Chapter 119: Equivalent to Sending an Invitation in Modern Times
After she had left, Yun Qinghuan walked into the courtyard. Her mother-in-law came out of the kitchen and glanced outside. “This girl Xiao Jiang is truly blessed, and her husband is lucky too. Being able to marry her, and even coming over specifically to ask how to cook crayfish—he’s quite thoughtful.”
Her eyes were clear and penetrating, causing Yun Qinghuan to instinctively avoid her gaze.
Perhaps it was because of what Jiang Wenxiu said earlier that Yun Qinghuan now felt a bit guilty in front of her mother-in-law.
“Yes, their relationship seems quite good,” she responded.
Liu Yuzhi smiled cheerfully. “Affection can always be nurtured. When your Sister-in-law Jiang first married her husband, their relationship wasn’t that great. It’s mainly because both of them are good people that they could live harmoniously together. When it comes to marriage, it’s crucial to find a responsible and kind man.”
Her words carried deeper meaning.
Yun Qinghuan didn’t think much of it and simply nodded in agreement.
Due to the sweltering heat and the lack of urgent farm work, Liu Yuzhi had been going out less lately. In the evenings, she liked to go to the foot of the mountain to dig for wild vegetables.
Wild vegetables from this era were clean and free of pollution, but if not handled properly, they often had a bitter taste and were definitely not as good as homegrown vegetables.
But Yun Qinghuan was quite skilled in cooking. What others could barely make edible, she turned into something crisp, sour, and delicious.
For several peaceful days in the village, Yun Qinghuan continued her usual routine: cooking meals and spending the rest of her time reading and writing.
Nowadays, she wasn’t the only one doing the cooking. Her mother-in-law usually prepared breakfast, and Bai Naihan would often cook lunch or dinner to give her something better to eat. If Yun Qinghuan didn’t feel bad about not doing anything, Bai Naihan would probably take over all the cooking.
As for Yun Qinghuan, due to the scorching heat and her fear of tanning, she avoided going out whenever she could.
Before she knew it, it was the beginning of August, the time for Gu Mingliang and Xia Yuhua’s wedding.
Two days before the wedding, Gu Mingliang brought several male educated youths from their commune and a few of Xia’s family members over to help transport the dowry furniture made for Xia Yuhua.
At the time of settling the bill, Gu Mingliang seemed to think the price was too steep. He was reluctant to pay and even tried to get Bai Naihan to give him a discount.
Yun Qinghuan couldn’t stand to see him act so shamelessly. Outsiders might think Bai Naihan was profiting unfairly from this cabinet-making job.
After all, the wood was cut from unused trees in the mountains. The only cost was the craftsmanship and time.
But Bai Naihan had a leg injury and couldn’t leave home or do heavy labor. Carpentry was one of the few ways he could make money, and it suited him perfectly.
Outsiders, seeing that he could earn money from home, were naturally jealous and often made sarcastic remarks, thinking he had it easy.
But Yun Qinghuan, who spent every day with him, knew how meticulous he was. He’d spent several nights carefully sanding the furniture. Despite his past tension with Gu Mingliang, he didn’t cut corners.
In fact, outsiders were waiting to see him make a fool of himself. Everyone knew that Bai Naihan and Xia Yuhua were once almost engaged. Now Xia Yuhua was marrying someone else, and Bai Naihan had been tasked with making her dowry—wasn’t that a slap in the face?
Villagers mocked him for being disabled and losing a fiancée. They believed he’d never find someone like Xia Yuhua again.
Yun Qinghuan scolded Gu Mingliang, “Comrade Gu, you’re an educated person. The price was agreed upon beforehand. The craftsmanship of our Naihan…even skilled town carpenters might not match his work. Getting such quality furniture at this price is a dream. Now that it’s done, trying to back out of payment; it’s not right, is it?”
Gu Mingliang looked displeased at being called out. “How could I? Comrade Yun, you know what kind of person I am. I just thought, since we’re from the same village and Comrade Bai used to have a relationship with Yuhua, maybe he could offer a discount as a blessing for our wedding.”
That was like stabbing a knife right into someone’s chest.
Yet Bai Naihan’s face remained calm. “If Comrade Gu can’t afford the full amount, then don’t take the furniture.”
Gu Mingliang’s face darkened instantly, eyes filled with gloom.
But Yun Qinghuan didn’t give him any leeway either. “Exactly. Naihan poured his heart into this work. If Comrade Gu can’t pay, then there’s no reason to take it.”
With the wedding so close, finding another craftsman to make new dowry items wasn’t realistic.
Even the other educated youths began to persuade him, “Mingliang, just pay the man.”
Standing there arguing only made Gu Mingliang look petty and arrogant.
He didn’t notice the hollow look on Bai Naihan’s face, but deep down, he felt uneasy. Under everyone’s urging, he finally handed over the full payment. Reluctantly.
Every cent was paid, and it broke his heart.
Bai Naihan, on the other hand, didn’t even blink. He handed the money to Yun Qinghuan. “Sister-in-law, take this as the living expenses I owe for this period.”
Yun Qinghuan had paid for most of their household needs recently. Although he had a retirement allowance and savings, she had refused to take any of it.
But Bai Naihan couldn’t bear letting her spend everything. With a few mouths to feed, the costs added up.
Her money didn’t grow on trees.
Yun Qinghuan didn’t refuse. She took the money without hesitation.
This was his way of contributing to the household. If she refused, he might feel bad every time she brought home something tasty.
Men always had a strong sense of responsibility to provide for their families.
Bai Naihan had worried she would reject it. Seeing her accept it so naturally, he couldn’t help but smile slightly.
Others around them were surprised—one handed the money over so naturally, and the other accepted it just as naturally.
The way they looked at Yun Qinghuan and Bai Naihan changed subtly.
Gu Mingliang was fuming. He waved his hand and had others help carry out the furniture.
Xia Yuhua and Gu Mingliang’s wedding was lively and grand.
If it had just been Xia Yuhua getting married, Yun Qinghuan might not have gone. But with Gu Mingliang involved—being a fellow educated youth—it wasn’t appropriate to skip it.
Few people from their commune had gotten married over the years, let alone held a wedding.
All the other educated youths went. Though Yun Qinghuan was now married, she was still part of the educated youth group. Not going would be seen as rude, especially since Gu Mingliang had personally informed her of the date and venue.
In modern times, it would be like sending a formal wedding invitation.
So for the sake of appearances, she had to attend.
Liu Yuzhi and Bai Naihan didn’t go. After all, Bai Naihan and Xia Yuhua were once nearly engaged, and the way things ended wasn’t exactly dignified. The fact that the two families hadn’t turned into enemies was already a blessing.
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Translated with love by _ ꕤ🌼Yourheartbeat🌼ꕤ
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