Although it was still uncertain whether Zhou Hongxia and Yang Lixin would actually get married, Su Meilan wanted to make a good impression—she needed others to know that their family was sincere in seeking the marriage.
“Director Wang, we’ve thought about it too! Once Lixin gets married, we’ll move Lijun to the small balcony in the living room. After Lijuan and Lihua get married, the house will immediately feel spacious,” Su Meilan quickly explained the plan she had discussed with Yang Daqiang.
Yang Lishu listened, pouting. Hmph, their plan was just to marry off the three sisters to free up space. She was the youngest of the three sisters and worried that after the older two married, the small room would go to Lijun.
Director Wang listened with an unchanging smile. The plan was workable; the eldest daughter wasn’t young anymore, so marriage probably wasn’t far off. Moreover, the second daughter had already become a permanent worker and moved to the staff dormitory, which made things even easier.
However, she merely nodded. Whether the arrangement would satisfy everyone depended on Zhou Hongxia. “This arrangement… I just hope it doesn’t inconvenience little Lijun too much.”
Su Meilan forced a smile. “It won’t inconvenience him. How long will he live on the small balcony anyway?”
Yang Lihua listened to Director Wang praising Zhou Hongxia, but no one had mentioned anything concrete—her family situation or the specifics of her work were still unclear.
“Mom, her work,” Yang Lihua leaned toward Su Meilan and whispered a reminder.
Su Meilan immediately caught on, clearing her throat. “Director Wang, there’s something I want to clarify. What exactly does Hongxia do at work? Before, we were only told she works at the food factory, but no specifics. Since we’re arranging this marriage, shouldn’t we know clearly?”
Director Wang paused, holding her cup, and touched the top of her head. “Hongxia… at the food factory… she’s currently… a temporary worker.”
As if sensing a hint of deception, she quickly added, “But Hongxia is extremely ambitious! She’s actively trying to become permanent. She’s performed well, the supervisors value her—becoming permanent is just a matter of time!” Her words were both reassuring and protective of Zhou Hongxia.
Yang Lishu rolled her eyes, scoffing. “If this temporary worker were really that good, she wouldn’t have waited until now to say anything. If Mom hadn’t asked, would Director Wang have even told us?”
Could it be that Zhou Hongxia had bribed Director Wang? Otherwise, why would she speak so favorably and even conceal the truth?
The Yang family had known Director Wang for some time. Why did it feel like they were being tricked?
“Lishu, don’t speak nonsense. Jobs are precious nowadays. Having a temporary position is already very good,” Yang Lihua gently pulled on Lishu’s sleeve, emphasizing the word “temporary.”
Director Wang looked slightly embarrassed. “Lihua is right. Even a temporary position is good nowadays. Aside from a few minor shortcomings at work, Hongxia has no faults at all—appearance, temperament, household skills, all top-notch. Moreover,” she emphasized,
“Hongxia herself said that if she could marry Lixin, she’d be willing to forgo the bride price!”
Wow!
No bride price!
Is this for real? She recalled that in the original story, the Yang family had been so satisfied with Zhou Hongxia that they still gave 100 yuan as a bride price.
Director Wang’s statement—“no bride price”—was like a weighty scale, balancing the Yang family’s concerns about her being a temporary worker.
In this era, especially among urban workers, skipping the bride price significantly eased financial burdens. Common wedding necessities—like a bicycle, sewing machine, watch, radio—weren’t cheap or easy to get.
Zhou Hongxia offering to waive the bride price was a huge concession and clearly showed how much she valued Yang Lixin.
Su Meilan and Yang Daqiang visibly relaxed at her words, even a flicker of relief showing in their eyes.
Although Lixin’s marriage was a major event, their household expenses were substantial; supporting several children wasn’t cheap.
They couldn’t empty the family coffers just for one marriage. And Lixin wasn’t their only son—they still had Lijun, who was young.
Previously, assuming Zhou Hongxia was a permanent worker, they had been prepared to offer around 100 yuan for the bride price.
Now that she voluntarily waived it, it saved them money.
Yang Lixin felt even more moved. “Hongxia is such a good girl, not at all vain. Mom, since both sides are satisfied, why don’t we pick a date to finalize things?”
His worries about her being a temporary worker were entirely soothed by her sensible understanding.
“All right. Since she likes you so much and the conditions aren’t too bad, pick a date to fix your marriage,” Su Meilan said, seeing that Yang Daqiang didn’t object.
“Director Wang, this will trouble you again, helping with the wedding date,” she added politely.
“No trouble at all. Both are good kids. Once Lixin and Hongxia marry, life will only get better,” Director Wang replied. She was glad to help and hadn’t intended to deceive the Yang family.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Director Wang left, accompanied by Su Meilan.
Watching the beaming Yang Lixin and the satisfied Su Meilan, Yang Lihua, curious, asked, “Mom, what’s Hongxia’s family situation? Why haven’t you mentioned it?”
Yang Lixin’s smile faltered, and he scratched his head. “Her parents are honest, hardworking people. Her father is a security guard at the food factory, her mother manages the household. She’s the eldest, with a few younger siblings below her…”
He spoke casually, thinking these details were unimportant. Supporting younger siblings wasn’t the bride’s responsibility—just like in their own home, these matters were handled by parents.
Even now, as a permanent worker earning 32 yuan per month, his family didn’t make him contribute financially.
Su Meilan’s expression immediately changed. She tugged Yang Lixin’s ear. “Are you out of your mind? How could you not mention such a big thing to the family?”
Zhou Hongxia’s father, a security guard, earned little. Her mother didn’t work, and there were several younger siblings. Even if she married, who knew whether she’d secretly support her parents?
Her temporary worker salary was probably mostly sent home anyway.