Rebirth to a Military Marriage: Good Morning Chief Chapter 2541End - Miao Jing and Zhai Yaohui (42)

“In any case, you don’t have a partner and aren’t intending to get married yet. So, why don’t we help Miao Miao find a partner and let her get married first? Miao Miao’s child would be just like our own grandchild to your mother and me. That way, we’ll certainly stop pressuring you to marry quickly. This would also be an escape route for you, allowing you to concentrate on your military career.”

It was a flawless plan. As a father, he was truly considerate of his son, or perhaps, he couldn’t afford to be lenient with his son as a father.

“Fine…” Zhai Yaohui’s expression turned grim, and he lost the desire to converse further with his father. “If there’s nothing else, I’m ending the call.”

“Alright, go ahead. By the time you visit again, you might have a little nephew! What do you think Miao Miao’s first child will be, a girl or a boy?”

Before Old Zhai could finish speaking, a muffled yet peculiar sound emanated from the other end of the line. “You ungrateful wretch! Just you wait and see what I’ll do to you!”

“What’s wrong?”

Grandma Zhai inquired with concern.

“Don’t fret. That scoundrel will undoubtedly devise a way to return as soon as possible to marry Miao Miao. Having grandchildren? I desire my own flesh-and-blood grandchildren!”

Grandma Zhai’s face lit up with joy. “Are you serious? But Yaohui has only been back in the military for a month. Is it appropriate to summon him back for Miao Miao’s sake during such a crucial period for him? We’d be doing Miao Miao a disservice if Yaohui were to hold her responsible for not getting promoted this time.”

“My son is not the sort of irresponsible man who would shift blame onto women. Only by resolving his personal affairs can he better serve the country and its people. Remaining single his entire life isn’t ideal either. Eventually, the organization might even have to intervene and assist in settling his personal matters.”

If his son were to return and marry, his superiors would no longer need to concern themselves with his marital status. What exactly was the harm in that?

“Will Yaohui truly be able to return?” This question was asked with a hint of disbelief! Was her son really the type of man who would abandon all else for a woman?

“Absolutely!” Old Zhai affirmed with complete certainty.

Like father, like son.

He had enlisted in the army to combat the Japanese invaders and protect his wife and child.

If Yaohui was unable to secure a promotion simply because he returned to get married, it would merely signify his inadequacy.

After all, throughout his extensive military career, he had never once encountered a situation where an individual was overlooked for a promotion solely due to getting married.

Conversely, superiors in the military tended to become even more invested in the personal lives of talented individuals.

A father understands his son best.

Not only did Zhai Yaohui return within three days, but Old Zhai also received a call from the military before his son’s arrival. “This? Oh, very well. I comprehend. Of course, how could I possibly be unaware of my son’s impending marriage? My daughter-in-law is the daughter of my close friend. That female comrade is exceptional and virtuous. It is the Zhai family’s great fortune that Yaohui is able to take her as his wife. While her family background is indeed modest, she is an excellent lady. Yes, that is the situation. You may proceed with the approval.”

“Getting married?” Grandma Zhai questioned.

“Yaohui has officially submitted a marriage application to the military.”

Grandma Zhai became flustered. “He submitted it? No, how could I, as his mother, be unaware that Yaohui is getting married? Furthermore, whom is he marrying?” She seemed utterly bewildered.

“Whom? Who else could it be? Naturally, it’s Miao Miao! Miao Miao’s name was explicitly on the report. I already stated that that rogue was merely putting on an act. Now that he’s aware another male comrade fancies Miao Miao, he can’t possibly maintain his pretense any longer!”

A scoundrel like that occasionally needs a jolt to his system.

The first individual to be provoked by this situation was none other than Zhai Yaohui. Consequently, the second person naturally became Miao Jing.

Miao Jing’s eyes widened as she gazed at the solemn man in the military uniform before her. “Brother Zhai, what did you just say? The wind was blowing too strongly, and I didn’t quite catch your words.”

Zhai Yaohui unfastened his top button. “I have already submitted the marriage report. Please retrieve your identity card. Let us proceed to obtain our marriage certificate immediately.”

“…” Miao Jing managed a strained smile. “Brother Zhai, are you jesting? You have a fiancée.”

Such a jest was far from amusing; it was rather cruel.

“Firstly, military marriages are legally protected. Secondly, it is unlawful to enter into a second marriage. Thirdly, I do not possess a fiancée.”

What Zhai Yaohui was implying was that he had no fiancée, let alone any prior marital history.

Should any complications arise from this union, he would be the one held accountable.

Having already made the unequivocal decision to marry Miao Jing, he would naturally assume full responsibility.

With military marriages enjoying legal protection and divorce being against the law, Miao Jing could finally feel at ease.

A shadow fell over Miao Jing’s features. “Brother Zhai, I’m baffled as to why you’re suddenly telling me all this. However, since you’ve asked for my answer, I must give it to you. I am sorry. I will not marry you.”

Only Miao Jing truly grasped the immense difficulty and emotional turmoil she endured when deciding to leave the Zhai family home.

The Zhai family was the very first to show Miao Jing genuine warmth and sincerity.

Consequently, each of the three members of the Zhai family occupied a cherished place in Miao Jing’s heart.

Old Zhai frequently alluded to her union with Zhai Yaohui. As a conventional young lady, Miao Jing could only incessantly remind herself that any romantic possibility between herself and Zhai Yaohui was nonexistent, given his exceptional nature. She reasoned that it would be best not to hold Old Zhai accountable for his words, lest she end up humiliating herself.

Despite maintaining a calm facade, Miao Jing’s mind couldn’t help but churn with countless 'what ifs,' leading to internal wavering. What if…?

It was only upon departing the Zhai residence that Miao Jing finally ceased dwelling on these hypothetical scenarios.

Miao Jing alone understood the profound depth of her emotion when Zhai Yaohui unexpectedly appeared, declaring his intention to marry her, especially considering her efforts to keep her distance from him.

Zhai Yaohui was unwilling to accept Miao Jing’s refusal.

Yet, simultaneously, Zhai Yaohui sought to preserve his pride, refusing to acknowledge his burgeoning feelings for Miao Jing. A single glance was enough for him to discern that Miao Jing reciprocated his emotions, harboring feelings for him as well.

Rather than engaging in a prolonged argument, Zhai Yaohui decisively moved forward, lifting Miao Jing into his arms. He then addressed Miao Jing’s colleagues, offering an apology, “My apologies for the interruption. I am Miao Miao’s partner, and my military duties have been demanding. I’ve recently managed to secure the time to submit our marriage application. Miao Miao and I are heading to obtain our marriage certificate now. We’ll host you to celebratory candies another day.”

Decades later, long after her three grandchildren were born, Miao Jing could still vividly recall the sensation of Zhai Yaohui hoisting her onto his shoulder, her stomach pressed against him. The rush of blood to her head had been an unpleasant feeling.

As the memory surfaced, Miao Jing instinctively reached out and playfully struck Zhai Yaohui, who lay beside her. “Don’t you think you were a bit much? I didn’t expect grand romantic gestures or elaborate proposals like young people today. But you acted like a complete rogue then! I refused to marry you, yet you just swept me away!”

Miao Jing couldn’t shake the suspicion that she had been so utterly dazed, she had signed the certificate almost unconsciously.

By the time the certificate was in hand, it was far too late to harbor any regrets.

Zhai Yaohui appeared perplexed. Their grandchildren were already attending university; why was Miao Jing suddenly dredging up the past?

He embraced Miao Jing and shifted position. “Our son has been asking if I’ve been distracted lately, wondering if your attention has shifted to his wife and children. Since you’re unable to sleep, let’s engage in an activity that will strengthen our bond as a couple.”

Without granting Miao Jing a moment to protest, he acted with the same assertive dominance he had displayed when carrying her off to get their marriage certificate. Though an elderly couple, their affection and sweetness remained palpable.

Miao Jing, held beneath him, mused that perhaps this wasn’t so bad after all. Her happiness might have arrived later in life, but at least it had eventually found her.

‘Zhai Yaohui, in our next life, could you perhaps be a little gentler and confess your feelings for me sooner?’

‘Miao Miao, if there is a next lifetime, I will certainly confess my love for you and my desire for you to be my wife much earlier.’