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

On the evening of the Lantern Festival, the sweet aroma of glutinous rice balls wafted from every household, and the red lanterns hanging under the eaves cast a warm glow in the deepening twilight.

Zhi Xia and Chao Huaihua were packing up the last few odds and ends they had to take when there was a "knock knock" on the courtyard gate, the sound familiar and urgent.

"Xiaxia! Xiaxia! Open the door, I'm home!"

It was Wang Chun's voice! Zhi Xia's eyes lit up, and she quickly put down what she was holding, gesturing for her mother to open the door.

As soon as the door opened, a blast of cold air rushed in, followed by Wang Chun's rosy face and bright, sparkling eyes. She was wearing a worn-out cotton-padded coat, a scarf wrapped around her head, and clutching a small cloth bag tightly in her hand. She looked travel-worn, clearly having just arrived at the family compound.

"Xiaochun! You're back!" Zhixia greeted her happily.

"I'm back! I'm back!" Wang Chun stamped his feet, brushing away the chill, his eyes fixed on Zhi Xia's swollen belly, full of amazement and amusement. "Oh my, your belly's gotten even bigger!"

Chao Huaihua greeted her with a smile, "Chun'er's back! Come inside and warm up! Have you eaten?"

"I ate something on the train," Wang Chun replied, but followed Zhi Xia into the inner room. She didn't bother with pleasantries, carefully placing the small cloth bag she was carrying on the table and opening it layer by layer.

Inside were two small, umbrella-shaped Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms, dark brown in color, with the unique scent of mountain forest plants. Their appearance wasn't top-notch; they were clearly wild products from deep in the mountains, but they were very well preserved.

"Here you go, Xiaxia." Wang Chun pushed the Ganoderma lucidum in front of Zhixia, his face showing a little pride and seriousness. "I promised to bring it to you. Aren't I amazing! I found it in the old forest. These are the only two small ones. They're not very old, but they're definitely wild! Keep them safe."

Zhi Xia picked up the two small Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms. They felt a little hard and cool to the touch, but her heart was warmed. She knew Wang Chun must have put in a lot of effort for this. "Xiao Chun, you're amazing! Thank you!" she said sincerely.

"Of course! I'll definitely keep my promise!" Wang Chun puffed out her chest, then lowered her voice and earnestly instructed, "Keep this safe, don't eat it casually. After you give birth, during your postpartum confinement period, ask a doctor or an experienced elder how best to use it, whether it's for making soup or something else. You must take good care of yourself during your postpartum period, don't let it cause any health problems later, understand?"

"Yes, I know, don't worry." Zhixia nodded, carefully wrapped the Ganoderma lucidum, and put it into the small bag she was going to take with her.

The room fell silent for a moment, with only the soft crackling of the fire in the stove. As parting drew near, the earlier joy faded, replaced by a deep sense of reluctance.

Wang Chun looked at Zhi Xia, then suddenly stepped forward and hugged her tightly, his voice a little muffled: "Xia Xia... I'll miss you."

Zhi Xia's nose tingled, and she hugged her back, her voice choked with emotion: "I'll miss you too."

Wang Chun released her, wiped his eyes, and forced a smile: "After you give birth, I'll definitely find a chance to visit you! To see who our twin babies look like!"

"Yes! It's a deal!" Zhixia nodded vigorously.

Wang Chun paused, looked at Zhi Xia, his eyes becoming serious, and said half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Xia Xia, you've gone to Kyoto, don't forget me just because you've made new friends. I'm your best friend."

Zhi Xia burst into laughter through her tears at her words, but deliberately put on a serious face: "You are my best, best friend. I can forget anyone but you. Once I've established myself in Kyoto, I'll definitely help you find a boyfriend there, and then we'll still be together."

"Okay! It's a deal!" Wang Chun held out his finger. "Pinky promise! Once you find me a girlfriend, I'll come live with you!"

"Pinky promise!" Zhi Xia extended her little finger and hooked it with Wang Chun's, giving it a vigorous shake. "I'll wait for you to find me!"

The two looked at each other and smiled, their eyes filled with tears, but more than anything, they were expressing their blessings and promises for each other's future.

Outside the window, someone set off fireworks first. With a "bang," they burst into brilliant colors in the night sky. Then, more fireworks rose up, crackling and popping, illuminating the night of reunion and farewell.

Wang Chun stayed with Zhi Xia for a while longer, until Fang Chu returned, at which point she got up to say goodbye. Zhi Xia and Chao Huaihua saw her to the door, watching her slender but upright figure disappear into the night.

"This girl is really something," Chao Huaihua remarked.

"Mmm," Zhixia responded softly, touching the small bundle in her arms. Two tiny Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms, a heavy sentiment, and the promise about "finding a partner" would all be carefully carried by her on the train leaving her hometown, becoming a warm thought and a source of longing for her in the unfamiliar capital city.

On the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, after lunch, the Jeep that Fang Chu had borrowed was already parked at the entrance of the courtyard. The engine emitted a low hum, and the exhaust fumes condensed into white mist in the chilly weather.

The luggage was minimal, but all of it was essential. Fang Chu carried the two largest suitcases, which contained Zhi Xia and Chao Huaihua's clothes, as well as some essential items and food for the journey.

Chao Huaihua was carrying a small bundle containing Zhixia's personal belongings and the two Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms.

Zhi Xia was wrapped tightly in a thick military overcoat by Fang Chu, with a woolen hat on her head, only her bright black eyes showing. Her belly still looked prominent under the bulky winter clothes. Fang Chu held her hand tightly with one hand, while her other hand unconsciously protected her abdomen.

Outside the courtyard gate, a number of familiar military dependents and their wives had already gathered, offering words of advice and blessings.

Zhi Lin and Zhang Meili arrived early as well. Zhi Lin patted Fang Chu on the shoulder, saying nothing much, but the meaning in her eyes was clear: take good care of my sister. Zhang Meili held Zhi Xia's hand, her eyes slightly red, and carefully gave her instructions on what to do on the way and when they arrived in Kyoto.

It's time to get on the bus.

Just then, Wang Chun rushed in, her eyes red and her hair disheveled, clearly having run all the way. Behind her was her sister-in-law, Zhao Lili, who was looking at her with a mixture of helplessness and understanding.

"Xiaxia!" Wang Chun cried out, her voice trembling with tears. She rushed over and hugged Zhixia tightly, tears streaming down her face. "You're leaving already..."

Zhi Xia swayed slightly from the hug, and Fang Chu quickly steadied her. Zhi Xia's eyes instantly reddened, and she hugged Wang Chun back, her voice choked with emotion, "Xiao Chun..."

The two girls hugged each other, tears streaming silently down their faces.

Zhao Lili stepped forward and gently tugged at Wang Chun's arm, advising, "Chun'er, don't cry anymore, people will laugh at you. It's not like you'll never see each other again! Besides, Political Commissar Fang will be back, won't he? With him around, how could you two lose contact? You can write letters or pass on messages easily!"