So, the two of them, after leaving the Civil Affairs Bureau, went to see a horror movie hand in hand. Saying they were going to see a movie was really just a way for them to snuggle together and enjoy some quiet time. Apart from the sounds from the movie, no one disturbed them.
They chose a corner spot.
Huo Qingfeng sat in the innermost seat, then picked up Ling Ruoke and sat her on his lap, his two strong arms wrapped around her waist. She occasionally rubbed against his stubble-covered chin, loving the slightly ticklish feeling.
Throughout the entire process, the two were whispering and cuddling, their ears darting around. Neither of them paid much attention to what was happening in the movie.
When the word "the end" appeared on the screen and the lights came on, the two of them snapped out of their own little world. Hand in hand, they followed the crowd out of the movie theater.
It was already past seven o'clock, and the rush hour was over. Even as I left the movie theater, I could still see commuters hurrying home. That's the beauty of a small city; fewer people rent, so living in your own place eliminates that feeling of being adrift. No matter how rushed things get, there's a sense of peace.
They clasped their hands together and slowly walked to the car.
Just as Ling Ruoke was about to open the car door and get in, the colonel suddenly grabbed her, turned her around, and pressed her against the car door. She looked at him with a smile and asked, "What do you want to do?"
"He forcibly kissed the woman." With that, his lips pressed down. Ignoring the suggestive glances from the people coming to pick up their cars, the colonel always did as he pleased when he wasn't in uniform.
Ling Ruoke had no time to resist; he immediately embraced her and kissed her deeply. Only when he was satisfied did he reluctantly let go. Forehead to forehead, their breaths mingled.
"Let's go eat." Huo Qingfeng put his arm around her waist and stepped back together, opening the car door and letting her get in.
Huo Qingfeng drove the car to the restaurant downstairs from last time.
Ling Ruoke saw the location clearly and recalled the colonel's romantic gesture, feeling a surge of excitement. However, she then thought, "I didn't have a romantic wedding night, a romantic marriage, only a romantic proposal. Was I missing out?"
In front of her man, Ling Ruoke rarely hid her facial expressions, so Huo Qingfeng could clearly see the changes in her expressions.
"Wife, what's wrong?" Huo Qingfeng stopped the car and leaned over to ask.
Ling Ruoke pouted and looked at him seriously, saying, "I'm thinking, I didn't have a romantic wedding night, I didn't have a romantic wedding, only a proposal that was romantic. Am I at a loss?"
Huo Qingfeng looked at her, not answering immediately, then stepped across the table and embraced her, their foreheads touching. "Wasn't our wedding night romantic?"
"In a pitch-black room, after a fright, when I couldn't even see your face clearly, is that romantic?" she asked with amusement.
Huo Qingfeng rolled his eyes, then said seriously, "Then I'll make it up to you tonight, okay?" In fact, in a man's eyes, romance on the wedding night is all fluff; ultimately, it's all about rolling around in bed and reaching a state of ecstasy. In his memory, every time they slept together, his wife had experienced unparalleled pleasure!
Ling Ruoke couldn't help but laugh. This was just how men thought; she'd even mentioned an unromantic wedding, yet he only focused on the wedding night. But oh well, worrying about such things was a waste of time, so she readily agreed. "Okay."
"Good girl!" Huo Qingfeng kissed her. "Let's go eat."
Ling Ruoke really wanted to roll her eyes; he was treating her like a child. But she still obediently placed her hand in his, their fingers intertwined and clasped tightly. Looking around at the people around them, all dressed quite formally, while they were dressed rather casually, they seemed somewhat out of place. She couldn't help but laugh. "Don't we look a bit like country bumpkins coming to the city?"
"So what? City people can't understand the joys of rural life. As long as we're comfortable and the restaurant doesn't kick us out, that's fine with us."
"That's true."
The two had just sat down when the waiter brought over the menu.
"Wife, what would you like to eat?" Huo Qingfeng handed her the menu. But in the end, she always ordered his favorite dishes.
Ling Ruoke took the menu and ordered four meat dishes, one vegetable dish, and one soup.
Huo Qingfeng ordered a bottle of red wine, requesting it be from 2008. The 2008 wine wasn't quite as mellow as it could have been, but more importantly, it was the year they met. That's why they had the possibility of spending their lives together today.
Ling Ruoke understood and smiled sweetly at him. Her colonel wasn't romantic at heart, but he always tried his best to create romance for her. She had thought of telling him that he didn't need to go to so much trouble, but in the end, she didn't. If he felt happy doing it, that was fine, wasn't it?
She turned her head and happened to see that the young boy was performing on stage again. He was playing the guitar and singing Lin Zhixuan's "Li Ren" (The Parting).
But she only glanced at it briefly before looking away, noticing the colonel's dark, gleaming eyes. Instinctively, her eyebrows curved into a smile.
Huo Qingfeng couldn't help but reach out and touch her face. Now, it seemed he could only see her; he had no time to glance at anyone else.
Ling Ruoke blushed slightly at his words and quickly lowered her head to drink her tea. But the blush on her face deepened, even her ears turned red, making her look like a flower in full bloom.
Huo Qingfeng's eyes grew deeper and deeper, and his heart softened more and more. This was his Ruoke. Despite experiencing many hardships and setbacks, she still maintained the purest personality, and would even blush at his intimate gesture in front of others.
The food arrived relatively quickly, and the red wine followed.
Huo Qingfeng took the cup, poured wine for the two of them, and said with a smile, "How about we have a toast together?"
Ling Ruoke looked at him, both amused and exasperated, then glanced around at the people around her, her face flushed. She simply clinked glasses with him and said, "Happy wedding."
Huo Qingfeng looked at her affectionately, his voice deep and resonant. "Every single moment with you has made me happy. Thank you, Ruoke. I love you!"
Ling Ruoke was speechless for a moment. Since they got together, her colonel had always been playful and carefree; she rarely saw him with such a serious expression. She understood that he was sincerely and earnestly thanking her for the happiness she brought him.
She blushed and smiled foolishly, her eyes welling up with tears. Biting her lip, she looked at him, unsure what to say. Her mind was a jumbled mess, filled only with his words.
Huo Qingfeng reached out, his thumb tracing the underside of her eye, and said affectionately, "What a silly girl."
"Who told you to say such sentimental things and make people cry?" She pouted, glaring at him with red eyes.
Dinner proceeded quietly, with the two of them barely exchanging a word. But when they looked at each other, their eyes were filled with deep affection.
When the lights went out, Ling Ruoke paused for a moment, then realized what was going on. It was probably another romantic man preparing a surprise for his woman. "Looks like someone's going to try and emulate your romance."
Taking advantage of the moment, Huo Qingfeng leaned in and kissed her lips. The taste was like red wine, rich and sweet.
Soon, the lights came on in one spot on the stage. The same boy, acting as the temporary emcee, became the center of attention, microphone in hand. But he didn't speak; instead, he moved his gaze, seemingly searching for someone around him.
When Ling Ruoke watched her colonel stand up and walk towards the stage, she immediately covered her mouth with both hands. Even though she had tried it once before, she was still shocked.
The stage lights quickly dimmed, obscuring the faces of the people on stage. All that could be seen was a tall, imposing man sitting down in the chair, his legs crossed. Then someone brought over a guitar and secured the microphone for him.
A deep, magnetic voice carried throughout the restaurant through the microphone. "I'm sorry to have disturbed your meal. I hope you can forgive me. If you're going to curse me in your heart, I hope you won't be too harsh."
A burst of laughter followed by applause. Everyone understood that this action must be related to love, so they were all willing to forgive him.
"Today, I married the girl I love. For various reasons, without any plans or arrangements, we just held hands and went to the Civil Affairs Bureau to tie ourselves together. I am so grateful that she came into my life and stayed with me, making my life different from now on. The following song is dedicated to my beloved girl, hoping that she will be happy all her life. I hope that when we are old, I can still hold her hand and walk in the afterglow of the sunset. Perhaps, I can still come here and sing a song to commemorate this lifetime of love and companionship. 'Tenderness in the Palm of My Hand,' dedicated to you, my love."
Dao Lang's "Tenderness in the Palm of My Hand" is a song performed in a deep and resonant voice, conveying profound emotions. Just like the lyrics, "I hold your hand, I hold your hand until we grow old, until the end of time, and look at the tenderness in my palm."
Ling Ruoke's eyes welled up with tears again. She had never known that her colonel could play the guitar! How many more surprises did he have in store for her?
It still won thunderous applause, and people still clamored for an encore.
Huo Qingfeng smiled slightly. "Thank you. I wish you a lifetime of peace, health, and happiness." Then, the lights went out. In the darkness, he returned to his seat.
Even after they finished eating and walked out hand in hand, Ling Ruoke still felt like she was floating in a dream.
"Come on, baby, I'll give you an unforgettable wedding night," he whispered in her ear.
These words successfully brought Ling Ruoke back to reality. This was her colonel—always cool in public, but a roguish charmer in her presence. Her slender hand reached out and pinched his ear. "You pervert!"
Huo Qingfeng seized the opportunity to peck her, not caring at all about being called a hooligan. Being called a hooligan by others means you have a problem with your conduct, but being called a hooligan by your own wife is just for fun.
It was already past eight o'clock, and there was nowhere better to go, so we headed back home.
Back home, the two of them tumbled onto the sofa together, laughing and joking for a while. Huo Qingfeng reclined on the sofa, holding her in his arms.
Ling Ruoke casually picked up the remote and turned on the TV. She absentmindedly flipped through the channels but couldn't find anything she wanted to watch.
Suddenly, the phone rang. It was Huo Qingfeng's.
"Honey, can you get my phone?"
"Oh." Ling Ruoke put down the remote and picked up her phone. The screen only showed a number, no name. She handed him the phone, then nestled into his arms, stretching out her limbs.
Huo Qingfeng adjusted her position to make her more comfortable before pressing the answer button and then the speakerphone button. "Hello?"
"You still married her." Gu Zheng's voice was somewhat resentful, but even more sinister.
Huo Qingfeng and Ling Ruoke exchanged a glance and frowned at the same time.
Without a second thought, Huo Qingfeng immediately hung up the call. Gu Zheng didn't call back.
Ling Ruoke frowned, a bad feeling creeping over her; it seemed something terrible was about to happen. "She said today that if we get married, she'll make you regret it. What if she does something unpredictable?"
Huo Qingfeng was thinking, but before he could answer, a text message notification sounded. He picked up his phone, glanced at it, and suddenly sat up, still holding Ling Ruoke.
"To celebrate your marriage, I've hidden a small wedding candy in the city's most luxurious Emperor Hotel. I'm sure you'll like it. Congratulations on your marriage!"
Ling Ruoke was shocked. She wasn't stupid enough not to recognize what this "wedding candy" was!
Huo Qingfeng immediately dialed the police station. "Someone claims she planted a bomb at the Emperor Hotel. Please send people to evacuate everyone immediately, and be quick!"
After hanging up the phone, Huo Qingfeng pulled her to her feet. "I have to go out for a bit. Wait for me at home!"
"No, I'll go with you!" Ling Ruoke insisted. No matter what happened, she wanted to be by his side.
Without saying a word, Huo Qingfeng picked up his phone and keys, grabbed her, and ran outside as fast as he could.
The two people quickly jumped into the car. The car sped off into the city.
Staring blankly out the car window, Ling Ruoke felt a pang of unease, even a sense of fear. If Gu Zheng had really planted a bomb and caused someone's death, she didn't know what she would do. She hoped Gu Zheng was just joking, and that no one would be harmed!
Huo Qingfeng drove directly to the Emperor Hotel. The hotel entrance was crowded with people, making a racket. Police had already cordoned off the area, and people were craning their necks and discussing the situation; some were disheveled, clearly having fled in haste.
Huo Qingfeng and Ling Ruoke ran over. "Hello, I'd like to ask what the situation is like inside."
"The accident is under investigation. Don't obstruct the police."
Just as Huo Qingfeng was about to speak, an ambulance arrived with sirens blaring. Soon, paramedics carried a mobile bed into the hotel. In other words, something had happened!
Huo Qingfeng pursed his lips, clenched his fists, and the veins on the back of his hands bulged.
Ling Ruoke cupped one of his fists in her hands, looked up at him, and silently tried to soothe him. She didn't know what to say; her mind was in turmoil.
Huo Qingfeng pulled her along and found the relevant person in charge at the police station. They finally managed to figure out what was going on inside.
There was indeed a bomb in the hotel, and it had already exploded. However, the bomb had been modified and was not very powerful, seriously injuring three people, but causing no fatalities.
Ling Ruoke breathed a huge sigh of relief. Thankfully, it was just an injury!
The two men went back to the police station to assist with the investigation and give their statements. After leaving the police station, they went to the hospital. Thankfully, none of the three were in life-threatening condition.
On the drive home, neither of them spoke. One focused on driving, while the other silently gazed out the window.
Once inside, the two sat down on the sofa, both feeling somewhat tired.
Huo Qingfeng leaned his head back on the sofa and stared at the ceiling. He didn't say a word for a long time.
Ling Ruoke poured tea for the two of them, holding the teacup with a dazed expression.
Huo Qingfeng took the cup from her hand, pulled her onto his lap, and held her tightly in his arms. "I'm sorry," he said in a hoarse voice, gently nuzzling her forehead with his chin.
“This isn’t your fault.” Ling Ruoke pushed back slightly, clutching his collar. “This isn’t your fault, it’s because she’s psychologically disturbed.”
Actually, calling the guzheng (Chinese zither) "perverted" is an insult to the word "perverted." How can someone who can so casually joke about human life be described as merely "perverted"?
Huo Qingfeng rested his chin on her head and closed his eyes. Gu Zheng certainly wouldn't give up so easily. This time it was a modified bomb, not very powerful. But what about next time?
Just then, his phone rang again. It was another unfamiliar number, but Huo Qingfeng knew it must be Gu Zheng. He controlled his emotions and coldly asked, "What do you want?"
"Divorce her and then let her leave."
"What if I don't agree?" The hand gripping the phone was so tight it almost crushed.
"Then I'll bring you wedding candy every day until you're happy. I mean what I say. As long as you're not divorced, she won't leave here. So, just wait for the surprise I have for you. Goodnight."
Ling Ruoke was nestled in his arms, so she heard everything clearly. She buried her face in his chest, secretly breathing on it, trying to compose herself. But her eyes felt hot, as if some kind of tear was about to fall. For some reason, she suddenly felt tired. She didn't understand; all she wanted was to be with the person she loved, so why were there so many obstacles?
Their eyes met, and the joy of their newlywed life vanished, replaced by a heavy feeling.
Huo Qingfeng lowered his head and pressed his forehead against hers. "Wife, I'll handle it, trust me." If the time weren't too short, he truly hoped to eradicate this cancerous growth of the Gu family immediately. Without the protection of the Gu family's power, Gu Zheng would no longer be able to do as she pleased!
“I know. We didn’t break up back then, and we won’t break up now. I’m going to stick with you for the rest of my life, so don’t even think about running away.” Ling Ruoke joked with him, pretending to be relaxed, and reached out to pinch his face and pull it to both sides. “Don’t think about so much now, let’s take a shower and go to bed.”
"Okay." Huo Qingfeng picked her up and carried her towards their bedroom. The person in his arms was the one he wanted to protect for the rest of his life; he would never let go!
The two of them were soaking in the bathtub together. There was no romance of their wedding night, not even the joy and excitement.
Ling Ruoke's heart clenched painfully; that ominous premonition grew stronger. She suddenly sat up, straddling his waist. Looking at the man beneath her, she leaned down and kissed his lips. "Husband, I want it."
Huo Qingfeng paused for a moment, then pulled her closer. He took the initiative, entwining himself tightly with her. His large hands caressed her delicate skin, sending shivers down his spine. Hearing her soft moans, his previously lifeless desire instantly swelled. This was their official wedding night; even without romance, how could it be without passion?
Ling Ruoke's small hands awkwardly caressed his body, clumsy and unorthodox, yet they stirred up waves of heat.
Huo Qingfeng rolled over and pinned her beneath him, his burning lips kissing every inch of her skin. This was his body, his beloved wife! He would never allow anyone to take her away from him, never!
The two of them had been entangled for a long time and were both exhausted, but neither of them felt sleepy.
Ling Ruoke nestled in his arms, constantly thinking about that parting. They didn't want to separate, but there were always reasons that forced them apart. She closed her eyes, feeling her eyes welling up with tears.
She didn't want to be separated from him at all, not even temporarily! But Gu Zheng had already made a harsh statement: if she continued planting bombs in public like this, someone would die eventually. Could she selfishly watch tragedy unfold? She couldn't!
She knew that neither could her colonel!
In the end, will Guzheng's wish be granted?
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