After the tailor took her measurements, Lin Wanxing took out several fabric ration coupons.
“I want to use some fabric too. Make these into clothes for me as well.”
Gu Jianfeng saw that they were the ones he had given her earlier and finally allowed a faint smile to curl at the corners of his lips.
They were still with Wanxing. Good!
The tailor was taken aback. “My, so many? Sure!”
Before coming out, Lin Wanxing had taken all the remaining fabric coupons with her, not leaving a single one for the Lin family.
They had been hoping to keep them for themselves after Lin Wanxing left.
Wishful thinking!
With her measurements, if someone else wore her clothes, they’d either have a gaping chest or find the waist suffocatingly tight. There was no way anyone else could take advantage of them.
After placing the order, handing over the coupons and payment, and setting a date to pick up the clothes, they left the tailor shop. Dusk was approaching.
“Hungry? Let’s go eat.”
Lin Wanxing smiled and agreed. “Sure.”
Gu Jianfeng led the way without further explanation.
The two walked directly into the commune’s only state-run restaurant.
The restaurant was filled with the aroma of food and the buzz of conversation.
A slogan reading “Serve the People” hung on the wall. The tables and chairs were polished clean and shiny, and a warm, enticing smell of food wafted from the service window.
It was Lin Wanxing’s first time there, and she had long wanted to eat something good!
Gu Jianfeng found a seat by the window, motioned for Lin Wanxing to sit, and went to the window to order.
He glanced at the menu written in chalk on the small blackboard—today’s offerings—and without much hesitation, said, “One serving of braised pork, one of scallion tofu, two large bowls of white rice, and one tomato and egg soup.”
So many dishes?
More than any other table had ordered.
Many people looked at him, glancing a few extra times.
Ah, courting a girl!
Lin Wanxing sat upright in her seat, her skin fair and delicate, her features refined, with two thick, dark braids.
Just sitting there, she attracted quite a few gazes.
Sigh.
Such a beautiful, delicate girl—of course, he’d have to put in more effort! Giving her good food was only natural!
They reluctantly averted their eyes.
“Here, Wanxing, eat up.”
When Gu Jianfeng returned with the glistening, fragrant braised pork and the other steaming dishes, Lin Wanxing clearly heard her stomach betray her with a growl.
In this era of scarce resources, such a meal was akin to a feast for an ordinary farming family!
Gu Jianfeng pushed the meat toward her. “Eat more.”
He watched as Lin Wanxing began eating before picking up his own chopsticks.
He ate quickly but not rudely, a habit from his military days.
Lin Wanxing took small bites of the long-awaited braised pork.
The pieces of meat, with just the right mix of fat and lean, melted in her mouth. The rich, savory sauce spread across her tongue, making her squint with satisfaction.
Such great cooking!
As he ate, Gu Jianfeng thought about what he had heard and his mind stirred.
Swallowing a mouthful of rice, he said, “Wanxing, I just submitted a report to the army, and the leadership approved it. For the wedding, I’ve invited a few close comrades from my hometown who are on leave. I’ll introduce you to them.”
“Sure.” Lin Wanxing smiled, having no objections.
There was one more person… Gu Jianfeng paused.
But it was a high-ranking officer in the army, usually busy with official duties.
Although he thought highly of Gu Jianfeng, it wasn’t certain he could spare the time. If he did come, the entire commune would likely be abuzz.
In truth, Gu Jianfeng wanted to invite him too, to make the wedding more impressive.
Though Gu Jianfeng was quiet and practical, he was gradually beginning to want to give Lin Wanxing enough face to prevent her from being bullied again.
But since it wasn’t confirmed, he held his tongue and didn’t mention it to Lin Wanxing.
…
A few days later, Lin Wanxing went to pick up the clothes.
The Lin family was still celebrating, unaware that the betrothal gifts in their hands wouldn’t remain theirs for much longer.
Wang Shufen and Lin Jianguo didn’t care much, but Lin Wanxing had to prepare everything properly for the wedding herself.
She couldn’t afford to miss or overlook anything, because once she left, she didn’t plan on coming back.
Let that family of four wallow in their own mess!
She was off to live a good life!
Before long, the day of the wedding arrived.
In this era, when the remnants of “Smashing the Four Olds” still lingered, many traditional customs had been simplified.
But the basic joyous atmosphere was still necessary.
At the crack of dawn, Lin Wanxing was dragged out of bed by Wang Shufen.
She was handed a half-new red-checkered shirt.
This was something Wang Shufen had hastily made from old fabric, and it didn’t fit quite right.
As for the new fabric that could be obtained with the fabric coupons, she intended to keep that for herself.
Her hair was combed into two glossy, thick braids, tied at the ends with red ribbons—the entirety of the bride’s adornment.
Wang Shufen stood with her hands on her hips, saying righteously, “This is quite the show for our brigade. Wanxing, you should thank me.”
Yet she herself was wearing a brand-new bright red dress!
At today’s wedding, Wang Shufen intended to steal all the attention.
Lin Wanxing gave a cold laugh. As soon as Wang Shufen stepped out, she retrieved the clothes she had made earlier from under the bed mat.
If she wanted to play the clown, so be it.
In the main room of the Lin family.
The brand-new Forever brand bicycle had been wheeled out and parked in the most prominent spot by the courtyard wall.
A red silk ribbon, specially found by Wang Shufen, was tied around the handlebars, glaringly conspicuous.
Right in the center of the main room stood the Butterfly brand sewing machine, its brand-new body free of even a speck of dust!
The red velvet box containing the Shanghai brand watch was wide open, placed on the sewing machine table, the small, exquisite watch face occasionally reflecting a flash of light!
Most eye-catching of all was the large cardboard box wrapped in red cloth and still unopened on the TV stand in the corner.
Inside was none other than the Peony brand color TV that the Lin family had strained to bring home!
This was practically the height of luxury!
Who knew how much the Lin family would flaunt in the future!
Wang Shufen couldn’t bear to unpack it, afraid that with so many people around today, the precious item might get bumped or scratched.
Yet she couldn’t resist showing off, so she deliberately placed the perfectly packaged large box in the most noticeable spot.
Anyone entering would immediately see this rare treasure.
To everyone she met, she pointed at the box, announcing loudly, “Once Wanxing is married off, we’ll have a technician come set up the antenna. Then everyone can come over to watch TV!”
Villagers who had come to see the excitement filled the Lin family’s small courtyard, their buzzing discussions rising and falling.
Children weaved through the crowd, scrambling for the scarce fruit candies.
The adults’ gazes lingered more on the betrothal gifts, their expressions complex—disdain, envy, and undisguised gossip.
Wang Shufen, who had been smiling happily, suddenly noticed the murmurs growing louder.
“See that? A Shanghai watch! Tsk tsk, that Lin couple really hit the jackpot this time! They’ve sucked their daughter dry!”
“Absolutely, and a color TV too! Goodness, even the commune secretary’s family might not have one!”
“Hmph, marrying off a daughter like it’s a trade fair. Aren’t they ashamed? They’ve already done Wanxing so wrong.”
“Keep it down. Gu Jianfeng is willing to give it. What can you do about it?”
“True. One is willing to hit, the other is willing to take the hit. It’s just… the way they’re doing it… heh.”
“I heard the Gu family is in an uproar over this…”
“Sigh, poor Wanxing…”
These hushed voices wormed their way into the Lin family’s ears.
Wang Shufen’s face immediately darkened.
Furious inside, she could only grit her teeth and endure it.
She hadn’t expected that even after holding back until today to display these items, people would still gossip.
Just listen to what they were saying!
What did they mean by “harmed Wanxing”? Having a prestigious maternal home would only strengthen her position!
These people were simply jealous of her family. The forced smile on Wang Shufen’s face was beginning to falter.
Lin Jianguo, on the other hand, could only keep handing out cigarettes to the men who had come to watch, trying to cover up the awkwardness.
Around nine in the morning, the sound of deafening gongs, drums, and crisp bicycle bells came from the village entrance.
“They’re here! The groom’s party is here!”
The children cheered and surged toward the village entrance.
Gu Jianfeng was wearing a brand-new military uniform, a large, eye-catching red flower pinned to his chest.
He led the way, riding a “28-inch” bicycle also adorned with red silk ribbons.
His hair was cut short, revealing a full forehead and a resolute jawline.
His bronze face looked somewhat rigid due to a hint of nervousness, but his eyes were exceptionally bright and spirited.
Behind him followed several comrades in arms, also dressed in military uniforms, looking energetic and sharp.
They had specifically taken leave to help the deputy regiment commander fetch the bride!
They chattered excitedly, faces flushed with enthusiasm.
This procession of sharply dressed soldiers on gleaming bicycles was the most impressive and dignified bridal escort Red Star Production Brigade had seen in years!
Everyone along the way stared in awe.
Gu Jianfeng smoothly dismounted at the entrance to the Lin family’s courtyard. Amid the clamor, he straightened his collar somewhat awkwardly before stepping inside.
“The groom is here! The groom is here! Go fetch the bride!”
Amid the crowd’s pushing and laughter, Gu Jianfeng took a deep breath and, with visible tension, walked toward the inner room where Lin Wanxing was.
The door curtain hung low, separating the inside from the outside. He raised his hand and gently knocked on the doorframe, his voice noticeably softer than usual. “Wanxing, I’m here.”
A clear, gentle voice responded from within. “Ah, coming.”
The curtain was lifted from inside by a slender, pale hand.
The first thing that caught Gu Jianfeng’s eye was a striking maroon red. Then, a graceful figure fully appeared in the backlight of the doorway.
Gu Jianfeng’s breath hitched, and his steps halted. His eyes were filled with undisguised astonishment and a momentary daze.
Before him, Lin Wanxing wore a brand-new, exquisitely tailored maroon dacron top.
The style of the dress was unlike anything he had ever seen. The perfectly fitted waistline accentuated her slender waist and full, curving bust in a breathtaking manner.
The collar had been cleverly modified, revealing a small section of her fair, elegant neck. Her thick, dark hair was no longer in simple braids but was instead swept up into a neat yet slightly languid bun, with a few playful, wispy strands curling by her cheeks. It made her already stunningly beautiful face appear even more radiant and dazzling.
She seemed to have subtly enhanced her eyebrows and lips with a natural touch of color. Standing there, graceful and luminous, she seemed to illuminate the humble farmhouse, making it shine.
Gu Jianfeng felt as if his heart had been gripped tightly, then began to beat wildly out of control. Blood rushed to his head, and his bronze face flushed noticeably, his ears burning hot.
He looked at her, momentarily forgetting to move or speak.
“Wow—!”
The comrades and villagers behind him, ready to tease the newlyweds, broke into even louder exclamations and chatter after a brief silence.
“Good heavens! Is that… is that Lin Wanxing? How… how did she become so beautiful?”
“That dress… that hair… she looks like a movie star from a poster!”
“Goodness, Deputy Regiment Commander Gu isn’t just marrying a wife—he’s marrying a fairy descending to earth!”
“Who said she was an ‘ill-omened widow’? With this appearance and grace, where’s the ill omen? This is nothing but overflowing good fortune!”
Gu Jianfeng’s young comrades stared wide-eyed. They had thought that, given Gu Jianfeng’s personality, the woman he married would be virtuous and plain. Who knew she’d be this stunning?
“Boss! Well done! Once sister-in-law dresses up… she’s simply breathtaking!”
“Deputy Regiment Commander, you’ve been too secretive! Hiding such a beautiful sister-in-law until now to show her off!”
“No wonder you were in such a hurry to report for marriage! If it were me, I’d also…”
A chorus of amazed and teasing remarks flooded Gu Jianfeng’s ears, but he hardly seemed to hear them. His gaze remained fixed on Lin Wanxing, and his Adam’s apple bobbed unconsciously.
He had never imagined that the girl who had been pale and fragile at the memorial hall, quiet and reserved by the river, could shine so brilliantly.
This astonishment far exceeded his expectations, making his heart—which had initially only carried a sense of duty and obligation—beat uncontrollably faster.