As Ruan Ruan and her two companions walked home towards the setting sun, they saw uncles and elders bending over in the fields, weeding with hoes, their clothes soaked with sweat, but they persevered for a good harvest, hoping to receive more grain at the end of the year and not go hungry next year. Aunts and grandmothers carried hoes, chatting and laughing as they walked towards the brigade's warehouse, returning their farm tools so they could go home and cook. Some children were playing and laughing, adding a touch of life to this scene.
When the three returned home, Aunt Huo and Mrs. Huo were already cooking in the kitchen, Grandma Huo was sewing insoles in the yard, and Mr. Huo was weaving a bamboo basket.
Uncle Huo returned home after arranging things for the team when it got dark.
"Now that you're back, let's get ready to eat."
The Huo family got up, moved all the stools they were sitting on into the house, and sat down to eat.
"Today, my third brother and sister-in-law and I asked every household in the village that raises chickens. We can exchange five chickens for one, and we've already agreed to go and exchange them on the 19th."
Things that the whole family needs to know can only be discussed at the dinner table, otherwise everyone has their own things to do afterwards and can't afford to waste time.
"Then let's go to town tomorrow and see if we can order some meat."
The banquet requires a lot of meat, so Huo Haocheng wanted to go to the meat processing plant first to see if he could order some. If not, he would check the black market.
"Then I'll go with my older brother tomorrow."
When Huo Haocheng asked about the meat, Huo Haoshen knew his plan. Huo Haoshen did not have a proper job in the Huo family, nor did he honestly work in the fields to earn work points. He was often not seen in the village. The villagers privately called him a good-for-nothing, saying that the Huo family wasted money on his education. Only the Huo family knew what he was really doing.
"Okay, I'll go check it out tomorrow. Be careful and watch the situation."
After the elders had finished speaking, Huo Haoshi finally opened his mouth.
"Well, I also have something I'd like to say."
"you say"
Everyone looked up at him before Huo's mother, Zhao Hongmei, began to speak.
"Li Huan and I are together now."
After he finished speaking, Huo Haoshi kept watching everyone's reactions. He wasn't sure if his parents would object. Although his father treated everyone in the village equally and his grandmother had always helped the Li family, this was a marriage alliance.
"Have you thought it through?"
Grandpa Huo was the first to speak. After putting down his bowl, he took out the pipe from behind his back and tapped it gently in his hand.
"Grandpa, I've made up my mind."
Huo Haoshi knew that his grandfather's question meant that his relationship with Li Huan was successful, so he looked at his grandfather very seriously.
"It's good that you've thought it through."
Grandpa Huo got up, took a stool, sat at the door, and lit the welding fumes in his hand with a match.
Seeing that the old man didn't say anything, Huo Songbai and his wife didn't make things difficult for Huo Haoshi. Their son was grown up and had his own choices. When they got married, they respected them, and now they would respect their son in the same way, as long as he took responsibility for his choices.
"In that case, Mother, I'll trouble you to find some time to take me to talk to Aunt Li."
Zhao Hongmei knew that it wouldn't be good for her to go and say it rashly. She asked Grandma Huo to take her with her. This way, Grandma Huo and Grandma Li had a good relationship and could talk to each other. She also wanted to go with Grandma Li to reassure her that she and her husband agreed to Huo Haoshi and Li Huan's marriage.
"Okay, then we'll go during our afternoon break tomorrow."
Actually, Grandma Huo had previously suggested that her grandson marry Li Huan, so that she could take care of her old friend. However, she was afraid that if she mentioned it, her daughters-in-law would have resentment, and if the marriage didn't happen, they would have grudges against each other, which would be bad for everyone. So she never said anything. Now, it's all good. Her grandson has taken a liking to her, and her daughters-in-law haven't objected. This is the best outcome.
"Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Grandma."
Huo Haoshi didn't expect things to go so smoothly. He had prepared a whole bunch of things to say to persuade his mother, but he hadn't used a single one of them.
"No need for thanks. You know yourself that after you and Li Huan get married, you'll definitely be living at the Li family's house. At that time, rumors will spread that you've married into the family. You two should be prepared."
"Mom, don't worry, I've already talked to Huanhuan. We'll have a normal marriage ceremony, the wedding will be held at home, we'll stay here for a month first, and then we'll go to her house. That way, the villagers won't gossip."
"Once you've discussed it, that's fine. As for the bride price, you know we agreed on 99. The rest is up to you to prepare. In the past few years, apart from giving five yuan to your family every month, you've kept your salary yourself. Now that you're getting married, just tell us what kind of bride price you need to prepare for your wife. Don't be at a loss for words when we go to the Li family."
"Mom, I've already discussed the bride price with Huanhuan. You'll only officially give 66 (presumably in Chinese currency). As for the items, I'll buy a thermos, a washbasin, towels, and a set of clothes for Huanhuan and Grandma Li. The rest can be given privately."
We're worried that if I'm not home, a thief might break in.
"Your considerations make sense, so let's do it your way."
After discussing the matter, everyone tidied up their dishes and went to their rooms to rest. After a long day, they fell asleep the moment their heads hit the bed.
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