Chapter 215

"We'll probably be back before 3 p.m., so we'll have to trouble you to wait for us in the county town."

Yan Zeli gave A Niu two one-yuan coins.

Ah Niu was initially adamant about not accepting it.

From a young age, he was taught by his parents that he should not get too close to the Yan family, but he should never offend them either, and that they should help him whenever possible.

After all, without the Yan family's shelter, their ancestors would have been a group of refugees living hand to mouth, and they wouldn't be where they are today.

Linghou Village was originally the ancestral home of the Yan family. They had lived there for generations, which was due to the immense kindness of their ancestors.

People must not forget their roots, or they will be punished sooner or later.

Besides, it's just a trip to the county town, why would it cost two yuan?

You should know that people with decent jobs in the commune only earn a dozen or so yuan a month, and it's considered very good if ordinary farmers can earn a few extra yuan a month.

Two yuan is really too much!

"Uncle Yan..."

Yan Zeli stopped A Niu from pushing the money back, saying, "Isn't your wife pregnant? Buy her some good food in the county town to help her recover. And your eldest daughter, I heard her pestering you for candy last time, bring her some too."

He glanced at the well-behaved girl beside him and said a few more words, which was unusual for him. “Whether the child is a boy or a girl, as long as they are healthy and sensible, that’s good. Girls are no less filial to their parents than boys.”

Ah Niu understood that Yan Zeli was worried that he would mistreat the girl like Wen Dafu, so he quickly said, "Da Niu is very well-behaved. Her mother and I love her very much. Even my dad has to ask about her several times a day before he can feel at ease."

His family isn't like Wen Dafu's—shallow-skinned and black-hearted. What's wrong with a girl?

His sister is also a girl, but after she got married, she would come back to see her parents every month, bringing lots of food and supplies. Her filial piety is something that even her sons can't match.

Yan Zeli's expression softened slightly. "Be careful in the county town. We'll meet here again at three o'clock this afternoon."

Ah Niu smiled honestly and kindly, "Uncle Yan, feel free to take Xiao Xin out to play. You can come back anytime you want."

...

It was almost noon, and Yan Zeli was worried that Wen Xin would be hungry, so he took her to a restaurant to eat first.

The county town was much more lively than their village; Wen Xin had never had the chance to come here before.

Her eyes sparkled as she looked around, feeling that everything here was much more impressive than the countryside.

No wonder people in the village can hold their heads high when they can find work in the county town or marry someone from there.

However, the restaurant...

Wen Xin gently shook the large hand of the man beside her and whispered, "Do we need food coupons to eat there?"

Restaurants in that era were all state-owned, places only wealthy people or respectable individuals with government jobs could afford; ordinary people like them couldn't afford them.

Yan Zeli reassured the timid little girl, "It's okay, I have it."

Wen Xin: "???"

She remembered that he didn't seem to have a proper job in Linghou Village, right?

Why could he afford meat and fish? He could just throw out two yuan at a time? And he even had food coupons!

Yan Zeli seemed to see what she was thinking and raised an eyebrow. "Don't worry, your man can definitely support you and won't let you suffer."

Wen Xin blushed slightly, "I...I am..."

Yan Zeli: "Hmm? Afraid I'll actually resort to petty theft or speculation?"

Wen Xin quickly shook her head, "No."

Yan Zeli couldn't help but pinch the girl's cheek again, "Be good, the money your man earns is absolutely legal and legitimate, don't worry."

Wen Xin gave a hesitant "Oh," and, afraid he might say something inappropriate, obediently shut her mouth and followed him.

At the restaurant, Yan Zeli ordered three dishes and a soup, including fish and meat, a sumptuous lunch that Wen Xin had never seen before.

The man kept piling food onto her plate, saying, "Eat more, look how thin you've become! I could wrap my hand around your waist with one hand."

Wen Xin: "..."

She picked up a piece of braised meat and put it in his mouth, saying, "Time to eat!"

Why can't this man's mouth be proper?

Yan Zeli raised an eyebrow, swallowed the meat in his mouth, and ladled her a bowl of chicken soup.

Okay, my wife is shy, so I won't say anything, I'll just do it!

Yes, he's the one who's truly happy, having raised his wife to be plump and healthy.

Wen Xin: "..."

Plump and fair-skinned? Is he raising piglets?

So annoying!

Forget it, let's eat first. What could possibly cause us to miss out on such delicious food?

...

After dinner, Yan Zeli took her to the store to buy things.

At this time, all shops are state-owned, and private individuals are not allowed to do business; otherwise, it would be considered speculation and profiteering, or engaging in capitalism.

Many things require tickets to buy.

But Yan Zeli was neither short of money nor these tickets.

He picked out many spring outfits for her, including tops, pants, and skirts.

Wen Xin pulled him back, stopping him from indulging in excessive shopping.

"I don't need that many."

"Is it a lot?"

Yan Zeli didn't think it was much. Looking at her clothes, they were faded from washing and patched up. He wondered how many years she had worn them.

Poor thing!

He cursed inwardly again that Wen Dafu and his wife were truly no good!

You have enough money to buy several new outfits for that lazy pig Wen Gui every year, but can't you buy one for Wen Xin?

Wen Xin whispered in his ear, "You really don't need to buy so much. I can make clothes. Buy some fabric and I'll make you a few outfits!"

That way it will be cheaper.

The virtuous young woman carefully calculated and saved money for him.

Yan Zeli immediately decided to buy only one new outfit, since today was their wedding day and it wouldn't be right not to buy new clothes.

But for Wen Xin, he bought four sets directly.

After that, he also bought a lot of items for girls, from combs and hair ties to shoes and socks...

He bought her anything she could need, spending money without batting an eye, making Wen Xin's heart race.

Yan Zeli muttered, "I also need to prepare a bathtub and a dressing table for you... and the bed and blankets need to be replaced with new ones."

"No need, no need, I think the things at home are fine."

Wen Xin held tightly to the man who couldn't stop buying things, afraid that he would empty his savings.

Yan Zeli tapped her forehead in exasperation, "Every bride gets these things. You're not asking me for more, are you thinking of not having them?"

No wonder he's always being bullied because he's so honest and simple!

Wen Xin pursed her lips and whispered, "I don't care about these things."

Yan Zeli looked at her seriously, "You may not care, but I do. Why should others have what you don't?"

His wife is so beautiful and wonderful, she deserves to be pampered by him.

He wanted to spoil her so much that everyone in the surrounding villages would envy her as a wife.

Wen Xin's clear eyes trembled as she smiled sweetly and gently at him, "It's okay, you've been very, very good to me."