Chapter 1394: Engagement Ceremony
The engagement isn’t meant to be a big affair, so it’s just about coordinating with the local supply and marketing society to reserve half a cut of pork and some offal.
Honestly, it’s just close family members gathering to witness the occasion and have a meal together.
During this period, Jing Chu’s state of mind has changed, thinking about Chaoyang when he’s not around.
She’s truly starting to care for him bit by bit, and has begun envisioning him as her future husband.
Chaoyang feels this the most clearly; he has felt thankful many times for having had the courage to express himself like that back then, and thankful that Jing Chu agreed.
Finally, in the afternoon of the ninth, Guodong drove to pick up his in-laws, as tomorrow would be the big day for Chaoyang and his sister.
Li Yunqiao and his sons came back early this afternoon, tidied up the house a bit, and waited for Guodong to come and pick them up.
They’ve already taken off their winter clothes. Li Yunqiao gazes at his wife’s slightly swelled belly, his face full of satisfaction.
This pregnancy has brought Lu Fengzhen no discomfort—it’s been just like any other day. Sitting beside Zheng Lihong, they look like sisters of similar age.
There are perks to the old husband-young wife situation—at least Li Yunqiao’s heart is entirely devoted to Lu Fengzhen, holding her dearly.
Lu Fengzhen’s happiness is apparent from her appearance.
Zheng Lihong often tells Hong Lin how envious she is of her stepmother, who enjoys such doting from her father-in-law, making others jealous.
But Hong Lin is someone who lacks romantic sensitivity. When his wife speaks of these things, he’s clueless. Truly, there’s no way he can simulate envy.
By the time Guodong arrives, the family is already ready.
Zhibin wraps his arms around Guodong’s leg, repeatedly calling him uncle, which pleases Guodong the most.
Hongpeng grabs Guodong’s other leg, calling him brother-in-law.
The Li Family finds this rather amusing, thinking about how they’ll meet Xue’s baby by the end of the year.
The family tidies up a bit, gets in the car, and departs.
Chaoyang lies awake on the kang tonight, unable to sleep, thinking about his life with Jing Chu.
To marry the girl he loves is indeed a blessing.
The engagement banquet the next day was very solemn. The Li Family displayed the sincerity of the groom’s side, and Lv Beiguang was quite satisfied with Chaoyang.
From today onwards, unless anything unexpected happens, the two will be considered husband and wife.
People outside can now call Jing Chu "Chaoyang’s wife."
Chaoyang excitedly grips Jing Chu’s hand—this is the first time he’s holding her hand in the capacity of being her man.
He takes out a small box from the inside pocket of his coat. "I found this in the Capital. Master Han already had someone inspect it; it’s genuine, it’s a good piece. Jing Chu, let me put it on you."
In this era, exchanging rings isn’t common practice. Yet Chaoyang feels he should give it to Jing Chu, almost as if sealing their bond.
He opens the box and takes out a ring, which Jiang Xinyu recognizes as platinum, though the diamond is quite large.
Chaoyang picks up Jing Chu’s hand and unknowingly slips the ring onto the ring finger of her right hand.
Jiang Xinyu and Feifei chuckle. Is this a lucky mistake?
Jing Chu looks at the ring on her hand, laughs at Chaoyang, and jokingly asks, "Should I wear it while I work?"
Feifei smacks her forehead; Sister Jing Chu’s emotional quotient is truly unmatched.
Yang Run Tai sits beside Feifei, watching the little girl’s speechless expression with great amusement.
"Jing Chu, I, Li Chaoyang, vow to do everything in my power to give you the best throughout this life."
Yang Run Tai notices the little girl’s envious eyes beside him.
Does she understand? Of course she does; this little girl is so mature in her thinking. She’s already feeling envy—who will she encounter in the future?
It’s likely few will be worthy of her. This girl’s future appearance will outshine Lv Jingchu’s by far.
Moreover, this girl is too smart—most people would feel inferior after spending a long time around her.
The engagement ceremony is considered complete, followed by feasting and drinking.
Yang Yujie sits across from Feifei, saying, "Your life is really good. These few days we’ve eaten meat almost daily; I think I might gain weight, and my mom would be thrilled."
"Sister, there is no harm in this, is there? It’s just that happy events came together."
"Indeed, weddings and engagements are joyful events."
No outsiders attending today, so everyone ate very casually.
Yang Run Tai considers his little uncle’s situation, wondering how heartbroken he is. But it’s done, and his little uncle is known to have integrity—he absolutely wouldn’t break up someone else’s family. Yet it’s hard on him.
The matter of emotions can be quite damaging, and fate can truly toy with people—they let his uncle get deeply involved, while the other party never truly acknowledges it.
In a past life, I was single during the reform and opening-up period, and it was revolting watching subordinates with mistresses. Regardless of reason, they were kicked out of my circle.
So I never bothered finding anyone; this life, who knows if I’ll meet someone I like?
"Big Brother, I’ve called you several times."
Yang Run Tai looks up at his younger brother, "What’s wrong?"
"Why didn’t Uncle show up?"
This truly unintentionally struck a nerve—Uncle’s trying to avoid coming as best as he can.
"Maybe he didn’t have any time off?
"Should we visit him this afternoon?"
Yang Run Tai looks at Wei Kaiyun, "Uncle Wei, I need to use the car this afternoon."
Wei Kaiyun raises an eyebrow, "Are you sure?"
"Uncle Wei, I’ve been driving since I was ten."
Wei Kaiyun remains worried; given their young age, should anything happen under his watch, it would be hard to explain.
"Never mind, I’ll take you there myself; we can take a stroll in the mountains nearby."
Shi Jing and Jianbin are now excited; it ends up being seven people, and luckily Shi Xian isn’t at this table, otherwise it would be difficult to get away.
The three boys no longer consider visiting Yang Zhongyi—they’re really looking forward to heading up the mountains.
"Don’t get too excited; we still need the car to go to the city this afternoon," Wei Kaiyun dampens their enthusiasm.
"Dad, let’s go to our local mountain instead of Uncle Yang’s."
Wei Kaiyun smiles at his son—quick thinking indeed.
"Uncle Wei, let’s not visit my Uncle; we’ll go to the mountain."
Yang Zhongyi clutches his chest as he experiences intense emotional pain.
"Fine, we’ll head there after lunch."
"Is there anything on the mountain now, Dad?"
"Just picking wild vegetables."
Feifei nods—sounds like it’s the best option. But a stroll around isn’t bad either.
Yang Run Tai has no complaints—he understands Uncle Wei’s concerns, and though he really can drive, people are still uneasy. Forget it; let little uncle lick his wounds, no time to console him.