“Will You Consider It?”
“Dumplings are ready!”
The server’s shout saved Qin Shi from the overly enthusiastic woman for the moment. Qin Shi smiled politely at her and quickly went to the counter to collect her dumplings.
Just as she set the bowl down and was about to pull out a chair, the woman eagerly slid into the seat next to her.
“Young lady, I know someone with excellent credentials,” the woman began, her eyes gleaming. “Listen while you eat, and if you’re not interested, just pretend I said nothing. No pressure, okay?”
Qin Shi hesitated but eventually nodded. “Go ahead.”
The woman beamed and launched into her pitch. “This person graduated from a military academy and is already a regiment commander at just 28 years old! He has his own independent courtyard, an 80-square-meter house, and earns 80 yuan a month.”
“He’s 1.85 meters tall, handsome, doesn’t smoke, doesn’t drink, and doesn’t gamble.”
“Sounds almost too good to be true,” the server interjected, voicing exactly what Qin Shi was thinking.
The woman’s smile faltered briefly before she sighed. “To be honest, he really is a great catch, but…”
“But he’s been married before and has three kids,” she admitted.
“Wait, what?” The server glanced at Qin Shi, who was quietly eating her dumplings. Clearly, this wasn’t the match someone like her would be looking for.
The woman hurried to explain. “But the three kids aren’t his! They’re the children of his fallen comrades—he adopted them. And although he was married before, he had barely tied the knot when he was sent off on a mission. He was rarely home.”
“My former daughter-in-law was a well-educated woman from the military district, but she couldn’t handle his constant absences or the responsibility of raising the kids. They divorced after just a year.”
Her eyes grew misty as she continued, “My son is busy serving the country, and I stepped in to care for the kids. But as I got older and with my husband’s health deteriorating, I had no choice but to return to our hometown.”
“I’ve been thinking about finding him another match, and when I saw you, I just felt you were different! You’re so kind and gentle with children. It gave me the idea…”
She glanced nervously at Qin Shi. “Please don’t take offense. If you’re not interested, just forget I said anything.”
It was clear to Qin Shi that the woman wasn’t entirely hopeful. She recognized Qin Shi’s good looks and dignified demeanour and probably thought it was a long shot. But seeing how Qin Shi had handled the choking child earlier, her maternal instincts and desperation had driven her to speak up without much thought.
Qin Shi set down her chopsticks and looked at the woman seriously. “Tell me more. How old are the children? Where is the military base located?”
The woman’s eyes widened in surprise. She hadn’t expected Qin Shi to consider it at all.
“The base is in X City, close to the supply cooperative. You can find everything you need there. The eldest is a boy, nine years old and in third grade. The younger two are twins—a boy and a girl, both four years old.”
“They’re very well-behaved. The eldest helps me with chores every day, and the younger two are easy to manage as long as they’re fed.”
The woman grasped Qin Shi’s hand and added earnestly, “If you’re willing, you can meet my second son today. He’s in town on some errands and will be here shortly.”
“I’m not the meddling type. As long as you both live happily, I won’t interfere in your lives!”
Qin Shi didn’t respond immediately, lowering her gaze in thought.
If the situation was truly as the woman described, it was far better than what Lu Cai could offer. Not only would it mean escaping her current household, but it would also come with better conditions and opportunities.
Both options involved being a stepmother to three children. If she had to choose, she’d obviously go for the one with a better deal. From her memories, Lu Cai’s mother was a nasty and domineering woman, and Lu Cai himself had a history of domestic violence.
Making up her mind, Qin Shi looked up. “I can meet him.”
It wouldn’t hurt to see what this regiment commander was like. If he truly was as good as described, this could be a viable path forward.
The woman’s face lit up with excitement. “Great, no problem! He’ll be here soon. Sit tight.” Overjoyed, she pulled Qin Shi into conversation, asking about her background.
When she learned that Qin Shi was a high school graduate who had even been accepted into college, her satisfaction grew even more.
As they chatted, a tall man in a military uniform walked through the door. Qin Shi squinted slightly, scrutinizing him as he strode toward them, silhouetted against the light.
His posture was upright, with broad shoulders and a commanding presence. His entire demeanour exuded the disciplined air of a soldier.
He had striking features—handsome, though his skin was tanned. It gave him a rugged, masculine look that felt secure and dependable.
“This is my second son, Lu Zetian,” the woman said, beckoning him over. “Come, come, quickly!”
Still unsure of the situation, Lu Zetian approached their table and sat down. He nodded politely at Qin Shi, then turned to his mother with a puzzled expression.
“Mom,” he said, “weren’t we supposed to be eating? Why haven’t you ordered anything yet?”
“Take Qin Shi to buy a few things, and then come back for lunch,” Lu’s mother said cheerfully.
At first, Lu Zetian didn’t understand what was going on, but the look in his mother’s eyes and her wide smile quickly clued him in.
He frowned inwardly, surprised that his mother had orchestrated such a setup without his knowledge. However, since the young woman was already here, he couldn’t bring himself to refuse outright. He nodded and decided to clarify everything with Qin Shi once they were outside.
“Take good care of her!” Lu’s mother beamed as she watched the two leave the state-run restaurant. She kept her eyes on their retreating figures, brimming with satisfaction.
Such a handsome man and a beautiful woman—they looked perfect together!
The server, who had been watching the lively scene, finally spoke. “So, are you eating or not?”
“Of course! Give me an order of braised pork and dumplings!” Lu’s mother replied enthusiastically.
—
Out on the street, Qin Shi and Lu Zetian walked one in front of the other. Once they reached a quieter area, both opened their mouths at the same time.
“You—”
“You—”
They stopped simultaneously, the awkwardness of the matchmaking situation hanging in the air. Neither of them, however, was the type to be overly flustered.
Qin Shi had developed a thick skin from her experiences in the modern world, while Lu Zetian’s personality simply made him straightforward and pragmatic.
“You first,” Qin Shi said with a small smile.
Lu Zetian didn’t hesitate. “My mother has probably already told you about my situation?”
Qin Shi nodded.
“I’m not looking for a partner just to take care of the children. That’s hiring a nanny, not finding a wife,” Lu Zetian said seriously. “I don’t know what my mother told you, but if you’re unwilling, I won’t force you. I’ll handle this myself—you don’t need to worry.”
He felt a pang of embarrassment at his mother’s abrupt matchmaking attempt, wondering where she’d even found this young woman. He had explicitly refused her offers to find him a partner before returning home.
Qin Shi nodded slightly in understanding. Just hearing Lu Zetian’s reasoning confirmed to her that his values were solid. Marrying him wouldn’t be a bad idea.
After all, if she had to become a stepmother, she might as well choose someone reliable, good-looking, and with a strong sense of responsibility.
Lu Zetian relaxed a little at Qin Shi’s calm response, but before he could say more, she spoke again.
“I’m willing.”
Surprised, Lu Zetian turned to her.
Qin Shi met his gaze directly and began explaining her circumstances, leaving nothing out about her family and the situation with Lu Cai.
“You need someone to help care for your children, and I need someone to take me away from here. I don’t want to marry Lu Cai or continue being exploited by my family, who sold my college spot.”
“I will earnestly raise and educate the three children to adulthood and take care of your daily needs. If you need me to act as a loving wife in public, I have no issue with that either.”
“All I ask is that you cover the household expenses and provide me with a small salary. Of course, I’ll keep detailed accounts to ensure everything is transparent and fair.”
Lu Zetian stared at her, stunned. “…?”
Qin Shi flashed her signature business-like smile. “Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Qin Shi, 24 years old, admitted to the English Department of C University. I am a skilled cook with excellent childcare abilities.”
“I can do everything a nanny can do and more. Hiring me will completely solve your worries about the household.”
“We can arrange a contractual marriage, with all terms written clearly in an agreement. We can discuss the details further.”
Qin Shi tilted her head slightly and smiled brightly at him. “What do you think?”
“…”
“…………”
Lu Zetian was silent.
The regiment commander, known for his steadiness and composure even on the battlefield, found himself utterly unsure of how to respond.
This was the first time he had ever met a woman as bold, rational, and fearless as Qin Shi.
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