The Stunningly Beautiful and Delicate Darling in the 1980s Military Compound - Chapter 17

“Joining the military?”

The news exploded like a bomb within the Song household.

As a mother, Wang Yufen was adamantly opposed. Accompanying a husband to a military post meant traveling thousands of miles away. Her daughter had never been away from her for more than a few days in her entire life; if something were to happen so far away, she wouldn’t even know.

“The Chen family promised us they would take Yueyue to the provincial capital,” Wang Yufen cried. “Now it’s changed to a military post? I didn’t raise my daughter just to have her vanish the moment she gets married. Go tell them—if it comes to this, our family won’t go through with this marriage!”

Song Aiguo was also stubborn and naturally loath to let her go, but he looked further ahead than his wife. Leaning against the table, he said worriedly, “Our daughter has already suffered through one round of gossip. If this match fails too, she’ll have to endure it all over again. Finding someone else to marry after that would be an even harder road.”

“Song Aiguo, do you have a heart?” Wang Yufen snapped. “Are you really going to send our daughter away to suffer just because of that?”

“The Chen family said it’s only for two or three years. Once Chen Che’s mission is over, he can be transferred back. Besides, she’d be living in a family compound; she won’t be suffering much.” His voice grew quieter as his own confidence wavered. He added stubbornly, “It doesn’t matter what we say. Yueyue, do you want to go? If you don’t, I’ll clear things up with the Chen family tomorrow.”

Song Mingyue did not hesitate for a second. “I want to go. It’s not like I’m never coming back; just think of it as me taking a long trip.”

She truly wanted to leave. Even if this military assignment hadn’t come up, she would have found another reason to depart, though it might not have been as socially acceptable as this. If she stayed, she could already envision her future: her parents constantly nagging her to marry, likely forcing her into more blind dates.

The mere thought of it annoyed her. She quickly added, “Weren’t you worried the Chen family would bully me? If Chen Che and I go elsewhere, we’ll be far away from his parents. No one will dare lay a finger on me.”

There was also one crucial point: in the original novel, this was the place where Chen Che died while saving someone. If she didn’t follow him, she would essentially be watching him walk toward his death. She couldn’t bear the thought, nor did she want to live with the regret if the news of his death reached her.

From every angle, leaving with Chen Che was a necessity. Once they were out there, who could control her?

Wang Yufen’s tears began to fall. She understood the old saying: Marry a chicken, follow the chicken; marry a dog, follow the dog. If her daughter was determined to marry into the Chen family, it was only logical for her to follow her husband.

But the pain of parting was real. The thought of her daughter being so far away that she might not see her for months or even a year felt like a piece of her heart was being carved out.

Song Mingyue hugged her, her own sadness genuine in that moment. “Mom, don’t be like this. No matter where I go, I will always be your daughter. My home is here. Once I’m settled, I can even bring you both out to stay with me.”

Wang Yufen wiped her eyes and tried to stay strong. “Have you really decided? It’s so far away. You don’t even know how to do housework; how will you manage?”

“I’ve decided. I’ve spent my whole life at home, Mom. I want to go out and see the world.”

Wang Yufen squeezed her hand and said no more, turning to the kitchen to start dinner. Mingyue knew her mother was respecting her choice, even if she couldn’t fully accept it yet.

The house was shrouded in sadness that night. Wang Yufen cooked corn porridge, but no one had an appetite. The pot remained untouched.

The next morning, an unexpected visitor arrived: Chen Che.

Song Aiguo and Wang Yufen had already gone to work. Having heard there was a traveling circus performance in town, Song Mingyue had slipped out after breakfast to watch.

Only Song Mingnian was home.

He was inside studying when he saw Chen Che. His feelings were complicated; he still felt a sense of guilt, believing that if he hadn’t given up his bed to his sister that night, things wouldn’t have progressed so quickly. After the way the Chens had stormed out previously, and now with the news of his sister potentially leaving for a military post, Mingnian felt a bitter taste in his mouth.

He looked at Chen Che with less of the friendliness he’d felt before. “Why are you here? Is something the matter?”

Chen Che was dressed in a crisp, neat green military uniform that emphasized his tall, distinguished build. His features were sharp, his gaze deep and piercing. Even without doing anything, his presence was naturally imposing.

“Is Song Mingyue home?” he asked.

Mingnian wanted to interrogate him further but feared upsetting his sister. He eventually softened. “She’s likely at the street market. I’ll take you to find her.”

“Thank you,” Chen Che replied.

Mingnian led the way with Chen Che following behind. Neighbors they passed greeted Mingnian but kept their curious eyes fixed on Chen Che.

Mingnian suddenly asked, “If my sister really goes with you, will you treat her well?”

Chen Che had come today specifically to address this. Marrying her was supposed to protect her from further grief; he had never intended to trap her. He wanted to know her true feelings. If she still wanted the marriage, he would coordinate things so she could remain at home after the wedding. If she was unwilling, he would respect that, too.

In Chen Che’s mind, Song Mingyue was likely using this marriage as a fresh start after her failed relationship—much like the way she had comforted Yang Fangfang. He didn’t want this fake marriage to become a new burden for her.

Traveling circuses were popular in this era. With little entertainment available, people flocked to watch whenever one came to town. The scene was incredibly lively.

Song Mingyue had snagged a prime viewing spot and was watching with great interest when Mingnian called her out.

She had a bright smile on her face, her eyes curved like crescent moons. Even as Mingnian pulled her away, her eyes remained fixed on the crowd. “Brother, what’s so important that you had to drag me back?”

“Chen Che is here.”

“Huh?”

Mingyue snapped her attention back. Sure enough, standing to the side was Chen Che. He was still stunningly handsome.

She led him toward a small park on the street. It was a quiet place, usually filled with couples in the summer evenings, but since it was afternoon, it was mostly empty. Mingyue walked backward so she could face him, tilting her head and blinking. “Well, speak up! You came all this way; why aren’t you saying anything?”

Chen Che suddenly blurted out, “Is the circus performance that good?”

He had seen her laughing so happily; the joy on her face had been almost overflowing.

Mingyue thought for a moment. “It’s alright.” It depended on what you compared it to. Compared to video games or “script kill” mystery games, it was a bit dull. But compared to sitting at home staring at the walls, it was great. “Wait, Comrade Chen Che, did you come all this way just to ask if the circus was good?”

“I’m going to the mountains,” he said. “It will be quite remote. If you prefer to stay home, you can.”

“What do you mean? Do you not want to get married, or do you want me to stay with my parents after we marry?”

“Either is fine. The choice is yours.”

If it had been before, Song Mingyue might have chosen to stay with Wang Yufen without hesitation, perhaps using an excuse to join him a year and a half later. But her perspective had changed. According to traditional customs, a married woman living at her parents’ house would only attract more gossip.

“I’m not staying here. I’m going with you.”

Chen Che looked at her in surprise. “The conditions there will be very harsh. You might not be used to it.”

I definitely won’t be used to it, she thought. She had experienced many things, but “hardship” wasn’t one of them. But she was being forced by circumstances. She would take it one step at a time.

Mingyue pretended to be delicate. “Then you’ll have to treat me exceptionally well. Even as roommates, you’d better handle all the housework. If there’s good food, I get first pick. I have a weak constitution; I can’t go hungry.”

As they were talking, someone ran to the steel plant to tell Liu Jiabao. He roared over on his motorcycle immediately.

Seeing the two of them acting so intimately, Liu Jiabao felt as if a fire were raging in his chest. He couldn’t help but interrupt: “Yueyue, what are you doing here?”

“Comrade Liu, we aren’t close enough for you to use my nickname,” Mingyue replied. “I’m on a date with my fiancé. What are you doing here?”

“A date?” Liu Jiabao muttered under his breath.

“Yes. Why else would a man and woman be here?” She naturally and affectionately tucked her arm into Chen Che’s. “This is my fiancé, Chen Che.”

Hearing her speak so fluently, Chen Che felt a bit bashful, but he nodded at Liu Jiabao.

Liu Jiabao froze. He hadn’t expected Chen Che to be so tall and heroic, every movement in his military uniform exuding a unique air of authority. No wonder Song Mingyue had been so enchanted after only meeting him a couple of times.

The competitive instinct between men flared up, and Liu Jiabao felt even worse. She had returned the little elephant. She was being intimate with another man. And he… he was full of regret.

She was supposed to be his. But because of his moment of foolishness, the opportunity had slipped through his fingers.

His throat tightened. He wanted to lash out but had no reason to. He asked stiffly, “Since your fiancé is rarely in town, may I treat you both to a meal?”

“No. Why would we eat with you? Do you need something? If not, stop disturbing us.”

“Yueyue, regardless of what happened, we’ve known each other for years. If nothing else, I’m like an older brother to you.”

Chen Che saw the undisguised longing in the man’s eyes and knew he had feelings for Mingyue. He stepped between them, his voice deep and smooth as he addressed her: “I agree to everything you said just now.”

“Good,” Mingyue said, deliberately emphasizing her words. “Let’s head back; it’s getting too crowded here. Oh, by the way, Liu Jiabao—I’m leaving to join the military. We likely won’t see each other ever again.”

Liu Jiabao was completely stunned. Of all the problems that had been troubling him, only one remained: he wanted to call off his engagement. If he broke it off with Jiajia, could he win Mingyue back?