Chapter 161 Marriage or Not

On the afternoon of the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Chen Yuanjiang indeed arrived.

Shu Ran had just finished tidying up her dormitory, and the stove was burning brightly, when she heard a knock on the door. Opening the door, she saw Chen Yuanjiang standing outside, carrying a cloth bag.

"Am I too early?" he asked.

"No, that's perfect." Shu Ran stepped aside to let him in. "I just finished tidying up."

Chen Yuanjiang entered the house and placed the cloth bag on the table: "I brought some things. Some of them are New Year's gifts from my work unit. I can't finish them all by myself, so I brought some for you."

Shu Ran opened the bag and looked inside—there were peanuts, melon seeds, candy, a bag of red dates, and a bag of walnuts.

"So many?" she exclaimed in surprise.

"Not much," Chen Yuanjiang said. "You can save it and eat it slowly."

Shu Ran didn't refuse and put her things in the cabinet. As she turned around, she saw Chen Yuanjiang looking around her dormitory.

“Your place is quite clean,” he said.

"It's a small place, so it's easy to clean up." Shu Ran smiled. "Sit down, I'll get you some water."

Shu Ran sat down opposite him. "What do you want to eat tonight? Eat here or go out? I have noodles, eggs, and a cabbage."

Chen Yuanjiang thought for a moment with a slightly exaggerated expression, "It's quite cold outside today, and you must be tired from packing, so why don't we just stay home?" As he spoke, he carried a large cloth bag into the stairwell, "A simple one will do, I'll do it."

Seeing that he seemed prepared, Shu Ran smiled and said, "How can that be? You are a guest."

"You sit down, I'll do it." Chen Yuanjiang stood up, rolled up his sleeves, and asked, "Where's the kitchen?"

"Right here." Shu Ran pointed to the small pot on the stove. "I only have one stove here, so this will have to do."

Chen Yuanjiang glanced at it, said nothing, and took out a paper package from the cloth bag: "I brought some minced meat, let's make wontons. I prepared the minced meat yesterday, and there's also some seaweed and leafy greens, oh, and a bottle of sesame oil and vinegar."

Shu Ran was stunned: "You even brought filling?"

"Hmm." Chen Yuanjiang's ears turned a little red. "I was thinking that making wontons would be quick and they'd keep me warm."

Shu Ran looked at him and thought to herself: This person is really very thoughtful.

"Okay, let's make wontons." She stood up. "I'll go knead some dough."

The two got busy in the dormitory. Chen Yuanjiang washed and chopped the vegetables, while Shu Ran kneaded the dough. The cutting board was placed on the table, and the two stood facing each other, one kneading the dough and cutting it into shapes, the other making the filling.

"Make the skin thinner," Shu Ran said.

"Um."

"Put more filling."

"good."

The wontons were wrapped quickly, and soon the bamboo steamer was full. Once the water boiled, Shu Ran put the wontons in.

"This is our first time making wontons." Chen Yuanjiang stood by the stove, looking at the wontons in the pot.

"It'll be ready soon." Shu Ran gently stirred the water with a strainer and blanched the leafy greens that Chen Yuanjiang had prepared. "Go get the bowls and chopsticks."

Chen Yuanjiang took two bowls and two pairs of chopsticks. Shu Ran tore off some dried seaweed and put it in the bowl, then scooped out the wontons and seaweed leaves and put them in the bowl. She then poured hot soup into the bowl and finally drizzled some sesame oil on top.

The two sat at the table eating wontons. The wontons looked translucent, and each bite revealed just the right amount of saltiness.

"It's delicious," Chen Yuanjiang said. "This soup is very well made."

"It's because you brought the filling that it's so good." Shu Ran smiled. "The meat filling has just the right amount of fat and lean meat, not dry or greasy."

Chen Yuanjiang didn't say anything, focusing on eating his wontons. After finishing his wontons, he went to get another bowl before putting down his chopsticks. Shu Ran ate slowly, but still ate about ten.

After eating the wontons, they felt warm all over. The two sat by the stove, drinking tea and chatting.

"I'm starting work tomorrow," Chen Yuanjiang said. "Are you busy over there?"

"It's alright," Shu Ran said. "I have a few reports to write at the beginning of the year, and I also need to do some grassroots research. What about you?"

“I’m in a similar situation.” Chen Yuanjiang took a sip of tea. “The Comprehensive Governance Office has just been established, and there are countless things to sort out. We need to figure them out little by little.”

"Are you under a lot of pressure?"

Chen Yuanjiang smiled and sighed, "It's not true that it's not very big. But don't worry, I'm used to it."

The two chatted about work, their views on frontier development, and interesting anecdotes from their respective workplaces. Before they knew it, it was getting late.

Chen Yuanjiang glanced at the horseshoe clock on the table; it was already past ten o'clock.

"I should go now." He stood up. "You should get some rest."

"Okay." Shu Ran stood up as well. "Be careful on the road."

Chen Yuanjiang put on his coat, walked to the door, then stopped and looked back at her: "Shu Ran."

"Um?"

“This year…” he paused, “I had a very different one.”

Shu Ran's heart skipped a beat, and she looked at him, saying, "Me too."

Chen Yuanjiang smiled and nodded, "Then I'm leaving."

"good."

Chen Yuanjiang pushed open the door and went out. Shu Ran stood behind the door, listening to his footsteps gradually fade away until they disappeared at the top of the stairs.

She returned to the table and sat down, staring blankly at the neatly tidied surface for a while.

On the morning of the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, Shu Ran got up early, got ready, and went to work at the Education Bureau.

The annual holiday had just ended, and the atmosphere in the department was still quite relaxed. Colleagues exchanged New Year's greetings and chatted about interesting things that happened during the holiday.

Shu Ran pushed open the office door. The room was very clean, obviously someone had cleaned it beforehand. On the desk was a stack of newly delivered documents and several letters.

She took off her coat, hung it up, and sat down to read the documents. Most were summaries of literacy campaigns and new year plans reported from all over Xinjiang, along with a few reports from grassroots teaching points. She read them quickly, marking and annotating them with a pencil.

Halfway through reading, someone knocked on the door.

"Please come in."

The door opened, and there stood Lin Xuezhou.

Shu Ran exclaimed, "Oh!" "Teacher Lin?" She put down her pen and stood up. "What a rare guest! Happy New Year!"

Lin Xuezhou was wearing a dark blue Zhongshan suit. Several years had passed, but the scholarly air in his eyes was still there, though he appeared more composed than when he was in the livestock company. Seeing Shu Ran's enthusiasm, he was taken aback at first, then smiled, his initial awkwardness dissipating considerably.

"Comrade Shu Ran, Happy New Year." Lin Xuezhou walked in and closed the door behind him. "Did I disturb you?"

"Don't say I'm bothering you." Shu Ran walked around the table and pointed to the thermos by the wall. "Please sit down. Would you like some tea? I just brewed it."

"No need to trouble yourself..." Before Lin Xuezhou could finish speaking, Shu Ran had already poured a cup of tea and placed it on the table opposite him.

"Sit down, what are you standing for?" She returned to her seat and scrutinized him closely. "When did you arrive in V City? Were you transferred here?"

Lin Xuezhou sat down in the chair and took the teacup with both hands: "I was transferred at the end of last year. Now I'm in the Education Research Office, doing editing and reviewing basic textbooks." He looked up at Shu Ran, his eyes filled with emotion, "Didn't expect that, did you? We're colleagues again."

Shu Ran suddenly realized. Given Lin Xuezhou's connection to Deputy Political Commissar Lin, it wasn't surprising that he was transferred to the Xinjiang Education Bureau.

"I really didn't expect that." Shu Ran smiled, a hint of nostalgia in her smile. "But it's great. Back in the animal husbandry unit, you already had your own ideas about teaching materials, so this job is perfect for you now."

When the livestock company was mentioned, Lin Xuezhou's expression softened considerably. He lowered his head and took a sip of tea: "Yes, when I'm compiling teaching materials now, I often think back to how we used to argue heatedly about what to teach and how to teach it."

"You're one to talk," Shu Ran raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. "Back then you were so stubborn, insisting on teaching 'Jiangnan,' leaving the children completely confused."

Lin Xuezhou smiled sheepishly: "I was too idealistic back then. Later I gradually understood that education needs to be grounded in reality." He looked at Shu Ran with a serious expression, "Everything you did in the animal husbandry company taught me this lesson."

Shu Ran waved her hand: "It's all in the past. We're all growing." She leaned forward slightly and asked with concern, "Are you adjusting well to the transfer? Research work is quite different from grassroots work, isn't it?"

“It’s definitely different.” Lin Xuezhou relaxed a bit and leaned back in his chair. “It’s mainly about reviewing manuscripts and editing teaching materials, unlike working at the grassroots level. Sometimes I’d spend half a day revising a manuscript and wonder, will this really help them?”

"It definitely can," Shu Ran said confidently. "Good teaching materials are like good seeds; once sown, they will always sprout. When you're compiling them, you'll think about those children, and the results will be different."

These words struck a chord with Lin Xuezhou. He nodded and remained silent for a moment. The atmosphere in the office was like that of old friends reuniting.

"Oh, right," Lin Xuezhou said, putting down his teacup as if remembering something, "the bureau has asked me to pass on a message. Around the tenth of the month, a research team from the Corps Propaganda Department will be coming to investigate grassroots education work. Secretary Zhou specifically asked you to accompany them, mainly to visit several key teaching sites."

Shu Ran's heart skipped a beat, but her face remained impassive: "Who is the head of the research team?"

"Zheng Tao".

Shu Ran nodded, picked up her teacup, and slowly sipped her tea. Zheng Tao, the radical she had clashed with at the Corps meeting. She looked up at Lin Xuezhou: "What else did Secretary Zhou say?"

"I'll remind you to prepare the materials and be careful." Lin Xuezhou pushed up his glasses, hesitated for a moment, and then added, "Team Leader Zheng... is quite quick-witted and speaks his mind directly. Be careful when dealing with him."

The words were phrased tactfully, but Shu Ran understood the concern in them. She smiled and said, "Thank you for reminding me. Back in the livestock company, I learned how to deal with people of different styles."

Lin Xuezhou laughed as well: "That's true. I was so stubborn back then, but you were able to persuade me to understand."

They both laughed, and the atmosphere became more relaxed.

“There’s one more thing.” Lin Xuezhou opened his notebook. “The Comprehensive Governance Office might be going to work with our bureau to launch a pilot program that integrates the resources of the education, security, and civil affairs departments to create a comprehensive service station. This is still in the planning stages, but it’s expected to start soon.”

"A comprehensive service station?" Shu Ran's interest was piqued, and her eyes lit up. "What exactly does it take?"

"We'll select a few locations in the border regiments and build a station, which will include a literacy class, a health clinic, a militia duty room, and a production and technical service point," Lin Xuezhou explained in detail. "This will provide a one-stop solution for the basic needs of the people. As for education, Secretary Zhou's idea is for you to take the lead in designing it."

Shu Ran quickly calculated in her mind. This was an important opportunity; not only could she get things done, but she could also expand her influence. She looked at Lin Xuezhou: "Are you involved?"

“I’ll assist you.” Lin Xuezhou closed his notebook. “Secretary Zhou asked me to let you know first, so you can prepare. It should start after the spring, and a working group will be set up then.”

Shu Ran nodded, understanding the situation. After thinking for a moment, she took the initiative to ask, "By the way, how is Deputy Political Commissar Lin doing lately? I haven't heard from him in a long time."

When his uncle was mentioned, Lin Xuezhou's expression became somewhat subtle, but he quickly regained his composure: "My uncle was transferred to the provincial level last year, where he is in charge of education, culture, and health."

Deputy Political Commissar Lin has been promoted to a provincial-level leadership position. This is an even stronger backing for Lin Xuezhou. She remained calm on the surface, "Congratulations, Deputy Political Commissar Lin. And congratulations to you too, having an elder in the province will help you avoid some detours in your work."

These words were spoken politely, but Lin Xuezhou understood the underlying meaning. He shook his head and said with a wry smile, "Shu Ran, we've known each other for so long, so let me be frank with you. Your uncle is your uncle, and I am me. I did get transferred to the bureau through his connections, but I don't want to rely on that for work-related matters."

His gaze towards Shu Ran was very sincere: "I learned a lot during my time in the animal husbandry company. I admire you because you made a name for yourself through your own abilities. I want to do the same."

Shu Ran looked at him, recalling that stubborn yet pure young teacher from years ago. Time had changed some things, but the pride and ambition in his bones remained.

She nodded, her tone sincere: "I believe you. Back in the livestock company, you were a conscientious person, and you certainly are now."

Lin Xuezhou breathed a sigh of relief, her expression relaxing a bit: "Thank you. Actually, I'm quite happy to be able to work with you again. I don't know many people in the bureau."

The words sounded somewhat melancholic, and Shu Ran's heart stirred. Lin Xuezhou was still a scholar at heart, not very adept at interpersonal relationships. She thought for a moment and said gently, "Take it slow. Everyone in the bureau is easy to get along with. If you need any help, you can come to me."

"Okay." Lin Xuezhou stood up. "Then I won't keep you from your work any longer. I'll go back first. Contact me anytime if you need anything."

Shu Ran also stood up to see him off. As they reached the door, Lin Xuezhou suddenly turned back: "Shu Ran."

"Um?"

"Back in the livestock company... there were some things I didn't handle well. If I caused you any trouble, I apologize."

Shu Ran smiled, "It's all in the past. We were all young then, and we all had our own principles. Looking back now, it was all for the good of the children."

Lin Xuezhou nodded, pushed open the door, and went out.

Shu Ran stood at the door, watching his figure disappear at the end of the corridor, before gently closing the door.

She sat back down in her chair and slowly sipped her tea.

Lin Xuezhou's visit this time was very humble, even bordering on conciliatory. Was it because Deputy Political Commissar Lin had been promoted and he wanted to mend relations? Or was he simply looking for an old acquaintance with whom he could understand him, so he could focus on his work?

Shu Ran put down her teacup and tapped her fingers lightly on the table.

Regardless, Lin Xuezhou is a person worth befriending. He is capable, has connections, and we share a bond forged through shared struggles. As long as we maintain appropriate boundaries and keep a proper distance, he might become a valuable asset in our future work.

But we need to be careful. The relationship with Deputy Political Commissar Lin is too sensitive. If we get too close, we risk being mistaken for someone from the Lin family; if we stay too far away, we risk offending people. We need to find the right balance.

Shu Ran scratched her hair in frustration. Dealing with these things was indeed exhausting and time-consuming. She didn't want to deal with interpersonal relationships at all right now.

Just then, someone knocked on the door again. This time it was Secretary Zhou's secretary, Xiao Liu: "Comrade Shu Ran, Secretary Zhou requests your presence."

"Okay, coming right away."

Shu Ran tidied her desk and followed Xiao Liu to Secretary Zhou's office. Secretary Zhou was looking at documents. When he saw her come in, he smiled and waved, "Xiao Shu is here? Have a seat."

Shu Ran sat down in the chair opposite the desk. Secretary Zhou put down his documents and looked at her: "How was your New Year?"

"It's fine, thank you for your concern, Secretary."

"Yes." Secretary Zhou nodded. "I called you here today mainly for two things. First, Comrade Lin Xuezhou came to see you, didn't he?"

“I was just here,” Shu Ran said. “I talked about the research team and the comprehensive service station.”

"That's good," Secretary Zhou said. "Comrade Lin Xuezhou's transfer to the bureau was an organizational arrangement. His uncle is currently in charge of the province's cultural, educational, and health work, and he is very concerned about the work of our bureau."

The words were tactful, but the meaning was clear. Shu Ran nodded: "I understand."

"It's good that you understand. Comrade Lin Xuezhou is capable and enthusiastic, but sometimes he's a bit bookish. You worked together in the animal husbandry unit, so you know each other. You should communicate and cooperate more in your work."

"Yes," Shu Ran said.

“You need to take the research team’s work seriously.” Secretary Zhou’s tone became more serious. “You know Zheng Tao’s style. Showcasing achievements is fine, but don’t argue with him about theories. The focus should be on practical results.”

"The second thing," Secretary Zhou took out a document from the drawer, "is the first draft of the pilot program for the Comprehensive Governance Office. Take a look."

Shu Ran took the document and quickly skimmed through it. The plan was very detailed, selecting three border regiments as pilot areas, with each pilot area establishing a comprehensive service station. The service station was divided into four sections: culture and education, medical and health care, security and protection, and production services. Each section had specific work content and performance indicators.

"What do you think?" Secretary Zhou asked.

“The direction is good,” Shu Ran said, “but in terms of specific implementation, there may still be some details that need to be considered. For example, in terms of cultural education, how to combine literacy and practical skills training, and how to solve the teacher shortage problem, all require more specific plans.”

“Yes, you think the same way I do,” Secretary Zhou said. “Therefore, the bureau has decided to set up a pilot working group, with you in charge of designing and implementing the education sector. There are also dedicated personnel responsible for the other three sectors. You will hold regular meetings to coordinate and promote their progress.”

"I will do my best," Shu Ran said.

"Okay." Secretary Zhou smiled. "I knew you could do it. Also, there's something else—Comrade Chen Yuanjiang is in charge of the security and safety section of the Comprehensive Management Office, so you'll have a lot of overlap in your work. You need to cooperate well."

Shu Ran's ears burned, but she remained calm: "Yes, I will."

After leaving Secretary Zhou's office, Shu Ran returned to her own office.

Chen Yuanjiang will also participate in the pilot program for integrated service stations.

In the following days, Shu Ran was extremely busy.

Her desk was piled high with matters concerning the upcoming research team, the pilot program for the integrated service station, and daily reports and materials. She spent her days processing documents at the bureau and then worked overtime after work to write proposals, often staying up late into the night.

Chen Yuanjiang was also busy. The Comprehensive Governance Office had just been established, and everything needed to be done. As the head of the security and protection sector, he frequently had to conduct research, hold meetings, and coordinate efforts. Sometimes, he wouldn't be seen for days.

The two occasionally bump into each other, exchange a quick greeting, and don't say more than a few words.

On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the bureau organized a trip to see the lantern festival. V city is not big, and the lantern festival was simple, just some red lanterns hung on the main street and some performances of Yangko dancing and stilt walking. But the festive atmosphere had not yet dissipated, and the streets were crowded and lively.

Shu Ran went with several female colleagues. The streets were crowded. After watching the performance for a while, she found it a bit noisy, so she walked alone to a less crowded area.

As I reached the street corner, I saw Chen Yuanjiang standing there. He was also alone, wearing a military overcoat, looking up at a lamp. The lamplight cast flickering shadows on his face.

Shu Ran walked over: "You've come to see the lanterns too?"

Chen Yuanjiang turned his head and saw her, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "Yeah. It was an event organized by the company, I snuck out. It was too noisy."

"I also find it noisy," Shu Ran laughed. "It's quiet here."

The two stood side by side, looking at the lamp.

"It's really beautiful," Shu Ran said.

"Mmm," Chen Yuanjiang responded, turning to look at her. "Have you eaten?"

"I ate. I ate in the cafeteria."

"I haven't eaten yet," Chen Yuanjiang said. "There's a small restaurant over there selling glutinous rice balls. Want to go and get some together?"

"good."

The two squeezed through the crowd and found the small shop. The shop owner was an old lady who was busy cooking glutinous rice balls.

"Two bowls of glutinous rice balls," Chen Yuanjiang said.

"Alright." The old lady quickly ladled out two bowls, sprinkled them with white sugar, and said, "Comrade, take them."

The two of them, bowls in hand, found a place to sit and eat. The glutinous rice balls were filled with sesame; with one bite, the sweet filling oozed out, and it tasted delicious mixed with the glutinous rice.

"It's so sweet," Shu Ran said.

"Mmm." Chen Yuanjiang buried his head in his food and quickly finished a bowl. "Is that enough for you? Buy more if you need more."

"That's enough." Shu Ran had finished eating too. "I'll get tired of eating any more."

After eating the glutinous rice balls, the two strolled around the streets for a while. It was still very crowded. Reaching a less crowded area, Chen Yuanjiang suddenly said, "Let's go for a walk by the city wall? It's quiet there."

"Now?"

"Yes. It's not far, it'll be there in a short walk."

Shu Ran thought for a moment and said, "Okay."

The two left the main street and walked towards the city wall. The further they walked, the fewer people there were, and the noise gradually faded away. The moonlight shone brightly on the snow.

Reaching the foot of the city wall, Chen Yuanjiang climbed up first, then turned and reached out to pull her up. Shu Ran grasped his hand, using it for support as she climbed up. His palm was warm, and when he held her tightly, there was a natural familiarity about it.

The city wall offers a wide view, allowing you to see the lights of the streets in the distance.

"It's so beautiful," Shu Ran said softly.

“Yes.” Chen Yuanjiang stood beside her, also looking into the distance. “I think so too.”

Chen Yuanjiang didn't let go of her hand. The two stood side by side, their fingers intertwined under their sleeves, neither of them speaking.

"Shu Ran," Chen Yuanjiang suddenly spoke.

"Um?"

Shu Ran turned to look at him. In the moonlight, his eyelashes were long, and his eyes were serious.

"Sometimes when I think about it, it feels like a dream."

Chen Yuanjiang turned to face her: "From the first time I met you until now, standing here like this."

His fingers unconsciously caressed her knuckles. "You were pale then, but your eyes were so bright. I was carrying your suitcase and thought to myself, this capitalist's daughter probably won't make it through the first winter."

Shu Ran laughed: "And then?"

"Then you slapped them one by one, asked me for notes to get mattresses, recited the Three Main Rules of Discipline in the canteen, and repaired the tool shed by yourself." Chen Yuanjiang's lips also curved up. "I thought to myself, how come this girl is so special?"

The wind whipped up snowflakes that hit her face, feeling cool and refreshing. Shu Ran didn't reply, waiting for him to continue.

"Later, when you rescued Li Dazhuang, you were so exhausted on the canal that you had to carry water even with your back so badly injured." Chen Yuanjiang's voice deepened. "At that time, I don't know why... I felt really bad. I felt that was not the life you deserved."

He looked at her, his eyes brimming with emotion. "Shu Ran, I'm not good at sweet talk. After being in the military for so long, I've become very straightforward. But my feelings for you are genuine."

He spoke earnestly, and Shu Ran smiled gently as she looked at his reddened ears.

"I know." She deliberately dragged out her words, with a hint of teasing. "I'm going to write down what Boss Chen said in my notebook for when I write my memoirs."

Chen Yuanjiang's ears turned even redder after being teased like that, but he still managed to maintain a serious expression: "I'm serious."

"I know you're serious." Shu Ran laughed and shook their clasped hands. "I didn't say you were joking."

Chen Yuanjiang finally breathed a sigh of relief, his eyes softening. He gazed into the distance again, remaining silent for a long while before whispering, "Sometimes I just feel like it's not real. You're so good, and someone like me..."

"What's wrong with someone like you? Is Boss Chen feeling inferior?" Shu Ran raised an eyebrow with a smile.

"I'm a very quiet person, not good at talking, and my job is dangerous; I'm often away from home," Chen Yuanjiang said slowly, as if listing his shortcomings. "Besides being able to do some security work, I'm nothing else..."

"Besides, he can cook, fix the house, shovel snow for me, and bring back delicious food from far away." Shu Ran chimed in, her tone light. "Comrade Chen Yuanjiang, isn't your self-criticism a bit too much?"

Chen Yuanjiang paused, then turned to look at her. Shu Ran was smiling at him, her eyes sparkling.

“This isn’t self-criticism,” he said earnestly. “I’m serious. The fact that you’re interested in me is because…”

"You were just lucky?" Shu Ran tilted her head and replied.

“It’s me…” Chen Yuanjiang choked, and after holding it in for a long time, he finally whispered, “It’s the greatest blessing of my life.”

He spoke very softly, but Shu Ran heard him clearly.

"Chen Yuanjiang," she called his name.

"Um?"

“You,” Shu Ran sighed, her tone tinged with amusement, “you may seem cold, but you’re actually more thoughtful than anyone else. Upright, reliable, responsible, and caring.” She paused, then said half-jokingly, “You’re the perfect marriage prospect.”

She said this in a slightly joking tone, trying to fit in with the atmosphere of the confession. But as soon as the words left her mouth, she saw Chen Yuanjiang's eyes light up.

Chen Yuanjiang tightened his grip on her hand suddenly. "You mean... you're willing?"

"I..." Shu Ran was about to explain that it was just a joke, "I said you're the best marriage candidate."

She tried to pat him on the shoulder, saying, "You really are amazing. How could you take a joke so seriously?"

Shu Ran couldn't pull her hand away.

“Marriage requires paperwork,” he said, his pace quickening. “If you’re willing, I’ll write the application tomorrow—no, tonight. Given our situation, the background check might take a while, but not too long. As for housing… don’t worry about housing. You’ve seen my yard; it’s not big, but it’s enough. If you think it’s too small, or want to be closer to your workplace, I can apply for a transfer, or we can apply for a new one, but we’ll have to wait…”

He spoke faster and faster, "The wedding depends on your preference. If you like a lively atmosphere, we'll have a big celebration; if you want it simple, we'll invite a few close friends and colleagues. If you want to inform your family, I'll go with you to write the letter. If you don't want to for now, that's fine too, we can talk about it later. Oh, by the way, we need to get new household items. I've saved up some coupons, enough for everything..."

"Wait!" Shu Ran quickly grabbed his arm. "Chen Yuanjiang, wait a minute!"

The light in his eyes hadn't faded: "What's wrong?"

Seeing his excited expression, Shu Ran felt both warm and amused. This man, usually so composed, was surprisingly excited upon hearing the word "marriage."

She shouldn't have made that joke.

"I'm sorry." She released his arm, her voice lowered. "I was just joking. Don't take it seriously."

The light in Chen Yuanjiang's eyes dimmed. He looked at her and asked cautiously, "A joke? You...don't want to get married?"

"It's not that I don't want to," Shu Ran carefully chose her words, "it's just that I'm not ready yet."

"I was too hasty." Chen Yuanjiang tried to force a smile, but didn't quite succeed. "Did I scare you?"

“It’s not your fault.” Shu Ran’s voice lowered. “Chen Yuanjiang, I’m being honest with you. I’m a little afraid of marriage.”

Chen Yuanjiang listened quietly, then took her hand again and put it in his pocket.

"I'm afraid of marriage." Shu Ran turned her face away. "I'm not afraid of you, I'm afraid of marriage in this era."

She decided to speak her mind. Some things are better said sooner rather than later.

"When women are unmarried, they are all capable and excel in their jobs. But once they get married and have children, they become tied down. Housework, children, their husbands' food, clothing, housing and transportation... all their time and energy are taken up by these things. It's difficult for them to return to their careers. It's not that they don't want to, but reality doesn't allow it. There are only 24 hours in a day, and if you take care of one thing, you can't take care of the other."

She looked at him earnestly and said, "I don't want that. I have things I want to do, paths I want to take. But in marriage, it's often assumed that it's the woman who has to sacrifice."

Chen Yuanjiang listened quietly without interrupting.

“And then there’s the child.” Shu Ran’s voice was even lower. “With a child, there are even more things to worry about. It’s not that I don’t like children, it’s just that I’m not ready to tie my life so tightly to another person, or even several people. I’m afraid that by then, Shu Ran won’t be Shu Ran anymore, just someone’s wife, someone’s mother.”

After a long silence, Chen Yuanjiang spoke: "Shu Ran, this is what I admire about you. You have a lot of ideas, you are very free, and you don't let yourself be trapped by anything."

Shu Ran looked at him with some surprise.

"I like you and want to be with you, but I don't want to tie you down with a marriage certificate, and I don't want you to give up anything because of me."

He squeezed her hand in his pocket: "You just said sorry, but I'm the one who should be apologizing. It was me... who was too greedy."

"greedy?"

"Hmm." He nodded. "I was already very grateful that you agreed to be with me. Actually, as long as you're willing to let me be by your side, support you, and take care of you, I'll be satisfied. Whether we get married or not is not important."

He took a step forward. "A marriage certificate is just a piece of paper. I've never wanted that piece of paper. I'd be happy as long as you let me be by your side."

He looked at her, his eyes filled with calm determination: "So, you don't need to worry. We're fine as we are now. You can fly as high as you want. I can't promise you anything else, but I can certainly protect you from the elements and ensure you have no worries."

Shu Ran's nose tingled with emotion. He always thought of her first and put her feelings first. He could forgo the security of marriage, all he wanted was the right to stand by her side.

"Chen Yuanjiang," she said softly.

"Um?"

"Thank you," she said. "Thank you for understanding me."

Chen Yuanjiang smiled, his smile appearing especially gentle in the moonlight: "You're welcome. I said I would always support you."

"Are you stupid or what?"

"After meeting you, there was a bit of that."

The two stood by the city wall for a while longer, holding hands, neither of them speaking.

Finally, Chen Yuanjiang tidied her wind-blown hair and said, "Go back, it's cold."

"good."

As they descended the city wall, Chen Yuanjiang suddenly stopped. "Shu Ran."

"Um?"

He looked into her eyes and said earnestly, "What I just said was from the bottom of my heart. You don't need to feel pressured. No matter what, no matter what decision you make, I'll be on your side. Whether we get married or not, I'll be there for you whenever you need me."

Shu Ran's eyes welled up with tears, and she nodded vigorously, "Mmm."

Chen Yuanjiang smiled, reached out and patted her head, "Let's go, I'll take you home."

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The author's note: Opinions on marriage vary from person to person.