Marriage in the 1970s: The Political Commissar's Contract Wife

Seeing her unyielding and despondent state, Fang Chu was gripped by genuine panic. He feared she would give up entirely, that she would lose the will to live. He stepped forward, his tone becoming incredibly earnest, even offering every temptation and promise he could think of:

"Xiaxia," he called her name, his voice low and hoarse, "I beg you, live well, okay? I want you to live a clean and beautiful life! Marry me, and I'll send you to university! I'll give you enough living expenses! After you graduate, I'll use all my connections to get you a job in the best company! So you'll have the means to stand on your own two feet! In a few years, when you're truly independent, able to live a proud and beautiful life on your own, I'll immediately divorce you and set you free! I swear! Is that... alright?"

This is the greatest sincerity he can offer, a seemingly bright shortcut paved with resources and future prospects.

Zhi Xia listened quietly, her face showing no emotion or gratitude. Instead, after he finished speaking, she looked up at him with extreme clarity and calmness, and uttered four words: "I don't believe you."

Fang Chu's words were cut off. He looked at her, feeling a complete and utter helplessness for the first time. "Then... what do you suggest we do?" he asked almost dejectedly, handing over the initiative.

Zhi Xia looked out the window, remained silent for a moment, then turned back, her tone as calm as if she were stating a plan that had nothing to do with her:

"We won't get a marriage certificate, and we won't live together. You and I will just put on a show for the public, have a simple wedding, and let everyone know that we're 'married.' Then, you'll keep your promise, send me to university, and help me get a job at the best company. Once this is all over, once I've truly established myself and no longer need to rely on anyone, we'll announce that we're 'divorced.' From then on, we'll go our separate ways."

This plan was so calm and rational it bordered on ruthless. She didn't want the legally binding marriage certificate because she didn't trust him at all and didn't want any real connection with him. All she wanted was a name to silence gossip and a springboard to truly make herself independent and strong. Using his guilt and resources, she devised the most difficult, yet cleanest, and most likely to control her own destiny.

Fang Chu stared blankly at her, at this girl who, even in dire straits, could still so clearly plan for herself and even dare to negotiate with him, the "perpetrator," and felt a mix of emotions. There was shock, there was disappointment, but more than anything, there was a complex emotion of being moved by her resilience and wisdom.

After a long silence, he took a deep breath, as if using all his strength, and replied in a deep voice:

"……good."

A "cooperative marriage" without legal effect and driven by ulterior motives was reached in this hospital room filled with the smell of disinfectant, in a very unusual way.

Fang Chu took the still weak Zhi Xia to the small courtyard he had rented in the county town. The courtyard was small but clean and tidy, far from the hustle and bustle of the family compound, and temporarily isolated from those hurtful rumors. He settled Zhi Xia in the tidied room, watching her lie down silently, her eyes closed, seemingly isolated from the world.

He knew that his presence would only make her more uncomfortable and upset. After lingering for a moment, he quietly retreated to the outer room.

It wasn't until evening, when he heard Wang Chun's footsteps as he returned from get off work, that he went out to greet him again.

"Comrade Wang Chun," he said solemnly, with an undeniable sense of entrustment, "I'll have to trouble you to take good care of Zhixia."

Wang Chun looked at Commissar Fang, whom she had once considered unapproachable, but who now bore a deep-seated melancholy in his eyes, and her feelings were complex. But her love for Zhi Xia was pure and unwavering, so she nodded firmly, her tone resolute:

"Political Commissar Fang, don't worry! I'll definitely take good care of Xiaxia! In our hometown, we believe that the postpartum period is just as important as the full-term postpartum period. If she doesn't recover properly, she'll suffer from health problems later on! I'll keep an eye on her and make sure she has a proper postpartum period and recovers completely!"

Her words were simple and sincere, carrying a sense of unwavering wisdom.

Listening to Wang Chun's rustic assurance and seeing the unwavering determination in her eyes, Fang Chu felt a slight easing of his tension. He nodded, his voice low and deep:

"Okay, thank you."

He glanced back at the closed door of Zhixia's room, his gaze deep, filled with unspeakable guilt, worry, and the heavy pressure of the newly reached, uncertain "agreement."

In the end, he said nothing more, turned and disappeared into the deepening twilight, leaving that small courtyard, and the girl in that courtyard whom he had hurt and who was now bound to him in the most special way, to his trustworthy friend and the quiet night.

Wang Chun watched his figure disappear before gently pushing open Zhi Xia's door. She knew that in the days to come, her task was not only to take care of Zhi Xia's physical health, but also to be there for her emotionally and help her through this most difficult time.

That evening, Zhilin dragged his heavy steps home, his face etched with weariness. He didn't check on the children as usual, but went straight to his wife who came to greet him.

Zhang Meili took his hat and spoke first, her tone carrying a hint of relief after everything was arranged: "Everything's been arranged. Fang Chu rented a small courtyard in the county town; it's quiet. Xiaxia has moved there. Wang Chun is a loyal friend and agreed to live with her. With her looking after her, Xiaxia should feel better and recover faster."

Zhi Lin listened in silence, walked to the table, poured himself a glass of cold water, drank it all in one gulp, and then looked up at his wife with sharp eyes, asking the most crucial question: "Xia Xia... has she agreed to marry Fang Chu?"

He knew his sister well; with her stubborn nature, how could she easily agree?

Zhang Meili sighed and lowered her voice, "I agreed. But... there are conditions." She told Zhilin about Zhixia's arrangements in detail: "no marriage certificate, no living together, fake marriage, real schooling, and divorce later."

After listening, Zhilin remained silent for a long time, only unconsciously tapping the table with his fingers. The only sound in the room was the ticking of the clock. Finally, he let out a long sigh, his tone carrying a resigned compromise and a realistic consideration:

"Okay... fine then."

Given the current situation, this might be the only, albeit not a perfect, way to simultaneously preserve her sister's reputation and future prospects. At least it gives her a chance to catch her breath and advance.