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

As Wu Yutong listened silently to her mother's words, she couldn't help but feel a little wavering.

Indeed, upon closer reflection, Ma Jianqiang seems to be as wretched as his mother described. His family is from the working class; how could they compare to a military family?

Gu Jingxing's family are all military personnel, and Chen Jun is also a retired soldier. By the time Gu Jingxing retires, Chen Jun might already be a high-ranking official. At that time, he might even be able to outrank Gu Jingxing and Shi Huai'an.

However, the thought of completely separating from Ma Jianqiang filled her with worry: "But Mom, you don't know, Ma Jianqiang has a very volatile temper. He definitely won't let me off easily..."

"My parents have discussed this matter, and we're keeping it a secret for now. We haven't told the neighbors at all. When Chen Jun's mother comes over, we always talk behind closed doors, just in case things change and we end up making a fool of ourselves."

You just need to get your marriage certificate with him tomorrow and secretly marry him, making it a fait accompli, and make sure you have a baby. I'll tell everyone you went to visit relatives in the countryside, and the two families will have a meal together during the first month of the lunar year.

Don't invite relatives and neighbors first. Just say that you are responding to the national call to keep everything simple, and ask them to give you the money for the banquet as pocket money.

We agreed not to make this public, so it won't affect your graduation.

Her mother said that as soon as you and her son get your marriage certificate and go to bed together, she will immediately go to the school to get you a graduation certificate in advance. Once you have the graduation certificate, she will ask her family to arrange a good job for you. What do you think?

Chen Jun is the director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Even you, the principal, will have to look up to him. Your previous major disciplinary actions will be revoked. At that time, who will still criticize you?

Chen Jun's mother is desperately hoping for a grandson, but she can't bear to part with that money. We don't have the money to pay it back, and besides, she and I still have some old feelings for each other. She can't force us to our deaths, so she agreed to let you marry in her place!

You should know that with Chen Jun's current position and the large number of women in his workplace, there are quite a few people who want to play matchmaker.

Besides, Ma Jianqiang wouldn't dare cause him trouble. Even if there were trouble, the Chen family would have to find a way to resolve it for him.

Wu Yutong remained silent, slumped against the headboard, and murmured, "Don't force me, let me think about it some more..."

"Chen Jun's mother originally wanted to marry a daughter-in-law before the New Year, but I had to persuade her to agree that we could only announce it after you got your graduation certificate. Later, Chen Jun's mother compromised and said that if you were willing, you could get your marriage certificate with Chen Jun tomorrow, and then hold the wedding banquet after you get your graduation certificate. We can't delay any longer."

I know you've been wronged. Although your family doesn't have much to give you as a dowry, this marriage is really good. Your sister is just unlucky. Think about it, as long as you win his heart, he's the only son in his family, has a good job, and can get promoted in the future. Then you can give him a son, and what wouldn't you want?"

“Brother-in-law, no, I mean Chen Jun, you know? He also agreed…” Wu Yutong felt a little uneasy. Although she felt wronged, Chen Jun was a rigid person. What if it was just a one-sided effort?

"He was initially reluctant, but his mother kept nagging him. However, he is quite filial; once his mother started crying, he softened and stopped objecting."

Besides, he knows perfectly well that my Xiaoyu is incredibly beautiful and eight years younger than him. He's probably overjoyed and secretly delighted.

"Don't worry, his mother said that as long as you marry him and give birth to a big, healthy son, you two can make your own decisions about your lives, and she won't interfere at all," Wu's mother pleaded desperately.

"Okay, okay, this is so annoying, you can get out now." Wu Yutong buried her head in the pillow, feeling irritated...

As night deepened and all was quiet, the lights outside the window, like stars gradually dimming, went out one by one.

The buildings stand like giant black silhouettes, silent and still, as if they were guardians of time, slowly swallowing it up.

Inside the room, Wu Yutong tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep.

It was pitch black all around, so dark you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. The thick darkness seemed to have a life of its own, quietly spreading out and gradually merging into every corner of the room, mercilessly occupying the entire space.

Only a faint sliver of moonlight spilled onto the ground outside the window, its cool and distant light separating it from the inky darkness, much like her unpredictable fate at this moment: unclear in the light, yet impenetrable in the darkness.

Every decision Wu Yutong faces is like a thrilling adventure.

Marriage should be a time of anticipation and longing, but for her, it didn't bring much yearning.

On the contrary, she felt as if she had simply walked from one cage into another, a more secure one.

However, she knew in her heart that she was powerless to break free from all these constraints with her current abilities.

Thinking of this, she couldn't help but feel a little hatred for her current weak and useless self.

She would often find herself thinking of Shi Huai'an.

For some reason, she often felt inexplicably envious of Shi Huai'an—envious that she received the undivided love of her adoptive parents; envious that she was well-liked by her teachers and classmates at school; and even envious that she had Gu Jingxing's favor...

Why? Why does everyone favor Shi Huai'an so much...?

Whenever her thoughts drifted to these things, Wu Yutong's heart ached, followed by a deep hatred for Shi Huai'an...

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains and into a corner of the room.

Wu's mother tiptoed into her daughter Wu Yutong's room. When she saw the figure curled up in the quilt, she did not hesitate to reach out and gently pull Wu Yutong up.

"Xiaoyu, wake up! We've agreed to go to the Civil Affairs Bureau to get our marriage certificate this morning. Stop dawdling and get up to wash and get ready," said Mrs. Wu gently but urgently.

Wu Yutong was startled by this sudden action and was momentarily at a loss for what to do.

She stared blankly at her mother, but the image of the man who had caused her so much distress kept flashing through her mind—Ma Jianqiang.

Despite Ma Jianqiang's persistent pursuit of her, as his mother said, he was hardly a reliable person to whom one could entrust one's life.

Although Chen Jun wasn't exactly an ideal partner, he was a decent choice in every way, except for his minor leg ailment.

At this moment, Wu Yutong had no other choice. She gritted her teeth and decided to take the gamble.

So, Wu Yutong silently got up and went to the bathroom to wash up.

At that moment, Wu's mother carefully carried in a wicker trunk and gently placed it on the ground, opening it. Inside the trunk were several sets of clothes neatly arranged, including a brand-new red plaid shirt and a pair of beautiful red leather shoes.

"Come on, Xiaoyu, put on this outfit. We're going to take wedding photos later, so you need to look your best." Mrs. Wu smiled and handed the clothes to her daughter.

Wu Yutong remained silent, ignoring her mother's words, and put on her worn-out green coat.

Throughout the entire process, she didn't look up at her mother even once, as if she was afraid to meet those eyes that were full of concern and helplessness.

Seeing this, Wu's mother's eyes reddened, and her voice choked with emotion as she said, "My dear daughter, I know you're feeling wronged, and I know you care about this family. But now, we really have no other choice..."

Hearing this, Wu Yutong finally stopped what she was doing and slowly raised her head to look at herself in the small round mirror. Her slightly pale face revealed a hint of confusion and determination.

After a while, she took a deep breath and said softly as if she had made up her mind, "Let's go..." Then she took the lead and walked towards the door.

Wu Yutong has never been the kind of woman who is indecisive or hesitant.

Having made her decision, she was unwilling to dwell on it or hesitate any longer.

As for what the future holds, let's wait and see. Perhaps this time, fate won't play such a cruel trick on her...

Her old clothes couldn't hide her natural beauty at all, especially the green coat, which made Wu Yutong's pretty and fair face look even more beautiful. It was as if this simple outfit was her last bit of stubbornness and perseverance.

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Wu finally smiled with relief and hurriedly replied, "Good child, let's go quickly, let's set off immediately." After saying that, she didn't forget to wink at Mr. Wu, who was waiting in the main room, signaling him to take action.

Mr. Wu nodded repeatedly, his expression serious, but he silently followed his wife's instructions and began packing the clothes and shoes in the suitcase.

At this moment, looking at his daughter who was about to leave, he had a thousand words he wanted to say, but they were stuck in his throat, and in the end he could not say anything.

At this moment, Yufei and Dongliang, the two little ones, were enjoying their breakfast at the dining table.

When they saw the beautifully dressed older sister, their eyes widened in surprise. One of them exclaimed, "Wow, she's so pretty!"

Another child asked curiously, "Sister, where are you going? Can you take me with you?"

Seeing this, Mom quickly comforted her, "Your sister has something very important to do. You two stay home and be good. When your sister comes back, she will bring you delicious candy."

And so, Mom took Wu Yutong's hand, and the two of them stepped over the threshold and walked towards the door.

As Wu Yutong and her daughter walked out of the yard, they bumped right into Ma Jianqiang, who had just finished using the toilet and was slowly walking home.

Ma Jianqiang glanced up and saw Wu Yutong's aloof and cold expression. His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly asked with a smile, "Xiaoyu, where are you going? Why don't I go with you?"

Seeing this, Wu's mother, who was standing to the side, glared at Ma Jianqiang and said irritably, "My daughter and I have things to do, why are you meddling? You really have no sense at all!"

However, Ma Jianqiang didn't seem to take Wu's mother's scolding to heart. He still shamelessly reached out and gently tugged at Wu Yutong's sleeve, asking with concern, "Xiaoyu, are you alright?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Yutong stopped in her hurried steps.

She turned her head and glanced at Ma Jianqiang indifferently, her icy gaze like a cold wind in the night, piercing straight at him.

Then, her gaze lingered on Ma Jianqiang's slightly tense face for a moment, her lips twitched slightly, and she said coldly, "What could it be? But don't forget what I told you before. If you can't do it, then we don't need to see each other again..."

After saying this, Wu Yutong took her mother's arm without hesitation and quickened her pace to leave.

Ma Jianqiang was left standing there, staring blankly at their departing figures.

Just then, a sharp, piercing shout came from behind Ma Jianqiang: "You stupid brat, what are you standing there for? Get your ass home and eat right now! You're like a lost soul, always chasing after that girl. Is it fun trying to win her over? I bet that little vixen has completely bewitched you!"

It turned out that Ma Jianqiang's mother was so angry when she saw her son's infatuated look that she couldn't help but start yelling at him.

Wu Yutong walked forward quickly, as if the wind was blowing through her feet, seemingly unaware of the sounds coming from behind her.

Mrs. Wu followed closely behind, her face ashen, muttering to herself, "Hmph! This family has absolutely no manners!"

Then she kept imparting her experience to her daughter, saying, "Xiaoyu, let me tell you, in the future, when you get along with Chen Jun, you need to know how to handle him. You need to manipulate this man. You have to use compliments..."

Wu Yutong listened with extreme impatience, thinking to herself, "You're so capable, yet Dad never seems to listen to you. I don't want to end up like my parents..."

A short while later, they arrived at the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau.

At this moment, Chen Jun was being escorted here by his mother.

The two mothers immediately showed great enthusiasm upon meeting and greeted each other.

Then, they quickly handed their prepared letters of introduction and household registration books to Chen Jun and Wu Yutong, urging them, "Hurry up and go in to complete the registration procedures."

Then, Chen's mother took out a handful of wedding candies from her pocket and stuffed them into Chen Jun and Wu Yutong's hands without saying a word, saying with a smile, "Don't forget to give some candies to the staff inside who are processing the documents."

The two entered the service hall together. Wu Yutong glanced at Chen Jun's slightly limping figure, frowned slightly, and felt extremely uncomfortable.

The staff member in charge of processing the marriage certificate was a middle-aged woman. She calmly accepted the letter of introduction and household registration booklet and began to carefully review the documents.

In the unique 1960s, it was not necessary to attach a photo when applying for a marriage certificate.

She first adjusted her glasses, carefully examined the slightly serious faces of the two people in front of her, then frowned slightly and asked solemnly, "Did you two choose to get married voluntarily?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Jun and Wu Yutong exchanged a glance, then quickly nodded in unison to express their agreement.

However, the clerk didn't stop there. She turned her gaze to Wu Yutong and continued to press, "These days we strongly advocate freedom of marriage. Young lady, are you sure you're really getting married voluntarily? If this is an arranged marriage by your parents, or even one involving coercion, the Women's Federation is right next door, and they will provide you with appropriate assistance."