CHAPTER 188: 182 SO LET’S GET MARRIED

"This, well, it’s a long story." Tian Sangsang rubbed her chin.

"Then make it short," Jiang Jinghuai cast a fleeting glance at her.

Tian Sangsang hesitated for a moment and coughed guiltily, "Actually, you and I were both children once. You should know that a child’s world is beautiful and pure. We can’t bring the unpleasant matters between adults into their lives. At times like this, a little white lie is necessary. I told Yanyan a story. I said you were injured and wandered into a small mountain village, where I rescued you. You were so moved that you, uh, took the initiative... you get the idea."

Jiang Jinghuai seemed to let out a cold laugh.

Tian Sangsang continued, "But you had a mission, so you had to leave. Before you left, you promised to return for me and take me to the city. In this story, you’re like the general on an expedition, and I’m the faithful wife waiting at home day and night. The virtuous wife who scrimps and saves, enduring all kinds of hardships to raise the child by herself. She waits for the general to return in glory, achieving fame and fortune, dressed in finery, and granting her a ten-mile red dowry. Uh, ’That solitary sail carries away all her joys and sorrows. The countless willows by the dike can’t stop the rushing river. She watches spring flowers bloom and fall, autumn winds chase summer’s moon. Winter snow falls year after year. Waiting, she grows thinner than a fading flower.’"

Jiang Jinghuai’s cold laugh turned into surprise. Who would have thought this woman was actually well-read?

"After all, behind every successful man, there’s a woman who supports him silently. A woman who’s aged into bitter despair."

"You could be even more shameless," Jiang Jinghuai said grimly. Twisting the truth, blurring right and wrong!

Tian Sangsang laughed dryly, "Well, it’s not like I have much choice."

Before long, Jiang Jinghuai regained his composure and said, "The day after tomorrow, the rescue mission will end. The disaster survivors will be sent to shelters, and the logistical tasks will be handed over to specialized teams. Our team will also return. Since Yanyan is my son, I will take him with me."

His voice was like a straight line.

Terrifying, as it was only stating a fact.

Tian Sangsang froze for a moment, "Impossible."

"I’m not asking for your opinion. I have the right to take him," he said gravely.

"What right?!" She had known trouble would come once the child’s biological father arrived, but to steal her son—ridiculous! And to think she was touched by his life-saving efforts earlier—what nonsense! Tian Sangsang laughed angrily instead of getting mad, "You can’t take him away. He can’t leave me. If you want something, you must have someone else’s permission. Otherwise, even if it’s your own flesh and blood you’re taking, you’re no different from a thief."

"Do you think you can protect him?"

Tian Sangsang understood what he meant, and her face turned pale, "This time was an accident. I can take good care of him. Natural disasters and unforeseen events aren’t within my control."

"Without Guan Kunling, in the next accident, your son might not have been spared from amputation."

Ha, as if you’re so capable.

"But if I were by his side, one more person means one more chance at hope." Jiang Jinghuai’s deep eyes stared off into the distance as he pressed his lips together, "If you’re willing, you can come with me."

Tian Sangsang looked at him in surprise, suddenly realizing that this might have been his plan from the beginning. If that was the case, why bother saying so many irrelevant things to start with? Clearly, she had misunderstood.

"As far as I know, you have parents and a grandmother. If your family goes to the shelter, what will you do in the future? Yanyan’s leg needs treatment."

"Wait a minute," Tian Sangsang interrupted him, "You misspoke. My parents and grandmother have already passed."

"Sorry," Jiang Jinghuai turned to glance at her, crossing his arms in a posture steeped in arrogance, "So now, you’re homeless. I can find you a place to stay. You can continue taking care of Yanyan or find a job."

Yes, she was homeless now; the earthquake had destroyed everything. She could go to the shelter, but her son couldn’t—he needed a quiet environment for recovery. Yet she could still rent a place in the city; she didn’t need Jiang Jinghuai’s help as she had savings.

"There’s no need." Tian Sangsang declined coldly, "I will provide him with everything he needs. But I won’t deprive you of your rights as his father. You can visit him every week, but that’s all. Meng Shuyan lacks fatherly love, so I’ll give him that. Jiang Jinghuai can’t think of taking things further—it’s not happening!"

"You’re being far too naïve," Jiang Jinghuai frowned, "My son should undoubtedly be raised at my side. Before, I didn’t know about him, but now that I do, he must recognize his roots. What he needs now is a legitimate identity—do you want him subjected to gossip?"

Sure, typical macho attitude—making all the decisions for everyone. Tian Sangsang felt helpless, "Then what do you propose?"

"So let’s get married," Jiang Jinghuai said. His voice was light as mist yet deep as an abyss.

Let’s get married.

Married.

A wedding.

Marry.

Tian Sangsang’s mind felt like it was about to explode. Mixed emotions—anger, amusement, frustration...

Marriage—it was a monumental event for any woman. Was this his proposal? A random, offhand "Let’s get married"? Such a casual attitude. And she hadn’t even thought about marriage!

"Are you serious?" Tian Sangsang raised an eyebrow, asking.

In the night, his eyelids hung low. His handsome face betrayed no emotion. "My son needs a complete family."

At that moment, Jiang Jinghuai’s figure standing by the river seemed to grow taller in Tian Sangsang’s eyes. No wonder people said soldiers carried an innate sense of sacrifice—it turned out to be true. For the sake of his child, he was even willing to sacrifice his reputation and marry a woman who had once overpowered him. This required immense courage and resolve.

At that moment, Tian Sangsang felt just how small and selfish she was. Others could make sacrifices for her son—why couldn’t she? She simply couldn’t, couldn’t, couldn’t!

After a long pause without hearing her response, Jiang Jinghuai turned to look at her, only to see Tian Sangsang looking up at him, her eyes brimming with something luminous. That look, that look... Was she into him???

His heart skipped slightly, and Jiang Jinghuai’s face darkened as he stressed, "This isn’t about you—it’s about my son."

Tian Sangsang could sense the disdain in his words. She steadied herself, "I’ll consider it." She thought she’d agree eventually; she just couldn’t bring herself to say yes immediately. Her marriage would probably end up like this. From the moment she accepted Meng Shuyan as her son, she took on a responsibility. Her marriage needed to be approached with caution. For now, Jiang Jinghuai was the best choice. Her son badly needed a father, and Jiang Jinghuai wasn’t too bad.

Jiang Jinghuai watched her sighing in defeat and unexpectedly grabbed her wrist tightly.

"What are you doing?" Tian Sangsang glared at him. What was he doing? What did he want?

"You’re not her," Jiang Jinghuai’s lips curved slightly, his smile eerie. His piercing gaze fixated on her face, "You’re not Tian Sangsang. Tell me—who are you really?"