Marriage in the 1970s: The Political Commissar's Contract Wife

Fang Chu tightened his arms, holding her firmly in his embrace, his chin gently resting on the top of her head, his voice low and firm, as if making the most solemn vow:

"You'll be fine. I swear. I've already contacted the best OB-GYNs in the country, and we'll use the best medications and the best facilities. You and the baby will be fine."

Feeling the warmth from his chest and his strong heartbeat, and hearing his resolute assurance, Zhixia's tense nerves finally began to relax little by little.

She closed her eyes, burying herself even deeper into this warm haven, the only place she could grasp at that moment.

On this night, filled with both fear and hope, the ice between the two seemed to finally crack open, letting in a sliver of light as they nestled together.

The next morning, no sooner had Fang Chu left than Wang Chun rushed over. As soon as she entered, she grabbed Zhi Xia's hand, her face a mixture of worry and anger:

"My God! Xiaxia, how could you... how could you be pregnant again?! That Fang Chu, is he crazy! He's trying to kill you!" She was furious when she remembered how weak Zhixia looked when she miscarried.

Zhixia pulled her to sit down on the edge of the bed, her face displaying a strange calm that she herself was unaware of.

She lowered her voice and confided the "truth" that had been lingering in her mind all night to her best friend:

"Xiaochun, let me tell you, I didn't miscarry last time at all! Fang Chu lied to me! Tell me, how come this baby is so lucky? After losing so much blood, he's still perfectly fine inside me?"

Wang Chun was still an unmarried girl and knew very little about obstetrics and gynecology. Hearing Zhi Xia's words, she was also surprised and her eyes widened: "Ah? It didn't miscarry? But you bled so much last time... My God, this child is really... incredibly lucky!"

Following Zhixia's train of thought, she immediately realized it made sense, and then slapped her thigh in sudden realization, "No wonder! No wonder Fang Chu was sending you bird's nest, donkey-hide gelatin, and all sorts of good stuff every day like it was free! He knew back then that his son was still alive, and he was giving it to his son to nourish him!"

Hearing this, Xia felt inexplicably relieved. She subconsciously stroked her belly, a hint of expectant smile even appearing on her face, and asked Wang Chun, "Xiao Chun, do you also think... I'm having a son?"

"Of course!" Wang Chun said matter-of-factly. "What girl could be so resilient? Clinging to you so tightly after going through such a storm? She must be a tough guy!"

This pleased Zhixia, and her smile deepened. She began to indulge in some unrealistic fantasies: "Xiaochun, do you think... my son will look like me or Fang Chu in the future?"

Seeing that she finally smiled a little, Wang Chun was also happy and immediately offered his most sincere praise: "You're good-looking no matter who you look like! Like you, you're pretty and charming; like Political Commissar Fang, you're also dashing and upright! In short, you're definitely a likable child!"

Two young girls, temporarily setting aside their fears about the future and the weight of reality, sketched out a vague yet beautiful outline of a new life in a small room, relying on a bit of naive speculation and pure friendship.

Sunlight streamed through the window, and Zhixia felt that the "lucky" baby in her belly might... really bring her a different kind of hope.

Looking at the unconscious tenderness on Zhixia's face, Wang Chun couldn't help but tentatively ask, "Xiaxia, judging from your expression... are you starting to like this child?"

Zhixia paused, her hand still resting on her lower abdomen, her gaze somewhat unfocused, as if she were earnestly feeling and contemplating the question. She didn't give a direct answer, but rather spoke in a tone tinged with fatalism:

"I don't know... I can't say whether I like him or not. But I don't hate him anymore." She paused, her tone even carrying a subtle pride and emotion that she herself didn't realize. "Think about it, I 'hit' him twice, even when I was bleeding, and he still wouldn't leave me, clinging to me tightly... Xiaochun, tell me, how much does he like me, how much does he want to be my son?"

These words, though tinged with childlike logic, genuinely reflect her inner transformation—from fear and rejection to beginning to interpret the child's "tenacity" as a profound emotion and choice towards herself.

Wang Chun was amused by her words and, following her lead, comforted her with a tone imbued with folk wisdom: "That's right! My grandma used to say that children who won't leave no matter what you do are probably destined to be here in a past life, coming to repay a debt of gratitude! They're definitely filial children!"

"To repay a debt of gratitude?" Zhixia repeated softly, the light in her eyes softening slightly. She began to subconsciously plan, her tone carrying a naive "utilitarianism": "Then... after he's born, if he's obedient and sensible, I'll raise him myself. If he's disobedient and naughty, I'll leave him with Fang Chu!"

Upon hearing her words, Wang Chun keenly grasped the key information and asked in surprise, "Oh? You're planning to divorce Fang Chu?"

Zhi Xia's gaze dimmed for a moment, then returned to a somewhat bewildered state.

She gently shook her head: "Now... I still want to. But who knows about the future?" The immediate issues of maintaining the pregnancy and survival had already exhausted her energy, and the long-term future remained shrouded in mystery for her.

Seeing this, Wang Chun immediately said considerately, "That's right! It's too early to think about these things now. Let's wait until the baby is born safely!" She took Zhi Xia's arm and reassured her firmly, "Anyway, no matter what you choose, I'll be on your side! If you really get a divorce, just ask him for more money! Then I'll raise the child with you! I'll be his godmother!"

This unwavering support warmed Zhixia's heart. She grasped Wang Chun's hand in return and softly responded:

"Um."

In this uncertain time, Wang Chun's friendship and his rough but realistic vision for the future became an important support for Zhi Xia. As for her future with Fang Chu, perhaps it really depends on this child who is "repaying a debt of gratitude" to provide the answer.

At noon, Fang Chu rushed back from the army under the blazing sun, his forehead still covered in fine beads of sweat. As soon as he entered the house, he went straight into the kitchen, tied on an apron, and began to quickly prepare lunch.

Zhi Xia leaned against the kitchen door frame, watching his busy figure, and suddenly said softly, "Fang Chu, why don't you... find someone to help with the cooking? You're running back and forth between the military and home every day, it's too tiring."

Fang Chu paused in his chopping, turning around in surprise. This was the first time Zhi Xia had spoken with genuine concern. Although her tone remained calm, it was like a warm current that instantly filled his heart, making him feel incredibly happy, and causing the corners of his mouth to involuntarily turn upwards.