Some of the people at the table looked at the spread of delicious dishes and began whispering praises, with everyone agreeing that the Han Family hosted a good banquet. Nowadays, every household is under pressure; even though they have jobs and salaries, times are still tight. There’s not much opportunity to eat well all year round.
"Who would’ve thought that Xiao Yi, the quiet one, would marry such a beautiful wife. I heard he pursued her on his own. We’ve been watching him grow up, and never expected the kid to have this side to him." The tone was playful, without a hint of malice.
Everyone was familiar with the neighbors, otherwise they wouldn’t joke around .
Laughter erupted around, "I think Sister-in-law Han’s granddaughter-in-law is a good find. She’s a good one. She’ll have a life of comfort from now on."
"Yes, it’s like she’s finally had a breakthrough."
At the neighboring table, Shen Rong sneered, "She’s just pretty. Prettiness doesn’t change the fact she’s from the countryside."
As soon as she spoke, all eyes from the table were on her. This table consisted of members from the eldest and second uncle’s families.
Next to them was the table where Han Ying, Shen Qing’s family accompanied Liang Hongmei, Lin Yinghui, Zhang Shuhua, and Grandma Wang.
The distant tables didn’t hear what was happening, but people at this table found her remarks tactless.
Lin Wan is from the south and also from the countryside, but there’s nothing shameful about that; everyone knows. Yet, it’s inappropriate to blatantly mention it at her wedding.
"What’s wrong with being from the countryside? I think cousin-in-law is quite nice." Shen Jie felt that her sister Shen Rong was being too harsh, and with a sidelong glance she said, "Much better than some from the city." Unfortunately, the person in question didn’t catch the implication.
"Rongrong, watch your mouth." Second Uncle Shen Xinghe particularly dislikes the eldest sister-in-law and this niece, not just for scheming about the family’s little money, but especially their prejudice against Xiao Yi. Thankfully, he’s mostly been away, avoiding disputes, and couldn’t be bothered to argue.
"My daughter Rongrong isn’t wrong. Xiao Yi, for instance, I repeatedly hinted about my niece, but he didn’t even respond. And without a sound, he went and married someone running a restaurant, not up to standard. Our mom didn’t seem embarrassed either. At least my niece graduated high school and has a proper job," Zhang Huilan retorted.
Shen Xinghe frowned, about to lose his temper, but his wife Fang Xin tugged his sleeve under the table, signaling him to say less, "Today is Xiao Yi’s happy day, sister-in-law, just say a few words less, so as to not sour the mood."
It’s his nephew’s big day, and he didn’t want to cause his nephew embarrassment, so he let it go.
Zhang Huilan and her daughter pouted and remained silent.
While drinking, Shen Xinghe subtly suggested to his elder brother to manage his wife and daughter.
Shen Haitao acknowledged verbally, but felt bitter inside. As the eldest, when did it become this younger brother’s place to lecture him?
Just because he became a local official.
As the banquet ended, Han Ying instructed her two daughters-in-law to stay and pack up, while Shen Qing escorted Xiao Wan to personally see their family members to the car.
On Han Yi’s side, apart from Gao Ran and Huang Guozhong, the others were busy with district duties and couldn’t come. Since they used the Jun District’s car, after seeing the guests off, Han Yi gave them two cartons of cigarettes and some sunflower seeds and sweets for the car, and put the leftover wine from the banquet in the car, "Take these back to share with the rest. Be careful on the road."