In the early spring of 1972, in a family compound on the outskirts of Kyoto.
Xu Wei was adjusting her collar in front of the mirror at that moment.
The woman in the mirror had short, ear-length hair and bright eyes. The brand-new black wool coat she was wearing was a gift from Bai Yajing, which she had been reluctant to wear. She paired it with a red scarf, which made her even more beautiful and charming.
"Weiwei, let me see quickly." Grandma and Bai Yajing pushed open the door and came in, carrying a tray in their hands.
"Here's the money your colleagues at the institute chipped in. Your dad specially exchanged it for two packs of White Rabbit milk candy from the Friendship Store."
"And also, the dowry that my husband and I prepared for you..."
She smiled kindly, her eyes filled with reluctance as she looked at her.
Xu Wei smiled as she took the tray, her fingertips touching the edges of the sugar cubes inside, a wave of tenderness washing over her.
"Thank you, Mom and Dad!" The elderly couple truly treated her like their own daughter.
A loud bugle call came from outside the window, and she couldn't help but look at the clock on the wall—it was 6:30, and he should leave.
"Don't rush." Grandma smiled and pressed her down, pulling her to sit down.
"It will take Pei An about an hour to get here from the city."
He took a red silk flower from his pocket, saying, "Your wedding attire is too plain. Here, pin this on you."
A red silk hair clip adorned her dark temples, adding a touch of joy.
Bai Yajing waited until they finished chatting before opening the package in her hand.
"Godmother, I bought you a new pair of leather shoes, let's put them on." She knew that her godmother, who was so career-oriented, definitely hadn't prepared those things.
Even the house, inside and out, was decorated by her, her maternal grandparents, and her maternal grandparents.
Xu Wei felt a lump in her throat. She felt incredibly lucky; her early loneliness had been rewarded with such wonderful family.
"Darling, thank you all..."
When her grandmother saw that her eyes were red, she also felt a pang of sadness.
"A bride should look beautiful, don't cry."
Bai Yajing helped her change into new shoes and told jokes to lighten the mood, finally making the two elders laugh heartily.
Outside the door were her maternal and paternal grandfathers, Xiao's parents, and Xiao Che helped to greet them, while they stayed in the room to keep Xu Wei company.
The sound of bicycle bells rang out from downstairs, as people from the research institute arrived on their bikes.
Meanwhile, at the Pei family residence in the city, Pei An was being surrounded by his comrades, who were adjusting his military uniform.
The newly changed Type 65 military uniforms were a bright green, and the sunlight shining through the window made the row of medals on the chest gleam.
"Old Pei, polish your shoes again! Comb your hair again!"
Some of his comrades squatted on the ground and used old newspapers dipped in shoe polish to polish his shoes, while others used hair oil to comb his hair again.
"I heard those intellectuals at the research institute are quite particular. Old Pei, you're getting on in years, you should really take care of yourself, so people don't find you unattractive!"
As soon as he said that, everyone burst into laughter.
Pei An chuckled helplessly. At his age, it was his second marriage, and everyone genuinely wished him well. They also genuinely liked to joke around, but it was all good-natured. Everyone in the military was used to it.
He wasn't angry at all at the teasing and joking of the others. Instead, he smiled and agreed, then took out a brown paper envelope from the drawer: "Old Liu, take this."
Inside were thirty jin of national grain coupons and six industrial vouchers. Give them to Old Wu in the cookhouse, and ask him to exchange them for some high-gluten flour. Make sure everyone eats well at today's feast!
Upon hearing this, everyone praised him for his generosity. They had just seen those basins of meat in the back kitchen!
They were all so hungry!
He's finished getting ready, and it's almost time.
Two Jiefang trucks had already started moving. The front of the trucks was decorated with large red silk flowers, and a dozen or so comrades-in-arms, all of whom were close to Pei An, were sitting neatly in the cargo box.
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