Rebirth: Sensational Military Wife in 70s...

Chapter 9: Getting the Marriage Certificate

Lu Weiguo acted swiftly. That very night, he prepared the marriage report.

The next morning, he submitted the report and the application for the family quarters to the organization.

By mid-morning, the news had spread throughout the military camp. The leaders, intrigued, started gathering around Lu Weiguo, causing a stir among the soldiers on the training grounds.

The unusual number of high-ranking officers visiting the training field made the soldiers nervous.

At the end of the day's training, Lu Weiguo was summoned to meet the regiment commander.

In the Regimental Commander's Office

Regiment Commander Zhao, forty years old, had a stern expression. It softened slightly when he saw Lu Weiguo enter.

Lu Weiguo immediately noticed the marriage report on Zhao's desk.

Zhao pointed to a chair and said, "Sit."

Lu Weiguo saluted and sat upright.

Zhao picked up the marriage report and asked, "Have you thought this through? You should be aware of Shi's family situation."

"Yes, I have considered it."

Zhao sighed. Lu Weiguo was the most outstanding soldier under his command. If it had been any other match, as long as the background was acceptable, he would have approved the marriage report immediately. But Shi's family?

"Shi's family isn't a good match," Zhao said bluntly.

Lu Weiguo lowered his eyes, his tone neutral. "I know."

Zhao was somewhat irritated. "You know? You know I'm about to advance in rank? You know this position is intended for you?"

"You're risking your position with this move?"

Lu Weiguo's fingers twitched but were restrained. "Commander Zhao, I'm not suited for further promotion at the moment."

Zhao frowned but didn't continue his reprimand.

Noticing Zhao's silence, Lu Weiguo continued, "In these special times, with my military achievements, advancing further would attract too much attention."

He planned to lay low for a couple of years until the current political tensions subsided before seeking further advancement.

Zhao eyed him suspiciously. "You're getting involved with Shi's family just to avoid promotion?"

Lu Weiguo's lips twitched. "I'm not that idle. It's just that Shi's family is a suitable match."

With that, Zhao didn't press further.

As Lu Weiguo prepared to leave, Zhao lowered his voice. "Since you're committed to this marriage, I'll give you some insider information."

"Please," Lu Weiguo responded, also speaking softly.

Zhao's expression was serious. "The report against Shi's family is still with our brigade commander. He appreciates Shi's abilities and has kept it under wraps."

Lu Weiguo understood now why Shi's family continued their work without disruption despite the reports. It had been suppressed.

Zhao sighed. "But it won't be suppressed for long. At most, a month, or at least two weeks, before there's action from above."

"Please help me expedite the marriage application," Lu Weiguo requested. He calculated he needed to marry Shi Tingyu within two weeks.

Zhao wanted to pat Lu Weiguo on the shoulder but settled for patting his arm instead. "Don't worry. I'll push for it. Professor Shi has done us a great favor. Without his improved weaponry, we'd have suffered far more losses."

This was why the brigade commander wanted to keep Shi's family safe.

Lu Weiguo sincerely thanked him and left the office.

Back at Shi's home, Shi Father and Shi Mother were anxious. They needed to complete all necessary preparations within two weeks.

They sent 500 yuan to their eldest son as an emergency fund and transferred all remaining money to Shi Tingyu.

This wasn't favoritism; their eldest son had a stable income, and large amounts of money in his possession might attract unwanted scrutiny.

Shi's family's total monthly income was 642 yuan. After four years, they had saved over 38,000 yuan, minus daily expenses, leaving 28,500 yuan in the bank, plus various coupons.

Shi Tingyu kept 300 yuan on hand for her parents, as she feared that large amounts could be discovered and cause trouble.

She placed another 200 yuan and some soon-to-expire coupons at home.

The remaining 28,000 yuan was stored in a secret compartment.

The 200 yuan left at home was for emergencies, in case of inspections.

The military camp moved quickly. Within a week, Lu Weiguo's marriage and family housing applications were approved.

After receiving the approvals, Lu Weiguo cleaned the family quarters and took a leave of absence to go with Shi Tingyu to get their marriage certificate.

Shi Father and Shi Mother anxiously awaited at home. They couldn't relax until they saw the marriage certificate, fearing any potential issues.

By 10:30 AM, Shi Tingyu and Lu Weiguo arrived at the family quarters.

Shi Tingyu showed her parents the marriage certificate, and their eyes immediately welled up.

"Good, good, now we can rest assured."

Shi Father looked at Lu Weiguo with some trepidation. "Lu, my daughter has been pampered and sheltered. If she makes any mistakes, please address them with her calmly. She's reasonable and will listen, but never resort to violence, understand?"

Lu Weiguo nodded. "Don't worry, I will treat Shi Comrade well."

Shi Father turned away to discreetly wipe his eyes.

Shi Mother spoke softly, "As for the wedding, keep it low-key. It's better for you."

Lu Weiguo hesitated, concerned that it might not be fair to Shi Tingyu.

Shi Tingyu met his gaze and nodded. "Getting the certificate is enough. The rest doesn't matter."

At noon, the family had a meal together. Shi Tingyu prepared four dishes and a soup: sweet and sour ribs, oil-braised eggplant, spicy chicken, mapo tofu, and tomato egg soup.

The dishes were all home-cooked. The sweet and sour ribs were tender and tangy. The oil-braised eggplant, pre-cooked and fried, was soft and flavorful. The spicy chicken was rich and aromatic, while the mapo tofu was tender and spicy.

Lu Weiguo thought the meal was far better than the food at the state-owned restaurant. He ate more than usual, causing Shi's parents to be astonished.

They thought that with such an appetite, their family might struggle to keep up.

Shi Tingyu was more composed. Given Lu Weiguo's large build and rigorous training, his appetite was naturally larger.

After lunch, Shi Father and Shi Mother returned to work, having only taken half a day off.

Shi Tingyu asked Lu Weiguo, "Would you like to see my room?"

Lu Weiguo looked up at her.

At that moment, she was standing while he was seated, and she was not much shorter than him.

His gaze was intense, marking the first time since receiving the marriage certificate that Lu Weiguo looked at her with such focused attention.

Her skin was smooth and fair, like fine jade. Her eyebrows were gently arched, and her mouth had a sweet dimple as if she had a bit of honey.

In the light of Shi Tingyu's gaze, he heard himself say, "Sure."

Then he followed Shi Tingyu into the room.