After a few people finished breakfast, the eldest uncle came to pick them up by bike.
Luckily, she had a tricycle, so the second aunt and Grandma could sit at the back without a problem.
The eldest uncle pulled them along, while Xiao Wan and her group followed on bicycles.
The ceremony couldn’t be held in the shop, it was held at home first before coming for the meal.
Because Shen Rong had to bid farewell to relatives early in the morning, they needed to go to the eldest uncle’s house first.
It was Lin Wan’s first time at the eldest uncle’s house. The place was small and packed with people.
The whole building was bustling with excitement.
Shen Boxu was on the side helping to distribute candies and entertain the children.
When the groom comes to pick up the bride, he needs to bring pork tenderloin for the mother-in-law to symbolize "Leaving Mother Meat." He also brings green onions tied with red thread (symbolizing a fulfilling life) and a "Treasure Bowl" (actually a red basin filled with household items).
The bride sits on a new quilt at her family’s house, colloquially known as "Sitting for Blessings," and when the groom arrives at her house, the bride’s family blocks the door until he gives a red envelope and calls "Dad and Mom, open the door."
During the door-blocking, there were too many people, so Lin Wan didn’t go over.
Not being familiar, she quietly sat beside Grandma and the second aunt, playing with children. Tan Aixiang avoided helping because of disagreements over kids with the eldest aunt, sitting aside holding a child.
Little Daming ate enough to look chubby and cute. Once the bride was picked up, neighbors chatted in the house and the eldest uncle and aunt entertained the relatives heading to the restaurant.
Lin Wan, Grandma, second aunt, and Tan Aixiang sat together. Grandma and second aunt noticed Tan Aixiang was unhappy and occasionally offered some comfort.
"Sigh, now work is on unpaid leave for a year. In a year, others move up while I still need to work on the assembly line again. I don’t know what to do afterward," Tan Aixiang felt worried, as her mother-in-law wasn’t supportive, and there was no close person around. It was finally good to talk to Xiao Wan.
"The policies are different now. Haven’t you noticed many private stores on the streets? Making money yourself might be better than working at a factory for a fixed salary."
"But I don’t have any skills. There’s a person selling buns next to our factory, and she seems to sell quite a lot daily. But I can’t do that. Although my mother-in-law gives us twenty bucks a month, having a child means more expenses."
Lin Wan paused and thought for a moment before saying, "Grandma knows how to make soap, and several types are good for cleaning skin. I often use them now. Times have changed; girls like to dress up, and they like scented laundry. But Grandma can’t go out alone to sell. You can learn from Grandma and try selling some to friends and family first."
"Will anyone want it? Many people use laundry paste nowadays and buy it from malls."
"To each their own. Clothes washed with soap are soft, perfect for underwear and socks, and children’s clothes too. Some people just prefer this."
"I... I’ll think about it."
Lin Wan didn’t push her to try, since Grandma’s traditional skill was far better than factory formulas and would be a pity if lost.
After Shen Rong’s wedding ended, the second aunt knew Grandma’s leg was aching, so she stayed a few more days.
Lin Wan also brought back the bath barrel. Now every night, she helps Grandma with a herbal bath for an hour.
Grandma took the medicine from the hospital, with ointment during the day, and herbal baths at night, her legs felt much lighter.
Once Lin Wan’s clothes were made, she took about thirty pieces each day to the train station to set up a stall.
Ladies’ tops eight bucks each, dungarees ten bucks a piece, middle-aged ladies’ pants eight bucks a pair.