Chapter 101: Director Wang’s Threat
Sheng Wanyan agreed to the proposal. After all, an engagement was a practical step for both of them, and the entire process would naturally take more than half a year to unfold. Given the nature of Gu Tingxiao’s military career, he was only granted leave once or twice a year. If they kept dragging their feet, he would likely be thirty by the time they wed.
Besides, corresponding with him over the past six months had proven to her that he was an exceptionally outstanding man. He was husband material, possessed his own assets, and had the grit to rebuild his life from scratch if necessary. Since she had made up her mind, it was better to be straightforward. There was no point in keeping him dangling and wasting his sincerity.
With the matter settled, Mother Sheng planned to bring up the engagement the moment Gu Tingxiao came to visit the following day.
Gu Tingxiao had absolutely no idea that his dearest dream had just been approved by the Sheng family. If he had known, he would have broken military protocol and sprinted to their doorstep that very evening. In his letters, he had carefully dropped hints about his family wanting to arrange a marriage, but Wanyan had always skillfully deflected the topic. He understood her reservations and knew he couldn’t force her. If he scared his little girl away, where on earth would he find such a perfect wife? All he could do was bide his time, occasionally testing the waters to keep the idea fresh in her mind.
Back in her room, Wanyan unzipped Gu Tingxiao’s canvas bag, which was packed to the absolute brim. As she pulled the items out one by one and laid them on the bed, she finally understood why the bundle had been so heavy. The man had practically scoured the markets for anything of value.
There were three bragi skirts in vibrant shades of red and blue, including one elegant, long-cut design. He had also packed a pair of leather shoes, a pair of canvas sneakers, and a bright red wool overcoat. He had pulled quite a few strings to secure these luxury imports from the Capital Overseas Chinese Shopping Mall, along with a collection of beautiful hairpins.
For her health, he had bundled three tins of malted milk extract, five cans of preserved fruit, a package of powdered milk, and several bags of White Rabbit creamy candy that he had specifically requested someone buy for him in the capital. He was clearly determined to fortify her nutrition; the last time he had held her, he couldn’t help but notice her waist was far too slender. In his mind, she needed proper supplements, or her health might suffer down the line.
Wanyan then unfolded a handkerchief and gasped. Tucked inside was a wristwatch! The style was clean, classic, and understated; Gu Tingxiao knew exactly what suited her taste. This watch was another rare luxury from the Overseas Chinese Shopping Mall—a highly coveted status symbol.
Deep inside the bag lay a thick envelope containing his savings. Gu Tingxiao had discreetly slipped the packet into her hands while she was returning from the restroom during their dinner. It contained his entire salary and bonuses from the past two months. Wanyan counted a total of one hundred yuan, alongside a generous stack of national ration coupons.
Ever since they started dating, he had forwarded his earnings to her every single month without retaining a single cent for himself. She had repeatedly urged him in her letters to keep at least five yuan on hand for emergencies; otherwise, the proud officer would literally become a penniless pauper just by being in a relationship.
Wanyan organized the bills and tucked them away, resolved not to touch a single copper coin of his savings. While she appreciated his absolute devotion, she believed a partnership should be built on equal footing. They weren’t married yet, and she couldn’t bring herself to squander his hard-earned money. This capital was earned at the risk of his life, a military benefit paid for with blood and sweat. His choice to give it to her was a testament to his love, but how she managed it was a matter of her own principle.
Tallying the funds he had forwarded over the past six months, Wanyan realized she was holding 450 yuan, along with a substantial stash of national coupons. Because national ration coupons didn’t carry an expiration date, they were incredibly valuable for future use. She had no shortage of daily supplies anyway, so she kept his contributions sealed away as a meaningful keepsake.
The iron box held more than just his money; it also housed every letter they had exchanged over the past half year, along with the military stamps she had carefully preserved. Wanyan stored the iron box safely within her spatial inventory, then strolled over to the peach trees in her space, excavating two bottles of homemade peach blossom wine.
She had brewed this batch himself two months ago. Given the space’s accelerated time ratio of 1:12, the wine had already aged for exactly two years. It was at peak maturity, making it the perfect time to share it with her elders. She set the bottles aside, waiting for a natural opportunity to introduce them to the household.
The following afternoon, Wanyan lingered in the office to organize a few files before clocking out. By the time she gathered her bag and left the building, the factory grounds were almost deserted. She walked out to the bicycle racks and immediately spotted Director Wang.
He was leaning casually against the back of his bicycle, clearly waiting for her. The moment he saw her approach, he stood up, smoothing his features into a practiced, gentle smile as he stepped into her path.
“Comrade Sheng Wanyan, heading home for the day?” his voice was oily and soft, as if he were terrified of startling a prized bird.
“Yes. Good evening, Director Wang,” Wanyan replied with a polite but clipped nod, attempting to steer her bicycle around him.
Her cold indifference instantly kindled a flash of rage behind his eyes. He found her complete lack of deference infuriating. Every single time they crossed paths, she either feigned blindness or actively avoided his presence. But did the little fool truly believe she could hide from him forever? There had never been a woman he desired whom he couldn’t break to his will.
Just as Wanyan pushed her bicycle forward, a pair of large hands clamped firmly down onto the handlebars.
When she looked up, Director Wang’s gentle facade had entirely evaporated, replaced by a sullen, arrogant sneer. His grip on the metal frame was unyielding, and his tone was laced with malice.
“Comrade Sheng Wanyan, I understand both of your parents are industrial workers, correct? Your father is at the steel mill, if I recall. It just so happens that the production director at that plant is my cousin’s husband.”
Wanyan met his gaze, the underlying implication instantly clear. The man was openly threatening her family’s livelihood.
“Director Wang, I haven’t the slightest idea what you are implying,” she said, her voice turning icy. “Please remove your hands. I need to return home.”
The corners of his mouth curled into a self-satisfied smirk. He had no intention of letting her walk away so easily. At this hour, the factory was a ghost town, and very few laborers possessed the clearance or funds to ride a bicycle to work. There were no witnesses.
“Comrade Sheng Wanyan, I’ve heard your father is a highly capable worker. If nothing unexpected occurs, he’s on track to be promoted to team leader this year.” He leaned in closer, his voice dropping into a sinister whisper. “But if an unfortunate accident should occur… whether he can even retain his factory post is an entirely different matter.”
Wanyan’s eyes narrowed into sharp slits, a freezing aura radiating from her profile.
“I believe… you are smart enough to catch my meaning,” Director Wang purred. He shifted his hand along the handlebars, inching toward her fingers. He had been fantasizing about touching her delicate hands for months. “After all, you are an intelligent woman.”
Before his fingers could bridge the distance, Wanyan violently wrenched her hands back, stepping away from the bicycle with a dark, furious expression.
Director Wang’s eyes gleamed with twisted satisfaction at her outrage. To his lecherous gaze, her fiery defiance only made her look more breathtaking.
“Comrade Sheng Wanyan, I suggest you weigh your options with absolute care,” he warned, adjusting his collar. “As long as you submit to me, you will never want for fine food or luxury clothes in this life. Eventually, I’ll relocate you to the Capital and establish you as a wealthy lady of leisure. And, of course, your parents’ positions at the mills will remain entirely secure and smooth.”
Looking at his smug, self-righteous expression, Wanyan felt a wave of profound nausea hit her stomach. The man clearly never bothered to look in a mirror. He was already balding and wrinkling, yet he possessed the absolute audacity to carry himself like a dashing suitor.
