Chapter 30
The day after returning from Old Master Shen's place, the group went to the Gu family's residence.
Shen Mingzheng carried a lot of gifts for his visit, and as soon as he entered the family compound where the Gu family lived, he attracted the attention of many people.
Everyone was already familiar with Shen Chongshan and his wife, and when they saw Shen Mingzheng, whom they had met a few times before, they knew why the Shen family had come to the Gu family. Their faces lit up with smiles, and they offered their congratulations continuously.
Looking at the bags and packages the Shen family was carrying—cigarettes, alcohol, tea, and imported chocolates—one couldn't help but admire how genuine the Shen family was and how much they valued Gu Xi.
Although this is a compound for the families of cadres, and those who can live here have a higher standard of living than those outside, there are still different levels, and many things cannot be bought at will.
Some things can't be bought just with money; you need various tickets or even connections.
Feng Min smiled all the way over, greeting them warmly and saying, "Thank you everyone, I'll treat you all to wedding candy later!"
"We are very grateful for your care of Xixi in the past, and we will always remember it."
"We are so happy to have such a wonderful daughter-in-law as Xixi..."
…………
When Gu Xi and the Shen family arrived at the Gu family's residence, the Gu family had already known of their arrival when they heard the commotion outside.
It's about time, so it's normal for the Shen family to come at this time.
Because they were mentally prepared, the Gu family was not surprised to see Shen Mingzheng among those who entered. They showed great enthusiasm, and even Gu Maowen, who needed to rest, tried his best to stand up straight to greet him.
The Gu family was all present today, dressed appropriately, and warmly welcomed the Shen family.
This made Gu Xi very uncomfortable, and she kept a blank expression on her face the whole time.
Fortunately, the Gu family had all been thoroughly tormented by her and were used to her uncooperativeness and rudeness. They didn't have high expectations of her, as long as she didn't cause trouble in front of the Shen family and embarrass them.
Since the wedding date has already been set and she's about to get married, she'll be someone else's wife and shouldn't come back to cause trouble for them anymore.
Even Gu Yuanhui, who had always been at odds with Gu Xi, didn't say anything today to avoid getting beaten up by her.
If Gu Yuanhui were to be hit by her in front of the Shen family, although it might give the Shen family a bad impression of her, he would also feel that he would lose face. What if the Shen family saw through her true colors and wanted to break off the engagement?
It's more important to marry her off as soon as possible. Otherwise, if we leave her at home, who knows what kind of mess this family will be in?
The visit concluded in a warm and peaceful atmosphere, maintained by both parties.
The Shen family members got up and left.
The Gu family pretended to ask them to stay a few more times before seeing them off. Jiang Huijun raised her voice and chatted with Feng Min, intentionally letting the neighbors in the compound see that they had a very good relationship with the Shen family and that they were extremely fond of Gu Xi.
Gu Xi then escorted the Shen family out of the family compound.
Because she is about to marry into the Shen family, and Shen Mingzheng has also returned, she can no longer stay at the Shen family for the next few days. Today, she is going to the Gu family and will stay here for the time being. She will officially move to the Shen family after the wedding.
When Shen Mingrong learned of this news yesterday, it was like a bolt from the blue.
Why did Sister Xi suddenly stop living at their house?
Who will sleep in late with him after that, eat together, play together, read together, and do homework together...?
Shen Mingrong held Gu Xi's hand reluctantly, "Sister Xi, can't you really stay at our house tonight? I can't bear to part with you."
"No!" Feng Min said coldly. "This is the rule; it's not good for outsiders to see."
If Gu Xi's home wasn't in Beijing, it wouldn't be a problem for her to stay at the Shen family's house until the wedding. But the Gu family's house is right here, not far away. If she stays here and doesn't go home before the wedding, it's not good for her.
Shen Mingrong pouted and had no choice but to say, "Alright then, my older brother and I will come to see Sister Xi tomorrow!"
Feng Min grabbed his ear and thought to herself, "Your brother is taking Xixi to the department store to buy things tomorrow. What are you going to do there? Be my little tagalong?"
Gu Xi smiled and comforted him, "It's okay, you can come over tomorrow too, we can play together."
"Yay!" Shen Mingrong cheered, then turned to his brother and said, "Big brother, you have to take me to see Sister Xi tomorrow!"
Shen Mingzheng ignored him and said to Gu Xi, "I'll come pick you up tomorrow morning."
Gu Xi looked up at him, smiled, and responded softly.
After seeing the Shen family off, Gu Xi returned home.
As she entered, she saw the Gu family sitting on the sofa, talking happily. But when she came in, their voices stopped abruptly, as if they had been choked.
In the past, they would have just glanced at her and continued talking about their own things. Their current reaction was the result of Gu Xi's antics.
Gu Xi didn't mind, called out "Mom and Dad" and went upstairs.
"Xixi, wait a minute." Jiang Huijun called out to her, "We're talking about your wedding, come and listen in."
Gu Xi paused, walked over to them, and chose a seat.
Everyone was stunned when they realized she wouldn't pay any attention to them.
When she sat down and listened quietly to their conversation, she was still somewhat incredulous.
For the past two months, their memories have been filled with images of her hitting and cursing people at the drop of a hat, and even smashing rooms when she got angry. They had almost forgotten how quiet and well-behaved she used to be.
Jiang Huijun paused for a moment, then quickly smiled and said, "The Shen family is taking care of your wedding, so we don't really need to do anything. However, we have prepared some dowry items, and we'll have your brother and the others send them to the Shen family the day before the wedding."
Regardless, this is the first time their daughter is getting married. Even if the Shen family says they don't need to do anything, they still have to make some preparations. Otherwise, what will outsiders think of them? The Gu family can't afford to lose face like this.
Gu Xi nodded indifferently, "You guys handle it."
"Okay then." Jiang Huijun smiled, her expression somewhat excited. "Also, I've prepared a few new outfits for you. Go try them on later and see if they fit. Yuanxiang and I specially picked them out for you. After all, it's your wedding, so you should always wear new clothes..."
Upon hearing this, Gu Xi looked at Gu Yuanxiang sitting next to her. She nervously tugged at her clothes, afraid that Gu Xi would not give her face.
Gu Xi was indeed unyielding, saying directly, "Let's leave it for now, I'll try it when I have time."
Gu Yuanxiang's expression changed instantly. She bit her lip, trying hard to hold back the urge to cry, but a wronged look inevitably appeared on her face.
Jiang Huijun's smile also froze.
"you--"
Gu Yuanhui jumped up angrily, but before he could even open his mouth, Gu Yuanzheng quickly covered his mouth, pulled him down, and glared at him warningly.
What did I say before? I clearly told him not to say anything today.
Ever since the Shen family entered the house, Gu Yuanzheng had been keeping an eye on Gu Yuanhui, knowing that old habits die hard and that with his impulsive and reckless nature, he would get into trouble sooner or later.
Sure enough, he didn't cause trouble when the Shen family was around, but now that they've left, he's about to start a fight because of something Gu Xi said.
Did he think Gu Xi was still the same person he used to be, someone he could hit and scold at will?
Without Gu Yuanhui's outburst, the Gu family instantly fell into an awkward stalemate.
Gu Maowen was also angry at Gu Xi's attitude, but thinking of the Shen family who had just left and that she was about to get married, he took a deep breath and decided to hold back.
He cleared his throat and said, "Then let's try again when we have time." Thinking of something, he softened his voice and said earnestly, "This is your mother and sister's good intention. Don't be too stubborn. It's better for girls to be gentle and virtuous, otherwise they will easily suffer in their husband's family."
Don't be fooled by how protective the Shen family is of her now. Once she marries into the family and becomes their daughter-in-law, she'll realize the huge problems that can arise between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. They'll never be able to live as harmoniously as a biological mother and daughter. Back when his mother was still alive, she and Jiang Huijun didn't get along very well, leaving him caught in the middle.
He knew very well that things were different before and after marriage.
With Gu Xi's rebellious nature, could a family like the Shen family tolerate her? He said that for her own good.
Gu Xi looked at him and retorted rudely, "Dad, you're not my boss, so why are you lecturing me like a boss to a subordinate? Shouldn't you be teaching your daughter to be strong and not be bullied?"
"You—" Gu Maowen was furious and almost lost his temper.
"Old Gu!" Seeing that the father and daughter were about to start arguing, Jiang Huijun quickly said, "Xixi is getting married soon, so please say less!"
The underlying message was the same: just bear with it for now.
Gu Maowen was so angry that his chest heaved, but he finally decided to hold back his temper.
Regardless, the Shen family is a good match, and we can't really fall out with her, lest we sever the relationship between the two families.
Seeing that he had given up, Gu Xi did not continue.
She simply disliked Gu Maowen's condescending, didactic tone—not just Gu Maowen, but the entire Gu family. Those five years in her previous life felt like a prison, confining her body and soul within it, and her memories of that period were always bleak.
Now that she's leaving and will have a new future, there's no need for her to get entangled with them anymore.
What happens to the Gu family in the future is none of her business.
These few days are just temporary and will pass quickly.
Gu Xi went straight back to her room.
Shortly after, there was a knock on the door. When the door was opened, Gu Yuanzheng came in carrying a package.
“It was sent from Xujiatun Commune,” Gu Yuanzheng said. “Since you’re not here, I’ll get it for you.”
Gu Xi said thank you and took the package.
Gu Yuanzheng stood there in a daze for a while, staring at the closed door.
He didn't expect her to thank him. Her expression was calm, completely unlike her previous cold and angry demeanor.
Gu Yuanzheng suddenly remembered that Gu Xi was actually a very polite person. No matter who helped her, she would thank them and was always eager to help others. She was a very soft-hearted girl.
She doesn't get angry easily; she used to be like a piece of dough with no temper—perhaps she was too sensitive and afraid to get angry with anyone. Now, she only gets angry when someone provokes her; if no one provokes her, she won't throw a tantrum or go crazy for no reason.
**
The package wasn't big. Gu Xi opened it and saw two sets of new clothes, as well as two sets of bed sheets and duvet covers, which were obviously made by herself using fabric she had bought.
There was also a letter inside.
After reading the letter, Gu Xi couldn't help but smile.
The clothes, bed sheets, and quilt covers were all hand-sewn by the second sister, Xu Yuansheng, with the help of the youngest sister, Xu Huaisheng.
After deciding to marry Shen Mingzheng, she wrote to her two younger sisters in Xujiatun Commune. They had spent half a month making these things for her. The money was what they had saved up before. Some of the cloth coupons were saved by themselves, while others were borrowed or exchanged for other goods. The fact that they could make these things shows that they must have saved up for a long time.
Perhaps they started saving up five years ago when they learned that she and Shen Mingzheng were engaged.
Gu Xi stroked the lake-blue quilt cover. Although it had no patterns or designs, she liked it much more than the bright red and purple colors on the market.
She doesn't appreciate those large, colorful patterns.
She was very happy. This was the person who cared about her the most, besides Aunt Feng and the others.
Even though they are not blood sisters, their sisterly bond of more than ten years will never change. Those days of relying on each other in poverty and hardship are rare warm memories in the countryside.
Gu Xi carefully folded them and put them in the cabinet.
Then I took out a sheet of paper and started writing a letter.
The sky gradually darkened.
Just as Gu Xi finished writing the letter, there was another knock on the door.
She opened the door and found Jiang Huijun holding a box.
"Xixi," Jiang Huijun forced a smile, "you're getting married soon, so I've brought you something."
Gu Xi opened the door and let her in.
When Jiang Huijun came in, she couldn't help but look a little uneasy, remembering how she had been made to cry by Jiang Huijun last month.
Even now, thinking about it still makes me feel embarrassed.
But the embarrassment wasn't what bothered her the most. What she really felt was that she didn't know when things had gotten to this point with Gu Xi. They were blood relatives, mother and daughter, so why had things turned out this way?
"What's wrong?" Gu Xi asked, not wanting to show any mother-daughter affection.
Perhaps she had no family ties, no mother-daughter bond, and was destined to be alone; she shouldn't have hoped for those things.
Jiang Huijun snapped out of her daze and looked at her calm, even indifferent, expression. Her heart ached even more, but she didn't say anything. She handed over the box and said, "This is for you. There are things your grandmother left me, as well as the betrothal gifts that the Shen family sent today. Your father and I discussed it and decided to take them all with you..."
Gu Xi wasn't surprised.
The dowry offered by the Shen family was indeed very generous, even surprising the Gu family. However, Gu Maowen was not greedy for the money. He wanted to give the Shen family a good impression, so he would never covet it. Instead, he let her take the dowry to the Shen family intact and even contributed a little to it.
She opened the box and found a jade bracelet inside. Just by looking at its quality, she knew it was a fine piece.
Since it belonged to Old Madam Jiang, Gu Xi did not refuse it.
She also had some affection for her maternal grandmother, Grandma Jiang. When she was first recognized by the Gu family, Grandma Jiang was still alive. She visited Grandma Jiang's home and met her once. Grandma Jiang held her hand and talked to her for a long time. She could feel that the old lady really liked her.
Unfortunately, Mrs. Jiang passed away less than a year later.
**
Perhaps because she had gotten used to sleeping in the Shen family's bed for the past month, Gu Xi was a bit picky about beds. Or perhaps it was because of the bad memories she had of the Gu family that she couldn't sleep well all night. She had nightmares in the middle of the night and her sleep was intermittent.
When Gu Xi woke up in the morning, she looked at herself in the mirror and saw a haggard and pale face.
His eyes were lifeless, his skin was pale, and he had lost most of his energy in just one night.
When Shen Mingzheng came to pick her up, he frowned when he saw her expression.
"Didn't sleep well last night?" He reached out and restrainedly touched the dark circles under her eyes. Perhaps because her skin was so fair, the dark circles were quite noticeable.
Gu Xi yawned and nodded, "I'm not used to sleeping in unfamiliar beds."
Shen Mingrong peeked out from behind his brother and immediately said, "Sister Xi, since you're not used to sleeping in the same bed, come back and stay at our house."
In his heart, Gu Xi was one of his family members.
Gu Xi smiled at him, not answering his childish question. Anyway, she just needed to endure it for another two days.
Shen Mingzheng came to pick up Gu Xi today to take her to the department store to buy a watch.
The Shen family naturally wanted to prepare the "three turns and one sound" (a traditional Chinese wedding accessory) that are popular for weddings these days. However, since Gu Xi would be going to the military base after the wedding, it wouldn't be convenient for her to take the watch with her. So, apart from the watch, they prepared various industrial vouchers for her to buy as needed after she got there.
On the way, Shen Mingrong kept chatting away with Gu Xi.
“Sister Xi, you don’t know how awful my brother is. He didn’t even call me when he went out. I had to get up early this morning and wait in the living room to catch him.” He said smugly, “I knew my brother wouldn’t call me, so I asked my aunt to wake me up.”
Shen Mingzheng: "..." No wonder he was guarding the door so early in the morning.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
