When the ward door was pushed open again, it brought a different atmosphere than before.

It was no longer the solemn interrogation of the National Security Bureau, nor the gentle concern of Dr. Gongzhu. Howard walked in, having changed out of his crisp military uniform and into a worn, grass-green training uniform, the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, revealing his strong, well-defined physique.

He held a brand-new military green canvas bag in his hand, and his expression was more relaxed than before, but there was still a hint of seriousness and... a little unease between his brows.

“Comrade Mingzhao,” Howard’s voice was deep and steady. He walked to the bedside and placed the canvas bag on the stool next to him. “Your discharge procedures are complete. I’ve come to pick you up.”

Mingzhao leaned against the headboard, sipping the half-cup of warm water left by Gongzhu. Hearing this, she raised her eyes, her clear gaze calmly landing on Huo Hua, carrying a hint of inquiry and scrutiny.

Leave? Leave where? To the detention center? Or... somewhere else?

Howard seemed to understand her confusion. He didn't avoid her gaze, but instead pulled up a chair and sat down, leaning forward slightly, his hands clasped on his knees—a posture that aimed to appear as open and relaxed as possible.

"The matter with Captain Jiang... is temporarily settled." Huo Hua carefully chose his words, speaking slowly to ensure she could hear every single one.

"Based on the severity of your physical condition, and... the guarantee I have provided and the new resettlement plan, the higher authorities have agreed to temporarily suspend direct supervision of you, and I will be responsible for your safety and cooperation in the investigation of subsequent matters."

Mingzhao's eyelashes trembled slightly. A new resettlement plan? He'd be in charge?

The fog in her heart had not completely dissipated; instead, it had added a touch of confusion.

She and he were not related by blood; their only connection was the "accidental" passing of goods by the river and the chaos in the bedroom.

How can he vouch for her? And what plan can he devise to settle her?

Howard took a deep breath and carefully pulled a bright red certificate from the pocket of his training uniform. Printed on it were the words "Marriage Certificate."

Mingzhao glanced at the paper, still staring at Huo Hua with a puzzled look.

Because she—cannot read!!!

He gently placed the marriage certificate beside Mingzhao's hand, which was covered by the blanket.

"This is our marriage certificate... My plan is that I will marry you, and I will be fully responsible for supervising all your actions from now on. But don't worry... I won't restrict your freedom normally. If you want, you can just stay at home."

Mingzhao's gaze fell on the dazzling red, and his pupils contracted for a moment.

Marriage certificate? What is that? The alliance doesn't have such a physical certificate.

Her brain rapidly searched through the barren and chaotic fragments of the original owner's memories, vaguely catching some vague concepts about "getting a marriage certificate" and "marriage," but they were extremely unfamiliar to her.

“This is…our marriage certificate.” Howard’s voice was deep and clear, with an unmistakable seriousness. “Comrade Mingzhao, I know this is sudden and…unusual. But please let me explain.”

He looked directly into Mingzhao's clear yet confused eyes, without the slightest hesitation: "To get you out of the National Security Bureau's surveillance as soon as possible, and to give you a relatively safe, free environment where you can recuperate in peace, this is the only solution I can think of right now, and the only one approved by the higher-ups. We... we are now temporarily entering into a marriage. Legally, you are my wife, and I will be your direct guardian and guarantor. This way, you can leave the hospital and move into the military family compound."

Mingzhao's breathing seemed to pause for a moment.

Wife? Guardian? Guarantor? These words were like cold pebbles thrown into the lake of her chaotic thoughts, creating ripples.

She understood. It was a contract. A contract that utilized the social rules of this era to provide her with protection. Like the "identity disguise" required for certain special missions in the interstellar era.

Howard looked at her still calm and expressionless face, feeling somewhat uncertain. He continued, "This is just a formality! A temporary measure! It's to protect you, and also to make it easier to investigate what Huang Weiguo and Li Hongmei did to you, and to clear your name completely!"

I assure you, once everything settles down and it's proven you were completely forced and innocent, we can end this relationship at any time! During this period, I will respect all your wishes and will never cross any lines!

He paused, his tone becoming more sincere, even carrying a hint of a plea: "There's one more thing... about Minglang. Minglang, do you remember him? He's your distant cousin, and also my comrade-in-arms, a very cheerful and loyal person."

He was seriously wounded while saving me during a mission and was being treated at our military hospital. Before he fell into a coma, your biggest worry was you, and he specifically entrusted me to take care of you. He's still recovering and can't come to see you, but he'll be so happy to know you're safe now.

Bright...Cousin...Take care of...

These words stirred a faint warmth in a corner of the original owner's memory, like a distant star in a cold night. Mingzhao's fingertips gently touched the red marriage certificate.

In fact, Mingzhao had no memory of this cousin or anyone else. She only remembered leaving her always smiling parents and moving into Li Hongmei's house, where she was beaten, scolded, and disliked almost every day. Li Hongmei would always smile at her when facing outsiders, but would secretly kick her behind her back.

And now... the cold touch of the marriage certificate. It's a contract and protection, and also my cousin's entrustment.

Mingzhao… so she did have family. But her family… arrived too late…

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!