Chapter 73: Is Auntie Bao Si?

Lin You's hand, still clutching the bottle, froze midair. “Suicide?”

Zhou Shimao nodded. “Yes, suicide. And it was for a man. To avoid coming to the northwest, she chose to jump in the river… On top of that, her family used to be capitalists, and her grandfather was a landlord. The commander was worried this would affect your future, so he rejected your proposal.”

Lin You had never heard Xia Yan mention jumping into a river before.

He recalled that diary—he could tell that she truly liked that Huo Ting from the bottom of her heart… But as for Xia Yan attempting suicide for Huo Ting, he hadn’t known a thing.

“From the look on your face, you probably didn’t know about this either. Go back and ask her about it,” Zhou advised.

By now, Lü Hongxia, who had been listening, understood what was going on. At first, seeing how protectively Lin You acted toward Xia Yan, she’d assumed the girl must be quite decent. She’d never imagined there was such a history: throwing herself into a river over another man...

In this era, that was no minor matter—people would gossip behind their backs for sure. If Lin You were to marry her, he’d be the subject of whispers too. That was a small thing; but if it affected his future, that would be a disaster.

“Political Commissar, you must have learned in your investigation that she’s not actually the An family’s biological daughter, so the An family’s past as landlords has nothing to do with her…” Lin You mused.

He’d hesitated himself when he saw that diary, and had asked Xia Yan to think carefully before agreeing to marry him. He remembered that when he brought it up, Xia Yan had been upset and scolded him.

“We know that, of course,” Zhou said. “I didn’t think it was such a big deal—after all, those political campaigns are long over, and landlord status doesn’t mean much anymore. But the suicide, and for another man? It makes us question whether this girl is truly committed to you. You must understand, for us soldiers, protecting the people and the country is our lifelong duty.”

“If, while you’re out on a mission, your spouse causes a ruckus at home or does something reckless, it won’t just affect you—it could be disastrous!” Zhou Shimao’s tone was grave.

Lü Hongxia began to speak gently. “Xiao Lin, your Uncle Zhou is right. What if your spouse does something outrageous? Don’t blame your aunt for meddling, but I think the Zhu family’s daughter is a fine match. We’ve watched her grow up and know her well. If you like, I can speak to her mother about arranging a marriage for you.”

“If her mother’s still hesitant, I’ll personally vouch for you as a matchmaker! And with your uncle’s help, maybe we can get you a city household registration here.”

Lin You shook his head. “Auntie, you know that I only see Zhu Yan as a younger sister. I have no romantic feelings for her. But Xia Yan is different. She’s only been here half a month, but I feel as if our meeting was destined.”

“Destined? What do you mean, destined? Don’t talk nonsense. When your uncle and I got married, we’d only met twice, and look how happy we are now! If there’s no feeling, cultivate it! I still think the Zhu family’s girl is a good match.”

“I don’t agree,” Lin You said firmly.

Zhou Shimao slammed the table more than once, visibly irritated. “You don’t? Well, I don’t either! Let me tell you, I will never approve your marriage to Xia Yan. Give up on it. I can’t let you marry an unreliable woman!”

“Commissar, you’ve never even met Xia Yan. You can’t judge her like that!” Lin You’s displeasure was clear at Zhou’s words.

To his surprise, Zhou Shimao didn’t get angry this time; instead, he burst out laughing. “Hongxia, look—we’ve only said a few words and this kid is already upset. Since you feel so strongly, how about this: bring Xia Yan here so we can meet her. If she passes our test, your aunt and I will stop objecting.”

Lin You’s eyes lit up. “Commissar, do you mean it?”

He trusted Xia Yan—she had a charm that could win over anyone, and it wasn’t just her looks, but her character.

“Don’t get too happy too soon. Even if your aunt and I agree, there’s still the commander to deal with. He’s not as easy to persuade as we are,” Zhou Shimao reminded him, noticing the confidence in Lin You’s expression and growing curious about this girl himself.

Dinner lasted well past nine. Zhou Shimao insisted Lin You stay the night, and father and son talked about army matters until Lü Hongxia came to urge them to rest.

Early the next morning, Lin You reported to the hospital and, after receiving his IV, headed straight to the military district headquarters.

That night, Xia Yan had barely slept. As she prepared breakfast, she moved as if numb, not even noticing Lin Hongzhe at the kitchen door.

“Xia Yan…” Lin Hongzhe called, seeing her vacant eyes and the pot about to overflow.

“Xiao Zhe, you’re up! Go wash your face and get ready for breakfast,” Xia Yan said, startled, dropping the ladle to the floor and splashing water everywhere. She quickly grabbed a rag to clean up.

Lin Hongzhe picked up another rag and helped her. “Xia Yan, don’t overthink things. Trust my dad. If he’s truly decided to marry you, he’ll find a way to solve this.”

Xia Yan froze, rag in hand, and looked up at him, her eyes regaining their usual brightness.

Yes, why hadn’t she thought of that? She should trust Lin You. Whatever he set his mind to, he’d give his all, no matter how difficult.

“Yes, Auntie was overthinking. Auntie should trust your dad. Thank you for reminding me, or I’d be worrying again.”

“Xia Yan, do you really love my dad?”

“At first, I just wanted to see how things went. As you know, your father isn’t exactly the type girls like… You’re already taking after him, did you know? There’s a word for it where I come from.”

Xia Yan straightened, having wiped up the water, and said to the puzzled Lin Hongzhe, “It’s called a straight man—a steel straight man, actually.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means someone who never tries to please girls, who’s stubborn to a fault.” Xia Yan bent down and tapped his forehead with her finger.

The boy blushed. “I think our personalities are great. If something’s wrong, should we really do it just to make a girl happy? Do you know the idiom ‘raising beacons to amuse the feudal lords’? Those who do wrong to please women are like King You of Zhou.”

Xia Yan was taken aback—she hadn’t expected such a young boy to know about King You of Zhou and the story of the beacons. “So you think Auntie is Bao Si?”