CHAPTER 467: 467 MARRIAGE

After work, Qiao Jingyi came over to find Jiang Xinyu, "Can you give me a ride home? Yao Shimin has to work late today."

"I know, that’s why I came to pick you up. Let’s go."

The two returned together, and Jiang Xinyu had prepared some sausages and dried goods for her. She also gave her some beans, eggplant, cucumber, and green onions from the yard.

"Let’s go, I’ll take you home. I also need to go to Wang Ailing’s place later."

Jiang Xinyu took Qiao Jingyi home and then directly rode to Wang Ailing’s house. Xiangting and Zhiwei, the two kids, tugged at Jiang Xinyu with tears in their eyes, "Aunt, how can you let little brother and sister leave? And not let us see them."

"Alright, your brother and sister will be back in a while. Just wait for them."

"Aunt, when will Shi Jing come back?"

"I can’t say for sure, but it should be a while."

"Okay, you two quickly go wash your face, we’re having dinner."

Jiang Xinyu sat on the side and chatted quietly with Chen Guoliang.

"Xinyu, don’t worry, there’s no problem on my end. They still can’t order us around."

"Okay, I understand. If anything comes up, I’ll reach out to you."

Dinner was noodles made with sweet potato flour and garlic paste. Jiang Xinyu ate a bowl and then put it down; if not worried about them, she wouldn’t want to eat at all.

"Xinyu, you can’t keep going like this, the kids are counting on you." Wang Ailing tried to serve Jiang Xinyu more noodles.

"Sister, I really can’t eat anymore. I understand."

Wang Ailing truly had no way to help.

"Auntie, I’m done eating, I’m heading home. Please don’t worry about me."

Wang Ailing knew for a long time that Jiang Xinyu was very stubborn and had no way to deal with her.

Jiang Xinyu rode directly to Wei Kaiyun’s house. They would meet here from now on.

She was ten minutes early according to their agreement, so she sat in the yard and waited.

It wasn’t until after nine o’clock that Jiang Xinyu let them head home together in the back.

Yao Shimin worked late and when he got home, his wife was already making dumplings.

"Isn’t this extravagant?"

"These are for parents, aren’t they arriving at ten? You should eat first; I’ll go cook the dumplings."

"Why don’t you keep making dumplings? I can cook them myself."

"Alright, I brought over the other bicycle from Xinyu’s, so we’ll go pick up our parents together tonight."

"Okay."

Once the dumplings were cooked, Qiao Jingyi had finished making them, and the two sat down to eat.

"These dumplings are really delicious."

"They’re made with sausage and dried goods from Xinyu’s house, and her family’s chives."

After finishing their dinner, the two tidied up and rode to the train station.

They arrived at ten and inquired with staff, learning there was a delay.

Yao Shimin was already used to this, so the two each bought a platform ticket and went to wait on the platform.

The station wasn’t too crowded at night. The couple waited for half an hour before the train arrived.

By the time they welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Yao, it was already eleven o’clock, and the four of them rode two bicycles home.

At home, Qiao Jingyi prepared hot water for the two elders, allowing them to freshen up while the young couple cooked dumplings.

Early the next morning, Qiao Jingyi prepared breakfast, and the family ate together.

"Mom and Dad, we’re not doing a big ceremony. My family will visit the day after tomorrow, and we’ll bow to you at home and just have a meal."

Mr. and Mrs. Yao were well aware of the current situation. It wasn’t just here, but across the country.

"Okay, though you might feel aggrieved."

"Why would I? Mom and Dad, I’ll take the nine o’clock bus home."

"Alright, take care of yourself."

"I know, Mom, here are the money and tickets. The house is also stocked with plenty of supplies, it should be enough.

Also, there’s another bicycle at home you can use if you need to go out."

After sending off their daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Yao stayed at home to avoid causing trouble.

Meanwhile, over in the Provincial City, Lu Weiqi also took a leave, but due to current circumstances, what was initially planned to be a big event ended up being just a meal with immediate family.

There was no choice in the matter; Lu Weiqi even visited the Tian Family personally.

"It’s alright, we all understand. We just hope you two live happily together."

"Uncle and Aunt, thank you for your understanding. Given the situation, it’s better to keep things low-key to avoid trouble."

"We have no objections, we won’t make any fuss."

Things were settled with the Tian Family, but there were many relatives on the Lu side. If everyone came, it would be too conspicuous, so arrangements were made for two days. Lu’s parents informed each family, assigning understanding ones to the second day, while those who had more issues were placed on the first day.

The elderly couple worked hard all day and finally managed to inform everyone.

The family prepared accommodations for the young couple, arranging four tables in a relative’s yard, which was the most streamlined setup.

For colleagues at the factory who contributed to the wedding fund, Lu Weiqi prepared candy bags as substitutes for meals, which was considered acceptable.

Nonetheless, Lu Weiqi felt quite stifled. His wedding had turned into a cautious, secretive affair.

But he had no choice but to endure. With so many people watching him, being honest was the best way forward.

On Monday, the thirtieth, at five o’clock, Lu Weiqi came to pick up Tian Wenyan to get their marriage certificate; they were the first ones there that day.

They waited until half-past seven when the office opened to get their registration done first.

The process was rather quick; they had studied the "Little Red Book," making it easy to memorize, thus minimizing delays.

With their marriage certificate in hand, Lu Weiqi gave the staff a small bag of candy and seeds, which was seen as celebratory treats rather than a bribe.

As they left, Lu Weiqi spotted Tian Mingyan.

"Secretary Lu, are you also here for your certificate today?"

"Yes, are Mr. Tian and Mr. Jiang here for theirs today too? Congratulations to both of you."

After some polite exchanges, the pair left.

"Mingyan, Secretary Lu’s wedding isn’t known to us below."

"Perhaps they didn’t want a big celebration."

When it was Tian Mingyan’s turn, they presented the introduction letter, and the staff didn’t make it difficult for them, quickly issuing their certificate. Jiang Guangxing also handed out celebratory candy.

Happy with their marriage, the couple left together, now officially husband and wife.

Jiang Guangxing was overjoyed, finally clearing the shadow cast by his daughter’s time in the countryside.

"Mingyan, I’ll help you pack your things so you don’t have to stay in the dormitory anymore."

"Alright, let’s pack and go home, though my new apartment should be ready soon. I reckon Director Wei will announce it at tonight’s celebration."

"Then let’s go to your house for lunch, and return home at night, as I’m worried about the two kids being home alone."

"It’s fine, let’s just eat at the cafeteria, and rest at home afterward."

They returned to the textile factory, but since Jiang Guangxing was a man, he couldn’t enter the women’s dormitory, so he waited outside.