Wang Shufen bit her lip and said, "I will never go back. Today is a good day for my brother to bring someone over, let’s not talk about this. Let’s entertain the guests properly!"
Mrs. Wang quickly agreed, "I almost forgot about this. Today we should make something delicious. Do you need me to go to the little shop to buy some canned food? Didn’t Kangkang say he wanted some before? Also, should we buy a fish from Wang’s fishpond?"
For the villagers, having a fish outside of holidays is the best treat. Conveniently, Wang’s fishpond is on the east side of the village, making it easy to buy.
Sun Chan wanted to stop her, but Gu Junming held her back, "It’s your parents’ goodwill. You should just accept it. Go help Mom pick some vegetables!"
Sun Chan nodded, and the family cooperatively made the meal. Wang Shufen went to the shop to buy two cans of food, one with fruit and the other with luncheon meat, and also bought a fish back.
Sun Chan and Mrs. Wang went to the vegetable garden; although small, it was well-maintained.
The two women picked some bok choy, green beans, and also took out some pickled meat. Sun Chan helped Mrs. Wang make vegetable pancakes, and they prepared four or five dishes, plus a tomato and egg soup. Seeing Sun Chan cook properly, Mrs. Wang was very satisfied.
This girl is really nice, diligent, and straightforward.
But upon further thought, if her son could marry such a daughter-in-law, it would naturally be good, but would the Gu Family agree? She started to worry for Sun Chan.
Sun Chan looked sideways at Mrs. Wang, "What’s wrong, Auntie? You look unhappy. Did I do something wrong?"
"No, let’s set the table and eat."
With the food ready, everyone gathered around the table to eat. Ding Kang was very reserved at first but soon started eating heartily, almost choking a few times from eating too fast.
Wang Shufen patted his back, "Eat slowly. There’s plenty!"
Sun Chan glanced at Gu Junming, noticing his bad mood. Though she was now well-off, her sister and parents still couldn’t have good things to eat. Reluctant to say anything directly, she held it in.
Mrs. Wang, a bit embarrassed, explained, "The money Mingzi sent is a lot, but we’re saving it for his future wedding and dowry, so we didn’t spend it. Plus, there’s Kangkang’s expenses. Don’t worry, we eat well enough regularly."
Even though he wasn’t her birth child, she had thought of these things in advance.
Gu Junming smiled, "I’ll send an extra ten dollars starting next month."
"No need," Father Wang bluntly refused, "We are farming here and don’t have many expenses. Rest assured, we may be frugal, but not when it comes to the children’s diet. We’ll make sure Kangkang eats well."
Wang Shufen felt a bit embarrassed, feeling she was burdening her family.
Sun Chan held her hand and gave a comforting smile.
Talking about saving for Gu Junming’s wedding, Sun Chan hurried to say she didn’t want a dowry.
Wang Shufen said, "Sister-in-law, you must be joking. How can we not have a dowry? People in the village would laugh at us. Just listen to Mom and Dad."
Sun Chan felt shy, looking at Gu Junming. His eyes flickered, but he didn’t say anything.
Mrs. Wang placed a piece of fish on Sun Chan’s plate, "Eat, girl. Look at how thin you are."
Sun Chan obliged, eating heartily, and naturally served dishes to Father Wang. His eyesight wasn’t good, so she took care of him while eating, even removing the fish bones.
Father Wang was very satisfied with Sun Chan, finding her hardworking and considerate to elders, a good daughter-in-law. He smiled, "When are you two getting married?"
"Once Sun Chan turns twenty, we’ll get our marriage certificate," Gu Junming replied straightforwardly. This matter wasn’t discussed with Sun Chan before, making her ears slightly warm.
"But the Gu Family side..."
"They have no right to interfere with my affairs," Gu Junming said outright, "During my hardest times, they abandoned my mother and me, ignoring us. I lived with him for less than a year since birth, there’s no bond. He has a new wife and son, and no reason to manage me."
Mrs. Wang looked worried, "But..."
"Let it go," Father Wang said, "Gu Zishan, such a coward, isn’t qualified to meddle in your affairs. Besides, he did disgusting things in his own marriage, what right does he have to interfere with Mingzi’s matters!"
Mrs. Wang, always obedient to her husband, said no more. Having heard some about Gu Junming’s complicated background, Sun Chan listened to what he chose to share and didn’t pry, which Father Wang appreciated. She wouldn’t push her husband to acknowledge the capable father-in-law, seeking benefits, showing her sensible side.
Mrs. Wang smiled, "Actually, you don’t have to wait until twenty. In the village, people often celebrate with a banquet first, then officially register when old enough, and start having children!"
"Exactly, have the child first. It’s been years since we’ve had a celebration in the Wang Family," Father Wang said.
Gu Junming smiled, "No rush, I want Sun Chan to do what she wants first. After marriage, she’ll have to handle children, losing some freedom. I hope she explores while she’s young."
Sun Chan gratefully looked at Gu Junming, appreciating how understanding he was.
"Then let’s get engaged first," Father Wang waved his hand, giving the two a directive. Everyone else laughed.
"We came back for the engagement. Sun Chan doesn’t have parents, so we’ll keep it simple. Just in time to help Mom and Dad with the harvest."
Father Wang nodded with a smile, "Alright, let’s invite the village chief and a few Wang Family relatives for dinner tonight, and set this marriage."
Sun Chan blushed and whispered to Gu Junming, "The old man really looks like a leader, very imposing."
The smile faded on Gu Junming’s face, "You’re right, if it weren’t for some matters, he wouldn’t have returned to the village. He was indeed a leader."
Sun Chan looked at Gu Junming inquisitively, but seeing him say no more, she didn’t ask further.
Father Wang, Mother Wang, and Wang Shufen kept a calm demeanor, as if they hadn’t heard, which was hard for the Wang Family to accept.
Ding Kang was only focused on indulging himself, not caring about these things.
Sun Chan gave him another piece of meat, to which Ding Kang grinned at her and continued eating.
Father Wang said, "You took leave to come back, right? Once you’re done, head back to your main responsibilities."
"The engagement is my main responsibility. Plus, with the autumn harvest, I need to help in the fields," Gu Jianming smiled.
"Alright, I’ll just see if you haven’t forgotten how to farm. If you mess up, I’ll hit you," Father Wang chuckled.
They had a pleasant meal, but the atmosphere at Su Miao’s wasn’t as good.
Su Miao returned home, went straight to her small room, lay down without a sound, and didn’t even come out to eat lunch.