Chapter 235
Inside the house, Yu Feng and his future in-law were deep in conversation. Nan Sheng and Lin Han stayed by their side to keep them company, while the two children ran off to the west room to talk to Grandpa Nan.
Yu Feng shared some of the recent changes in his family with Nan Jingyu, wanting to put their minds at ease. "I think moving to the Agricultural Bureau is quite good. I can still serve the people just the same. After the young couple gets married, they can live in our house in town. It’s just sitting empty otherwise."
Since his future in-law had put it that way, Nan Jingyu felt that refusing would only create a sense of distance. "We’ll let the two of them decide. We won’t interfere."
Once they finished discussing the children’s matters, Yu Feng began to ask about the compound fertilizer. "Niece, tell me more about this compound fertilizer. I’ve already submitted the application, but I’m still not sure if the shipment will actually make it here."
Nan Sheng gave him a detailed explanation and then dropped a bombshell. "There might be a slight issue with the application now. A few days ago, the people from the Chengdu fertilizer plant tried to contact me. The call was placed to the town office but was deliberately delayed for a entire day, which almost affected production before the New Year. If the people in Chengdu hold a grudge over that, it might be difficult to move forward."
Yu Feng’s heart skipped a beat when he heard this. "How could it be deliberately delayed? Is there some kind of misunderstanding here?"
"I’m not entirely sure of the specifics. In any case, Secretary Cao from Chengdu was extremely anxious. He called the Discipline Inspection Office at the town government, but after waiting a whole day, no one ever notified me. I didn't get the message until the following afternoon," Nan Sheng said helplessly.
The Discipline Inspection Office?
Yu Feng immediately knew who she was talking about. Old Liu’s temperament was famous throughout the county.
"That Old Liu is truly muddled! If we can't get the compound fertilizer because of him, I’ll personally have his head!" Yu Feng’s brow furrowed deeply. "Nan Sheng, my girl, the fertilizer issue is no small matter. What is your relationship with that Secretary Cao? Could you put in a good word for us?"
"I can. We have a pretty good relationship!"
Yu Feng was completely bewildered by Nan Sheng’s response. Since they were on good terms, why had she just said there would be a problem with the fertilizer application?
"Anyway, Uncle Yu, don't you worry. No matter what problems arise along the way, I can guarantee the final result will be a good one."
Only then did Yu Feng catch her drift, realizing she intended to teach Old Liu a lesson. "You child, honestly... you gave me a fright. If you want to deal with him, it’s just a matter of a few words. Why go through all this trouble?"
Nan Sheng didn't want to do it that way. Rules were rules. It was more appropriate to wait until the fertilizer application hit a snag, then let Qiao Yan step in to investigate Director Liu’s conduct.
Since it was the first time the future in-laws had visited, Zhong Yanyan stewed all the best ingredients in the house. Nan Sheng also used some hot pot base to whip up a plate of Mala Xiangguo—though it lacked meatballs, which she felt robbed the dish of its soul.
Mrs. Yu loved spicy food and was instantly enamored with the Mala Xiangguo. she praised, "Nan Sheng, you have such a wonderful hand at cooking. Mingli even sent some hot pot base to our house. Thanks to you, I’ve finally tasted what hot pot is like."
Zhong Yanyan shot her daughter a sidelong glance. "Don't praise her too much. This child is the one who causes the most worry."
Mrs. Yu assumed the mother was just being modest, unaware that those were heartfelt words. Ever since Nan Sheng had set her sights on Yu Sheng, the couple’s hearts had been in their throats. Fortunately, looking at things now, the man she had chosen to marry was an excellent match.
Speaking of Yu Sheng, Zhong Yanyan suspected her daughter didn't know he was still getting beaten regularly. Ever since he had been caught trying to sneak back to the city, his life had become a cycle of misery—both pitiful and detestable.
As for that Educated Youth Su, she had returned to the city and hadn't been in contact since the day she left.
Mingli and Luotong’s wedding was set for the fourth day of the Lunar New Year. Nan Jingyu had secretly consulted someone to pick the date, who said that a wedding on this day would ensure a smooth life and a house full of children and grandchildren.
After finishing their meal and sitting for a while longer, Yu Feng and his wife stood up to take their leave.
"Brother Nan, we still have things to attend to at home, so we won't stay longer. As for the wedding, just do what you think is best. Don't make things difficult for yourselves."
At the mention of the wedding, Luotong’s face turned bright red. As the wedding date drew closer, she grew more nervous—unlike Mingli, who just smiled like a happy-go-lucky fool.
"Don't worry, Brother Yu. We certainly won't let Luotong suffer any grievances!"
Yu Feng didn't know what to say. He hadn't meant it that way at all...
Mingli went out to see his father-in-law off for a bit. Inside the house, Zhong Yanyan huffed at her daughter. "Don't think the matter of the children is just going to blow over."
Nan Sheng prepared to bolt, only creeping back into the room once she saw her mother wasn't making any further moves. Nan Jingyu watched the scene, feeling both annoyed and amused, while even Lin Han had a trace of a smile in his eyes.
Zhong Yanyan didn't bring up the topic of her daughter and son-in-law having children again, but her expression remained unpredictable. Nan Sheng took the initiative to ask Nan Jingyu, "Dad, the wedding is on the fourth. Is there anything else we're missing?"
Nan Jingyu said everything had been prepared. "Even though things aren't as strict as they used to be, it’s still not good to have a massive celebration. We’ll just make sure the banquet spread is decent."
Zhong Yanyan, too annoyed to deal with her daughter, turned to Lin Han. "Your grandmother and uncle said there's no need to go over for New Year's greetings this year. There's too much going on these few days. You two just go about your business."
Nan Sheng thought that was fine. Tomorrow, she would go to town to give New Year's gifts to the Yu family and the Ma family. Otherwise, visiting after the wedding would seem insincere; her own family didn't mind such formalities.
Amusingly, both Yu Feng and Secretary Ma wanted to keep the couple for dinner. However, since Nan Sheng visited the Yus first, they ended up staying for dinner at the Ma household.
After the couple left, Secretary Ma made a point to wander over to the Yu house just to show off, which annoyed Yu Feng so much he didn't even offer him a cup of tea.
Soon, the day of Mingli’s wedding arrived. He set out early in the morning, following his parents' instructions to pick up the bride and the guests from her side of the family by eight o'clock.
Nan Sheng’s family, along with Eldest Brother Lin and Third Brother Lin, arrived early. The brothers Nan Sheng knew from the black market also came early; Xiao Yi and Shitou even went along to the town to help pick up the bride.
The weather was too cold for an outdoor banquet, so the neighbors on both sides were happy to lend their space to the Nan family.
Nan Sheng and Lin Han couldn't help much with the chores, so they took charge of hosting the guests. The Zhong family arrived in full force; the entire family turned out, even the aunt with whom they had a poor relationship. Given it was a joyous occasion, Zhong Yanyan suppressed her irritation and let her into the house.
By this time, Mingli had already picked up his bride and was heading back to the village. The two of them were a handsome couple, and with such a large procession, people in every village they passed stopped to watch the spectacle.
Xiao Yi and the others threw handfuls of candy into the crowds, and whenever they saw children, they would toss even more, earning rounds of cheers and congratulations.
The Yu family was also celebrating. Although Yu Feng had been demoted, he was still the most prestigious figure among his relatives and friends, so his house saw even more visitors than the Nan family.
Whether it was people from the town government or colleagues from the county government, everyone turned up. Mingli’s close colleagues did the same—stopping by the Yu house first before heading over to the other side. It was quite a busy day for everyone.
Director Liu, despite his self-important and aloof nature, didn't dare to disrespect Yu Feng.
He arrived at the Yu house neither too early nor too late. Many guests had already arrived. Initially, he maintained a reserved and quiet demeanor, but as soon as he saw Qiao Yan arrive in person, he couldn't sit still and began pushing his way into the crowd.
"Director Yu, congratulations, congratulations! I’ve come to claim a cup of wedding wine!"
Yu Feng also greeted Qiao Yan with a smile. "Welcome, Director Qiao! Rest assured, there will be plenty of drinks to go around today!"