Volume One, Chapter 11: Already Showing Favoritism Before Even Getting Married?
“Yes, sir.”
Xie Wu drove, and soon they arrived at the flat pavilion halfway up the mountain.
Across the endless mountain range, careful observation revealed numerous figures clad in military green.
Standing on higher ground, Commander Ye immediately spotted Fu Juechuan carrying heavy gear, running at the front of the company.
“That kid…” Commander Ye watched closely, sensing something was off. “Wait a minute, how much weight is he carrying?”
Xie Wu peered through binoculars and replied, “Commander, Sergeant Fu is carrying about eighty kilograms.”
“Good boy, definitely stronger than the others.”
“Go call him down immediately.”
“Yes, sir!” Xie Wu promptly moved forward to summon Fu Juechuan.
Despite the heavy load of various gear strapped to him, it didn’t bend his back at all; instead, he appeared robust and strong. Sweat trickled down his bronze neck, dripping onto his firm chest and soaking his uniform. His steady face was now giving a proper military salute before Commander Ye.
“Salute!”
Commander Ye returned the salute.
Commander Ye asked, “How much are you carrying exactly? Be honest.”
“Thirty kilograms of military equipment and fifty kilograms of personal items.”
“Hah, you still dare to say that!” Commander Ye scolded, puffing up and glaring. “Don’t you want to live? Reckless like this?”
“Commander, my previous record at the military academy was a hundred kilograms for single-soldier combat load. I didn’t act recklessly,” Fu Juechuan said calmly. “Besides, from what I know, the special forces in country E carry a hundred kilograms.”
“Our soldiers are naturally limited compared to their taller physiques, but since I can reach this standard, I’m unwilling to give up.”
Commander Ye hadn’t yet reviewed Fu Juechuan’s files in the academy, as he wasn’t under his direct command.
“Do you intend to become a special forces soldier?” Commander Ye discerned his implication and kindly advised, “Special forces aren’t under my jurisdiction, and they’re quite dangerous.”
“I have the capability. The regular troops feel like a waste and a constraint to me,” Fu Juechuan’s resolve was clear.
Commander Ye patted his shoulder.
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“Actually, I came today on a personal matter, concerning your marriage with Qiao Qiao.”
“Are you serious about marrying Qiao Qiao?”
Fu Juechuan suddenly spoke up, “Commander, since I’m joining the special forces, I won’t be able to accompany Qiao Qiao often. If you don’t mind, I’m willing to marry her, and rest assured, I won’t let her down.”
“Hmm?” Commander Ye was taken aback by his reply. “You’re certain?”
Fu Juechuan saluted again: “Yes, sir!”
Commander Ye instinctively patted his shoulder. “Good lad. I knew you had good taste. My Qiao Qiao really is a fine girl.”
“Marrying her would definitely be a gain for you.”
Fu Juechuan replied with a calm “Hmm.”
“But…” Commander Ye was still level-headed and spoke seriously, “If you marry my daughter, outsiders will surely say she’s marrying beneath herself. I know, for a man, that kind of talk can be humiliating. If you can’t accept it, we can forget this marriage today.”
“If you accept it, then you must never harbor resentment toward Qiao Qiao for this reason.”
“I don’t care what others say. Both Qiao Qiao and I respect everyone.”
“I believe a soldier’s willpower won’t be broken by such idle gossip,” Commander Ye said, locking eyes with Fu Juechuan.
Any hesitation would make him abandon the idea of their marriage.
Fu Juechuan had been clear from the start: “Commander, I understand. After marriage, I hope Qiao Qiao can live with her parents. Since I’ll be away often, whether she lives outside the military district or in a communal dorm, I wouldn’t feel at ease.”
“Good boy,” Commander Ye said, more pleased than expected the more he looked at him.
“Alright, from now on we’re family. If you have any difficulties, just say so.”
“As long as you and Qiao Qiao are happy, I’m satisfied.”
Fu Juechuan hesitated briefly, then asked, “There is one difficulty—I don’t know how much bride price is appropriate.”
He had never been married and didn’t know the customs in Huaicheng. The capital’s customs also needed to be considered; he wanted to prepare in advance.
“You’re honest, but I know your situation. You’re an only child, and you’ve only recently started earning a salary, probably with little savings. Qiao Qiao likes you for who you are, not your money,” Commander Ye said, never intending to trouble Fu Juechuan over a bride price.
Besides, what mattered to him was Fu Juechuan’s character.
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With Zhou Cong ahead, Fu Juechuan’s character was indeed precious.
Fu Juechuan realized Commander Ye might not know about his family background. He worried that if they followed Huaicheng’s customs, it might make Qiao Qiao appear inferior in the capital. If so, it would be better to follow the capital’s customs.
“Commander, I…” Fu Juechuan was about to reveal his origins but was interrupted.
“Good boy, I’ll be at ease as long as you live well,” Commander Ye said cheerfully, then asked, “Do you want to marry in your hometown or here?”
“And the wedding house…”
“Commander, may I write a plan tonight and present it to you?” Fu Juechuan was surprised by the promptness but didn’t refuse.
As for his family matters, he would inform them after contacting his father.
“Good, good,” Commander Ye patted his shoulder. “Don’t call me Commander anymore. Call me Uncle Ye. You’ll change that after marrying Qiao Qiao.”
“Yes, Uncle Ye.”
That evening, Commander Ye returned and told Qiao Qiao about it.
Qiao Qiao, upon hearing the news, stammered, “Oh… oh.”
“That boy is really something. I even checked his performance at the academy—perfect scores in every subject. He’s outstanding. Being assigned as a platoon leader with a junior lieutenant rank right after training? He’s no ordinary soldier.”
“I think it’s just that others lack vision.”
“Dad, you’re right,” Qiao Qiao nodded.
“You haven’t even married yet, and you’re already favoring your boyfriend?” Commander Ye joked.
Qiao Qiao blushed, “Dad, don’t joke. I’m just stating facts.”
“Alright, as long as you and Fu Juechuan get along well, I’m relieved. I’ve discussed with Juechuan; we’ll finalize your marriage soon, aiming before the year-end leave,” Commander Ye arranged. “What do you think?”