CHAPTER 468: MARRIED AT 468

Tian Mingyan didn’t have many things, but she still packed three large bags.

Jiang Guangxing hung them directly on the handlebars, then the two went to the logistics department to cancel the dormitory and drove his wife home.

"You can rest at home for a while; I’ll go buy groceries. Even if we don’t have a big event, our family should still eat something nice."

"Alright, but don’t spend too much money. Xiao Yan is going to the countryside, so give her a little extra money. It’s not easy for a girl to be out there. She shouldn’t have to scrimp on money."

"Okay, I understand."

Tian Mingyan also prepared fifty yuan for Jiang Xiaoyan, not because she felt emotionally attached, as they had just met without having developed much affection yet. She’s stepping into the role of stepmother, so she couldn’t give her nothing; fifty yuan is quite substantial, equating to a month and a half’s salary, which would satisfy anyone who questioned it.

Once the couple returned home, Jiang Xiaoyan had already cleaned up Dad’s room with her two younger brothers, making it look exceptionally neat, which made Tian Mingyan even more pleased and willing to give the fifty yuan.

Jiang Guangxing moved the items into the room. "You ladies can tidy up, I’ll go buy groceries."

Once Jiang Guangxing left, Tian Mingyan pulled out fifty yuan and handed it to Jiang Xiaoyan. "Auntie didn’t know what to buy for you, so I’m giving you money to buy what you need; a girl should have money in hand."

Jiang Xiaoyan did not expect to receive money from Tian Mingyan.

"Auntie, I can’t accept it," Jiang Xiaoyan immediately returned it.

"Keep it. You’re going far away, and as your family, we feel more at ease giving you extra. It’s all we can do."

Realizing Tian Mingyan wasn’t just posturing, Jiang Xiaoyan finally accepted it and began liking her.

Jiang Guangxing went to the supply and marketing co-op, where there were only two pounds of lean meat left. He had no choice but to buy it and also purchased two pounds of eggs. There wasn’t much else available.

Upon returning home, Tian Mingyan finished tidying up and saw the meat Jiang Guangxing brought back. "Let’s make dumplings then."

The other four family members naturally agreed, so the five of them enjoyed a meal of dumplings on Tian Mingyan’s wedding day.

After lunch, the house was tidied up, and Jiang Xiaoyan pulled her two brothers to accompany her shopping.

Although she had bought enough already, she preferred not staying at home, so the siblings went to watch a movie.

This left the newlyweds alone at home. Jiang Guangxing’s wife had passed away ten years ago, and now the woman he loved is rightfully his spouse, so he couldn’t help himself.

Thus, after the three children left, he held Tian Mingyan in his arms.

Tian Mingyan felt an impulse to cry, finally understanding how much Jia Xingzhi had underestimated her before.

Under the witness of both families’ relatives, Lu Weiqi and Tian Wenyan tied the knot.

Although there were only four tables, it was still quite lively. Lu Weiqi drank a few glasses of wine and felt a bit tipsy.

They stayed in the countryside that afternoon, returning to the apartment after dinner.

Tian Wenyan helped clean the tables to avoid leftovers.

She cleaned the dishes and put them aside for the four tables of relatives coming the next day.

"Wenyan, go rest; let your dad sweep the yard, and return to check on Wei Qi, give him some water."

"Okay, Mom, I’m going to check on him."

Though Lu Weiqi drank too much, he was quite well-behaved and didn’t become rowdy; he just slept on his own.

Seeing him asleep, Tian Wenyan didn’t wake him but still prepared half a cup of water for when he awoke.

She took a month’s leave, and since she couldn’t teach now, she considered resigning even though she felt reluctant.

Lu Weiqi thought she should resign too, as she was educated and could easily find work; teaching was too risky.

Sitting nearby reading, the quiet ambiance at home made her drowsy, yet she felt too shy to join him in bed.

When Lu Weiqi woke, he saw his sleeping wife and quickly sat up, getting off the ground to hold her.

"You’re awake? Want some water?"

"Why don’t you sleep in bed?"

"I don’t know how I ended up sleeping."

"Okay, put me down, I won’t sleep anymore."

"Even if you’re not sleeping, lay down for a bit; dinner still needs some time, and it’s only us, won’t be a hassle."

"Alright, you go drink some water."

"Okay."

Yao Shimin and Qiao Jingyi’s wedding was simple too, basically just their families.

The meal was jointly prepared by three women, with focus on the quality rather than the roles like bride or groom. Mother Yao didn’t let Qiao Jingyi work, but the new bride didn’t mind. They had a nice spread thanks to Yao Shimin finding three pounds of meat; combined with dried goods from Jiang Xinyu, there was an abundant table of dishes. Being close family, they freely enjoyed the meal.

After eating, the Qiao Family trio left since they had afternoon plans for National Day with tasks planned at work.

Mother Yao sighed, holding Qiao Jingyi’s hand, "It’s a shame for you."

"Mom, I don’t feel bad about it. I don’t like affairs to be grand, it’s our marriage not for show."

"You young ones think too simply," Mother Yao sighed, pleased with her easygoing daughter-in-law.

Father Yao replied, "I’ll go buy train tickets soon; let’s hurry and head home."

"Can’t you stay a few more days?"

"No, only one more year before your mother retires. I’m behind her; once I retire, we’ll come live here."

At this time, Yao Shimin returned from sending his in-laws to the station.

"Shimin, Dad says he wants to check train tickets."

"Makes sense. Better hurry back; the streets are chaotic. Just now, I saw a group of older kids dragging two people around outside.

It’s good for the two of you to leave. Do you think it’ll be like that where we live too?"

"Just as bad, never peaceful, particularly for affluent families being targeted."

"Dad, stay home. I’ll check the station."

"Alright, be careful."

"I will, you three should rest."

Qiao Jingyi dragged Mother Yao out to chat. Mother Yao was gentle while Qiao Jingyi was cheerful, so they got along very well.

Father Yao was in the yard turning soil, preparing to plant cabbage. Both worked, but they managed meals at home morning and night.

"Mom, tell Dad not to work; there’s Shimin for that."

"It’s fine, your dad can’t sit still. Let him work; he’s planting chives. Though you won’t have them this year, come fall, gather ash, cover the plants, and they’ll grow by next year.

Cabbage might not grow, but that’s okay for self-consumption. Can’t have a bare garden; worst-case, buying is fine, but sometimes they’re just unavailable when you need them."