Chapter 94

The venue for Bi Chunliu and Xing Fei's wedding was Han Zhong's house. His yard was big, and Han Zhong's old friends lived closer to his house.

Han Zhong sent messages to his old friends one by one. He thought to himself that it was finally time for his family to have a wedding. When Xiao Bi and Xing Fei had a child, he would hold another one and ask Old Wang to take back the red envelope he had given to his eldest granddaughter. He would finally have the chance to show off to Old Wang!

Bi Weiguo took Old Lady Guo and Aunt Bi San to Han Zhong's house. As soon as she got out of the car, Old Lady Guo looked at her eldest grandson, who had grown taller and stronger, and smiled with satisfaction, suppressing her dissatisfaction with Bi Chunliu for getting married before her younger brother had a partner.

Bi Wangdi breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Grandma's smile. Ever since Grandma found out Sister Chunliu was getting married, she'd been in a bad mood, scolding her several times at home. Mom and Guangyao were sitting in the front seat, chatting as if nothing had happened, but she was the only one who felt uneasy sitting next to Grandma, afraid she'd see her go to dinner and be unhappy. She'd barely breathed the entire way. Now, she was finally feeling better.

Grandma Guo patted her eldest grandson's arm and said, "You've grown a lot stronger. That's what young men should be like. Being fat is a blessing. By the way, what kind of in-laws did your sister find? She didn't tell us in advance and only informed us after the wedding. How ignorant."

Bi Weiguo was now working and more thoughtful than before. He knew what to say to comfort grandma and ask her not to bring trouble to her eldest sister. He hurriedly coaxed her, "Grandma, my sister married well. Her brother-in-law is a policeman and used to be a soldier." He then whispered, "Besides, my eldest sister married well and will be able to help me in the future. Grandma, remember to be polite to my brother-in-law's family." He scratched his head, remembering that grandma didn't seem to know that she was working, and said, "Grandma, I'm working now!"

Mrs. Guo was delighted at first, then scolded him angrily, "You little brat, you didn't even tell me about such a big thing at work. Did your sister ask you to take over?"

Bi Weiguo shook his head. "I don't like working in a factory. It's so boring! My brother-in-law and his father introduced me to a chef. Grandma, I'm working in the government cafeteria now, and my chef is the master chef there. Grandma, my senior brother is one of the chefs cooking today. When we get there, I'll show you my chef. He's very talented and used to cook for the emperor in the palace!"

Old Lady Guo's eyes widened. "Oh my god, the chefs who cook for the emperor in the palace are really amazing!" When she heard that her eldest grandson's job was found by her eldest granddaughter's in-laws, she beamed and said, "My eldest grandson is really capable!" But she was also a little dissatisfied. "Actually, working in a factory isn't bad either. Didn't your father work there for years? You're an old man, how can you be stuck in the kitchen all the time?"

Bi Weiguo: "It's better to be in the kitchen, grandma. People say that a three-year famine won't kill a cook. You see, I earned this by eating."

That's true. Old Mrs. Guo nodded with satisfaction, then remembered something and said, "Since you're working in the government now, let your sister find you a wife. We don't care about families with cadres, we'll just find someone whose parents are workers."

Bi Weiguo: "..." Isn't that a high request? "Let's talk about it, grandma. I still want to earn money for two years to support you well. When I become a regular employee, I will let you have pork elbows every week!"

"Hahaha, okay, my grandson is really nice to you. He knows you like to eat pork elbows..."

"Grandma, you should smile more often. People say a smile makes you look ten years younger. When you smile, I can't tell who is the mother-in-law and who is the daughter-in-law from me and my third aunt. When we go to my sister's father-in-law's house later, everyone will be wondering, 'How can you be the grandmother of the new daughter-in-law when you look so energetic?'"

Aunt Bi, who had been leaning over to listen to her mother-in-law and nephew, glanced at her eldest nephew who was lying with his eyes wide open: "... I was just thinking that Weiguo seemed to be more talkative than before, but I didn't expect him to be still like this! Who is like this old guy!"

"Hahaha... Grandma is not like what you say! But when she was young, she was indeed prettier than your Third Aunt. If she hadn't changed the appearance of the old Bi family, you wouldn't be so energetic." Grandma Guo became more and more proud as she spoke, and glanced at the skinny Guangyao. Tsk! This child just takes after his mother so much, he hasn't benefited from her own benefits at all.

Bi Weiguo brought four people to Han Zhong's house.

Han Zhong, his son Xing Fei and daughter-in-law Bi Chunliu were standing at the door to welcome guests.

Bi Chunliu wore a thin, bright red coat with black pants and black leather shoes. She and Xing Fei, dressed in his military uniform, looked a perfect match. As soon as she saw Wei Guo arrive with his grandmother and his third aunt, she introduced them to Xing Fei and Han Zhong, "Dad, Xing Fei, this is my grandmother and my third aunt. The ones behind them are my cousins."

After Xing Fei greeted Old Lady Guo and the other three, Han Zhong came over with a smile. "Auntie, sister-in-law, you're finally here. It's been a bumpy ride. Come inside and sit down for a while. Weiguo, Xiahe, and Qiuguo are waiting for you. Take your grandma and the others inside. Give your grandma and your third aunt the peanuts, melon seeds, and candies on the table."

Old Mrs. Guo had originally thought her eldest granddaughter's partner would be either ugly or too old, but unexpectedly, he looked quite good and well-proportioned. Then she remembered what her eldest grandson had just said about her granddaughter's father-in-law being a retired cadre, who seemed like a good person to talk to. How could this damned girl Chunliu be so lucky? Thinking that she would have to rely on others to help her eldest grandson find a wife in the future, and that it would be best if he could get a more respectable job, she smiled. "Hahaha, then I'll take the liberty of accepting the offer. Thank you, nephew. My daughter Chunliu is so lucky to marry into your family. As soon as I saw you, her father-in-law, I knew she would be a good match."

Old Mrs. Guo lovingly took Bi Chunliu's hand and said, "Girl, your future will be better. Grandma is relieved to see you like this. Live a good life in the future."

After hearing what grandma said, Bi Chunliu felt uncomfortable all over. "Your character has collapsed, grandma!" "Okay, grandma, I will. Weiguo, take grandma into the house quickly." Take her away quickly!

Han Zhong and Xing Fei prepared a total of six banquet tables, two of which were for Han Zhong's old friends, two were for Xing Fei's colleagues and friends, and two were reserved for Bi Chunliu to invite her colleagues and friends.

Bi Chunliu was worried that Old Lady Guo and Third Aunt would affect the others' meal, so she asked Weiguo and her two younger sisters to accompany her and feed them, so that they could barely fit into the table. As expected, as soon as the pork elbows and chicken and other meat dishes were served, Third Aunt Bi neatly divided the dishes in half under Old Lady Guo's watchful eyes, leaving half on the table and the other half in a container.

Bi Xiahe: ...Luckily, my elder sister had made preparations in advance. The dishes on the table are all large in size, otherwise there wouldn’t be enough to eat.

Seeing that his third sister didn't say anything, Bi Qiuguo waved his chopsticks and picked up food silently, filling a bowl for himself and for his third sister. With milk, his second brother would not be hungry.

Bi Wangdi followed Qiuguo's lead, quickly picking up her food and then digging in. It was so delicious! She had forgotten the last time she had eaten meat... She glanced at the people at the other tables, wondering if she could ever marry into the city and live a life of eating meat every now and then.

After eating and drinking her fill, Aunt Bi burped contentedly. "Mom, when are we leaving?" When Chunliu came to find them, she wanted to ask when she would pay for Wangdi's train ticket. She couldn't default on her debt! Then she could go to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy Guangyao some snacks. And she had to remind her not to forget to find a job for Guangyao. She had just heard that even that fool Weiguo had a job.

Old Mrs. Guo glanced at her daughter-in-law and said, "Wait a minute, Weiguo, is this dish made by your master?"

Bi Weiguo pointed at two of the dishes and said, "These two were made by my senior brother, who is my master's son."

Grandma Guo was satisfied. The son had done well, so the father should be able to do even better. "Work hard in the future. Grandma is counting on you to be filial to her."

Bi Weiguo nodded, "Grandma, don't worry."

Bi Chunliu and Xing Fei went to another table to talk and get acquainted. She pulled Xing Fei, who was upset by Hao Ren's words, and said, "Brother Hao was just joking."

Xing Fei said righteously, "You can't even joke about it. When we have a daughter in the future, she must stay away from Hao Ren's son. I heard from colleagues who live close to his family that the boy has a loud voice and cries a lot. He howls all day long and is so naughty. Even with this, Hao Ren still wants to become my in-law. It's impossible!"

Bi Chunliu: “…”

"Come on, I'll take you to my grandma's table. They'll probably have to leave soon."

Xing Fei threw Hao Ren's words behind his head and said, "Okay."

"Grandma, Third Aunt, have you finished eating?" Bi Chunliu was surprised when she saw the clean plates on the table. So fast?

Mrs. Guo: "Is my grandson-in-law here too?"

Xing Fei: "Well, grandma, Auntie, are you full? I'll ask the chef to make two more dishes."

In front of her grandson-in-law who would be of use in the future, Old Lady Guo waved her hand politely and said, "I'm full, no need to cook. From now on, I'll entrust my daughter Chunliu to you. You must treat her well. It's not easy for the four sisters to depend on each other. Chunliu is most worried about Weiguo. As his brother-in-law, you must help Weiguo in the future. If he lives a good life, you can rest assured."

Bi Chunliu: “…”

Xing Fei had already heard Qiu Guo talk about who her grandmother was, so he wasn't surprised she mentioned Weiguo. "I see, grandma. Weiguo is doing very well at work now, so Chunliu doesn't have to worry about him. My dad is a good friend of Uncle Cai, and he's the elder who watched me grow up. Don't worry, he'll be helping Weiguo learn a trade."

Mrs. Guo nodded. "That's good, that's good."

"Niece-in-law, you two are both capable. Don't forget my Guangyao, he is an obedient child..." Aunt Bi said quickly.

Bi Chunliu looked at Bi Guangyao kindly, "Guangyao, I didn't go home this summer because of something. How did you do on the exam? Did you make any progress?"

Before Bi Guangyao could say anything, Aunt Bi San quickly replied, "There has been progress. The teacher said that Guangyao is serious! Don't worry, Chunliu." Although he has gone from fifth to eighth from the bottom, improving by three places is still progress.

Bi Chunliu nodded, "Okay, Third Aunt, don't worry, I'll remember it."

Aunt Bi felt relieved when she saw her niece had the guts to agree to it in front of her niece's husband. She glanced at Wangdi, who had been silent the entire time, and said, "Chunliu, don't forget your sister Wangdi. She's not young anymore. It would be even better if we could find her a partner in the city."

Old Lady Guo interrupted her, saying, "What nonsense are you talking about? You country girl, Wangdi." She forced a smile and said to Xing Fei, "Grandson-in-law, go eat quickly. Just leave Chunliu to talk to us."

Bi Chunliu also told Xing Fei to go eat quickly, and then Xing Fei left.

Bi Chunliu sat down, took a sip of the water Xia He handed over, and said, "Grandma, Third Aunt, it's not that I don't want to help Wangdi. You know, people in the city also want to find a wife in the city. Even if they don't have a job, they should graduate from junior high school or high school, right? That way, they can have a chance to work and try their luck. Our Wangdi is obedient and well-behaved, and she works well, but compared to other girls, she doesn't have many advantages. I remember she only went to school for three years, right? Except for those poor families who can't afford to marry a city wife, not many people can go to the countryside to find a wife. But those families won't be able to help Guangyao in the future, and they may not be as well off as Guangyao himself."

Aunt Bi shut up. It was true. They were too poor. It would be bad if she brought a man and children home to beg for money. Her Guangyao wasn't tall and strong like Weiguo. "Then I'll find her a husband in the countryside."

"Brother Guangyao doesn't have much help, Third Aunt, I think you should let Wangdi study for a few more years. She had good grades in school before. You can ask the teacher to give her a test paper. If Wangdi can go directly to the fifth grade, she can save a year's money when she takes the junior high school entrance exam. After she finishes junior high school, I can find a partner for Wangdi." Bi Xiahe supported her elder sister.

Aunt Bi glanced at Wangdi, who looked like a quail, and said hesitantly, "Can she do it?"

Bi Wangdi mustered up her courage and said, "I can do it. I've finished all the fourth-grade books, so I can go straight to fifth grade. I can also teach Guangyao. I haven't forgotten it yet."

Bi Qiuguo exclaimed, "Wangdi, you're amazing! You can skip a grade!"

Bi Wangdi gave an embarrassed smile. She also read the book in bits and pieces.

Bi Chunliu also followed suit and praised Wangdi. "Aunt, you see, you and my uncle should have let Wangdi continue her studies. She's the same age as Xia He. If she had gone to school then, she would have graduated from junior high school next year. If she could have gone to high school, we could have found her a better partner. I have a friend whose partner is Xing Fei's former comrade-in-arms. She's now with the army and sends delicious food to her parents' home every month. She wrote to me saying that their military dependents district is short of young wives who have graduated from junior high school or high school. If Wangdi had married an officer, tsk—Wangdi would have been delayed."

Aunt Bi felt like she'd missed out on many great opportunities for Guangyao's future. She clapped her hands and lamented, "Oh, I wanted Wangdi to continue studying, but your uncle insisted it was pointless for a girl to continue, so he didn't let her." No matter how close cousins are, they're not as close as those born from the same mother's womb. If Wangdi married well, she'd still be helping Guangyao. Just like Chunliu, no matter how well she spoke, she was still closer to Weiguo.

Bi Qiuguo held up two fingers and said bluntly, "It's not too late now, Third Aunt. Guangyao is only in the second grade this year."

Old Lady Guo was also tempted. No wonder her second son had insisted on sending all three daughters to school. It was all thanks to his quick thinking. If she had let her eldest daughter study for two years, she might have married into a good family and wouldn't have been so infrequent home for so many years. Who knows, her second and third sons might be officials now. "Third son's daughter, go back and ask the teacher to give Wangdi a test. See how she does. If she's good, let her continue studying," Old Lady Guo said with finality.

Aunt Bi: "Okay, Wangdi, then you must study hard. Don't forget, it's because of your brother that you can go to school."

Bi Wangdi glanced at Sister Chunliu from the corner of her eye and nodded in response, "I understand."

At two o'clock in the afternoon, most of the guests had left. Han Zhong packed up some of the remaining food for his grandmother-in-law to take with him, and found two people who lived nearby to help clean up. He urged Xing Fei to take his wife, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law home quickly.

Bi Chunliu asked Weiguo to send grandma and third aunt to the car, while she took her two younger sisters home.

After having dinner early, Bi Weiguo called his two sisters to go home, and said that he would live with her and her brother-in-law after Bi Chunliu returned home three days after her wedding.

Bi Chunliu was surprised: "You also know how to return home?"

Bi Weiguo said honestly, "Grandma told me, big sister, brother-in-law, don't worry, we're going back." In fact, his grandma said that with your sister's appearance, your brother-in-law might not like her one day. Don't let him affect her. Let your sister hurry up and get pregnant. Everything will be fine after your sister gets on her feet. Although Bi Weiguo didn't think Fei Ge would look down on his big sister, he kind of wanted a nephew.

"Okay, make your own breakfast tomorrow and remember to come for lunch." Bi Chunliu reminded them that it was the two-day National Day holiday, and if it was not dark yet, she would not dare to let them go home in the dark.

"Okay! Got it! Sister, see you tomorrow, brother-in-law!" The three of them said and ran away.