The train slowly started moving, and Gu Shuangshuang leaned out of the window to wave goodbye to An Hao.
Her face was filled with joy and happiness, as the two of them were about to embark on a journey toward bliss.
As the crowd on the platform gradually dispersed, An Hao and Qin Jian also turned to head back. The air had turned very cold, and with her slender frame, a chill prompted An Hao to instinctively shrink her neck.
Qin Jian took off his coat to drape over her, and the two of them, fingers interlocked, slowly walked out of the train station.
On the way, An Hao remembered the task she had given Qin Jian and casually asked, "Did you tell Tian Niu everything I asked you to?"
"I did, don’t worry! Tian Niu isn’t that kind of person. He won’t do anything to Gu Shuangshuang." Qin Jian had no doubts about Tian Niu’s character.
An Hao also trusted Tian Niu’s character but was just concerned that the two of them might not be able to restrain themselves.
She and Qin Jian had gone through the same thing; emotions naturally led to loss of control, and back then, both had exerted great effort to hold back.
However, Gu Shuangshuang’s situation was different from hers, An Hao worried that in a fit of willfulness, Gu Shuangshuang might "cook the rice before it’s ready," and if her parents, especially her mother, did not agree later on, her anger would only make it harder for the two of them to be together.
She feared that her parents might form a negative opinion of Tian Niu in advance, thinking he lured Gu Shuangshuang away, which could lead to complications.
Moreover, Gu Shuangshuang had confided to her that her mother could do anything when agitated.
An Hao was simply more worried for Gu Shuangshuang, as premarital intimacy was still a taboo in this era.
If word got out, it would reflect poorly on one’s personal image.
Seeing An Hao’s concern, Qin Jian naturally understood what his wife worried about.
Back then, he too had desperately wanted An Hao, but he had to consider her reputation and future, so before she married him, he would never do anything substantial to her.
Similarly, since Tian Niu was courting Gu Shuangshuang, he believed Tian Niu would definitely not put her in a compromising position.
"Don’t worry so much. Tian Niu knows his limits, and besides, I’ve already reminded him," he reassured.
"Yes, I also believe that they won’t make any mistakes," she agreed.
....................................
As the holiday was drawing to an end and New Year was closing in, An Hao spent several days at home thoroughly cleaning every nook and cranny.
Then, accompanying Zhang Yun, she went shopping for many New Year’s goods, preparing to celebrate a lively and prosperous festival.
Throughout the past year with her school commitments, An Hao rarely managed the household, with her mother-in-law, Zhang Yun, handling everything.
Finally, with her time off, An Hao took full charge, wanting to give her mother-in-law a good rest.
An Hao’s own mother had passed away early, and those years had been tough for her.
Now married, she could tell that her mother-in-law truly cherished her from the bottom of her heart, and so she treated Zhang Yun with the same affection as her own mother.
After busying herself for a week and nearly finishing up all the housework, it was time for Qin Fen to get married.
Qin Jian and An Hao packed simply since they were definitely going to stay for a few days before returning.
After all, since her marriage, An Hao rarely spent many days at home throughout the year, and she wanted to take this opportunity to stay longer during this visit.
Before leaving, Zhang Yun gave An Hao two bottles of good liquor to take to An Shuchao.
After all, it was not easy to find in-laws who caused little trouble. Moreover, they had seldom bought groceries this year because An Shuchao often sent them vegetables, saving them quite a bit of money.
With the New Year approaching, it was time to express their gratitude to the in-laws.
An Hao repeatedly declined but couldn’t resist her mother-in-law’s insistence and finally accepted, and the couple took their things and went back to the village.