One early morning in early June, just as dawn was breaking, Yangshu Village came alive with excitement. Today was the wedding day of Zhou Amei and Song Tao.
In Zhou Amei's courtyard, several women were busy kneading dough and chopping filling, preparing to make dumplings. Ye Xiaoxiao also came to help; she was in charge of preparing the filling.
"Sister-in-law, your filling is really well-made." Li Yaqin took a bite and nodded repeatedly, "The saltiness is just right."
Ye Xiaoxiao laughed and said, "We've been making these at home for over ten years, we've known how to do it for a long time."
On the other side of the courtyard, several men were setting up a makeshift tent.
Song Tao and several young men were busy carrying tables and benches. Although he was a son-in-law living with his wife's family, he was treated with all the proper pomp and circumstance.
"Song Tao is a good kid," said Granny Wang as she rolled out dumpling wrappers.
"Look at him, he served in the army for five years, he's efficient and speaks with confidence."
"That's right," Li Shulan chimed in. "I heard he was a squad leader in the army. Where can you find a young man like that? You've come to the right person, sister."
As they were talking, Mr. Zhou came out of the house with a big smile, gesturing with his hands. Although he was deaf and mute, he was especially happy today, and the smile on his face never left his face.
"Uncle Zhou, don't worry," Ye Xiaoxiao said with a smile, "My sister has found a great son-in-law this time."
Mr. Zhou nodded repeatedly and gestured for everyone to eat more.
By morning, Song Tao's parents and relatives had arrived. Although it was a home visit, all the expected relatives were present. Everyone said it was a happy occasion for both parties, and there was nothing to be ashamed of.
"Come, everyone, have a seat," Li Jianguo said, gesturing to the Song family. "Dinner will begin shortly."
Song Tao, dressed in his crisp military uniform, stood in the courtyard to greet the guests.
Although he had retired from the military, he still looked very smart in that uniform.
"Oh dear, look at Song Tao," Ma Yanling said, standing to the side. "He looks just like someone from a movie in that military uniform."
Sun Xiuju chimed in, "That's right, he's much better than the young men in our village."
Sun Xiuju's words were incredibly sarcastic. She said that she married Li Chenhui, but Li Chenyang was better than her, and that Ye Xiaoxiao had found a better husband for Zhou Amei than she had married.
The more she thought about it, the more upset she became. She couldn't even eat when she saw Ye Xiaoxiao chatting and laughing with everyone.
Ye Xiaoxiao had no time to consider the two people's feelings; she was currently helping Zhou Amei pack her things. The Zhou family didn't have any other relatives; they relied entirely on the help of their neighbors.
Around noon, Zhou Amei finished dressing up. She wore a red dress, a red flower in her hair, and a happy smile on her face.
"Sister, you're so beautiful." Ye Xiaoxiao looked at her and said sincerely.
Zhou Amei lowered her head shyly: "It's all thanks to you, sister-in-law. If it weren't for you, how could I have found such a wonderful person?"
"What are you saying? This is your destiny," Ye Xiaoxiao said with a smile. "Alright, it's time for the wedding ceremony soon."
Just then, firecrackers went off outside. Song Tao took Zhou Amei's hand and walked towards the main room.
"I bow to Heaven and Earth!"
"Bowing to our parents a second time!"
"Husband and wife bow to each other!"
After the ceremony, everyone applauded. Zhou's father was so moved that tears streamed down his face, and Song Tao's parents also had smiles on their faces.
While they were drinking, Ye Xiaoxiao was busy serving dishes to the guests. Suddenly, she noticed Zhou Kuan had somehow gotten close to her. She thought to herself that she'd better stay away from this scoundrel.
[Host, Zhou Kuan is trying to take advantage of you. You'd better watch out.]
[What do you mean? He dared to do that with so many people around.] Ye Xiaoxiao initially thought Zhou Kuan was disgusting, but she never expected him to be so audacious.
Looking back, they saw that Sun Xiuju and Ma Yanling behind Zhou Kuan were looking at them with ill intent.
"Sister-in-law, let me toast you." Zhou Kuan's face already smelled of alcohol as he leaned forward with his glass in hand.
Ye Xiaoxiao frowned and said, "You drink yours, don't bother me."
Just as Ye Xiaoxiao was about to retreat to the kitchen, Sun Xiuju and Ma Yanling suddenly shoved Zhou Kuan in the back. A surprised smile flashed across Zhou Kuan's face, and he opened his arms to rush towards Ye Xiaoxiao.
Ye Xiaoxiao reacted quickly, kicking Zhou Kuan away. Zhou Kuan crashed heavily to the ground, covered in alcohol.
Even Wang Daqing, who was carrying a plate he had just finished eating at the table, couldn't hold the plate properly, and the soup spilled all over Zhou Kuan's head and face.
Everyone burst into laughter. No one had actually seen what had happened in those few seconds.
They assumed Zhou Kuan had drunk too much and couldn't stand up.
"Hey Zhou Kuan, drink less! You're drinking like there's no tomorrow. Do you think you'll be able to get your wife when you get home tonight?" Er Laizi laughed loudly.
Ye Xiaoxiao looked at Zhou Kuan's angry face and recalled the way he had been standing in front of her.
Be prepared for this guy to come back; give him a good beating.
Seeing that Zhou Kuan hadn't gained any advantage, Ma Yanling and Sun Xiuju immediately lowered their heads and went back to eating, not daring to look back at Ye Xiaoxiao's expression.
Just then, Li Chenyang heard the commotion and ran over: "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing," Ye Xiaoxiao sneered. "It's just that some people are blind."
As soon as Zhou Kuan saw Li Chenyang coming over, he immediately got up and quickly slipped away.
Ma Yanling and Sun Xiuju were also afraid that Ye Xiaoxiao would drag them into this again, so they didn't dare to say a word after finishing their meal and went back home.
"These people..." Li Chenyang was so angry that he wanted to chase after them.
"Forget it," Ye Xiaoxiao stopped him. "Today is my sister's special day; let's not let them ruin the celebration."
The banquet lasted until evening. Ye Xiaoxiao finally breathed a sigh of relief after most of the guests had left.
Although today's events upset her, she didn't want to cause any more trouble for the sake of Zhou Amei and Song Tao. Anyway, there would be plenty of time in the future, and she would always find another opportunity.
"Sister-in-law, why do you think they did this?" Zhou Amei asked, somewhat worried after hearing about the incident.
Ye Xiaoxiao smiled and patted her head: "Silly girl, don't worry about them. You're the bride today, just be happy."
That evening, after everything was settled, Ye Xiaoxiao and Li Chenyang went home. On the way, Li Chenyang was still angry: "That Zhou Kuan, I'll teach him a lesson sooner or later."
"Alright," Ye Xiaoxiao said. "They just can't stand seeing others do well. Look how well Zhou Amei and Song Tao match; they're a match made in heaven."
Li Chenyang nodded: "Yes, Song Tao is a reliable person. Unlike some people, who are always up to no good."
"Oh, right." Ye Xiaoxiao suddenly remembered something, "Aren't you going to town to learn how to repair appliances tomorrow? Get some rest."
Li Chenyang responded. The two chatted as they slowly walked home. The moon hung in the treetops, illuminating the entire village with tranquility and peace.
Ye Xiaoxiao thought to herself, that's life, with its sweet and bitter moments. Zhou Amei has found a good home, while those who have nothing better to do all day can only be envious of others.
Back home, Ye Xiaoxiao fed the baby, and the little one crawled around on the kang (a heated brick bed) and fell asleep in no time.
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