An Accidental Military Marriage

The girl had a small, fair, and delicate face, her hair styled in two pretty pigtail braids. She wore a light blue dress, and as she walked, its hem swayed like a lily blooming in the morning dew—pure yet alluring.

Lu Cheng couldn’t quite describe the feeling.

It was as if a flower he had been nurturing in his heart for twenty-six years had suddenly blossomed.

"Sis, Zhang Jia Ming is over there!"

By the time Jiang Moli looked in the direction Jiang Peng was pointing, Zhang Jia Ming had already run off. All she saw was Lu Cheng.

The man was extremely tall, with tan skin and a standard crew cut. His features were sharp and handsome, and his gaze was piercing. One look was all it took to know he was a battle-hardened soldier, forged in the fires of war.

’As expected of the male lead, he’s quite the looker.’

’That bitch Jiang Qing, the female lead, really lucked out.’

Jiang Moli clicked her tongue and strode arrogantly toward Lu Cheng.

Only when she got closer did she realize the man was even taller than she had imagined. She had to crane her neck to look up at him. "Zhang Jia Ming, I’ll be blunt..."

"Sis, he’s not—"

Jiang Moli cut Jiang Peng off. "Don’t interrupt."

"No, he’s—"

Jiang Peng pointed at Lu Cheng, trying to say he wasn’t Zhang Jia Ming, but was cut off by Lu Cheng. "Let your sister speak."

Jiang Peng: "...Who are you?"

"Your future brother-in-law."

Jiang Peng glanced from Jiang Moli to Lu Cheng, and a realization dawned on him.

’He’s interested in my sister?’

He sized Lu Cheng up. Judging by his clothes, he was from the military. He wore a Shanghai brand watch on his wrist, which meant his family had to be well-off.

Jiang Peng’s mind raced. ’He’s only been captivated by my sister’s face for now. Once he finds out her true nature, he’ll bolt faster than a rabbit.’

"If you want to be my brother-in-law, you can start by giving me some spending money."

"How much do you want?"

Not expecting Lu Cheng to be so agreeable, Jiang Peng froze for a second before holding up one finger.

Without another word, Lu Cheng pulled out his wallet and handed over a ten-yuan bill.

"Is that enough?"

"Enough!"

’More than fucking enough!’

’I only asked for one yuan, and he gave me ten!’

’Where did this rich fool pop out from?’

"Sis, Brother-in-law, take your time and chat. I have to go."

Jiang Peng beat a hasty retreat, taking off like a shot, afraid Lu Cheng would change his mind and demand the money back.

This dramatic scene didn’t seem the least bit strange to Jiang Moli.

She figured that Jiang Peng had called "Zhang Jia Ming" brother-in-law because he assumed "Zhang Jia Ming" was going to marry her. As for why "Zhang Jia Ming" paid up, it was obviously to get on the good side of his future brother-in-law, Jiang Peng, all in the service of marrying Jiang Qing.

’He really is the male lead, handsome as hell and generous too.’

’I wonder if I called him brother-in-law, if he’d give me a ten-yuan bill too.’

Just as she was scheming, she heard "Zhang Jia Ming" call out to her, "Moli."

"Hm?"

"You had something to say. I’m listening."

The man’s voice was deep and gravelly.

Jiang Moli dug a finger in her ear. It was a little itchy. ’My ear is itching. Does that mean I’m going to get pregnant?’ she wondered.

She cleared her throat and declared loudly, "I’m late, but only by half an hour. And it’s not even my fault. If you had bought me a bicycle, I wouldn’t have to wait for the bus, and then I wouldn’t be late."

Passing pedestrians shot her astonished looks.

She’s the one who didn’t leave early enough, and now she’s acting all justified about being half an hour late?

And she’s blaming him for not buying her a bicycle?

[Disdain Value +2. 20,000 yuan credited to account.]

"That makes sense. What kind of bicycle do you like? Why don’t we head to the department store right now so you can pick one out?"

The man’s reaction was clearly not what Jiang Moli had expected.

’What the heck?’

’This doesn’t match the plot of the book at all!’

"Don’t think you can win my hand with just a bicycle. I want the ’Three Rounds and a Sound,’ and not a single item can be missing. On top of that, a 500-yuan bride price. My dad has already emptied the family coffers raising me, and I don’t have a job or any income, so don’t expect a single cent of dowry from me."

The passersby who had stopped to watch were stunned by Jiang Moli’s shameless pronouncements.

In this day and age, it was already incredibly difficult for an ordinary family to afford the ’Three Rounds and a Sound’.

Not only was this Jiang Moli demanding the ’Three Rounds and a Sound’ and a 500-yuan bride price, but she wasn’t even offering a penny for her dowry.

What kind of shameless person says such shameless things?

[Disdain Value +5. 50,000 yuan credited to account.]

"After we’re married, your entire salary must be handed over to me, but you can’t tell me how to spend it. Also, I won’t do housework, I won’t live with your parents, and I’m not having kids. If you can’t handle all that, then don’t waste my time."

You want him to hand over all his money and not even ask how you spend it? Who do you think you are?

And you won’t do housework, you won’t serve your in-laws, and you won’t even have kids? Then what’s the point of marrying you?

To put you on a pedestal and worship you like a goddess?

[Disdain Value +10. 100,000 yuan credited to account.]

Listening to the rewards rolling in, Jiang Moli couldn’t help but lament that she and the system hadn’t met sooner.

’If I’d known about it for two months—no, even just two days—I’d be a billionaire by now for sure!’

System: [Host, I’ll admit you’re a natural at racking up disdain, but look around. Aren’t you afraid of getting jumped?]

’Of course I’m afraid.’

’That’s why I brought Jiang Peng along for backup. Who knew he was so unreliable?’

In any case, her only reason for meeting Zhang Jia Ming was to farm Disdain Value. Now that the mission was accomplished, Jiang Moli prepared to make a run for it.

"Since you’re not saying anything, I’ll take that as a no. Fine, let’s just call off the engagement. From now on, you go your way, and I’ll go mine..."

Jiang Moli started to run as she spoke, but she didn’t get more than a few steps before a hand grabbed her wrist. "Why are you running?"

’If I don’t run, am I supposed to stick around and get beaten up?’

"I’ll give you the bride price, and my salary too. I only get to come home once or twice a year. Can you accept that?"

Jiang Moli’s eyes widened in shock. ’A deal this good actually exists?!’

Lu Cheng chuckled, amused by the cute sight of her wide, almond-shaped eyes. "Since you’re silent, I’ll take that as a yes. It’s settled, then. In three days, I’ll pay a visit to your family to formally propose."

’Wait, are you serious?’

’What about your female lead?’

"You’re not going to marry Jiang Qing?"

"Jiang Qing? Who’s that?"

’What a classic love-’em-and-leave-’em scumbag.’

A half-smile played on Jiang Moli’s lips. "Alright, I’ll be waiting. If you don’t show up, you’re my grandson."

’I’m just dying to see what this bastard has up his sleeve.’

"I’ll definitely be there. It’s hot out, you should head home. Do you want me to walk you?"

"Don’t try to butter me up; I’m not falling for it. And don’t you forget, not one cent less on that bride price! Hmph!"

Jiang Moli forcefully yanked her wrist back and turned to leave.

The man’s gaze felt like a physical weight on her back, causing Jiang Moli to subconsciously quicken her pace.

Only when her petite figure was swallowed by the crowd did Lu Cheng retract his gaze, looking down at his right hand.

The memory of her soft, warm skin still lingered in his palm, leaving him wanting more.

An older woman sidled up to Lu Cheng with a beaming smile. "Young man, you’re such a good catch. You could have anyone you want, so why go for someone like her? My daughter is twenty-two, a middle school teacher. Whatever bride price you offer, we’ll match it as her dowry. Do you want to meet her?"

"No, thank you. She’s the one I like. I’m not interested in anyone else."

The woman gave him a huge eye roll and walked off in a huff.

’To turn down my excellent, hardworking daughter for that vain, lazy leech... You’re no prize yourself!’

[Disdain Value +1. 10,000 yuan credited to account.]

The woman’s displeasure at being rejected by Lu Cheng had turned into resentment and dislike for Jiang Moli.

As the onlookers dispersed, Zhang Jia Ming, who had made a strategic retreat, reappeared at Lu Cheng’s side. "Chief, did Jiang Moli agree to call off the engagement?"

Lu Cheng patted his shoulder, his expression unreadable. "Don’t worry. I’ve taken care of it for you."

Zhang Jia Ming heaved a huge sigh of relief. "That’s wonderful! Chief, you’re my savior!"

Lu Cheng was noncommittal. "You want to marry her stepsister, right? When do you plan on visiting her family to propose?"

"In the next couple of days, probably. Chief, I’ll have to trouble you to come with me again, to act as my witness."

"Of course. However, I have some important business for the next two days. Let’s make it three days from now."

"Sounds good!"

...

Jiang Peng hadn’t gotten far when a man in a military uniform blocked his path. "Young man, could I have a word with you?"