Reputation
Unlike yesterday’s warm sunshine, today was overcast, making the room dim. Gu Sheng’s handsome face was shrouded in shadow, and Wang Youli stared at him, unable to discern his complexion clearly. He approached Gu Sheng and whispered, “Old Gu, tell me the truth. Was yesterday’s wedding a staged performance between you two?”
Today, after sobering up, Wang Youli became more and more suspicious of yesterday’s events. He remembered the mother and son who had appeared at the wedding banquet. During the dinner, someone had mentioned them, saying that the “newlywed sister” was originally supposed to marry someone else but suddenly changed her mind, choosing her childhood sweetheart, “Brother.”
—Gu Sheng.
Gu Sheng? The devoted childhood sweetheart? Wang Youli couldn’t connect the dots. Considering Gu Sheng’s previous words, it was evident that they weren’t childhood friends but rather arch-enemies from a previous life. Wang Youli contacted an old comrade this morning to inquire, and it turned out that Gu Sheng and Zhan Aiping had never gotten along well. People who knew them well didn’t believe that they were actually getting married. The way Gu Sheng and Zhan Aiping had behaved during the wedding banquet yesterday was undoubtedly a performance.
“Now that Dr. Zhan’s reputation is on the line, you two aren’t planning to actually register the marriage, are you?”
If it was just for show, it should have ended by today.
Gu Sheng opened a chocolate bar and paused at Wang Youli’s words. He said with determination, “Who said I’m having a fake wedding? Once the approval comes through, we’ll register our marriage.”
Wang Youli: “Well, yeah, Gu Sheng spent a lot of money yesterday. If it was just for show, it wouldn’t make sense. But something still doesn’t add up. Did you two actually sleep in the same bed during the wedding night?”
Gu Sheng replied calmly, “Yes, we did, in the same bed.”
It was a genuine statement, but the interpretation of “sleep” might differ slightly between contexts. A man had to maintain his dignity.
Wang Youli was almost choked by his own saliva, “You slept together, and you still came back with such a sour face this morning?”
With the warmth of a beautiful woman in his embrace, a lovely doctor no less, why wouldn’t he cherish the opportunity for close intimacy?
“Did you two have a fight?”
Gu Sheng remained silent for a moment before saying, “She wanted me to praise her for being virtuous, but I didn’t.”
Wang Youli: “…”
This statement left Wang Youli at a loss for words.
Gu Sheng indeed wanted to vent his thoughts to someone. He continued, “She assured me that she would take care of all the household chores in the future. She said she wholeheartedly wants to be a virtuous wife.”
Wang Youli’s face was about to split open. He recalled his own pledge—a commitment he made when a girl from Shanghai had come a long way to marry him. He had written a pledge, promising to hand over his salary, and that whenever he was home, he would do all the household chores that he could handle, plus he would quit smoking and drinking.
Wang Youli had no issues with that pledge, but… this dog of a friend in front of him seemed to be oblivious to his good fortune. A beautiful doctor was willing to marry him, claiming she would take care of all the household chores and be a virtuous wife.
Why was he so unappreciative?
Wang Youli couldn’t believe it. “Darn it!”
He crossed his arms and gave Gu Sheng a sidelong glance. “Such a fantastic deal, and you still come back with a sour face?”
Gu Sheng replied, “Because I don’t believe it.”
“Just like how I don’t believe you quit smoking. Your pledge was all nonsense.”
Wang Youli muttered, “This guy…”
“You still have the nerve not to believe her. At least she’s showing her commitment. She’s also a college graduate, has a job, and earns a salary. Why should she take care of all the household chores? Are you dead?”
Gu Sheng’s words hit Wang Youli hard.
Wang Youli continued, “Don’t you have anything to say for yourself, Gu Sheng? Your attitude is completely off. It’s not easy for someone to become a military wife. Try to be more understanding. We young people should be different from those… who just sit at home like a lord, not lifting a finger even when a bottle of oil spills. We should lend a hand when we can.”
Wang Youli talked with his partner every day about their future, aiming to be an exemplary husband for all men in the military family. He wished he could recruit more people like himself.
For young men with improper thinking like Gu Sheng, as an instructor, Wang Youli felt it was his duty to “criticize and correct” them.
Gu Sheng remained silent.
Wang Youli hummed a few times, thinking that Gu Sheng had no words to respond. He was curious and asked, “Your little sister wanted you to praise her for being virtuous. What did she do today?”
Gu Sheng no longer wanted to discuss this topic and casually replied, “She helped me get dressed and buttoned my shirt.”
He didn’t mention that he had helped her with laundry, tidied up her room, folded the sheets, and even cleaned her place. In the end, he merely gave her a handful of chocolates. After all, a man’s dignity couldn’t be compromised.
Wang Youli’s breathing momentarily stopped. If he weren’t aware that he couldn’t win against Gu Sheng, he might have wanted to punch him. What did he mean by “she helped me get dressed and buttoned my shirt”? That was his dream of married life: waking up next to his beloved wife, having her help him get dressed, and buttoning his shirt…
This dog of a friend was already enjoying such a life, and he was casually talking about it, completely ungrateful for his good fortune!
“Did you two really sleep in the same bed yesterday? Why the sudden change in attitude after getting out of bed?” Wang Youli asked, puzzled.
Gu Sheng chuckled, “Do you think I’d lie to you?”
Wang Youli questioned further, “Do you even understand anything about what happens between a man and a woman? You didn’t… didn’t do anything, did you?”
Gu Sheng rolled his eyes, “Are you trying to pick a fight?”
As much as Wang Youli thought about it, it didn’t make sense. There were plenty of men in the military camp, and there must be a few who were more experienced. Gu Sheng, even if he were inexperienced, couldn’t be that clueless.
But sleeping in the same bed and acting this way afterward, could it be that something went wrong in that department?
Wang Youli looked at him with a peculiar expression.
Gu Sheng’s face turned as dark as a pot, but he couldn’t say anything. He couldn’t compromise his dignity as a man.
Wang Youli leaned closer and curiously whispered, “How about you tell me? I won’t hide it from you either. I haven’t… with a woman—”
Gu Sheng thought to himself: Me neither.
But he acted nonchalant and asked, “Women aren’t that interesting. There’s not much to talk about.”
“Just one wife is enough. Bringing them home just attracts nagging from those sisters-in-law,” Gu Sheng commented, playing the role of a typical irresponsible man.
“Men like him should focus on their careers instead of indulging in love affairs every day,” Wang Youli added.
Gu Sheng’s behaviour as a scoundrel made Wang Youli understand deeply what the women at the family support centre used to say when advising young girls: Handsome men aren’t necessarily good men.
“When choosing a man, you should pick someone who understands warmth and coldness,” Wang Youli declared. He believed he was the ideal man – wise, kind, and considerate, educated, with emotions, and knowledgeable about romance.
Indeed, those commanders who led troops needed some political education. Wang Youli shook his head and teased Gu Sheng, “Are you even speaking human language? It’s no wonder you’re under Commander Jiang’s command.”
Commander Jiang was known for being tough and formidable as a military leader, but he was also famous for being an eternal bachelor. His first arranged marriage in the countryside ended on the wedding day when his wife ran away. Sadly, she passed away from an illness three years later. Since then, Commander Jiang became a widower. In his younger days, Commander Jiang had prematurely gray hair and a receding hairline, which made some women reject him. Some were not bothered by his appearance due to his status, but Commander Jiang felt embittered and frustrated by it. As a result, he chose to embrace the life of a bachelor.
Commander Jiang was now enjoying the benefits of being a bachelor. He was content with his single life, not having to worry about providing for a family, raising children, or any other domestic responsibilities. His salary was his own to spend as he pleased, on good food, fine drinks, and cigars. He didn’t have to share his income, nor did he have to listen to a nagging wife. He revelled in the happiness of his bachelor lifestyle.
Gu Sheng was one of Commander Jiang’s loyal subordinates and seemed to have embraced the essence of the bachelor lifestyle as well. Wang Youli asked if Gu Sheng had informed Commander Jiang about his recent marriage and if he had any objections.
Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow and replied lazily, “Do you dare to tell our Commander about it?”
Wang Youli fell silent.
Gu Sheng continued, “Our Commander doesn’t have any objections.” It seemed that Commander Jiang would lose his excuse to avoid marriage now that Gu Sheng was also tying the knot.
Back when they were comrades-in-arms and shared meals together, Gu Sheng had already shouldered a significant portion of the matchmaking efforts aimed at Commander Jiang. He was seen as a handsome and eligible bachelor, and the sisters-in-law would focus their attention on him rather than the Commander. Wang Youli sighed, trying to advise Gu Sheng, “Your wife is a good woman. You shouldn’t follow Commander Jiang’s example. Instead, learn from me, the future model husband of the family support centre.”
Gu Sheng chuckled and decided to go back to sleep.
Wang Youli advised him, “You really shouldn’t act like this. Lower your attitude a bit. Be careful that your little sister doesn’t change her mind and not marry you. Even though the rice is cooked now, you haven’t officially registered your marriage. She could still change her mind. Such a beautiful young lady, wouldn’t it be better for her to stay in Shanghai as a teacher or a doctor in the future?”
Gu Sheng’s steps halted briefly, but he didn’t say anything and continued walking ahead.
Wang Youli, who remained behind, shook his head. He felt a mix of emotions, including sympathy and regret, but at the same time, he couldn’t help but feel relieved.
The promise he had made might not be achievable to perfection, but his attitude was clear, and he was determined to do his best. Even if he couldn’t fulfil it entirely…
At least he had Gu Sheng, who could serve as a negative example.
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