She looked at He Yanzhi, who was still fast asleep beside her, and couldn't help but lean down and gently kiss his cheek before quietly getting up.
She made breakfast, and He Yanzhi woke up shortly after. After they ate breakfast, Guan Wenru suggested that they go out to buy some things later.
She remembered that at yesterday's wedding, her comrades-in-arms were busy running around and did a lot of work.
So she thought of cooking a decent meal and inviting a few close friends over for a meal, both as a way of thanking them and as a way of formally integrating into He Yanzhi's circle as his wife.
He Yanzhi readily agreed.
After getting ready, the two went to the market and bought a lot of vegetables.
After returning, He Yanzhi didn't let Guan Wenru work hard. He did the work himself, and Guan Wenru helped him from the side.
The couple used all their skills, frying, stir-frying, and cooking, and after a busy morning, they prepared a table full of dishes.
Braised pork belly, stewed chicken with potatoes, scrambled eggs with tomatoes, stir-fried cabbage with vinegar, and even a cold dish.
Although it couldn't compare to a grand hotel, it was extremely lavish for that era.
Around noon, He Yanzhi returned with several of his closest comrades, including Wan Tao.
Upon entering, everyone was amazed by the aroma of food filling the room and the sumptuous dishes on the table.
"Wow! Lao He! You've really struck gold! Your sister-in-law's cooking is amazing!"
"This looks delicious! It's even better than what the cafeteria chef makes!"
"Commander He, you're in for a treat! The brothers are so envious!"
Looking at Guan Wenru, who was wearing an apron and had a gentle smile, He Yanzhi couldn't hide his pride and smugness, even more so than if he had made a contribution and received an award.
He waved his hand and said, "Don't just stand there, sit down! All you can eat today, there's plenty!"
Guan Wenru smiled as she served rice and soup to everyone, her demeanor graceful and poised.
During the meal, He Yanzhi stood up with a wine glass in his hand, and Guan Wenru accompanied him.
He Yanzhi's voice was loud and clear, "Brothers, thank you all for your hard work yesterday! Marrying Wenru is the greatest blessing of my life! This glass is for you all! I won't say much, all my gratitude is in this drink!"
After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp.
Guan Wenru, holding a teacup, smiled and said, "Thank you all for your help yesterday. You are all welcome to come to Yanzhi and my place anytime."
Everyone cheered and the atmosphere was lively and harmonious.
"You're too kind, Commander's wife!"
"Wishing the commander and his wife a long and happy marriage, and a prosperous and joyful life together!"
"Old He is so lucky! He married such a beautiful and capable woman!"
Wan Tao also drank with a smile, but there seemed to be a hint of barely perceptible frustration hidden beneath the smile, and he drank more heavily than usual.
After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the other comrades took their leave one after another, leaving only Wan Tao, who had drunk a bit too much, sitting there with a somewhat vacant look in his eyes.
He Yanzhi and Guan Wenru were about to clear the dishes when Wan Tao suddenly looked up at He Yanzhi with a dazed expression and asked in a slurred voice:
"Old He... what do you think... what if I... what if I married Gu Siyu?"
That question came out of nowhere!
He Yanzhi and Guan Wenru paused simultaneously, raised their eyebrows in surprise, and exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes.
He Yanzhi put down what he was holding, sat down, and poured himself and Wan Tao another glass of water.
His tone was calm, without direct evaluation, but he said, "Comrade Gu Siyu... has a bit of a fiery temper, but her professional skills are beyond reproach."
When it comes to relationships, it ultimately depends on your own heart. If you truly feel it's right and you've really thought it through, then follow your heart. However…
He paused, his tone becoming more serious, "Before making a decision, you have to think things through from all angles, especially about the problems you might encounter in the future. You can't just act on impulse."
Guan Wenru also sat down and spoke gently, "Political Commissar Wan, I shouldn't be saying this, but since you asked, I'll say a word."
Marriage isn't just a matter between two people, it's also a matter between two families. I remember... you still have Aunt Wan back in your hometown, and two children, right?
Wan Tao nodded blankly.
Guan Wenru continued, "If you really have this idea, shouldn't you first find a way to bring Aunt Wan and the two children over and settle them in?"
Let Comrade Gu Siyu make contact first and see if she can handle the relationships with her mother-in-law and her two stepsons. This is no simple matter.
Her tone was sincere, and she was completely considering the harmony of Wan Tao's family. "Moreover, to be honest, Aunt Wan was alone at home for many years, acting as both a grandmother and a mother, raising your two children. She endured so much hardship and fatigue."
Now that things have finally settled down a bit for you, shouldn't you let the elders enjoy their retirement and make it up to them? Personal matters… shouldn't we put them on hold for a while, or at least make sure the family is taken care of first?
Guan Wenru's words were reasonable and justified. They pointed out the practical difficulties and highlighted filial piety, and were entirely based on practical considerations for Wan Tao.
Honestly, she really didn't want Wan Tao to be harmed by Gu Siyu again!
Wan Tao's mind, which had been clouded by alcohol and momentary impulse, was instantly cleared up as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over it!
He slapped his forehead, his face showing regret and shame. "Oh dear! Sister-in-law, you...you're right! Look at me! I was so foolish! So selfish! I was only thinking about my own little problems and forgot about my mother and two children! They are the people I should have taken care of first!"
He stood up abruptly, seemingly sobering up considerably, and repeatedly thanked He Yanzhi and Guan Wenru:
"Old He, sister-in-law, thank you! Thank you so much for reminding me! I... I'll go back and write a letter, arrange a car, and bring my mother and child over as soon as possible!"
After saying that, he didn't care about anything else and rushed out the door. The tender feelings and impulses he had felt for Gu Siyu were completely swept away by his sense of responsibility and gratitude towards his mother and child.
Watching Wan Tao's hurried departure, He Yanzhi turned to his wife beside him, who was smiling, and couldn't help but reach out and pull her into his arms. "My wife is so thoughtful."
Guan Wenru leaned against him and smiled.
She knew that Wan Tao and Gu Siyu's relationship was unlikely to work out.
At least until Wan Tao has properly handled his family responsibilities, he will no longer have that impulsive, carefree attitude.
And this, perhaps, is the best arrangement for everyone.
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