The 60s Island: The Daily Life of a Capitalist Young Lady with the Army - Chapter 1: Wrong Table for the Blind Date

Chapter 1: Wrong Table for the Blind Date

1966, Shanghai.

Xu Xiangsi walked into the state-owned restaurant. The lunch rush had just passed, and while it wasn’t crowded, a few scattered tables were still occupied.

The air was filled with an indescribable mix of food aromas and greasy fumes, mingling with the chatter of patrons, creating a somewhat noisy atmosphere.

Her eyes immediately landed on a young man sitting by the window. His back was straight, wearing a slightly worn dacron shirt, his elbows resting on the greasy tabletop as he gazed out the window.

That must be him! The matchmaker Aunt Wang had described—a clean-shirted young man waiting alone!

Xu Xiangsi took a deep breath and strode over quickly.

She was utterly frustrated!

A perfectly modern, independent woman, she had closed her eyes one day and opened them a few days later, only to find herself transmigrated into an era novel titled The Delicate Beauty Spoiled by the Hong Kong Tycoon. She had become the story’s female lead’s spoiled, unreasonable, and brainless evil stepsister! A cannon fodder character whose sole purpose was to provide warmth, opportunities, and startup funds to the female lead!

What kind of mess was this!

Long Peiye was lost in thought, waiting for his comrade-in-arms, when suddenly the light in front of him dimmed, and a faint, indescribable floral fragrance wafted into his nostrils.

He looked up to find a woman who had already pulled out the chair opposite him and sat down without invitation.

The woman had bright eyes and white teeth, her skin dazzlingly fair, with two glossy black braids framing her exquisitely delicate features. Only her expression… was far too serious, as if she were here to settle a score.

Long Peiye frowned slightly, certain he didn’t know this female comrade.

Just as he was about to ask, Comrade, have you mistaken me for someone else? she spoke first.

Hello, I’m Xu Xiangsi, your blind date.

Long Peiye: ???

He was supposed to meet his life-and-death comrade Lao Li today! Since when had it become a blind date?

Was this female comrade perhaps a bit unwell in the head?

But as the name Xu Xiangsi registered in his ears, Long Peiye’s heart skipped a beat!

That name…

He discreetly studied the woman across from him. Though her almond-shaped eyes now brimmed with impatience, he could still vaguely trace familiar contours in her features.

It was her!

Long Peiye was almost certain—this Xu Xiangsi before him was the little girl who had saved his life by the river when they were children!

But what was this about being blind dates?

After he had been rescued from drowning back then, his family had quickly relocated due to political background issues, and he never got to properly thank the little girl. It had remained a regret ever since.

Xu Xiangsi paid no mind to whatever internal turmoil her identity might be causing him. Right now, she just wanted to cut through the knot quickly.

She continued speaking without waiting for his response: My situation should have been explained to you by the matchmaker. I have only one requirement: get married immediately. Today! Tomorrow! The sooner, the better! My household registration must be transferred to your family right after the wedding.

Long Peiye: …

He wondered if he was hearing things.

Xu Xiangsi paused, seeming to realize her tone had been too forceful, and softened it slightly, though her words remained shocking: Of course, I’m not asking for your help without compensation. Ours would be a marriage in name only. After it’s done, I can give you a sum of money, or if you have other requests, as long as I can fulfill them, you can state them.

Hearing this, Long Peiye found himself in no hurry to explain the misunderstanding anymore.

A flicker of amusement passed through his deep-set eyes as he leaned back slightly in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest, watching her with leisurely composure.

Oh? Since this is a matchmaking meeting, I’m naturally looking for a serious partnership. Comrade Xu Xiangsi, why don’t you explain—why would I give up a proper wife to enter a fake marriage with you?

This man wasn’t following the script at all!

Xu Xiangsi grumbled inwardly. Hadn’t the matchmaker said his family circumstances were average and he urgently needed money? Why was he being so picky now?

She patiently explained, Because we don’t know each other at all, and there’s no emotional foundation between us! Don’t you think getting truly married would be too rash?

Long Peiye raised an eyebrow, his tone tinged with mockery. But Comrade Xu Xiangsi, I want to find someone who genuinely wishes to build a life with me, not a partner who only wants my household registration.

Xu Xiangsi was left speechless, momentarily stumped by his retort.

Why was he so stubborn?

Her willow-leaf eyebrows shot up, her delicate face fell, and her tone turned sharp. If that’s the case, then forget it! Those who walk different paths cannot make plans together. I’ll find someone willing!

What a waste of time! She had thought she could settle this quickly.

With that, she sprang to her feet, making as if to leave.

Hey, wait! Long Peiye’s deep voice held a barely perceptible trace of laughter as he stopped her in time.

Xu Xiangsi turned back impatiently. What is it? I’m in a hurry!

Looking at her flustered appearance, the corner of Long Peiye’s mouth lifted. First tell me, why are you in such a rush for a fake marriage? If your reason is compelling enough, I might consider it.

He genuinely wanted to hear what medicine this little savior—who had saved him years ago and now proactively sought him out—was really selling in her gourd.

At his words, Xu Xiangsi paused.

She pressed her lips tightly together, her eyes flickering uncertainly, and fell silent for a moment.

Fine. At this point, there was nothing left to hide.

She lifted her head, meeting Long Peiye’s probing gaze, took a deep breath, and spoke with unexpected calm.

Because something has happened to my maternal grandfather’s family. You should know how sensitive certain backgrounds are in today’s society. Before liberation, my grandfather was a well-known Capitalist in Shanghai.

Although he kept a low profile after liberation and donated much of the family fortune in response to the call, a tall tree catches the wind. Recently, someone reported him, and the result is that the entire family has been sent down.

Although my father publicly severed ties with him immediately, he still wants to move to Hong Kong, she shrugged. I don’t want to go to Hong Kong, but in my situation, staying here alone means either being sent down for re-education by the poor and lower-middle peasants or going to the countryside as an educated youth to help build rural areas—I don’t want either option, so getting married is my only choice!

Xu Xiangsi was truly out of options.

The original host’s mother had passed away from illness five years ago. The following year, her father, Xu Rongchang, remarried Lin Jiaoyan and brought home a stepsister three months younger than her—Xu Jingjing, the female lead of the original story.

As soon as trouble struck her grandfather’s family, Xu Rongchang, afraid of being implicated, immediately cut ties publicly. But still uneasy, he planned to move the whole family to Hong Kong to seek refuge with her nominal fiancé, Song Shengze—the male lead of the original story.

At this thought, a mocking smile curled at the corners of Xu Xiangsi’s lips.

In the original story, the original host had accidentally fallen overboard on the ship to Hong Kong.

It was also at that moment that Xu Jingjing had torn the jade pendant from her neck, simultaneously cutting her hand and drawing blood, thus activating the Dimension.

As for now… Xu Xiangsi had immediately activated the Dimension with her blood as soon as she transmigrated.

She had no intention of repeating the same mistake—ending up as fish food right after crossing over. So, she had privately sought out a matchmaker near her home and asked her to find a marriage partner for herself.

Long Peiye remained silent, listening quietly.

Xu Xiangsi softened her tone: Don’t worry, I said it’s a marriage in name only—no real relationship. Once the situation calms down, or I find another way to settle down, or if you meet someone you like, we can divorce at any time. I can also help explain things to the other party.

After hearing her words, Long Peiye unconsciously tapped his fingers lightly on the table, producing a soft, rhythmic sound.

His gaze was profound, like an ancient well, making it impossible to discern what he was thinking.

Xu Xiangsi felt a bit uneasy—was this man having second thoughts?

She had practically laid all her cards on the table!

After a long silence, Long Peiye finally spoke, his voice low and calm: I can agree to a marriage in name only with you.

Xu Xiangsi’s heart eased, and she nearly cheered out loud!

But before she could rejoice, Long Peiye added: However, there is one condition.