While the Bai family was gossiping incessantly, Yu Jun was a bit better off. He didn't live in the family compound, and although there was competition among soldiers, they wouldn't gossip in public, so he only felt a little jealous.
"Deputy Battalion Commander Yu, there's a package for you. It's quite a big one. Go and get it quickly."
Yu Jun's comrades, who had just returned from their shift, saw him and quickly called out to him, telling him they had a package. They envied Yu Jun, who always received packages from home, knowing someone was always thinking of him. Many of his comrades came from rural areas with limited incomes, and postage was too expensive.
"Thank you, I'll go get it right away. It must have been sent by my sister."
Yu Jun jogged to get the package, knowing that Yin Yin had received his letter.
Back in his dormitory with the rather heavy package, Yu Jun first looked for the letter to see what Yin Yin had written.
"Greetings, young man. I was so happy to receive your letter. My brother has finally found a girl he loves, and now he has someone to share his joys and sorrows. He can also have his own little family, his own children, and move on to the next stage of his life..."
The message was full of Yin Yin's blessings, and it was clear that Yin Yin was genuinely happy and would like her partner because he was someone she liked. Yin Yin's affection extended to him, and she had no objections.
At the end of the letter, Yinyin said she had bought a pair of watches in Shanghai, originally intended as a wedding gift for him, but she hadn't expected to use them so soon. She instructed him to give them to his fiancée if they got engaged.
Yu Jun quickly found the box containing the watches in the package. It was a red wooden box with simple patterns, and it felt quite heavy in his hand. Opening the lid, a pair of silver mechanical watches were placed side by side in the middle, dazzlingly bright.
Yu Jun carefully picked up the men's watch. It felt really nice to the touch, cool to the touch. He didn't know much about watches, but he could tell this one wasn't cheap; Yin Yin had really spent a lot of money on it.
I put the watch back into the box and started moving other things out.
Yinyin wrote instructions on the outside of each paper package, indicating what it was and how to eat it. There was also honey and tea, which he was to take as gifts to the girl's family. He was also to pick out some other food items, and buy a few bottles of good wine and cigarettes…
She was so long-winded, even more so than an old lady, that Yu Jun felt a warm glow in his heart, and tears welled up in his eyes. This was something his mother should have done, but… sigh, after receiving the two hundred yuan his father had wired him a few days ago, he knew what it meant.
After packing his things, Yu Jun prepared to pick up his girlfriend from work and also to discuss their engagement. He had inquired about the procedures beforehand and wanted to double-check them to avoid any embarrassing situations.
Yu Jun picked up the watch box and went to pick up his girlfriend.
"Xiaoyu, have you been waiting long? I received my sister's package just before I came out, which delayed me a bit."
We had arranged to meet after get off work, but I was late. That was really wrong of me.
"It's nothing, it wasn't long ago. One of my classmates was being naughty and broke the glass, so I cleaned it up."
Bai Xiaoyu is the homeroom teacher of Class 1, Grade 3. She has a lot to manage and is very busy.
Yu Jun chuckled awkwardly, unsure of what to do next, as he lacked experience.
"Let's go to a state-run restaurant for dinner. I have something to discuss with you."
Remembering Yin Yin's instructions, Yu Jun decided to eat and chat outside.
"Okay, let's go to the one near the school. Their Zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste) is delicious."
Bai Xiaoyu looked at Yu Jun, who seemed a little nervous, and felt a little amused. She thought he looked silly.
The two entered the state-run restaurant one after the other. Now, the couple can't hold hands while walking, otherwise the aunties wearing red armbands will chase after them and lecture them.
"Besides noodles, what else would you like to eat? Do you have braised fish today?"
"Let's have noodles, and another bowl of soup."
When two people are eating, there's no need to make a big show of it; it's unnecessary and a waste.
After ordering, the two sat there waiting.
"Xiaoyu, you're getting engaged in a few days. Is there anything you like? I've asked a few people, but they only have a vague idea."
Yu Jun was very satisfied with Bai Xiaoyu and liked her from the bottom of his heart. He was a little nervous and didn't even seem like himself.
Bai Xiaoyu noticed Yu Jun's nervousness and knew he cared about her, which made her very happy.
"We don't have many requirements. The engagement is just a meal with my relatives to get to know them. If we didn't want to participate in next year's group wedding, we would have gotten our marriage certificate at the end of the year and skipped the engagement."
Nowadays, engagements are not common. Usually, couples find each other, their parents meet, discuss things, and then they get married.
They originally planned to get married at the end of the year, but unexpectedly, the team was organizing a group wedding, scheduled for after the new year. They wanted to participate, so they thought they should get engaged first to avoid any gossip.
"By the way, my little sister Yinyin sent me a lot of Yunnan specialties and asked me to take them to my uncle and aunt. When do you think would be a good time for me to go?"
Remembering Yin Yin's instructions in her letter, Yu Jun quickly asked her about it.
"A local specialty, prepared by your little sister?"
Bai Xiaoyu was puzzled. Wasn't this usually something her mother prepared? She remembered Yu Jun's mother was still alive. What, was she dissatisfied with her? She'd have to find out.
"Why was it your younger sister who prepared this? Does your aunt not approve of our relationship?"
"No, my family situation is a bit special. My mom cares more about my brother and sister and doesn't care much about me and Yinyin, especially in the last two years. Her personality has become a bit hard to understand. My dad called me and agreed to our marriage, but we live too far apart. He'll come over when we get married."
Yu Jun was helpless; with his mother like this, no one could do anything to her.
"Oh, I see. I understand now."
With many children in the family, there are always those who are neglected, and Yu Jun was one of them.
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