I Overhear Animals' Thoughts to Feed My Family

"Alright, go on then!"

"Brother San, we appreciate the help."

Zhao Wendong shook hands with the production team captain of Song Family Village, said his goodbyes, and hopped on the truck. He and his family drove straight to the county. The funeral rites and burial here would take some time to conclude. But joyous occasions and somber ones are often intertwined, and Zhao Wendong was eager to get Zhao Ergou a wife.

As the big truck rumbled away, many of the villagers in Song Family Village began to whisper among themselves.

"Oh my god, so that’s the legendary Zhao Wendong!"

"Who’s Zhao Wendong?"

"You don’t even know him? Let me tell you."

"Look at that outfit of his. It’s so damn cool."

"Exactly! And that presence he has... He’s just a Civilian Militia Captain, but when he stands next to our production team captain, our guy looks like a little kid."

The production team captain of Song Family Village overheard them. His old face flushed red, and he shot a glare at the speaker. The man jumped in fright and quickly scurried away.

The big truck arrived in the county seat. Instead of heading to the supply and marketing co-op first, they drove straight to Niu Yuesheng’s home. His family knew Zhao Ergou’s party was coming to formally propose today and had been preparing since early morning. Niu Yuesheng had even brought his sister, Niu Guizhi, and their parents over to his house the night before to wait.

The moment the big truck came to a stop, Niu Yuesheng’s wife was already outside, greeting them warmly. Behind her were Niu Yuesheng’s parents and his sister. Zhao Ergou’s eyes immediately met Niu Guizhi’s. A second later, they both lowered their heads, a blush creeping up from their necks to their ears.

"Quickly, quickly, come inside! The food is all ready. Perfect timing to eat."

Niu Yuesheng’s wife had already prepared a full spread. Even though Zhao Wendong and his group had eaten that morning, they couldn’t possibly refuse this meal, so everyone took a seat at the table. The meal consisted of sorghum rice and a dish of cabbage stewed with potatoes. It was nothing compared to what the Zhao Family might have, but in this day and age, it was considered a grand feast. It clearly showed how much importance the Niu’s placed on this visit.

In the Northeast, people like to discuss business over a meal. Everyone’s in a good mood while eating, which makes negotiations go much smoother. Add a little alcohol to the mix, and the atmosphere becomes even better. Niu Yuesheng’s wife had done just that, preparing some liquor. Zhao Wendong, however, was afraid Niu Yuesheng would drink too much, so after just one cup, he took the initiative and got straight to the point.

"Ahem... Uncle, Auntie. We’re here today on behalf of my younger brother, Zhao Ergou. The two young ones hit it off at first sight. On the full authority of his mother, and on behalf of their household and the entire Zhao Family, I am here to present the betrothal gifts. Here, please, take a look."

Zhao Wenjun and Zhao Ergou began to lay out the gifts they had brought, announcing each one as they placed it on display.

"Twenty catties of fish."

"Ten catties of wild boar."

"Ten catties of venison."

"Ten catties of roe deer meat."

"A pair of wild pheasants and a pair of wild rabbits."

"Fifty catties of grain."

"Fifty yuan for the betrothal gift."

Zhao Wendong announced the last item. He then took out the fifty yuan that Zhang Yufen had given him and placed it on the table. ’Even the money looks familiar,’ he thought. ’It’s all from the wages I’ve paid Er Gou lately.’

The Niu’s were all stunned, especially Niu Yuesheng’s parents. They were completely floored. This wasn’t what Niu Yuesheng had told them at all. He had said Zhao Ergou’s family was poor, but that the boy was hardworking and kind. Could a poor family really produce all this? With this much stuff, especially the food—if this was considered poor, were there even any wealthy families left in the entire county?

"Dongzi Brothers, what is all this? My sister is marrying Er Gou for the man he is. All that matters is that you treat her well in the future. Why bring so many things and so much money? What’s the meaning of this? You’ll have nothing left to live on!"

Seeing Niu Yuesheng getting more worked up than they were, Zhao Wendong couldn’t help but laugh. ’Has he forgotten whose side he’s on?’

"Hey, Brother Niu, since his mother brought it out, it’s a token of her family’s sincerity. Don’t you worry about how they’ll manage. They’ll be fine. Besides, even if they run into trouble, won’t I still be here?"

Seeing Zhao Wendong take full responsibility so readily, Niu Yuesheng fell silent. But the satisfied smile on his face betrayed his true feelings. The Zhao Family had given his sister—and by extension, him—the utmost respect. How could he not be thrilled? Niu Guizhi was just as happy, her eyes curving into crescents as she gazed at Zhao Ergou. As for Zhao Ergou, he was particularly shy today, his face remaining a constant, rosy red.

"This... Our family can’t accept this much. Grain is so precious these days. It’s just too much. How about this: we’ll take half of everything, and the rest can be left for the children to start their new life. Consider it our dowry for Guizhi."

Niu Yuesheng’s parents had come mentally prepared to receive nothing at all, so they never expected such a windfall. Niu Yuesheng still had an unmarried younger brother, so after a quick discussion, the old couple decided to accept half of the gifts and money. The other half would be returned as Niu Guizhi’s dowry. With that, everyone was happy.

"Just pick a date, and you can come and bring her home. As for a wedding banquet, it doesn’t matter if you have one or not. Times are tough, and most people don’t have enough to eat. We shouldn’t make a big fuss and trouble everyone."

An idea flashed in Zhao Wendong’s mind. "In that case, let’s just have a group wedding! My second brother and I are getting married on the third of the new year. I don’t see any objections from these two, so there’s no time like the present. Let’s have them get married on the third, too! That way, it’ll be a bigger, livelier party, don’t you think? A wedding should be a celebration; we can’t just skip it."

"Oh, that’s a great idea! A great idea!"

Niu Yuesheng was the first to agree with a laugh. It would save a lot of trouble, and more importantly, his sister’s wedding could share in the excitement. He knew Zhao Wendong’s wedding was bound to be a huge, lively event. Zhao Ergou and Niu Guizhi were both taken aback. ’So soon?’ they thought. ’The third of the new year is less than ten days away.’