[Military marriage in the 1970s and 1980s + marriage first, love later + he pursues her + bright, clear-headed heroine + regiment commander falls in love at first sight]
Jiang Zhixia was strikingly beautiful. Whenever people saw her, they couldn't help calculating how many sons a girl like her could give her husband's family.
Her stepmother had her eye on Jiang Zhixia's hospital job and wanted to force her to take a rural assignment. Jiang Zhixia went on a blind date, hoping to scare the man off by saying she wouldn't serve a man or have children.
But the stoic Regiment Commander He Yanchuan slid a marriage referral form across the table to her.
“Two-year term. Separate rooms. I won't touch you. Marry me, and I'll apply for family quarters to get my sister out; I'll help transfer your household registration and keep you in your job.”
Jiang Zhixia thought it was a good deal, so she married him the very next day.
She thought they'd each be getting what they wanted.
But from the moment she walked into the state-run restaurant, He Yanchuan had never intended to really let her go.
After they married, Jiang Zhixia saved lives at the hospital and ran night clinics, fighting to give young women trapped by their families and gossip a chance to live on their own terms. He Yanchuan brought her meals and stood up for her during the day, then slept on a shortened army cot at night. He wanted to hold her but didn't dare; he wanted to kiss her but had to ask permission first.
Everyone in the family compound said Regiment Commander He had married a stunning wife and treasured her like the apple of his eye. The man who'd agreed to divorce after two years had already broken two army cots, yet still hadn't dared cross the line she'd drawn.
Until one night, Jiang Zhixia pinned him against the door.
“We agreed this was a fake marriage.”
“But the marriage certificate is real.”
“We agreed you wouldn't touch me.”
“I always asked first.”
“Then why do you sneak into my room every night?”
He Yanchuan placed the promise he'd signed with his own hand, pledging not to have children, in her palm, then leaned close.
“Whether we have children is up to you.”
“Jiang Zhixia, all I’ve ever wanted is you.”
