Chapter 100: Deciding to Marry

Perhaps it was because Song Tingshen spoke in such haste; Zhong Xiao couldn't help but laugh out loud as she watched his somewhat flustered expression. She turned her gaze back to Nie Yunfeng’s tombstone.

Softly, she said, “Even if we’re to marry, it’s not tomorrow. You’ll need to write a report, submit your application. There are so many other preparations—though I don’t require much for the betrothal gifts, I worry about your side. The procedures might be rather complicated.”

Song Tingshen looked at Zhong Xiao, understanding what she meant to say. As expected, Zhong Xiao continued, “Song Tingshen, you know my background. Even though I have all kinds of certificates, there’s an unchangeable fact: I am born into the Zhong family, the daughter of a capitalist. That is something I cannot alter.”

“You are a soldier, your family line is pure and honorable. Generations of heroes, and aside from me, you could find many girls who match your status, many who would be willing to marry you. You must think carefully—are you truly choosing to bind your life to me just because of the engagement our families arranged long ago?”

“In the past, it was always said that marriages followed the will of parents and the words of matchmakers, but the times have changed. Whether it’s Director Zuo or Commander Song, they will first respect your wishes.”

“So…” Zhong Xiao paused. She seemed to have said all there was to say; whatever else remained, she did not know how to express.

Song Tingshen listened quietly, waited a few seconds until it was clear she had nothing more to add, then asked, “Have you voiced all your concerns?”

Zhong Xiao considered, then nodded. “I’ve said everything.”

Song Tingshen gave a quiet hum, turned to face Nie Yunfeng.

He spoke, word by word, with solemn reverence.

“Uncle Nie, it’s Tingshen. It’s been a long time since we last met. Today, I’ve brought Zhong Xiao to see you.”

“Uncle Nie, Zhong Xiao and I have decided to marry. I have made up my mind. I will take Zhong Xiao as my wife. In the days to come, whether hardship or smooth sailing, as long as I am here, I will never let Zhong Xiao suffer any grievance. If I fail, if I let her down, I will come to you and apologize in person.”

Zhong Xiao, startled, hurried to cover his mouth.

“There’s no need for that, no need at all…”

His lips were delicate and warm, breath spilling into the hollow of her palm. Song Tingshen pulled down her wrist gently.

“Every word I speak, I will take responsibility for,” Song Tingshen said.

Zhong Xiao tried once more to remind him, “Song Tingshen, my background…”

“You are Zhong Xiao. That is enough,” Song Tingshen interrupted her quietly, then asked,

“All the words you’ve spoken to me today take effect from this moment. You must not regret, must not break your promise, must not pretend nothing happened.”

Zhong Xiao replied, “Anything I say before my father, I will never regret.”

“That’s good,” Song Tingshen said.

A hint of a smile seemed to surface on his face, but it quickly faded, leaving only the usual cold, indifferent expression.

“Let’s pay our respects and go down the mountain.”

Zhong Xiao nodded.

Song Tingshen took from his pocket a somewhat tattered newspaper, laying it beneath Zhong Xiao’s feet.

The ground before Nie Yunfeng’s tombstone was clean, but there had been rain two days prior, and the earth was damp. So Song Tingshen placed the newspaper to cushion Zhong Xiao’s knees.

She noticed this, her lips curling faintly. Once the newspaper was spread, Song Tingshen stretched out his arm toward her.

Zhong Xiao held onto his arm and knelt down.

Song Tingshen bent both knees, kneeling beside her.

With solemn expressions, the two faced Nie Yunfeng’s tombstone and bowed deeply three times.