Chapter 52:

As soon as Zhang Yue uttered these words, Lin Houpu and Li Yujiao simultaneously turned their gaze toward her.

Lin Houpu’s face remained unreadable, but Li Yujiao’s expression was visibly astonished—a reaction that jolted Zhang Yue back to her senses.

What identity did she have to go in his place?

Did the people on the other end even know who she was?

She had misspoken. “I—I was just joking. I was thinking that my younger brother isn’t used to being here, and if we took him on a trip somewhere far, he might cheer up a bit.” It was a spur-of-the-moment excuse, and she had no idea whether the two of them believed it.

Lin Houpu’s face was as inscrutable as ever. He glanced at her and nodded. “When he doesn’t have school, take him around the area. I heard someone say that kids love the zoo—take him there, and he’ll probably perk up.”

Zhang Ying lifted his head from his bowl. “The zoo!” His excitement was unmistakable.

He looked eagerly at Zhang Yue. “Sister, let’s go to the zoo!”

Lin Tiandong overheard and got excited too, tugging at Li Yujiao’s sleeve. “Mom, I want to go too.”

Li Yujiao smiled. “Sure, but you have to behave these next few days. If you don’t, I won’t take you.”

“Mom, I’ll be good. Don’t leave me behind!”

Watching the mother and son, Lin Houpu chuckled faintly. After that, no one spoke further. Once the meal was over, Lin Houpu went upstairs to his study to work, while Zhang Yue automatically got up to help clear the dishes.

From an angle Zhang Yue couldn’t see, Li Yujiao’s gaze held a hint of mockery.

So, she’d gotten ideas, had she? Well, the factory director’s son was probably the best match she could hope for.

It was just her bad luck—she’d had a chance once.

And now, hearing about all the preparations being made, she must be feeling even more unbalanced. She’d have to talk to Old Lin about finding her a decent match to marry off as soon as possible.

Back in her room, Zhang Yue stewed over her blunder.

She didn’t know why she’d said it. At the time, she’d just felt like she’d lost so much and acted on impulse. But now, thinking it over, what could she even do if she went there?

Would her presence somehow make him marry her?

She didn’t even know what Lin Chuanbai looked like. The photo on the wall was from three years ago—who knew how he’d changed since then? What if he’d gotten ugly?

Zhang Yue took a deep breath. She was drawn to his circumstances—she knew that much. Marrying him would mean never worrying about food or clothing, and her brother’s future would be secure.

But that one slip of the tongue…

Zhang Yue smiled bitterly. She couldn’t afford to speak carelessly like that again.

She’d have to think before speaking from now on.

Lin Houpu began preparing various items for his second son’s wedding. Meanwhile, Wu Zheng and Lin Guangbai each received letters from Lin Duzhong.

However, Wu Zheng was in the middle of a closed training session when her letter arrived, so by the time she got it, some time had already passed. After reading it, she sat in silence for a while.

Calculating the years, he was old enough to marry now. Time had flown. She wondered if their second son had forgiven them yet.

Thinking back to how he’d resisted when they divorced, Wu Zheng sighed.

Maybe now, he understood a little more…

When Lin Guangbai received his letter, he laughed heartily three times. After work, he headed straight to the department store.

What should he give as a wedding gift?

When his younger sister had married, he’d only just started working and hadn’t had much money. Now, things were different—his salary had increased, his rank had risen, and in Shanghai, he benefited from the city’s commercial advantages, where many popular products flowed to the rest of the country.

His younger brother already had a bicycle and a watch. A radio and sewing machine were still missing, but their grandfather would likely take care of those. Shipping large items from here wouldn’t be easy.

He’d given his brother a watch before—maybe now, he could give his future sister-in-law one too, making it a pair.

Here, he had far more options for watches than back home.

*

Lin Chuanbai was brimming with energy these days, visiting the construction site daily to check progress and point out any adjustments needed.

Houses went up quickly back then, with little ornamentation. The workers couldn’t help but smile at the young man’s constant supervision.

Eager to marry, no doubt. And it wasn’t just the nagging—the meals he provided were undeniably excellent. A well-fed crew worked harder, after all.

Once the house was built, the same team immediately started on the interior, applying a smooth layer of putty and painting the walls snow-white. Tiles were laid in the kitchen and bathroom.

The well in the backyard had been dug even before construction began, finished before the house itself, ensuring easy access to water.

By the time Lin Houpu’s items arrived at a leisurely pace, the timing was perfect. Lin Duzhong had planned it well—writing ahead had given everyone enough time to prepare.

During this period, Yu Xiang’an was also busy. The interior decor was her domain, and throughout the process, she never once felt regret. Whenever they needed to discuss something, they resolved it calmly and cooperatively.

So when he proposed setting a date, she agreed without hesitation.

She had never been the type to hesitate. Once she’d made up her mind, she didn’t overthink things.

If the worst happened, she could handle it.

After settling on a date, they received more good news: Yu Xiangyan and his family could return. Yu Xiangyan secured worker status, while Wen Ruzhen and Wen Yizhen were transferred from one production team to another. With solid reasons and some connections, they faced little resistance and smoothly relocated.

They’d return just in time for the wedding banquet.

The couple went to the city for wedding photos. They’d taken some at the county studio before, but the results hadn’t been great.

Most wedding photos at the time featured the groom in military attire and the bride in red. But they brought multiple outfits, startling the photographer.

For the first set, both wore military uniforms with imitation caps, looking dashing. Standing shoulder to shoulder, the photographer, Old Wang, frowned. “Step apart a little—you’re too close.”

With an outsider present, shouldn’t they be more reserved?

Lin Chuanbai refused. “These are our wedding photos. They won’t be shared—what’s the problem?”

Old Wang sighed. “Fine, just don’t spread them around. Now, look at the camera and smile. This is the formal shot. Ready—three, two, one!”

Yu Xiang’an turned slightly. “One more.”

They gazed at each other, eyes shining.

Old Wang: “…”

Kids these days.

After a few more poses, they changed outfits.

Lin Chuanbai wore fitted black pants and a white shirt, while Yu Xiang’an donned a white blouse and a plaid skirt.

They took one photo standing shoulder to shoulder, another with their heads touching, and a third gazing into each other’s eyes.

Then, under Old Wang’s resigned stare, they changed again.

Lin Chuanbai wore a Zhongshan suit, and Yu Xiang’an a fitted red dress, looking radiant.

Old Wang himself thought the shots turned out well—they’d look great printed.

Since photos couldn’t be developed on the spot, they returned later with the receipt to collect them. Both were pleased—the city photos were far better than the county ones.

Yu Xiang’an examined them closely. “Master Wang, do you do outdoor shoots? Our families will be gathering for the wedding, and we’d love if you could take some photos then. We’ll cover travel and meals. You’re so talented—we’d really appreciate it.”

Her earnest plea made Old Wang hesitate. “Have you set a date? Let me check my schedule.”

It sounded promising. Yu Xiang’an and Lin Chuanbai exchanged a smile. “The 30th next month—a day off.”

“End of the month? I can do that. Leave me your address.”

“Great! Thank you! We’ll leave a 20-yuan deposit. Please bring extra film—we’ll have a big group and will definitely take lots.”

The 30th was a day off, so everyone would be free—hence their choice.

Yu Xiangyan and his family returned mid-month, and he’d already worked a few days by the 30th.

That morning, the Lin family delivered the betrothal gifts to the Yu household, after which the Yu family carried the gifts and dowry in bundles to the newlyweds’ home.

Yu Xiang’an had two older brothers, Yu Xianghai and Yu Xiangyan, and three cousins—Qin Shenghua, Qin Shengsong, and Qin Shenghe (Qin Shenghua was away in the military). She also had three younger male cousins—Yu Manchang, Yu Manwu, and Yu Mansheng, the youngest of whom was already sixteen. Seven men were more than enough to carry the dowry.

They hadn’t invited neighbors or friends, but the spectacle didn’t go unnoticed.

“Look at all this! The Yu family’s doing well. The groom’s family must be loaded to afford such nice things—a radio, a sewing machine…”

“And he came on a bicycle to fetch the bride. Probably his own. Look, he’s even wearing a watch.”

“The bride has her own bicycle too, and a brand-new watch on her wrist.”

“Incredible.”

“Who knew the Yu family had this kind of wealth?”

Their lifestyle was enviable. Most families treasured even one of the “Four Big Items,” but here, they had all four—and more.

Some sour onlookers muttered, “Who knows where they got the money? Maybe something shady.”

Like private trading.

Others corrected them. “Nonsense. Do you know what the groom’s parents do? High-ranking officials, apparently. This stuff is nothing to them.”

Ding Minxiu lurked by the roadside, eavesdropping. Staring at the procession, her chest heaved.

How could Yu Xiang’an still be so lucky? To find a man like this, willing to marry her despite her past and shower her with gifts?

Why?

She’d seen the house too—a detached home with a yard, just for the two of them. What kind of dream life was that?

Meanwhile, she still shared a bed with her son. When he grew older, he’d have to sleep in the living room—there wasn’t enough space.

And she still hadn’t landed a permanent job, only occasional temporary work, leaving her with little savings.

Her life wasn’t terrible, but compared to Yu Xiang’an’s, it was night and day.

It shouldn’t be this way. She should be the one living better. Why had things turned around?

Lost in thought, she watched as they reached the newlyweds’ home—a neat, square courtyard enclosed by red brick walls.

This wedding was family-only.

The Lin side included Lin Duzhong, Lin Jiqing, Xu Haili, Lin Nanxing, Lin Chuanqiong, and Lin Duzhong’s daughter Lin Banxia, who’d brought a refrigerator and an electric fan from the provincial capital (the fridge was bought with Lin Houpu’s money and ration coupons; the fan was her gift as an aunt).

Lin Yunling and Fu Heqi also came with their child Yuanyuan. All in all, the group wasn’t large.

Lin Duzhong had a younger brother, but he’d left home young and contact had long been lost—likely deceased.

The Yu side, however, was packed.

The Qin family attended in full, with the second uncle handling the kitchen (a state restaurant chef ensured delicious food). Yu Changyou, Zhang Chahua, and their extended family also came. Fortunately, the courtyard was spacious enough to accommodate everyone.

Today, Lin Chuanbai wore a military uniform with a large, old-fashioned red flower pinned to his chest—so tacky that Yu Xiang’an nearly laughed when she saw it. Not mockingly, but its rustic charm was undeniably amusing.

In contrast, she looked stunning in the red dress from their photoshoot, a red flower in her hair, makeup accentuating her features, and lips painted red.

Yu Manwu and Yu Mansheng gaped, then turned to Yang Huili. “Mom, I want a wife like this someday.”

Yang Huili smacked them. “Keep dreaming!”

The blows were merciless, making them yelp.

Was this really their mother? So harsh.

Under everyone’s gaze, the couple held up the era’s iconic Little Red Book and recited vows of mutual progress—effectively their wedding vows.

Everyone was on their best behavior.

Knowing photos would be taken, even Qin Qiang, Yao Cuifen, Yu Changyou, and Zhang Guihua had dressed in their finest, checking their reflections repeatedly before leaving.

Few of their generation had ever had their pictures taken, let alone wedding photos.

Zhang Chahua even thought it was magic, capable of freezing people in that moment forever.

They had arrived the night before and squeezed into the Yu family’s home for the night. Before heading out this morning, Wen Ruzhen had been a great help.

Yu Xiang’an had brought over a tinted moisturizer and lipstick in advance, giving a simple demonstration. The women, who had never used such products before, were instantly captivated.

Today, all the women had taken the time to freshen up before leaving—applying the tinted moisturizer to make their skin appear fairer and smoother, then adding lipstick to instantly brighten their complexion. If they felt their cheeks lacked color, they could even use it as blush.

After applying makeup, those who were originally a five out of ten now looked like a six or seven. Before leaving, they kept checking themselves in the mirror, while the men were amazed at how such small items could make such a big difference. They couldn’t quite put it into words, but the women undeniably looked much prettier.

Before heading out, Yu Manchang was stunned when he saw Xu Xiaojuan’s new look. Though he didn’t offer much praise beyond a simple “you look nice,” it was enough to put Xu Xiaojuan in a cheerful mood.

In contrast, Yu Xiangyan’s mouth seemed to drip with honey, effortlessly spouting poetic phrases like “beauty that could make fish sink and geese fall, outshine the moon and shame flowers.”

After reciting the revolutionary pledge from the Little Red Book, it was time for photos. They had to take advantage of the daylight, snapping pictures before the meal.

Lao Wang directed everyone: “Come on, let’s move the stools. Elders and children in the front, the newlyweds in the middle. You, the tall one, go to the third row. Move a bit to the left—yes, yes, that’s the spot. Everyone, check your outfits one last time. If everything looks good, we’ll start shooting.”

“Wait, wait, let’s double-check.”

Yu Xiang’an turned to Lin Chuanbai beside her: “Is my hair messy?”

“No.”

Yu Xiangqing took out her lipstick for a touch-up—her earlier application had faded after eating.

Zhang Chahua smoothed out the wrinkles in Yu Changyou’s clothes, while Qin Qiang adjusted Yao Cuifen’s hair.

Only after everyone had checked did they say, “Alright.”

Lao Wang showed no impatience: “Good, now everyone look here and count with me—three, two, one!” *Click*—the moment was captured.

Aside from the group photo, there were individual shots. Once the film ran out, it was time for the feast.

The ingredients had been prepared by both families, with Yu Xiang’an contributing some dishes in advance. The spread was lavish—ten dishes symbolizing perfection, including braised pork, mushroom-braised chicken, braised fish, stir-fried three delicacies, stuffed tofu, bamboo shoots with salted pork, dumplings, minced meat with seasonal vegetables, steamed egg with shrimp, and pork bone soup.

There were also desserts like red bean paste with lotus seeds, lily and lotus seed soup, red date syrup, sponge cake, crispy biscuits, and layered cake.

And every dish was generously portioned—no need to fight for seconds, as everyone could easily get their fill of meat.

Yu Xiang’an raised a toast to her second uncle: “Thank you for all your hard work today.” He had been the main force behind preparing the feast.

Qin Fengmao laughed heartily, downing his drink in one go: “No need for formalities, Xiao’an. May you live happily ever after!”

“We will.”

She exchanged a glance with Lin Chuanbai. They would cherish each day and make the most of their lives together.

After the meal, many hands made light work of cleaning up. Once everything was tidy, the guests gradually left, giving the newlyweds their space.

As soon as the door closed, Yu Xiang’an collapsed onto a chair. The day had been joyful but exhausting—nonstop chaos from early morning, with only mealtime offering a brief respite.

Lin Chuanbai was equally worn out. Sitting beside her, he stretched his shoulders, joints cracking.

“Weddings are exhausting. No wonder so many people later opt for elopements or destination weddings.”

Lin Chuanbai nodded in agreement: “Truly draining—mentally and physically.”

After sitting for a while to catch their breath, Yu Xiang’an stood up: “I’ll shower first. I’m all sweaty. After that, you can stoke the fire—there’s not much hot water left, so you’ll need to heat more.”

“Got it.”

At first, Yu Xiang’an didn’t think much during her shower. But as she washed, it suddenly hit her—today was their wedding night.

They had registered their marriage the day before. By all accounts, they were now husband and wife.

So far, their relationship had only progressed to innocent hand-holding and hugs. Both had been hesitant, dragging things out until now. Tonight, there would be a breakthrough. Would it hurt? Did he know what he was doing?

Lost in these scattered thoughts, she took extra care washing up, emerging fragrant and fresh.

After her shower, she dashed back to their second-floor bedroom in loose pajamas.

Lin Chuanbai had been distracted ever since she went to shower, absentmindedly tending the fire while staring into the flames.

Tonight was their wedding night.

After his own shower, he’d brush his teeth.

Back in the room, they sat on the bed and stood by the door, exchanging a glance before both looking away.

Lin Chuanbai cleared his throat and slowly walked over, sitting beside her. “Tired today?”

“Feet sore?”

“How was dinner?”

They exchanged idle small talk, gradually inching closer until they finally touched…

*Fade to black*

The next morning, Yu Xiang’an lazily opened her eyes, gazing at the mosquito net above and feeling the warmth beside her as she recalled the previous night’s experience.

Aside from the initial awkwardness and discomfort as two novices fumbled their way, things had gradually improved. The intimacy was intoxicating—no wonder so many people were obsessed with it. Afterward, it felt like a full-body spa at a professional massage parlor, leaving her weightless and blissfully relaxed.

Given the previous night’s exertion, she should’ve slept longer. But her biological clock was set—her routine was now impeccably healthy.

Lin Chuanbai, also governed by his internal clock, woke up shortly after. Seeing her awake, he flashed a bright smile: “Morning.”

Yu Xiang’an touched her ear—his morning voice was unexpectedly pleasant.

“Morning.”

“Should we lounge a bit longer? Or get up for breakfast?”

“Let’s lounge.”

They had only one day of wedding leave.

Before long, Yu Xiang’an’s growling stomach forced them up. They made breakfast together—Lin Chuanbai wasn’t much of a cook, but he could assist.

Breakfast was simple: noodles with fried eggs, greens, scallions, and Yu Xiang’an’s homemade sauce—a quick and satisfying meal.

After eating, they inventoried the wedding gifts.

They each had a list of gifts from colleagues and friends before the wedding, plus yesterday’s additions.

Overall, Lin Chuanbai’s relatives were fewer but gave more valuable gifts, while Yu Xiang’an’s side had more relatives but modest means.

They compiled everything into a single notebook for future reference—these would require reciprocal gifts.

Tomorrow, they’d return to work and distribute wedding candies.

One wedding, so many tasks.

By the time they finished organizing, the day was nearly over.

*

Yu Xiang’an arrived early at the factory to hand out wedding candies.

“Finally got your wedding candies! Took you long enough,” Yan Yuzhen teased. “Now you’re not alone—keep striving.”

Yu Xiang’an laughed: “Yes, keep striving.” Of course she would—just now with a partner by her side.

“Did he fulfill all the conditions you agreed on?” Some men made promises before marriage only to backtrack afterward.

Yu Xiang’an nodded: “Yes.” He’d handed over his private savings, though she hadn’t taken it all—leaving him five yuan for emergencies or spontaneous purchases.

Five yuan was a significant sum then—one-sixth of a monthly wage.

With his meals covered and Yu Xiang’an handling daily necessities, he had few expenses.

Lin Chuanbai had a plan: surrender his salary, and if he needed money—say, for gifts—he’d sell herbs or make mosquito repellent balms.

His medicinal garden now focused on ginseng, reducing maintenance while increasing value. He could devote more time to medical studies.

With fewer visits, the risk of exposure diminished.

Yu Xiang’an felt the same. Her space required little hands-on work—one-click harvesting and planting sufficed.

Previously, she’d spent hours there cooking. Now, their new home’s spacious kitchen, complete with fridge and cabinets, let her hone her culinary skills freely.

As for earning money—with her skills, how could she not succeed?

As envisioned, marrying a skilled cook greatly improved Lin Duzhong’s meals.

On weekends, the couple brought over delicacies—last time, it was roast duck; this time, braised pork with layers of fat and lean meat, melting in the mouth.

Paired with rice wine, peanuts, and radio news, it was a slice of heaven.

Seeing his grandson happier and more engaged with life beyond medicine, Lin Duzhong thought: *This granddaughter-in-law was a fine choice.*

“Xiao’an, that sauce you made last time was excellent. Could you make another jar for me?” He pulled out money and ration tickets. “No rush—just when you get the meat. There’s still some left.”

Yu Xiang’an accepted: “Sure, Grandpa. I’ll pick the best cuts—better meat makes better sauce. Oh, next week we won’t be visiting. We’re going to Hongxing Brigade—my second brother’s moving into a new place, and we’re warming the house.”

Lin Chuanbai added: “Grandpa, Hongxing Brigade isn’t far. There’s a hillside covered in wild chrysanthemums—quite a sight. Would you like to come?”

Lin Duzhong considered, then shook his head: “These old bones won’t make the trip. You two go ahead.”