nycdaug Chapter 15 Do you agree to meet me again?
Chapter 15 Do you agree to meet me again?
It was lunchtime, and the state-run restaurant was bustling with people eating. Gu Jun and Zhao Hui sat on one bench, Wang the matchmaker sat alone, and Shen Rujun and Shu Yun sat together.
Zhao Hui broke the silence by speaking first: "Sister-in-law, my name is Zhao Hui. I am the deputy political commissar of the regiment and a comrade-in-arms of Gu Jun."
"Ouch." The next second, Zhao Hui's foot was stepped on hard.
Gu Jun lowered his voice: "What are you yelling about?"
"Ahem, Comrade Shu, hello." Zhao Hui used a cough to cover up his embarrassment, having accidentally blurted out what was on his mind.
Shen Rujun was slightly surprised to hear that Zhao Hui was the deputy political commissar of the regiment. Her husband was serving on an island and was also the political commissar of the regiment. Although he held a full-fledged position, he was considerably older than Zhao Hui.
Zhao Hui noticed Shen Rujun's reaction and asked, "What's wrong?"
Shu Yun explained, "Political Commissar Zhao, because my uncle is also a military officer."
Zhao Hui: What a coincidence! I wonder which unit you're serving in. Maybe I even know you?
Shen Rujun continued, "My husband is serving on Jiaohua Island; his name is Yang Zhong."
"Political Commissar Yang, from Suzhou? I actually know him."
Shen Rujun was genuinely surprised. "Yes, my husband is from Suzhou."
Zhao Hui smiled slightly, "That's it. However, I haven't had any communication with Political Commissar Yang yet. My father met Political Commissar Yang at a meeting and spoke highly of him, saying he is thoughtful and resourceful. I really want to get to know him if I have the chance."
Shu Yun sighed inwardly, impressed by the political skills of Gu Jun, whose art of speaking was beyond the reach of ordinary people. His short sentence contained a great deal of information, which not only brought him closer to Shen Rujun but also indirectly revealed that Gu Jun's family background was extraordinary, thus increasing the credibility of Gu Jun's words.
As expected, Shen Rujun's complexion improved significantly, and her heart, which had been hanging in suspense, calmed down a bit. She then got to the point and asked about Gu Jun, "You mean Gu Jun, Comrade Gu? I'm Shu Yun's aunt."
Gu Jun immediately sat up straight. "Auntie, just call me Xiao Gu."
Shen Rujun nodded. With Zhao Hui's experience as a foundation, she found Gu Jun much more pleasing to the eye. To be honest, this was the first time she had met Gu Jun, and he was indeed as the matchmaker had described—handsome and tall. This made it easier to understand Shu Yun's reaction.
She smiled gently: "Xiao Gu, can you tell me about your family's situation right now?"
Although the question was worded differently, it was almost identical to the one asked on the last blind date, which made Gu Jun even more cautious. After considering it for a moment, he said, "Auntie, my hometown is in a rural area in Northeast China. My parents are still alive, and I have three children in total. My eldest brother is a farmer in the village and is now married and serves as the village's brigade leader. I also have a younger sister who is still in junior high school. I enlisted in the army when I turned 18 and have been here ever since."
After Gu Jun finished speaking, he thought for a moment and added, "Auntie might have some concerns about my age. I have indeed been going on blind dates, but I haven't found the right one yet. I don't want to settle for someone, so I've been dragging it out until now. My physical condition is perfectly fine. If Auntie is worried, I'll bring my medical report next time."
Shen Rujun nodded, much more satisfied. Shu Yun listened quietly beside her. Gu Jun's ability to come from the countryside alone and work his way up to his current position in the army showed that he was ambitious, resilient, and capable.
The conversation had already revealed most of the family's background: a rural family with a small population, which meant there would be relatively few complicated matters after marriage. The fact that the girls in the family were still in school further reflected that Gu Jun's family did not have any preference for sons over daughters. Shu Yun nodded in satisfaction.
Shen Rujun: "Xiao Gu, I have a general understanding of your situation. You should also know about Yunyun's situation. Her parents died in a car accident and she was given that kind of status, which makes it difficult for her to find a partner compared to you. But that doesn't mean we should lower our standards. My sister and brother-in-law have always doted on this only child. She was spoiled by her parents and was sometimes sensitive and had a bad temper. My requirement for her future husband is that he must be tolerant, loving, and caring towards her."
After Shen Rujun finished speaking, she looked at Gu Jun, waiting for his reaction.
Gu Jun replied without hesitation, "A wife is meant to be cherished." He took a deep breath and looked solemnly at Shu Yun, "Besides, it's good that she has a strong temper; she won't be easily bullied, and I won't let anyone else bully her."
Shu Yun looked up and smiled slightly at Gu Jun. Gu Jun felt a lot more relaxed, but he didn't dare to look directly into those bright eyes. He only glanced at them briefly before lowering his head.
Zhao Hui, watching from the side, found it amusing. He thought it was so innocent that Gu Tuan's soldiers should really see what their usually cold-faced commander looked like now.
Unfortunately, he didn't have a camera, which left Zhao Hui feeling regretful.
After several rounds of back-and-forth questioning, the atmosphere became much more harmonious, and soon the waiter brought out several large bowls of dumplings.
Wang the matchmaker hadn't said a word until she realized they'd talked enough. The two main characters hadn't spoken since arriving at the state-run restaurant. How could they talk and build rapport without any time alone?
She said to Shu Yun, "Shu Yun, go to the supply and marketing cooperative and buy some pickled garlic. Dumplings without garlic don't taste half as good."
Even though the restaurant had it, she was told to buy it from the supply and marketing cooperative. Shu Yun naturally knew the matchmaker's intention. She stood up with her face flushed and said, "I'll be right back."
A moment later, Gu Jun also stood up, "I'll go help too."
He stood up too abruptly, without considering Zhao Hui who was sitting on the same bench as him. With less weight on one side, the bench immediately lost its balance and tilted up. Zhao Hui lost his center of gravity and fell on his butt.
Shen Rujun was startled. "Are you alright?"
Zhao Hui said he was fine and got up from the ground, but in his heart he had already torn Gu Jun to pieces.
Shu Yun had already slowed down, and Gu Jun quickly caught up. The two walked side by side, keeping a distance between them. Anyone with eyes could tell at a glance that the two had just started dating and were still shy.
The two walked in silence. Although they didn't speak, the atmosphere was much more relaxed and comfortable than when they were in the pavilion. Suddenly, Gu Jun spoke up, "Can I ask you out again next time?"
"A direct approach right off the bat?" Shu Yun didn't answer that question. Instead, she asked him, "Have you really thought through my family situation? At your age, there's still a possibility of advancement."
Gu Jun paused, looked at Shu Yun earnestly, and said honestly, "I have indeed considered it, and I have hesitated."
Shu Yun nodded. She didn't mind Gu Jun's hesitation. The two of them had no emotional foundation and were relying entirely on passion. It was unrealistic to ignore practical considerations. Marriage is often the result of a comprehensive assessment of various factors.
Gu Jun: "Do you mind if I have a cigarette?"
Shu Yun shook her head. "Please go ahead."
Gu Jun held a cigarette between his fingers, the embers burning and bringing out a bitter taste of tobacco. "I've carefully considered how your parents' problems will affect my future, but after thinking it over, I still feel that I can't miss this opportunity with you."
Gu Jun's gaze was intense, unconsciously drawing Shu Yun's attention. Gu Jun continued, "I will take care of my family. My feelings don't need to give way to my future. They are both inseparable parts of my future. I will also strive for my future. I don't believe that I can't make a name for myself with my abilities and achievements."
He narrowed his eyes slightly, slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, which then slowly dissipated into the air. Shu Yun looked into his bright, obsidian-like phoenix eyes, filled with confidence and determination. Shu Yun's heart began to pound rapidly at that moment.
Gu Jun narrowed his phoenix eyes, slowly bent down to look at Shu Yun, and said with unprecedented seriousness, "Aside from these, I believe that the country will reform in the future. The atmosphere will not stay like this forever. It's just a matter of time. We need to be patient."
Shu Yun was startled. As a time traveler, she was aware of the trajectory of history. Although she firmly believed that the future was bright and hopeful, she did not expect that Gu Jun was the same.
But then she felt relieved. There must be countless people like this in society. They may be in darkness or lost in the torrent, but they firmly believe that the light will eventually come, and they will persevere in their struggle for it.
She smiled and said, "You're absolutely right."
Gu Jun: "So, do you agree to meet me again?"