Rebooting 60, let's go on a rampage with the orange cat!

Chen Jun's mother actually relented this time. If they really wanted to break off the engagement, there was nothing that could be done to force them.

However, the 500 yuan dowry from back then should be returned, plus compensation for the delays over the years. Returning 600 yuan wouldn't be unreasonable, would it?

Furthermore, Wu Yuwei would have to obtain a certificate from her workplace stating that she broke off her military marriage and wanted to annul the engagement because she had fallen in love with someone else…

Wu Yuwei was filled with anxiety and helplessness. She knew that her parents would never agree to return the bride price to the groom's family, especially since her family really didn't have the money.

After all, the mother had searched everywhere for remedies and medicines, and had finally given birth to her younger brother a few years ago. The family's savings had already been almost completely depleted.

I have only been working for two short years and earn a meager salary of only 21 yuan per month.

Although she hands over most of her income, she's still a girl who loves beauty! Every now and then she'll buy some fabric and make herself a few pretty clothes, which costs her quite a bit of money. Now, after careful calculation, she only has fifty or sixty yuan left to keep.

Faced with this harsh reality, Wu Yuwei was once again in trouble and hurriedly discussed countermeasures with her boyfriend, Xiao Dong. However, to her great disappointment, Xiao Dong simply shrugged and said that he was also penniless.

Thus, Wu Yuwei remained indecisive, and the days passed by in this torment.

Until one day, Wu Yuwei suddenly realized an even more serious problem—she was already more than forty days pregnant!

This matter can't be delayed any longer, otherwise once her pregnancy becomes visible, the truth will finally come out! She really can't understand how she, who only wanted to pursue true love, had made things so bad.

Meanwhile, her parents seemed oblivious to their daughter's predicament and continued to prepare for the wedding in an orderly manner according to the original plan.

They happily prepared two thin cotton quilts, a rattan trunk, and a pair of thermos flasks for their daughter, and planned to marry her off smoothly in a little over a month.

To this day, Wu Yuwei has yet to even see what her future new house looks like...

When they arrived at the health center, Wu Yuwei said to her colleagues, "You guys go up and see Sister Huaijin first, I need to go find my sister for something."

Everyone went upstairs after hearing this, while Wu Yuwei went through the back door from the first floor and walked to the dormitory area of ​​the health center.

Instead of looking for her younger sister Wu Yutong, she went straight to Chen Jun's dormitory without hesitation.

Actually, she had been here once before, but unfortunately she was unable to meet Chen Jun in person that time.

It was quiet outside, with only snowflakes dancing in the wind, and the warm orange light from the window dispelling some of the darkness.

At this moment, Wu Yuwei carefully observed her surroundings, and only after confirming that no one else was present did she muster up the courage to step forward and gently knock on the door.

A moment later, the wooden door creaked open, and Chen Jun appeared in the doorway.

When he saw Wu Yuwei standing outside the door, he was slightly taken aback.

Before this, he had only seen Wu Yuwei's photos and had never actually met her.

When the wedding date was discussed last time, Wu Yuwei was away in the countryside, so the whole process was decided by Wu's parents.

"I'm Wu Yuwei!" she quickly forced a smile and introduced herself.

Coming to his senses, Chen Jun quickly and warmly invited Wu Yuwei inside, saying with concern, "It's so late, why are you here? It's cold outside, come in and warm up! Have you eaten yet?"

Wu Yuwei blushed and smiled politely, "I've already eaten, you don't need to go."

As she spoke, she stepped into the room and began to look around the room with curiosity.

This is a dormitory room located in a tenement building, with a layout of one bedroom and one living room.

It can be seen that the house has been carefully maintained because of the wedding; the walls have just been painted white, and the furniture inside is all brand new.

On the table sits a grandfather clock and a radio, while against the wall stands a Flying Pigeon women's bicycle with a paper-cut "double happiness" character in its basket. In the living room, a newly made red two-seater leather sofa adds a touch of warmth and romance to the small space.

This was considered a good condition at the time. Wu Yuwei felt a little regretful. If this were her and Dong Xing's new house, how wonderful it would be. But all of this would soon no longer belong to her.

Chen Jun closed the door. It was the first time he had ever faced his fiancée like this, especially at night. He couldn't help but feel a little uneasy, after all, Wu Yuwei in person was far more beautiful and charming than in the photos.

Her long, glossy black hair fell naturally over her shoulders. Her face was delicate and graceful, with a pitiful air about her. In particular, her black eyes, which seemed to be shrouded in mist, made one feel an irresistible tenderness.

He noticed Wu Yuwei's gaze lingering on the sofa and quickly said, "Please sit down. This is a wedding gift from my comrade-in-arms. Do you like this color?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Yuwei blushed even more, and she pursed her lips, unsure of what to say.

Chen Jun's heart pounded a little. He touched his head and said solicitously, "You've never been here before, so I don't know what you like. How to decorate this new house, and what else to add, is all up to you from now on."

Wu Yuwei coughed lightly twice, looked around, and then smiled awkwardly at him.

For a moment, the two stood there silently, and the atmosphere became extremely awkward.

Finally, as if by telepathy, they spoke almost simultaneously: "You..."

However, as soon as they spoke, they both stopped abruptly, then looked at each other and smiled, seemingly trying to defuse the sudden awkwardness.

Chen Jun then walked to the table, picked up the thermos, poured a cup of hot water, and carefully handed Wu Yuwei a steaming cup of sweet soup, saying softly, "You came to see me, so you must have something to tell me, right? Don't rush, drink some water to soothe your throat first."

He watched as Wu Yuwei seemed preoccupied and at a loss, and slowly calmed down.

In fact, he had already heard from his mother that Wu Yuwei had come to annul the engagement, but there had been no further news since then, which made him think that Wu Yuwei might have changed her mind after careful consideration.

But now it seems that I was just being too optimistic.

Wu Yuwei silently took the cup of hot water, holding it tightly in her hand, trying to warm her slightly cold palms with the warmth of the water.

She warmed up a bit and slowly walked to the soft sofa and sat down. She remained silent for a moment, as if she were having a fierce internal struggle.

Watching the white steam rise slowly, after a moment, as if she had finally gathered her thoughts, she mustered her courage, slightly raised her head to look at Chen Jun, and parted her lips, saying hesitantly:

"Chen Jun, I know you're a good person..."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jun's heart sank. Being given a "good guy card" as soon as he walked in was definitely not a good sign.

Although he wasn't usually good at interacting with girls, how could he not understand what was about to happen at this moment?

Sure enough, Wu Yuwei continued slowly, "However, feelings can't be forced. I feel we're really not suitable for each other. So, Chen Jun, let's call off the engagement. I'm truly sorry..."

After saying these words, Wu Yuwei seemed to have used up all her strength, quickly lowering her head, no longer daring to look Chen Jun in the eye. Her already soft voice grew even softer, as if afraid that saying another word would cause the man before her even greater harm.

"I came looking for you before, but you weren't home. Your mother knows about this..."

Chen Jun listened quietly to Wu Yuwei's words, his expression showing little change, but a hint of melancholy flashed in his eyes.

"Can I ask why?" Chen Jun asked sullenly.

"You know...we don't have anything in common...Brother Chen, please don't ask anymore, anyway, we're not really compatible..." Wu Yuwei blinked her big, dark eyes, her long eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings, with a few crystal-clear teardrops hanging on them, making her look quite pitiful.

Chen Jun reached into his pocket, wanting to light a cigarette, but after looking at the charming Wu Yuwei in front of him, he put the cigarette down.

He knew perfectly well that this self-important, artsy young woman would definitely look down on him. The reasons were numerous, probably just a variety of reasons why she wouldn't consider him attractive.

He gently patted his somewhat inconvenient leg, smiled helplessly, and thought, "Well, forced relationships don't work out. If it's not the right person, don't force it."

He didn't believe it. He was a government official, and with his hard work, good character, and ambitious attitude, how could he not find a wife who was compatible with him?

However, just a few seconds later, Chen Jun took a deep breath, trying to remain calm, and then replied in an unusually calm tone: "Okay, in that case, I respect your decision and agree to annul the engagement."

Wu Yuwei looked up abruptly, as if struck by lightning, her face filled with disbelief.

She originally thought that after making that request to Chen Jun, she would be met with a barrage of insults, or even worse.

However, to her utter surprise, Chen Jun agreed so readily!

For a moment, she was at a loss for words and stammered, "Really? Thank you, the money... I..." She stopped abruptly, her lips trembling slightly, as if the words she hadn't finished were stuck in her throat.

Her large, watery eyes were now fixed on Chen Jun, filled with anticipation and nervousness, as she quietly awaited his response.

However, Chen Jun did not respond immediately as she had expected, which made her face burn even hotter.

He walked steadily to the door, opened it halfway, then slowly walked to the other side of the table, creating some distance between himself and Wu Yuwei before sitting down.

This is his habit; whenever there is a woman at work, he will leave the door open or half-open to prevent gossip from spreading.

Since the engagement is being called off, they can't just shut themselves off like family...

He has his own principles and sense of proportion in doing things. Chen Jun stretched out his hands, gently placed them on his knees, lowered his head, and looked as if he was deep in thought.

The door was half open, and the cold air from outside immediately rushed in. Wu Yuwei's body, which had just warmed up, couldn't help but shiver again. She shifted her position uncomfortably, then straightened her back and sat silently on the sofa, waiting, her anxiety growing.

After a long while, seeing that Chen Jun still had no reaction, she had no choice but to plead again, "Brother Chen Jun, I know this matter has indeed caused you great harm, and I'm afraid your mother won't agree to our annulment so easily, will she?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Jun, who had been silent all along, suddenly frowned and slowly raised his head.

He looked at Wu Yuwei with a confused yet slightly dissatisfied gaze and said in a low voice, "Although my mother didn't have much education and can be quite stubborn at times, she is by no means an unreasonable person."

Furthermore, freedom of marriage is a fundamental right granted to everyone by the Constitution, and no one has the right to interfere.

After hearing Chen Jun's words, Wu Yuwei breathed a slight sigh of relief, but then she said with a troubled expression, "It's just that... I really can't come up with the money for the bride price right now."

As she spoke, she cautiously glanced at Chen Jun. When she saw his expression gradually turn cold, her heart sank to the bottom, and a strong sense of unease welled up inside her.

"Brother Chen, I will definitely find a way to return the bride price to you, please believe me! It's just that I don't have that much cash on hand right now. Could you please talk to your mother and ask for a little more time?"

Wu Yuwei spoke in a very soft voice, as if she had used all her strength to utter each word. Her already pale face was now completely bloodless, and her breath became even weaker.

Looking at the pitiful Wu Yuwei in front of him, Chen Jun couldn't help but feel a pang of pity.

He nodded and said softly, "Alright, we can take our time. How long will it take you to raise the dowry money?"

Now that we've decided to call off the engagement, we need to handle this matter thoroughly to avoid unnecessary disputes and troubles in the future.

I'm just too busy with work, so I'm afraid this matter will ultimately have to be discussed with your family by my mother.

But rest assured, I have already agreed to annul the engagement, and that will not change.

Upon hearing Chen Jun's words, Wu Yuwei shook her head violently, tears instantly welling up in her eyes.

With a sob in her voice, she pleaded, "Brother Chen, please, please don't let your mother go to my family! That would really be driving me to my death!"

My family simply cannot afford this money. Even if they beat me to death, they would never agree to annul the engagement and return the betrothal gifts. Please, I beg you, have mercy and spare my life. I promise I will slowly repay you!