Jinniang's Marriage
"The ground is cold, landlord, don't touch the snow anymore."
As he spoke, he carefully helped her up, his movements as if he were holding some rare treasure.
He stood up as well, but still did not let go of her hand.
Instead, he gently wrapped his warm palm around her slightly cool fingertips, as if to dispel the chill.
Pei Qingwu stared at him blankly.
Gu Heng had beautiful eyes, classic peach blossom eyes, with slightly upturned corners, exuding an indescribable charm. His eyes were shimmering, reflecting her image at this moment.
The snow was still falling, a pure white blur, and in his pupils, there was only her figure.
Just then, a night patrol officer walked by and urged people to hurry back to their respective neighborhoods so as not to miss the curfew.
A gong sounded, drawing their attention back.
Gu Heng turned his head away in a panic, a faint blush rising to the tips of his ears, as beautiful as peach blossoms in early spring.
Pei Qingwu chuckled and tugged at his hand: "Let's go, let's go home."
As soon as they returned to the shop, Yinlan came to greet them, took off the large fur cloak that Pei Qingwu was wearing, and while brushing off the snowflakes falling on it, asked, "How are things going with Fifth Sister and Xiaoyi?"
"It's great. Both children are capable, and I see they are very well organized."
"I heard some hooligans were causing trouble over there. Is everything alright?"
"It's alright, they've already left."
Pei Qingwu entered the room and saw a bowl of radish and mutton soup on the table, still steaming hot: "Yinlan, did you make this?"
"Yes, as they say, eat radish in winter and ginger in summer. Lamb is also the best for dispelling cold. It would be perfect for the boss and Ah Heng to have a bowl of this when they come back from outside."
Pei Qingwu smiled and thanked Yin Lan for her kindness, then went over and ladled out a bowl.
The soup has an enticing milky white color, like melted cheese, with a few golden oil droplets floating on the surface, making it even more mellow.
Large chunks of mutton were stewed until tender and the meat was clearly visible, almost falling off the bone; the radish, cut into chunks, absorbed the broth and became translucent, like warm jade, quietly settling at the bottom of the bowl.
A few bright red goji berries and chopped green coriander are sprinkled on top, adding not only color but also a refreshing aroma.
The clear broth steams with the rich aroma of mutton and the sweetness of radish. Just smelling it makes you feel cold and whet your appetite.
"Not bad, as expected of Yinlan's craftsmanship."
Pei Qingwu took a small sip and found it exceptionally delicious, and exclaimed in sincere praise.
Seeing that Gu Heng had not yet come over, Pei Qingwu waved and said, "Aheng, come and have a bowl too."
"Okay, I'm coming right away."
Gu Heng was still a little embarrassed. He slowly came over and took the soup bowl from Pei Qingwu's hand.
The two sat facing each other, drinking, while Yinlan wiped the earthenware pot that had been used to boil soup. For a moment, all was quiet, and no other sounds could be heard.
Gu Heng was still a boy, growing up, and one bowl wasn't enough. Just as he was about to get another, Shi Dayong suddenly raised his voice from next door: "So what? I knew that when I first met you."
He was so startled that he almost dropped the soup spoon in his hand.
"What's wrong? Who did Dayong have a fight with?"
Yinlan was also startled and peeked out to ask.
Immediately afterwards, there was a couple of sobs from Jinniang, but her voice was soft and not very clear.
Gossip is human nature, and Pei Qingwu and Yin Lan had already noticed the discord between Shi Dayong and Jinniang. After exchanging a glance, they tiptoed together to hear what was going on.
Only Gu Heng, that silly boy, hadn't reacted yet. With a piece of mutton in his mouth, he asked in confusion, "Boss, Sister Yinlan, you..."
"Shh." Pei Qingwu told him to be quiet and come listen with him.
The sound became much clearer when I pressed my face against the door.
Jinniang sobbed, "I know, I know everything. I have eyes, I can see how good you are to me, but..."
She seemed to wipe away her tears with a handkerchief, and then said, "But look at me, I've been married before, and I have two children to support..."
“Sun Laizi once promised me that he would treat me well for the rest of his life, but later he beat me and used my dowry to gamble and hire prostitutes…”
“Brother Dayong, I’m not comparing him to you. You’re good to me, and you’re good to Nianci and Mingyi. I can see that, but… I know I’m not worthy, and I don’t dare to believe it…”
As she spoke, Jinniang burst into tears and could no longer utter a word.
Pei Qingwu finally understood.
Today, Shi Dayong should have confessed his feelings to Jinniang, but because of the failure of her previous marriage, Jinniang no longer dared to trust a man.
That makes sense, after all, he's someone who learns from his mistakes and won't let himself fall into the lion's den again.
However, one shouldn't give up on life just because of past mistakes. Don't hesitate to start a new life just because you've been hurt.
Shi Dayong is a good person, and if Jinniang is willing, it would be a good start.
Pei Qingwu continued to lie there and listen.
"I understand. I was impetuous today, and I should have considered that." Shi Dayong softened his voice. "But don't worry, I truly love you..."
“You said you were afraid I would dislike you because you’ve been married before and have two children. I’m also afraid you’d dislike me because I’m too old and because I can’t see in one eye.”
Jinniang was amused by the last sentence and burst into laughter through her tears: "How could that be? You only have this eye on the battlefield... But you are a great hero, how could I despise you?"
Once these words were spoken, there was hope.
Unfortunately, the two of them were making very slow progress, sticking together in a daze. Pei Qingwu was getting impatient and couldn't help but push the door open and enter, smiling as she said, "Oh dear, I was wondering why I heard crying and laughing over here so late at night. Turns out someone has finally broken through the barrier?"
Both people inside were startled. Jinniang hurriedly turned away to wipe her tears, while Shi Dayong blushed deeply and stood up awkwardly, stammering, "Master... Master..."
Pei Qingwu walked to Jinniang's side, gently put his arm around her shoulder, and said in a gentle but firm tone: "Jinniang, I vaguely heard what you said outside. How can that scoundrel Sun Laizi compare to Brother Dayong? If he has even the slightest evil intention, I and everyone in the shop will be the first to object."
After saying that, she turned to Shi Dayong and deliberately put on a stern face: "Brother Dayong, we can all see your good intentions, they are genuine, but you also need to understand the suffering Jinniang has endured. It's not that she doesn't trust you, it's that she's afraid. You need to give her time and put her at ease with your actions."
Shi Dayong nodded vigorously, his remaining eye filled with earnestness: "Master, I understand. I, Shi Dayong, am a rough man and not good at sweet talk, but I swear to God, I have no ill intentions towards Jinniang, Nianci, and Mingyi! From now on, as long as I have food to eat, I will never let those three go hungry! I... I will cherish them as if they were my own eyes!"
Pei Qingwu then looked at Jinniang and gently advised, "Good Jinniang, one can't always look at the pit behind you, one must also walk towards the light ahead... We've spent these days together, you should have a good understanding of Dayong's character. Yes, marriage is a big deal, and it should be taken seriously, but if you reject all sincerity because of a bad person and miss out on someone who truly cares for you, that would be a real loss."
She paused for a moment: "Think about Nianci, think about Mingyi. The children also need a grandfather like Brother Dayong who is upright and truly cares for them."
As Jinniang listened, tears welled up in her eyes again. She looked up at Shi Dayong, who looked nervous, and then at Pei Qingwu, whose eyes were full of encouragement. She took a deep breath and finally nodded gently.
The voice was soft, but exceptionally clear: "I...I understand...Brother Dayong, I...I accept your kindness."
Upon hearing this, Shi Dayong's usually calm and collected one eye instantly flashed with an unbelievable and ecstatic light.
He was so excited he almost jumped up, his lips trembling, and it took him a while to stammer out, "Really? Jinniang, you...you agreed?"
Looking at his silly expression, Jinniang finally stopped crying and smiled, nodding again with two blushes on her face.
"Great!" Pei Qingwu clapped his hands and joked with a smile, "It seems our shop will soon have a happy occasion! Yinlan, we should start thinking about preparing Jinniang's dowry!"
Yin Lan, standing at the door, couldn't stop smiling: "Ah! I've been waiting for this day for so long!"
Although Gu Heng was still a little confused, seeing that everyone was happy, he also started to grin foolishly.
The atmosphere inside the room instantly became warm and joyful.
Shi Dayong rubbed his hands together, looked at Jinniang, and could only smile sheepishly.
Jinniang lowered her head shyly, but couldn't help but smile.
“I have a property deed here. It’s a small courtyard in Anyefang, not far from this shop. It’s not very big, but it’s enough to settle down.”
Pei Qingwu, who was well-prepared, took out the house deed from his pocket and stuffed it into Jinniang's hand: "This is a gift from me to you. From now on, it will be your support."
Jinniang was taken aback: "Master, how can this be..."
She was about to wave her hand to refuse when Pei Qingwu quickly stopped her: "Hey, how should I put it, I'm practically family to you now. Family members are supposed to provide dowry. Giving you this house is to put your mind at ease. If Dayong treats you badly in the future, you can just kick him out."
“Boss, how could such a day ever come?” Shi Dayong interjected from the side.
In the end, Jinniang could not refuse and accepted the house deed.
Pei Qingwu then remembered something else: Nianci's attitude.
Mingyi is still young and has no concept of his biological father. He is usually carried and cared for by Shi Dayong. Nianci is different. She is already grown up and, under Zheng Youning's guidance, is well-mannered and has her own thoughts and ideas.
Therefore, I must ask my mother about her remarriage.
The next day, when Zheng Youning came to teach Jinniang, Pei Qingwu brought up this idea.
Zheng Youning agreed: "Nianci will eventually have to know too."
“Then, I’ll leave it to you, teacher. Nianci likes you and trusts you. I think she will listen to you,” Pei Qingwu said.
Zheng Youning nodded: "Don't worry."
Nianci accepted the idea even faster than Pei Qingwu had anticipated.
She listened calmly to Zheng Youning finish speaking, and then said, "Of course I'm happy. Uncle Shi is a good man. He's good to my mother, and he's good to me and my brother..."
“I love my mother, and of course I hope her life will get better and better.”
Pei Qingwu stood to one side, suddenly remembering things from the modern era.
In the past, some people introduced new potential partners to my mother. Among them were a few who were introduced by my grandfather's old friends. My mother couldn't refuse them, so she went to meet them out of politeness.
There was an uncle who was a policeman. He got along very well with his mother and was easygoing and mild-mannered. His ex-wife filed for divorce because he was too busy with work and couldn't take care of the family. They separated peacefully and he even gave her a lot of financial compensation.
He is also very responsible towards his son from his previous marriage, often buying him things and inviting him to his place to play.
He was very good to her; in short, he was a good person in every way.
The mother also considered it, but Pei Qingwu made a scene.
At that time, she was really immature and thought that her mother would no longer be her mother alone after remarrying, and that she might have a new child, so she would be even less concerned about her.
Left with no other option, the mother broke up with the uncle.
When she grew up, she always felt guilty when she thought back on this incident, because her willfulness had prevented her mother from starting a new life.
But her mother never blamed her.
Thinking of this, Pei Qingwu felt a lump in his throat, stepped forward, touched Nianci's hair, and whispered, "Our Nianci is amazing..."
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