During that time, she took almost every kind of medicine available. Once afraid of the bitterness of pills, she now consumed them as if they were candy, driven by a single thought: to recover quickly because Qi Runzhou was waiting.
Those who have faith often witness miracles. Kang Wanying surprisingly recovered exceptionally well; there was no trace left of her previous serious illness. She refused to think about the connection between her experience that night and Su Ruolan's tragic fate, burying those memories deep within her heart. She constantly hypnotized herself into believing that she was simply a girl in love with Qi Runzhou, who was a widowed hero waiting for his true love to rescue and warm his soul.
She joined Qi Runzhou's unit, transforming from a distant helper into a close comrade. She knew Qi Runzhou's preferences like the back of her hand and gradually entered his heart with her meticulousness, patience, and love. Over three months, she made Qi Runzhou familiar with her and accustomed to her care. Perhaps she lacked Su Ruolan's cold elegance and the reserved demeanor of a noble lady, but she possessed an all-consuming passion and determination.
On the hundredth day of Su Ruolan's passing, Qi Runzhou got drunk again, utterly wasted and heartbroken, repeatedly murmuring, "Ruo Lan, I'm sorry. I love you. I'm sorry."
Hearing his pained words, Kang Wanying felt anger and sadness surge within her, leading to an impulsive act. She kissed Qi Runzhou passionately, offering him her fervor without hesitation. Dazed and dizzy, Qi Runzhou mistakenly believed that Su Ruolan had returned to him.
Thus began a clichéd story: a man indulging himself while a woman flattered him; who captivated whom's gaze or broke whose heart—what did it matter?
Even if one wished to remain asleep, reality had to be faced. When Qi Runzhou finally woke up with a throbbing headache and saw Kang Wanying lying beside him, he was stunned.
He gazed at the striking red hue before him, at her stubborn face, and listened to her heartfelt declaration: "I love you; I have no regrets." Suddenly moved, Qi Runzhou said, "I will marry you."
Seeing the surprise light up Kang Wanying's eyes felt like witnessing Su Ruolan sitting across from him again. He recalled saying those words to Su Ruolan as she lowered her head, revealing her delicate neck with an alluring softness and shyness. But looking again at Kang Wanying—her vibrant smile bore no resemblance to Su Ruolan yet always reminded him of her. He couldn't help but shake his head.
"Are you having second thoughts?" Kang Wanying asked nervously.
Looking at this lively and youthful face, he realized Su Ruolan had been around this age when they married. Qi Runzhou sighed inwardly; he had already let down one deeply loved soul and could not allow another to cry. He looked firmly at Kang Wanying and declared resolutely, "I will never regret this. Where are your family? I will go propose today. If you don't feel wronged by it, we can marry in three days."
"I have no regrets either. My family is gone; I'm all alone now. You don't think I'm frivolous, do you?" Kang Wanying replied excitedly but worried that Qi Runzhou might look down on her.
"How could this be? From now on, I will be your family; we will rely on each other." Qi Runzhou embraced Kang Wanying, feeling deep compassion for the girl who had lost her family’s protection at such a young age. At that moment, he made a silent vow to treat her well, deciding to keep Su Ruolan deeply hidden in his heart.
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