A Shy Young Educated Youth in the 1970s, Raised by a Rugged Commander

[Period setting + coming-of-age + age gap + sweet romance]

“Jiang Xiaoman, your mother ran off with the compensation money. You’re the daughter of a criminal.”

“You’re just like your mother, an ungrateful wretch who can never be tamed.”

That year, Jiang Xiaoman had just turned eighteen. She was gaunt, pale, and utterly alone.

A tall man with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, wearing a military overcoat, stood in the snow, his gaze sharp as a blade.

“Uncle, can I come with you…?”

“Shut up. Who’s your uncle?”

The aloof Third Master Gu, who had come from the capital’s elite circle, said, “I’m taking you back to atone for my sins. Don’t try to act like we’re family.”

Jiang Xiaoman thought the Uncle Gu who was supporting her must hate her to the core.

But to her surprise, she soon moved into the grand compound everyone envied.

And this man didn’t just provide for her, he also kept tabs on her studies and even told her when her skirts were too short.

Everyone in the compound waited to see her make a fool of herself, wondering when she’d be kicked out.

But as they waited, they saw the imperious Third Master Gu kneeling on the ground to put little leather shoes on Jiang Xiaoman.

How was that atonement?

He was clearly raising her like a little princess!

“Little brat.”

The man stubbed out his cigarette, his voice low and hoarse. “Come here. Let me hold your legs for a moment.”

…

Many years later.

“Uncle, I’ve graduated from college.”

“I’ve told you for years, you’re not allowed to call me Uncle.”

“Then what should I call you?”

The man leaned in close, the corners of his eyes red. “Call me your husband.”