As winter fades and spring arrives, the fields of the Hongqi Production Brigade are adorned with new greenery. Willow buds sprout like emerald curtains, and forsythia clusters their golden blossoms, radiating warmth in the crisp spring breeze. In the backyard of the Chenji Food Factory, Lin Wanqiu is intently contemplating a large sheet of red paper, her pen hovering beside the vermilion inkpad. The fragrant ink mingles with the fresh scent of grass and trees wafting from the window, weaving a gentle scene in the morning light. On the enamel mug on the table, jasmine tea still steams, the tea leaves slowly unfurling in the water, mirroring her current state of mind—a mix of the solemn anticipation of a mother preparing for her son's wedding and the meticulous consideration of both the historical context and her personal feelings.
"Mother, Xiaoya's family sent word that they're asking if the betrothal gift list should be finalized yet?" Shen Nian'an, dressed in a crisply washed blue work uniform, walked into the house with a slightly shy and awkward expression, his steps unusually light. He had fully grown up, with broad shoulders and a straight back, shedding the thinness and timidity of his childhood. His features possessed both the composure and determination of Shen Tingzhou, and the gentle humility that Lin Wanqiu had carefully cultivated in him. Thinking about marrying his beloved in two months, a faint blush rose on the young man's cheeks, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the hem of his clothes, his eyes filled with anticipation for the future.
Lin Wanqiu put down her pen, looked up at her son, and smiled with satisfaction: "What's the rush? The betrothal gifts must not only be in accordance with the rules, but also touch the hearts of Xiaoya and her parents." She reached for the paper and pen on the table. "Look, this is the first draft I've prepared: four bolts of silk and eight zhang of cotton cloth, all top-quality materials woven in our factory. The colors chosen are bright red, moon white, and lake blue, which are both festive and practical; there are also twenty jin of brown sugar and ten jin of white sugar, two boxes each of sesame cakes and walnut crisps newly made by our food factory, plus a watch and a bicycle—these are all in accordance with the current customs, and we can't skimp on the formalities."
Looking at the list, Shen Nian'an was filled with emotion: "Mother, this is already too much. You and Father don't need to go to so much trouble."
“Silly child,” Lin Wanqiu gently patted the back of his hand, the warmth of her fingertips passing through the fabric. “You are the apple of my eye. You only get married once in your life, and I always want you to have a grand and glorious wedding.” She paused, her gaze drifting to the window, as if she could see the difficult times she had endured with him, so frail and thin, at the beginning of her rebirth. “Back then, when I was raising you, we could barely afford a decent meal. Now that life is better, how could I let you and Xiaoya suffer?” As she spoke, a barely perceptible sob escaped her lips, but it was quickly replaced by a firm resolve. “Moreover, these betrothal gifts contain both the traditional etiquette of our time and my own thoughtful consideration—the bicycle is for your and Xiaoya's convenience after the wedding; the watch is a wish for you to cherish your time and live a good life.”
Shen Tingzhou happened to walk in from outside, still carrying the refreshing scent of his morning exercise. He had just returned from a secret mission; though his face showed signs of fatigue, his eyes remained bright. "Wanqiu is right, the betrothal gifts cannot be ambiguous." He walked to the table, picked up the list, and looked at it. "I'll add a Shanghai brand watch and a new set of clothes for Xiaoya's parents, to show our sincerity even more." He looked at Shen Nian'an, his tone both serious and gentle, "Nian'an, marriage is not just a matter between two people, but a connection between two families. Being proper in etiquette is not only a sign of respect for Xiaoya's family, but also a matter of dignity for our Shen family."
Shen Nian'an nodded emphatically, "Dad, Mom, I'll listen to you." Looking at his parents' understanding expression, he was filled with gratitude. If it weren't for his parents supporting the family, providing him with a stable life and a good education, he might still be struggling to make ends meet, let alone be able to marry the girl he loved. This profound love from his parents made him secretly resolve to be filial to them after marriage and cherish the happiness he had now.
Just then, Su Wanqing walked in carrying a bamboo basket filled with fresh vegetables she had just picked from her own garden. "Sister Wanqiu, I've come to lend you a hand!" she said with a cheerful smile. As soon as she entered, she saw the list on the table. "Oh, are you calculating the betrothal gifts? Let me see what good things you have."
Su Wanqing leaned closer to take a look and couldn't help but exclaim, "Sister Wanqiu, you've thought of everything! The pattern of this silk and the food gift box are the most sought-after items right now." She turned to Shen Nian'an and teased, "Nian'an, you're so lucky to have such loving parents. You must treat Xiaoya well in the future and not let everyone down."
Shen Nian'an scratched his head sheepishly, eliciting laughter from everyone. Lin Wanqiu pulled Su Wanqing down to sit: "Wanqing, you've come at the right time. I was just about to discuss the wedding venue with you. I'm planning to decorate the food factory's auditorium properly, to have the festive atmosphere of a traditional wedding, but also to add some novel elements. Could you give me some advice?"
"That's a great idea!" Su Wanqing's eyes lit up. "The auditorium is spacious, bright, and well-ventilated, perfect for accommodating the villagers who come to offer their congratulations. Traditional elements like red 'double happiness' characters, red lanterns, and red ribbons are essential. We can also set up a colorful canopy at the entrance, decorated with pine branches and fresh flowers—it'll be both festive and beautiful." She paused, recalling a wedding she had attended before. "As for novel elements, I've heard that some weddings in the city now have musical accompaniment. Could we hire a folk band to play some cheerful tunes? Also, the banquet tables can be arranged more neatly, covered with clean white tablecloths, and decorated with small pots of fresh flowers—it will look elegant."
Lin Wanqiu nodded repeatedly, her eyes flashing with approval: "Wanqing, what you said is exactly what I wanted! If we're going to hire music, let's hire the best folk band in our commune. We need traditional classics like 'Joyful Celebration' and 'Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix,' and we can also add a few upbeat modern tunes to make the atmosphere even more lively." She got up and walked to the window, pointing towards the auditorium. "I was also thinking of hanging some auspicious calligraphy and paintings on the walls of the auditorium, such as 'Dragon and Phoenix Bringing Prosperity' and 'A Hundred Years of Harmony.' And then cutting out some mandarin ducks and magpies from colored paper and pasting them on the windows. It would be both traditional and lively."
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