The novelty of riding the train had already worn off for Lin Zhitang. Although she could entertain herself, she still hoped they would reach their destination soon. No matter what, staying on a train was never as comfortable as being at home.
By the time Lin Zhitang and Lu Ming’an arrived at the capital’s train station, it was already around six in the evening of the following day.
Carrying their luggage, the two lined up to get off the train. Lin Zhitang carefully observed the capital’s railway station and felt only one thing—grand and solemn.
The main structure of the station used red bricks and glazed tiles. The central hall’s 34-meter-high dome was decorated with lake-blue ornamentation, while the 43-meter clock towers on both sides played The East Is Red on the hour, the melody carrying for miles.
Inside the station remained gilded palace lanterns, dark red platform doors, beige lattice windows, and marble floors that exuded dignity and elegance.
The capital’s train station was enormous. Together with the Great Hall of the People, the Workers’ Stadium, Overseas Chinese Hotel, museums, and other landmarks, it was known as one of the “Ten Architectural Wonders.” It was even equipped with escalators and central air-conditioning—truly one of the most iconic urban landmarks of the era.
Father Lu had already arranged for his personal guard to pick them up at the station.
“Ming’an, the chief asked me to come pick you up. They’ve already prepared dinner at home.”
Father Lu’s guard stepped forward and saluted before taking the two suitcases from Lu Ming’an.
“Tangtang, this is Dad’s guard, Zhao Shengli. Brother Zhao, this is my wife, Lin Zhitang,” Lu Ming’an briefly introduced them before everyone got into the car and left the station.
The fact that Lu Ming’an introduced him so formally showed that the two had a close relationship.
At this hour, the sky had not completely darkened yet. Sitting in the car and looking outside, Lin Zhitang thought that although the capital was the nation’s capital, compared to Shanghai, it did not appear quite as prosperous. However, it possessed a heavy sense of history.
Lin Zhitang had never suffered in this lifetime. After two days on the train, she was truly exhausted. Once she got into the car, she did not even want to speak and simply closed her eyes to rest.
Seeing the trace of fatigue on Lin Zhitang’s face, Lu Ming’an thoughtfully guided her head onto his shoulder and even adjusted his sitting posture so she could lean more comfortably.
From the rearview mirror, Zhao Shengli caught sight of the warm scene in the backseat and could not help but smile.
As Lu Xingguo’s guard, he knew somewhat about Lu Ming’an’s marriage.
Although he was not much older than Lu Ming’an, his children were already several years old, while Lu Ming’an was still single. For a long time, Zhao Shengli had even suspected that the man simply did not like women.
When he first heard about the marriage, he had worried Lu Ming’an only wanted to marry Lin Zhitang because of the old master’s debt of gratitude. But judging from things now, it seemed fate had unexpectedly helped this boy find someone he truly liked.
Although Lin Zhitang’s identity was not ideal, with the Lu family’s background, it would not greatly affect Lu Ming’an.
After nearly an hour of driving, the military-green vehicle stopped at the entrance of the military district family compound.
The Lu family lived in the capital’s military district family compound. Lu Mingze and Tian Jiaojiao also lived there with Father and Mother Lu.
“Ming’an, take Tangtang to register first.”
“Mm.”
Lu Ming’an looked at Lin Zhitang, who was sleeping soundly beside him. Though reluctant, he still gently woke her.
“Tangtang, we’re here.”
“Mm? We’re here already? I actually fell asleep.”
Lu Ming’an brought Lin Zhitang to the guards at the entrance for registration. Afterward, she would be able to enter the compound freely without needing someone to accompany her. Then they got back into the car and headed toward the house.
“Ming’an-ge, do I look very disheveled right now?” As she was about to meet Lu Ming’an’s parents and elder brother and sister-in-law, Lin Zhitang finally became nervous and asked anxiously.
“No. You still look beautiful.” Hearing the unease in her tone, Lu Ming’an quickly comforted her.
Lin Zhitang repeatedly questioned him in a doubtful tone and received the same firm answer every time, but her heart still hung in suspense.
The car finally stopped.
The moment Lin Zhitang got out, she saw four people standing in the courtyard.
Parents capable of giving birth to such a handsome son as Lu Ming’an naturally were not unattractive. Compared to Lu Mingze, who looked exactly like Father Lu, Lu Ming’an seemed to have inherited only the best features from both his parents.
Mother Lu wore ear-length short hair and a light-blue Lenin suit that was fashionable for the times.
Tian Jiaojiao was petite, dressed in a pale-yellow long dress, with short hair framing her round apple-shaped face. When she smiled, her eyes curved sweetly.
After finishing the cooking and changing clothes, Lan Shaoying had begun waiting for her son and daughter-in-law. She could barely sit still and kept looking outside.
Tian Jiaojiao had also deliberately changed clothes and dressed up. It was her first time meeting her younger sister-in-law, so she naturally wanted to leave a good impression.
Lu Xingguo and Lu Mingze, however, could not understand it at all. Lu Ming’an was not some stranger they had never met before. Even if they were meeting a daughter-in-law or younger sister-in-law, there was no need to make such a grand fuss. Besides, it was nighttime—who could even tell they had dressed up?
Fortunately, neither of the two straight men voiced those thoughts aloud, or family conflict would certainly have erupted.
“Mom, they’re here! They’re back!” Tian Jiaojiao called excitedly upon seeing the car.
“Oh my, this must be Zhitang. She’s really beautiful. How was the trip? You must be exhausted…” Lan Shaoying stared at Lin Zhitang in shock. This daughter-in-law was truly stunning. After a long pause, she finally reacted and immediately stepped forward to hold Lin Zhitang’s hand.
Seeing Mother Lu being so enthusiastic, Lin Zhitang glanced at Lu Ming’an. He smiled reassuringly at her before introducing his parents and elder brother and sister-in-law.
Lin Zhitang’s voice was soft and delicate, making people’s hearts soften when they heard it. She greeted each member of the Lu family one by one. The single “Dad” and “Mom” she called out made Father and Mother Lu bloom with happiness.
Lu Mingze stepped forward and patted Lu Ming’an on the shoulder. The two exchanged a glance, understanding everything without words.
Lu Mingze picked up the suitcases and walked inside. “Dad, Mom, Ming’an and little sister-in-law must be exhausted from the journey. Let’s go inside first.”
Lan Shaoying slapped her forehead. “Right, right. Zhitang, come. The food’s ready. Eat first and hurry to rest. Whatever else can wait until tomorrow.”
“Brother, put the suitcases in my room.”
The Lu family immediately understood what that meant—there was no need for separate rooms.
Lin Zhitang’s face flushed slightly red, though she remained composed and generous. After all, she and Lu Ming’an were already legally married.
After a simple cleanup, everyone sat down at the dining table.
“Zhitang, you must be hungry. These are all Mom’s specialty dishes. Eat more.”
“Thank you, Mom.”
Since it was already late, they did not chat much. After dinner, Lu Ming’an brought Lin Zhitang back to their room to rest.
Lin Zhitang sniffed herself and felt as though her whole body smelled sour.
“Ming’an-ge, I want to take a bath.”
“There’s everything you need in the bathroom. Go ahead. I’ll get you a glass of milk.”
By the time Lin Zhitang finished bathing, half an hour had already passed.
The moment she opened the door and stepped out, she saw Lu Ming’an looking freshly bathed as well, holding a cup of hot milk.
Only after the two lay down in bed did Lin Zhitang finally let out a long breath.
After all, it was her first time meeting her husband’s parents. Only after personally witnessing the warmth and friendliness of Father Lu, Mother Lu, and her elder brother and sister-in-law today did she finally relax.
No matter how much Lu Ming’an said, nothing compared to seeing and experiencing it for herself.
The two gradually drifted into deep sleep.