Old Master Ge glanced over, nodded in satisfaction, and praised, “The Gu family is thoughtful.”
Niu Zhenzhu, seeing the number on the bankbook, clasped her chest in surprise. Good heavens… 8,888!
Her eldest daughter had just received 6,800 yuan from her son-in-law yesterday, and now with this 8,888 dowry, their lives hadn’t even officially started yet, and it was already flourishing.
Niu Zhenzhu felt deeply gratified.
Forget going all the way to the far Northwest even to the moon, she wouldn’t have to worry.
And with Old Master Ge around, who would dare bully her?
Indeed, some people are never unlucky forever good fortune always comes eventually.
Her eldest daughter got a sizable sum from her divorce.
Her youngest daughter, by getting married, became a ten-thousand-yuan household overnight.
Niu Zhenzhu once again marveled at the wonders of fate, and Gu Jingzhou looked even more admirable in her eyes.
During these special times, extravagance was out of the question.
Following Old Master Ge’s advice, it was best to keep a low profile.
Niu Zhenzhu naturally had no objections. The Gu family had shown their sincerity, Gu Jingzhou cared for her daughter, and with the two families sharing a meal, the marriage was settled.
Being too high-profile would only attract attention.
Once the situation calmed down, they could celebrate the wedding properly later.
While the adults discussed matters eagerly, Gu Jingzhou only wanted to be with his fiancée.
The breakfast he had brought hadn’t even been eaten yet.
“Xiaodie, let’s go eat breakfast in the next room.”
As soon as he entered, Gu Jingzhou had warmed the lunchboxes on the stove, ready to eat.
Duoduo tilted her head and said:
“Uncle-in-law’s eyes have been glued to Auntie since he came in, not once did they leave her.”
Su Lan and Su Xue stifled smiles beside her.
Su Die’s cheeks turned slightly red, feeling extremely embarrassed.
Even her niece noticed how clingy this guy was.
“What did you make?”
Su Die smelled the aroma wafting from the stove.
“Meat-stuffed fried pancakes and brown sugar porridge. Smells delicious.”
Gu Jingzhou had gotten up in the middle of the night to chop the meat and make thick fried pancakes, busy the whole morning.
Su Die glanced at him, thinking… this breakfast is serious business.
In the 1960s, most peasants still ate coarse corn buns with pickles, and hardly had meat all year.
Even city workers, despite having wages, wouldn’t dare eat like this every day.
Almost all the meals Gu Jingzhou delivered contained meat.
Clearly, the Gu family was well-off.
Gu Jingzhou carefully took the two lunchboxes off the stove, opened them with care, and placed them on the table.
Su Die, under everyone’s watchful eyes, had a solid, hearty breakfast.
Duoduo, although drooling, wisely didn’t demand any.
She knew this was her uncle-in-law’s pre-dawn gesture of love for her auntie—she had to be polite.
When she grew up, a handsome young man would surely bring her breakfast too.
Duoduo’s thoughts were unknown to Su Die, who just ate until full.
The pancakes were packed with meat and absolutely delicious rich but not greasy, leaving a savory taste in every bite.
The leftover brown sugar porridge was naturally finished by Gu Jingzhou.
Su Lan and Su Xue exchanged a look this brother-in-law was exceptional, attentive and caring, practically raising her little sister as his own daughter.
Both families chatted happily, and Niu Zhenzhu warmly insisted they stay for more food.
Soon, everyone joined forces to make dumplings filled with pork and celery symbolizing unity, harmony, and happiness.
Of course, Gu Jingzhou didn’t miss the chance to showcase his culinary skills.
In addition to making dumplings, he personally cooked several dishes: shredded pork with green peppers, twice-cooked pork, spicy chicken with chili, stir-fried mushrooms, and braised eggplant.
Each dish was fragrant, flavorful, and visually appealing.
Old Master Ge gave Gu Jingzhou an approving glance. “With cooking skills like these, you should easily win Xiaodie’s heart.”
Su Die, hearing this, blushed again.
Throughout history, it’s usually women who win a man’s heart through cooking. How did the order reverse for her?
Could everyone really see how deeply Gu Jingzhou loved her?
Gu Jingzhou, hearing Old Master Ge’s words, curled his lips in pride.
He knew his strategy to woo his wife was working once she got used to his cooking, her heart and eyes would naturally belong only to him.
Mother-in-law Zhao Shuyi smiled as she served Su Die:
“Once you’re married, you can boss him around all you want. If he misbehaves, call me or send a telegram I’ll handle him for you.”
Back in the day, Gu Jilin had wooed her the same way, so Zhao Shuyi had no qualms about her son cooking for his wife.
Running a family requires effort from both sides.
It can’t be that only the woman works hard.
Zhao Shuyi’s progressive mindset made Su Die feel much at ease.
Having a reasonable mother-in-law was truly a blessing.
The meal was cheerful and warm.
Gu Jilin had a meeting in the afternoon, so he and Zhao Shuyi left first.
Gu Jingzhou stayed behind to wash dishes and clean up with Su Die.
“Xiaodie, come with me to the Northwest. You’ll have to endure hardships.”
This was Gu Jingzhou’s biggest guilt.
Life in the Northwest couldn’t compare to the capital. His wife would certainly face difficulties following him.
But as a soldier, he had a duty to serve the country and couldn’t retreat just because the environment was harsh.
Yet leaving his wife alone in the city made him worry about rivals, so he wanted to treat her doubly well.
Su Die understood his meaning. Once they registered their marriage, she could stay in the capital, but they were married long-distance would affect their relationship.
If time passed and a charming woman appeared around Gu Jingzhou, the cost could be too high.
Moreover, with his abilities, promotions were just a matter of time Su Die didn’t worry.
“Then work hard and try to get transferred back sooner.”
She could see that Gu Jingzhou was ambitious and career-minded.
With the Gu family’s status, he could live comfortably in the city.
But the army valued military merit. Gu Jingzhou had ambition, ideals, and drive, which was why he chose to serve in the Northwest.
Merit earned with one’s life could never be taken away and could propel him higher and farther.
“For you, I’ll work hard.”
Gu Jingzhou felt incredibly lucky to have such an understanding wife it was heaven’s favor.
As they spoke in the kitchen, Niu Zhenzhu and Duoduo peeked from the doorframe, smiling from ear to ear.
“Uncle-in-law is so sweet; he’s making Auntie blush red in the ears,” Duoduo giggled, covering her mouth.
“Your Auntie needs an uncle like that life will be fun,” Niu Zhenzhu said.
She felt Gu Jingzhou and her eldest daughter were a perfect match.
Her eldest daughter was rational and calm she deserved a man who would revolve around her, warm as the sun, and treat her as his life.
What does one seek in life?
Someone attentive, caring, and loving by your side.
With Gu Jingzhou and the Gu family, Niu Zhenzhu was more than satisfied.
“Mom, shouldn’t we start preparing my little sister’s dowry?”