-foot-one frame.

He simply lacked the presence, the intimidation.

Fu Xiaoxiao was about to step forward when Lu Feng signaled her to stay back, then seized Liu Guang’s arm, twisted it, and pinned it behind his back.

“Argh, let go! You’re hurting me!” Liu Guang cried out in pain, his bravado evaporating.

Fu Xiaoxiao’s eyes lit up, impressed by how swiftly Lu Feng had subdued Liu Guang.

“She’s already said no. If you keep pestering her, you’re just being a scoundrel. Looking to get yourself shot?” Lu Feng threatened coldly, pushing Liu Guang aside.

“Hmph, you shameless pair—just you wait!” Liu Guang staggered, nearly sprawling on the ground, and shot a venomous glare at both of them before storming off, muttering curses under his breath.

“Thank you!” Fu Xiaoxiao said gratefully to Lu Feng.

“Let’s go over there and talk.” Lu Feng pointed to a spot under a nearby tree.

Noticing Lu Feng’s thoughtfulness, Fu Xiaoxiao found herself liking him even more.

Beneath the tree, Lu Feng got straight to the point, laying out his conditions.

“Comrade Fu Xiaoxiao, my name is Lu Feng. I’m a soldier. I need a wife who can follow me with the army. I have two children, and likely won’t have any more in the future. I only have today off; tomorrow, I return to my unit. My marriage application is ready—all I need is your information. Do you truly want to marry me, even knowing you might never have your own child?” Lu Feng pressed his lips together, a rare trace of nervousness flickering across his face.

“Of course. Whatever terms you have, I can meet them—three essentials, betrothal gift, none of that is a problem.” Lu Feng added quickly.

“Will we have to sleep together?” Fu Xiaoxiao studied him, blinking.

Lu Feng stood tall and straight like a pine, an unshakeable presence. He exuded the steely resolve unique to soldiers. His bronze skin bore the marks of years of training and exposure. His face was chiseled, with sharp, masculine features, a straight nose, and deep, predatory eyes. His thick, neatly groomed brows arched with natural authority, and his lips, tightly pressed and a shade darker than most, held a steady, mature allure. Even his short, bristling hair resembled steel needles, radiating the crisp discipline of the military.

To be honest, if not for his tanned complexion, Lu Feng’s looks were truly striking.

“…The house assigned to me has a courtyard and three rooms. We can sleep separately,” Lu Feng replied, caught off-guard by her boldness. He turned his head slightly, ears tinged red—though against his bronze skin, it was barely visible.

“If I discipline the children, will you kick me out without question?” Fu Xiaoxiao asked, cautious. She needed to be sure he wouldn’t blindly take the children’s side if they complained about her.

Stepmotherhood was never easy. It was better to lay everything out in advance, so she could know where she stood and how to act.

“No. As long as it’s for their good, I won’t interfere.” Lu Feng actually smiled at her question.

“Alright, then I have no objections.” Fu Xiaoxiao nodded, satisfied. “I can join the army with you. My things are packed, I can leave at any time. My residence permit is in order, I have all the necessary documents with me, and my parents are both workers.”

The paperwork required for resettlement was much the same as for marriage, and Fu Xiaoxiao had long since prepared everything.

“So you really are ready.” Lu Feng looked at her in surprise; he’d never seen a woman so thoroughly prepared.

“Yes, I’m really ready! Let’s go get your application filled out.” Fu Xiaoxiao waved her hand, as if to say the rest could wait.

A troubled home, a girl unloved.

Her family could hardly wait for Fu Xiaoxiao to marry out, so they’d have one less mouth to feed.

In any case, she had no feelings for them. This departure was for the best—no need for sentiment or regret.