Dad bought two pairs of shoes, and Grandpa and Grandma each bought two outfits. They also specially bought a wedding gift for Qian Ling, who was about to become her sister-in-law—a complete four-piece suit with bright red peony patterns.

"That's enough, Ruan Ruan. If you keep buying like this, you'll probably lose all the red envelopes you just received."

Seeing Ruan Ruan's shopping habits, Ruan's mother was really worried, so she took Ruan Ruan up to the third floor to look at the furniture.

The two didn't look around for long. Firstly, furniture from the 1970s was all pretty much the same, and secondly, Ruan Ruan figured she wouldn't be staying home for long anyway, so having a place to sleep was enough. Therefore, she bought a 1.5-meter European-style white bed, a wardrobe with a mirror in the middle, a dressing table, and a chair. Ruan's mother then replaced the bed in Ruan Shaohong's room with a 1.8-meter one, and also bought a complete set of wardrobe, dressing table, and chair, except for the slightly darker color.

Then the two went to the trade building and the supply and marketing cooperative and bought nutritional supplements, White Rabbit milk candy, fruit candy, cigarettes and alcohol, as well as clothes that Ruan Ruan bought for the Huo family and other gifts.

I got home around 3 p.m., and had lunch at a state-run restaurant.

By the time the furniture arrived and everything was arranged, it was already 6 PM, and everyone else had already left work.

We ate dinner at Grandpa Ruan's place again.

"Dad, we discussed it last night, and I think my business here will be finished the day after tomorrow. Then we'll take Ruan Ruan to visit the Huo family."

During the meal, Ruan Chuanji discussed the timeframe for handling the matter with Old Master Ruan.

"You can decide for yourselves. I heard that Old Master Huo also came from the battlefield. When you go there, show him the proper attitude. He raised your daughter for you, so remember that. Our Ruan family must always be grateful."

When Old Master Ruan saw his eldest son's face, he sighed, worried that one glance from him might frighten the child.

"You really don't know how to talk, so just listen and let your wife do the talking."

Grandma Ruan echoed this sentiment. Over the years, as her son's position had risen higher and higher, he had become increasingly authoritative without needing to be angry.

"Wenzhen, you should take your younger brother and sister-in-law with you then."

"Mom, don't worry, Yunxin and I have already agreed that once we get there, we'll rest in the city for one night, and then they'll come with us."

"Regarding Ruan Ruan and the Huo family's son's marriage, you two can decide for yourselves what to do with the boy. Even if your brother-in-law says he's a good catch, you should still keep an eye on him. If he's really good, then let them hold the wedding there first. Doesn't the boy have two months of leave? Bring him back then to meet everyone."

Old Master Ruan made his stance clear: he would accept the marriage between the Ruan and Huo families as long as the individuals were of good standing.

One issue is that the Ruan family is now a target of suspicion. Even if Ruan Ruan doesn't marry Huo Haocheng, she can't find a family with a good reputation in Beijing, otherwise it will really arouse suspicion.

Secondly, they failed to properly educate Ruan Ruan. She has the right to make her own decisions, and it's unfair to demand that she follow the family's arrangements.

All they can do is help her protect herself and give her confidence if she gets bullied.

"Ruan Ruan, you chose this marriage yourself. You and that Huo boy grew up together and know each other well. We respect your choice, but remember, the Ruan family has no spines. If he ever wrongs you, just come home. We'll always be there for you. So, child, no matter where you go, don't be afraid, understand?"

"Yes, little sister, if Huo Haocheng ever wrongs you, just tell your brothers, and we'll beat him to a pulp."

The thought of their newly found sister getting married made the Ruan brothers uncomfortable, but they had no right to voice their opinions.

All they could do was support their younger sister.

"Grandpa, Grandma, Mom and Dad, brothers, I know, don't worry, I'll be fine, and Huo Haocheng will treat me very well."

Ruan Ruan knew that they owed her something, especially her mother. From the moment she came back, the desire to make amends in her eyes was impossible to hide. She genuinely liked her and considered her a member of the Ruan family. Otherwise, her grandfather wouldn't have said those things.

In fact, Ruan Ruan felt that she had lived a very good life all these years. There was no favoritism towards boys in the Huo family. Her grandfather and parents even let her go to school, and she was basically not made to do any farm work.

Ever since her engagement to Huo Haocheng, he had been supporting her financially. In the Huo family, Ruan Ruan had always been pampered.

Many times she overheard the village aunties and grandmothers telling her grandmother and Mrs. Huo that Ruan Ruan, an adopted daughter, was raised with more care than their own children, and that they were just being spoiled. But each time, her grandmother would retort.

Moreover, in the Huo family, she had two mothers who doted on her: her adoptive mother and her mother-in-law. They would both make beautiful new clothes for Ruan Ruan.

Her brothers, sisters and cousins ​​took good care of her and often took her up the mountain to find wild fruits to eat. Her two fathers would also bring her delicious food when they came back from work. Ruan Ruan really liked the Huo family.

"It's good that you're doing well, but remember what Grandpa said today."

Seeing the happiness on Ruan Ruan's face and the certainty in her words when she talked about Huo Haocheng, the whole family knew that Ruan Ruan truly couldn't live without Huo Haocheng.