Gu Yingzhou frowned slightly, "Why are you bringing this up, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future."
The elderly woman knew her grandson disliked such talk and went along with him, "Right, right, there will be plenty of opportunities."
Gu Yingzhou had not yet received a definitive message regarding Grandfather Gu’s visit and responded conservatively.
"My grandfather hasn’t said whether he’s coming or not. When I called earlier, he mentioned he needed to sort out some matters first."
As someone holding a high position, Grandfather Gu had many responsibilities, and leaving Jing City was not so simple.
Madam Ruan chuckled, "That must mean he’s coming."
Ruan Huahui carried in ginger soup and casually asked, "Who’s coming?"
Madam Ruan gave Gu Yingzhou a look, signaling him not to mention it for now.
Gu Yingzhou caught on instantly and nodded slightly.
Yes, better not to bring it up.
Otherwise, Grandpa would be up all night again, thinking about how to compete with Grandfather Gu.
"It’s nothing. Is the ginger soup ready? Have Yingzhou drink a bowl too, it’s good for preventing colds in this chilly weather," Madam Ruan changed the subject.
Ruan Huahui didn’t mind and told Gu Yingzhou, "There’s more in the kitchen."
"Okay." Gu Yingzhou replied and headed to the kitchen.
-
December 25th, a good day for weddings.
This was the day Gu Yingzhou and Lin Tang got married.
Lin Tang had just turned eighteen, reaching the legal marriage age, and the pair had already registered their marriage.
Today was their wedding ceremony.
The Shuangshan Brigade had been enveloped in red for days.
Not only the Lin family’s home, but every household had hung red lanterns...
Some trees were also adorned with red ribbons; the atmosphere was filled with festivity.
The Gu family members arrived at the Shuangshan Brigade in a celebratory procession and the sight of the red splendor brought even more joy to their faces.
"So lively!" exclaimed Grandfather Gu with a smile.
Ruan Shu remarked, "Yes, it feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a vibrant scene."
In Jing City, the atmosphere was dull, smiles were rare on people’s faces, and the mood was quite oppressive.
Arriving here felt like a breath of fresh air, opening their hearts and minds.
Gu Yu, upon seeing the jubilant smiles of the villagers, raised his eyebrows in surprise.
What made these people smile so brightly?
"The Shuangshan Brigade seems to be completely unaffected by the external environment," he mused.
Grandfather Gu’s gaze was deep, "How the people below fare depends on the actions of those above..."
Gu Yu nodded in agreement, finding wisdom in those words.
His impression of the Shuangshan Brigade’s leaders improved as a result.
Gu Ziping leaned out the car window, waving to the children in the village.
The village kids were innocent and simple.
Seeing the friendly older brother smiling at them, they blushed and mimicked his wave.
"These kids are really delightful!" Gu Ziping laughed heartily.
Gu Ye and You Mi, rarely seeing their son so happy, exchanged glances filled with laughter.
You Mi patted Gu Ziping on the head and said with a smile, "Do you want to get out and have a look?"
Gu Ziping truly wanted to, but remembering he was almost of age made him feel a bit embarrassed, "No need, let’s go meet my brother’s wife first."
"Sure."
The car continued its journey, following the one adorned with a large red flower as it headed to the Lin family’s home.
Another car followed behind, carrying members of the Ruan family, with the Ruan elders inside. Those from the Ruan family who were able to attend the wedding had also made the special trip.
-
The Lin family.
Lin Tang sat on the bed, dressed in her wedding attire.
In that era, wedding attire was simple, and being able to wear new clothes was considered good enough, with many marrying in patched-up garments.
The Lin family was not in bad shape, and the Gu family was even better off, so naturally, Lin Tang’s wedding dress was not old.
But due to the circumstances, she didn’t go for anything too extravagant.
A jujube red knitted sweater matched with a black wool skirt, and she would add a black coat when stepping out of the house.
Sweet and refreshingly clean.
Lazy and gentle plaits adorned her head, with red hair clips that didn’t steal the spotlight.
She was already good-looking, but with a bit of clever makeup today, she became even more radiant.
When Ling Lei entered the room and saw Lin Tang, she felt as if her eyes were dazzled for a moment.
"Whose daughter is this, looking so beautiful?" she called out with a laugh.
Wen Xue was so mesmerized that she seemed to be in a daze.
"Lin Tang is really pretty today!!"
Whoosh!
She exaggeratedly swallowed her saliva.
Amused, Lin Tang laughed, showing her pearly teeth, and her peachy cheeks became even more charming.
"Xiaoxue sure has a way with words!"
Wen Xue moved closer, studying Lin Tang attentively, "I’m serious, Tangtang, you’re glowing and looking extremely beautiful today."
Lin Tang pinched Wen Xue’s cheek and said with a smile, "Thank you, Xiaoxue."
After thanking her sweet little admirer, she looked at Ling Lei.
"Is Comrade Wen here?"
Ling Lei nodded, "Of course, he had to come. How could he not show up when the person who saved his life is getting married? He’s outside with Ajing."
People at that time were simple and took gratitude seriously, especially for life-saving favors.
Ever since Comrade Wen Chang recovered, Lin Tang’s status in the Wen Family had risen significantly.
Aside from the usual occasions, during every festival, they would bring gifts and visit with great politeness.
The two families were practically treating each other as relatives.
Lin Tang smiled, "As long as everyone is here it’s great. Today we have good food and meat ready, you all have to come."
Ling Lei couldn’t help but smile, "Don’t worry, we four people came with one gift, guaranteeing to share in your joy to the fullest."
Lin Tang was about to say something when Lin Zhicheng’s voice came from outside.
"Here we go! The car is here, the groom has come to pick up the bride!"
No sooner had the young man’s voice fallen than the crackling sound of firecrackers erupted.
Outside, there was shouting and laughter, creating a festive atmosphere.
The wedding was a grander affair than the engagement had been.
For this reason, Lin Lu had his apprentices make a good number of foldable tables and wooden benches.
The tables and chairs were set up by the roadside, stretching in a long line as far as the eye could see, like a dragon.
Upon hearing the noise, Lin Xiaojing sneakily peeked from the doorway...
There were so many people outside that she couldn’t see anything else.
Turning back into the room and seeing Tangtang so calm, Lin Xiaojing asked curiously, "Tangtang, what does it feel like to get married? You don’t seem nervous at all, do you?"
Fang Xiaoyun also looked over.
None of them had been married before and were curious.
"Feelings? Just take it easy, but if I have to describe it, then of course I’m happy—after all, I’m getting married!" Lin Tang answered.
Lin Xiaojing: "Just happy? Aren’t you nervous or anything?"
Getting married, how could one possibly not be even a little bit nervous?
It was just that Lin Tang wasn’t nervous for the moment.
"Not too bad," she replied.
Not too bad? That means she was somewhat nervous.
For a moment, Lin Xiaojing laughed like a little mouse that had stolen some rice.
She had thought Tangtang wouldn’t be nervous at all.
Looks like she was the same.
Lin Tang felt there was something strange about Lin Xiaojing’s laughter; her gaze swept over.
"What are you laughing at?"
"...Nothing," Lin Xiaojing laughed without giving away anything.
With an indifferent expression, Lin Tang easily read her thoughts.
"Sister Xiaojing, you’re not nervous, are you? Brother Musheng is already building a house in the village, and you’re just moving from one end of the village to the other. What’s there to be nervous about?"
Upon hearing Lin Tang mention herself, Lin Xiaojing’s face turned red.
"It’s your wedding day today, why are you bringing me up?"