Chapter 352: Separation

Wang Xia said sternly, "Not only are you not of age, but the Military Factory's Party Committee may not necessarily approve of you marrying Liu Rusi."

He Yuzhu grew anxious: "Then what if I just resign?"

Wang Xia sneered: "You cannot resign."

"Why do I feel like you're gloating?" He Yuzhu was somewhat annoyed.

"It's not gloating," Wang Xia sighed, "it's that you're too forgetful. Do you still remember what you told me? I remember everything about those things that will happen in the future firmly; could it be that you have forgotten them first..."

Only then did He Yuzhu suddenly recall: when he was fleeing with Wang Jiazhi, he had been severely injured and thought he was not long for this world, so he had told Wang Jiazhi—now Wang Xia—who was guarding his side, many things about the future and the risks of various movements.

He Yuzhu slapped his own head hard: "Then what am I supposed to do?"

Wang Xia's tone softened slightly: "Go to the factory and ask; what if they can make an exception? If you don't go and try, you will regret it in the future."

"Alright!" After saying this, He Yuzhu turned and ran.

He rushed all the way to the Northern Automobile Factory's office of the Factory Director, and upon seeing Lao Yang, he said directly: "Lao Yang, hurry and issue me a marriage certificate; I'm getting married!"

"What? You're only how old and you're getting married?" Lao Yang was startled.

"We can already create the next generation, yet you won't let us marry? Where is the logic in that!" He Yuzhu said righteously.

"Are you acting like a fool with me, kid? This matter, I have to hold a meeting to discuss it." Lao Yang shook his head.

"When will I get an answer?" He Yuzhu pressed.

"What's the rush? You're not getting married tomorrow; will the bride run away? Tell me about your partner." Lao Yang picked up a pen.

"You know her, Liu Rusi," He Yuzhu said.

"What? No!" Lao Yang immediately put down the pen. "Not only is she older than you, but she is also Shen Shichang's daughter."

"She has supported us with so many weapons, why can't she marry me?" He Yuzhu argued unconvinced.

Lao Yang lowered his voice: "I've heard from the big leaders... this Shen Shichang is a diehard, and he has set up an organization in the United States specifically to smear us."

"But Liu Rusi severed ties with him long ago! To tell you the truth, Shen Shichang is even suing Liu Rusi in the United States, trying to seize her assets; they are father and daughter at odds!" He Yuzhu explained hurriedly.

"The complexity of this situation is not something I can explain to you in a short while. How about this, I have to ask for instructions from above," Lao Yang finally said.

He Yuzhu dragged his heavy feet into the Siheyuan and walked toward the East Cross Courtyard without saying a word.

"Zhuzi!" Shen Guizhi was drying sweet potato slices in the courtyard. Seeing her son actually ignoring her, she shouted: "What's wrong? You look like an eggplant hit by frost."

He Yuzhu stopped, hung his head, and walked into the living room, "Mother... Liu Rusi is pregnant."

Shen Guizhi was stunned and asked: "Pregnant? With... with whom?" She had a faint guess in her heart but dared not be sure.

"With me." He Yuzhu's voice was so low it was almost inaudible.

"What?" Shen Guizhi twisted his ear. "You two haven't even registered yet, how could you... did you bully her?"

"No! Mother, I didn't bully her! We are sincere. By the way, about this matter... you must not tell that girl Yushui."

"Then... when do you plan to hold the ceremony?"

"I want to do it tomorrow! But my personnel file is currently at the Military Factory, and to get married, I have to submit a report first and get a slip approved by the factory. I went to see Factory Director Yang today, and he said... he said my situation is special and it might not be approved. I don't know what to do!"

"Why? This is a man and woman marrying, a proper happy event, why won't they approve it?"

"What else could it be?" He Yuzhu raised his head. "It's all because of her father, that cousin of yours, Shen Shichang! He is abroad now, but he hasn't done anything good, spending all day making up lies to smear us. Liu Rusi has been implicated by him; if I can't marry her, I will feel like I've let her down for the rest of my life."

Shen Guizhi sighed softly: "Zhuzi, in this world, where is there anything perfect? Treat her well and don't let her suffer any grievances; that is better than anything else."

He Yuzhu nodded silently.

Three days later, the office of the First Division of the Municipal Public Security Bureau.

The afternoon sunlight shone in at an angle, casting the shadows of the window frames onto the cement floor.

Tian Dan lifted a thermos and poured a cup of tea for Secretary Liu, who was sitting opposite her; the tea leaves slowly unfurled in the enamel mug.

"The conditions are simple, there is only some jasmine tea." She pushed the cup over gently.

Secretary Liu took it with both hands, did not drink, and placed it on the table. "Comrade Tian Dan, I have come today... it is truly somewhat presumptuous. But there are some things I really cannot bear to say to Comrade He Yuzhu in person..."

"Aren't you going the long way around? I don't have any work affiliation with He Yuzhu," Tian Dan smiled.

Secretary Liu took a deep breath and said: "Comrade He Yuzhu submitted a marriage application a few days ago... the partner is Comrade Liu Rusi. I have looked into it; she is already pregnant."

Tian Dan's brows furrowed imperceptibly, but she still smiled in response.

"His marriage report was not approved. It is mainly because Liu Rusi's identity... is too sensitive. You should be aware of Shen Shichang's current activities abroad. Even if they have publicly severed their father-daughter relationship, in the eyes of some leading officials, the potential risk still exists."

The wall clock in the office ticked, the sound appearing exceptionally clear in the quiet afternoon.

Tian Dan raised her head and said: "I understand what you mean. Actually, my relationship with Liu Rusi is not harmonious... she may not necessarily listen to me."

"I personally actually admire Miss Liu's character and integrity... she gave us huge help during the War of Liberation, and this time our acquisition of her Bicycle Factory also went very smoothly. Therefore, I have asked for instructions from the relevant leaders and secured a plan—if Miss Liu is willing, we can arrange for her to go to Hong Kong to undertake some secret work. Perhaps only in this way will she and He Yuzhu not be separated..."

Tian Dan's eyes brightened suddenly. She pondered for a moment and said: "This is indeed a viable way out. She has extensive overseas connections and a vast business network. If she is willing to cooperate, we can not only open up a valuable intelligence channel, but perhaps also solve some procurement difficulties for scarce materials."

"That is exactly my thought. Little He saved my life; both publicly and privately, I do not wish to watch them be torn apart like this. This is perhaps the best of both worlds that I can think of at the moment."

"I understand." She turned around, her tone becoming firm. "I will do my utmost to persuade Liu Rusi."

Three days ago, after Pingping met with He Yuzhu, she ran into the living room happily, her face filled with unconcealable joy: "Sister! I told He Yuzhu you were pregnant, and he immediately went to find the leader to get a marriage introduction letter!"

Liu Rusi stood up abruptly from the sofa. She walked a few steps to Pingping and raised her hand to give her a crisp slap.

"Sister!" Pingping covered her face, shock and grievance instantly welling up in her eyes. "Why... why did you hit me?"

"Pack your things; we won't be able to stay here for many more days!"

"Why?" Pingping's voice was filled with tears, her face full of confusion.

Liu Rusi turned around, her back to Pingping, tears streaming down. She choked with sobs: "Why didn't I dare to be with him in the first place? Do you think it's because I didn't like him? I was afraid of ruining his future! Taking a step back, don't you know what my father is doing out there? Our identity itself is a timed bomb. After we got together, I just wanted to hide, counting the days one by one. With one word from you, you pushed me under a magnifying glass. Those who might have turned a blind eye before can no longer pretend they don't see us now."

Pingping's tears finally rolled down. She turned and walked away, "Miss, He Yuzhu hasn't gone far yet; I'll go and chase him back!"

Liu Rusi looked at the weeping Pingping on the floor and said: "Forget it, this is fate! Even if you catch up to him, he will still go to his unit to get the marriage certificate; that man is just a stubborn donkey..."

Pingping slumped on the sofa and began to cry, "Miss, if we leave, we spent so much money; what about the Trade Company that was just established?"

"Are you willing to stay? If you are willing to stay, the company will be handed over to you to manage," Liu Rusi said indifferently.

"Miss! Don't you want me anymore?" Pingping looked up in terror.

"I am not casting you aside." Liu Rusi walked in front of her, slowly crouched down, and reached out to wipe the tears from her cheeks. "Whether you go or stay, you choose for yourself. I will not force you."

Pingping gripped Liu Rusi's hand, which was wiping her tears, with force. "In this life, I am my young lady's person. Wherever you go, I will go. I am not afraid of suffering or hardship!"