After leaving the registration bureau, Lu Jiansen took her to a local photography studio to take their wedding portraits. Impressed by the attractive couple, the photographer requested multiple poses. Lu Jiansen readily agreed, ordering twenty high-quality prints to share with both families.
Next, they visited the department store. Lu Jiansen insisted on buying her ten new sets of clothing, four wristwatches, and a high-end radio for her grandfather.
“I bought a Shanghai-brand watch for your mother,” Lu Jiansen explained softly. “And this delicate one is for you. Everything I give you is what you deserve.”
Gu Xiaoxi felt a warm swell of emotion in her chest.
When they returned home, her mother and Aunt Wei were busy preparing the evening banquet. News of the marriage had spread, and several neighbors and local officials came by to offer warm congratulations.
Meanwhile, Gu Xinli and Aunt Liu watched from afar with deep envy and resentment, realizing that Gu Xiaoxi was marrying a prominent officer while Gu Xinli was being sent to the countryside for labor reform.