The city of Shu in February, with drizzle that lasted for days. The ground was wet and slick.

A cold wind mingled with rain, the half-summer flowers shivering in the chill. Holding an umbrella, he huddled up, sitting outside the Civil Affairs Bureau.

It's already five in the afternoon, and I don't know if that person is coming or not.

Thinking of her grandfather still lying in the hospital bed, Huashan Xia's face was full of worry.

Has grandpa run out of money? Is he going to want to use the restroom? Did grandpa go home already?

Huashan raised her eyes and looked at the deserted street.

Well, the Civil Affairs Bureau closes at 5:30 p.m., let's wait another thirty minutes.

It's fine that he didn't come; I can just stay with the two grandfathers. It's not that we aren't getting married; it's just that the other party didn't show up.

Huashanxia's grandfather fell ill. As the old Chinese medicine practitioner knew, his time was running out.

Now, what worries me most is this grandchild. If he were to leave too, there would be only one person left in the world.

The old man contacted the wounded soldier he had saved many years ago. The other party had promised that if he was in trouble, he would give him a call and help him with all his might.

After all these years, I can't believe that phone number still works.

The next day, Shi Ye came.

Grandfather explained everything, hoping that in the future, grandfather can take care of things more.

But Grandpa was generous and said, “Taking care of her is what we should do. So here’s how I’ll repay you: my grandson has many wives, so he’ll take Xia as one of his. That way, she won’t be alone anymore.”

Both grandfathers agreed, their opposition was ineffective.

I don't want to get married. I said that I can support myself and that I'm fine living alone.

I currently live in a graduate student apartment on campus, and I receive a monthly stipend of 2300. Meals at both the hospital cafeteria and the school cafeteria are very affordable, and my daily living expenses come to just 15 yuan.

But Grandpa said that things are unpredictable, and he could only die with peace of mind after seeing the marriage certificate. Then, he could go down to meet his parents.

His parents fell off a cliff while searching for medicine to save their grandfather.

The rain that day seemed about the same as today's. Looking at Mom and Dad holding each other, their hands still clutching that herb.

After father and mother left, I depended on my grandfather.

It was also that day that I suddenly grew up.

He studied hard and skipped grades. At 17 years old, he took the college entrance exam (Gaokao) and got accepted into the Medical Department of Shudou University. He is enrolled in a 7-year program that combines his bachelor's and master's degrees, and he will be able to graduate and start working in about two years.

Everything is moving in a positive direction, but Grandpa is about to be taken by stomach cancer.

The sound of brakes interrupted Huashanxia's thoughts.

She looked up at the SUV in front of her.

The army green vehicle was covered in muddy yellow stains, with dirt caked all over it. It was clear this car had come straight from the mountains.

The car door swung open, obscuring the man's face. When it did reveal itself, his features were sharp and defined: a prominent brow, high nose, and piercing eyes that gleamed like an eagle's. His resolute expression radiated righteousness.

Huabanxia only saw the black leather boots, camouflage wrapping his long legs.

On such a cold day, he was only wearing one olive green T-shirt.

Before Huashan could see his face clearly, those leather boots were already in front of her.

"Halfxia?"

The man's voice was low, carrying a hint of urgency.

"I am."

"Let's get married."

After finishing his words, the man shifted the direction of his toes and walked into the Civil Affairs Bureau.