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

Fang Chu's voice whispered close to her ear, low and tender, tinged with a guilty conscience and a touch of gentleness: "Qingqing baby... I didn't mean to lie to you. I was just... worried you'd be cold." He paused, then added, "I'll just hold you, I won't do anything, really. You sleep, I'll watch over you."

His explanation was clumsy and his reasons were far-fetched, but the tenderness and care in his tone were like a feather, gently scratching at Zhixia's heart.

Zhi Xia didn't say anything more.

In the darkness, she lay awake, feeling the firm, warm embrace behind her and the steady, powerful heartbeat. Their body heat mingled through the thin nightgown. She remembered the letter from earlier that day, his focused profile as he knelt to wash her feet, and all the little acts of kindness she had shown him over the past few days.

The anger I felt dissipated silently, like a punctured balloon.

She sighed very softly, leaned back slightly, closer to the source of warmth, found a more comfortable position, and closed her eyes.

"...Go to sleep." Her voice was barely audible, like a compromise or a tacit agreement.

Fang Chu heard it.

He felt a sudden sense of relief, followed by immense joy and warmth. He dared not make any large movements, but simply rested his chin gently on the top of her head, inhaling the faint scent of soap in her hair, while keeping his arms in that just-right position, protecting her even more completely in his embrace.

"Mmm, go to sleep," he replied softly, his voice filled with undisguised joy and contentment.

The wind blew outside the window as usual, but the room was warm and cozy. The two fell asleep in each other's arms, with no more barriers between them. Zhixia quickly drifted off to sleep in the steady heartbeat and the warmth of the embrace, a long-lost serenity on her face.

Fang Chu, however, couldn't fall asleep for a long time. He lay awake, tracing the outline of the person in his arms in the darkness, feeling her steady breathing and the occasional slight movements of the fetus in her womb. An unprecedented, heavy sense of responsibility and happiness filled his chest.

He knew that what he was holding in his arms was his whole world.

This time, he will never let go again, nor will he let her suffer any more harm. He will spend his entire life making amends for that wrong beginning and protecting this hard-won warmth and peace.

In the dead of night, Fang Chu finally couldn't resist. After confirming that Zhi Xia was fast asleep, he quietly got up, went to the outer room, and, in the dim light, opened the letter from Zuo Qi.

The letter was written on ordinary notebook paper, with neat and strong handwriting, each stroke written with utmost care.

The opening line no longer uses affectionate terms like "My wife Xia Bao," but instead uses the proper "Xia Xia"—

"Xiaxia, it's like seeing you in person as I read this."

Your second brother came to see me a few days ago and explained everything to me. I know you're married now and have a baby. Hearing this news, my feelings are... very complicated, but mostly I'm happy for you. I wish you happiness, truly.

Your second brother said your husband is a military officer and his family is very powerful. I... really can't compare to him now. I don't have his family background, nor his future prospects.

But Xiaxia, please remember this, and please tell him: I will try my best.

I'm not trying to compete with him for anything, nor do I harbor any inappropriate thoughts about you. From now on, you'll be my sister, like a real sister to me.

I will study hard, work hard, and strive to climb the social ladder. Not for anything else, but so that I can be your support in the future.

I know that marrying into that kind of family might bring many unimaginable difficulties. Don't worry, I, Zuoqi, assure you: as long as I have a breath left, I will never let you suffer the slightest grievance in your husband's family! If he, or anyone in his family, dares to make you suffer or be unhappy…

I'll climb as high as I can, climb to a place high enough, and drag their whole family down to avenge you! I mean it!

Therefore, you must live well, better than anyone else. Only then will my efforts be meaningful.

Don't worry, take care of yourself.

Left Flag

The letter was short and contained no suggestive or ambiguous words between a man and a woman. It was filled with acceptance of Zhi Xia's current situation, blessings for her future, and a near-resolute vow to protect her as a younger sister, even at the cost of confronting potential "powerful figures" in the future.

Fang Chu gripped the letter tightly, his fingertips turning slightly white from the force.

His chest heaved violently, a feeling of suffocation and... crisis stuck in his chest, unable to be exhaled or swallowed.

That Zuoqi guy! He's so good at it! He's fucking good at flirting with girls!

He didn't pester her or complain; instead, he adopted a completely letting-go attitude, wishing her happiness.

But between the lines, the deep-seated, almost obsessive desire to protect and the resolute determination to "fight the world for you" are more impactful than any sweet words, and can touch the softest, most easily moved part of the heart.

Especially for a girl like Zhixia, who has experienced a forced marriage, lacks a sense of security, and is in an unfamiliar high-class environment, such a promise from her childhood sweetheart, who is not utilitarian and simply wants to support her, is like sending charcoal in snowy weather. It may even touch some hidden corners of her heart more easily than her husband's thoughtfulness.

No wonder... no wonder Qingqing had arranged a marriage with him when they were children.

This kid, when he writes a letter, his thoughts are so profound and touching!

He wasn't just saying goodbye; he was planting a seed of "escape route" and "reliance" in Zhi Xia's heart. Even if this seed might never sprout, its very existence was enough to make Fang Chu, as her husband, feel like he had a fishbone stuck in his throat.

Fang Chu was so angry he wanted to find Zuo Qi immediately and have a "good talk" with him. But he knew he couldn't. Not only could he not, he couldn't even show the slightest concern.

Because Zuo Qi's letter placed him on the moral and emotional high ground. If Fang Chu were to react to this, it would only make him appear petty, insecure, and might even confirm the suspicion that he "would cause Zhi Xia to suffer."

He stared at the letter, his eyes sharp as knives, as if he wanted to rip out each word. After a long while, he finally let out a long, slow breath.

The anger and sense of crisis gradually subsided, replaced by a clearer understanding and determination.

Zuo Qi will work hard? Won't Fang Chu work hard too?

Zuo Qi wants to be Xia Xia's protector? Does he deserve it? Fang Chu is her rightful and most reliable husband!

Zuo Qi swore he wouldn't let her suffer any injustice? Fang Chu would prove with his actions throughout his life that she didn't need any other backers by his side!

He carefully folded the letter back to its original shape and put it back in the envelope. He neither tore it up nor hid it. Since Qingqing had chosen to give him the letter, he should handle it openly and honestly.

However, he was even more on edge. He knew he couldn't afford to slack off any longer. He had to treat Zhixia better, more considerately, and more respectfully, so that she would feel secure and happy from the bottom of her heart and never think of needing any other "support."