Even such a major event couldn't stop her from getting married the next day.
On this auspicious day, the Shen family exuded an inexplicable awkwardness.
Shen Yurong, dressed in a bright red wedding gown and with her face heavily made up, sat on the edge of the bed in the inner room, her ears perked up, listening to the sounds outside.
Inside the main room, Shen Jianguo and Zhao Xiulan were dressed in decent clothes, but their faces showed little joy.
Zhou Qingjian arrived on time, still wearing a half-new Zhongshan suit, without even a proper wedding band.
What's even more astonishing is that Zhou Qingjian came empty-handed; he didn't even bring a proper red cloth wrapping, let alone a dowry box.
"Father-in-law and mother-in-law, I've come to pick up Yu Rong."
Zhou Qingjian seemed completely oblivious to anything amiss and spoke in a casual tone.
"Qingjian...this,this betrothal gift..."
Shen Jianguo's face instantly darkened, and Zhao Xiulan was so anxious that she kept tugging at her clothes and couldn't help but ask.
"The bride price... Our family is a bit short on money right now. My parents said we'll make up for it when we have more money later. Anyway, Yu Rong and I will be family from now on, so we don't care about these empty formalities."
Zhou Qingjian seemed to have just remembered this, patted his empty pockets, and looked completely honest.
These words stunned not only the Shen couple, but also the neighbors who were watching the commotion.
No dowry on the wedding day?
The Zhou family is so uncivilized!
Shen Yurong heard everything clearly from inside the room, and she was so angry that she trembled all over.
In their previous life, the Zhou family at least managed to scrape together ten yuan!
Just then, a commotion arose outside the courtyard gate.
"The Lu family has sent people!"
Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Sister-in-law Lu, dressed in a brand-new maroon dress, walking in with two people carrying gift boxes, all smiles.
She first congratulated the Shen couple, then glanced at Zhou Qingjian, who stood empty-handed beside her, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure with a smile.
"Uncle Shen and Aunt Shen, my brother Lu Ran was called away from the factory to deal with an urgent matter and couldn't get away. He specifically asked me to come and pick up Zi Xi first. He will rush back as soon as he's done."
The eldest sister-in-law of the Lu family spoke gently.
"This is a small token of the Lu family's appreciation, a betrothal gift of five thousand yuan. Please accept it, elders."
As she spoke, she gestured to the people behind her to present the gift box, and then took out a thick red envelope.
Five thousand yuan!
The onlookers gasped in disbelief.
These days, for ordinary families, a few hundred yuan in betrothal gifts is considered respectable when their daughters get married.
The Lu family actually gave five thousand in one go!
Zhou Qingjian's empty hand looked even more ridiculous at this moment.
"Oh dear, I can't accept this. The Lu family is too kind!"
Zhao Xiulan's eyes lit up instantly. She practically lunged forward to take the red envelope, her fingers trembling as she clutched the thick wad of cash, her face beaming with joy.
As if afraid someone would steal it, she clutched the money tightly and turned to quickly walk into the main room.
Shen Zixi, who had been standing quietly in the corner, wearing the same bright red wedding dress and a red veil, took in her adoptive mother's series of actions and immediately followed.
"Mother, I...I'll go back to my room to get my packed bag."
She showed a hint of reluctance on her face at the right moment and said softly to Zhao Xiulan.
"Go quickly!"
Zhao Xiulan's mind was entirely on the five thousand yuan, and she waved her hand dismissively.
Shen Zixi turned around meekly and walked towards her little house.
As she passed the main house, she paused almost imperceptibly, her gaze sweeping over the cabinet door that her foster mother had just locked.
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