The soldiers, fresh from the battlefield, still had an undisguised bloodlust in their eyes, yet their upright posture and heads held high exuded youthful vigor.
The man's eyes were glued to the images playing on the television screen, and he couldn't help but exclaim:
"Thanks to you soldiers and medics, we were able to win this war."
"From now on, our motherland has gained a firm foothold in the international arena. We no longer have to live in fear and can finally enjoy a good life."
Shen Zhihuan swallowed back what she was about to say and smiled instead.
"Yes, these days are really good."
In the other courtyard, the neighbors also watched the news report at the same time.
With the continuous economic development in recent years, television sets have become widely available.
The Cheng family was the first to buy a house in the courtyard. From then on, the thing everyone looked forward to most every day was going to the Cheng family's house to watch TV after dinner.
Everyone was incredibly proud to see familiar faces on the news.
Sister Li looked very proud, holding her one-year-old granddaughter and talking non-stop.
"When my granddaughter grows up, I will definitely make her learn from Zhihuan and become a person who contributes to and helps the country."
Everyone nodded in agreement, chiming in with their own words:
"Zhihuan really gave our family head a lot of face this time. You didn't see how envious my relatives were when they heard that I actually knew Zhihuan!"
"She is a role model for our courtyard. We should learn from her and strive to make our alley a model alley in Beijing!"
Cheng Wan and Cheng Xiangling sat under the eaves next door eating popsicles, listening to everyone's laughter and chatter, their smiles impossible to hide.
For their family, besides the great achievements of Shen Zhihuan and Xie Lanshen on the battlefield, there was another good thing to celebrate.
Shen Zhihuan and Xie Lanshen are a soldier and a military doctor, respectively. They are usually very busy and have never had the time to hold a wedding ceremony. Now they finally have the time.
The thought of finally realizing her dream and seeing Shen Zhihuan in a wedding dress filled Cheng Xiangling with excitement.
"I've already told my cousin that she must let me be her bridesmaid."
"Alright, alright, you can do it."
Cheng Wan shook her head helplessly, looking at her younger sister with exceptional doting eyes.
"Everyone in the family knows that you and Zhihuan are the best of friends. You follow her around like a little fan every day. I guarantee that no one will compete with you for the bridesmaid position."
Hearing this, Cheng Xiangling was overjoyed.
In addition to this, the two sisters had another special task: to deliver wedding invitations to all the guests.
Not only did they welcome the kind neighbors in the courtyard, such as Sister Zhou, Sister Li, and Uncle Qi, Cheng Xiangling and Cheng Wan also made a special trip to Panyun Village to personally invite Sister Liu, Aunt Zhang, and Sister Li.
Upon learning that Shen Zhihuan was doing so well and was so happy, several neighbors were moved to tears and repeatedly expressed that they would definitely be there when the time came.
Seeing the grand and lively scene, Grandma Lü, Grandma Qian, and Grandma Sun were incredibly envious, but dared not say a word.
Before we knew it, the wedding day arrived.
Amidst the deafening sound of firecrackers, all the guests stood in front of the courtyard gate, their faces flushed with excitement.
"We've finally waited for this day! When the bride and groom come out later, we'd better grab as many red envelopes as possible and share in the joy."
"It's time! Look, the bride and groom are coming out!"
Amidst the expectant gazes of the crowd, Guo Bin and Gong Teng, who were to serve as best men, were the first to walk out of the courtyard, their faces beaming with joy, constantly scattering wedding candies and red envelopes to the guests on both sides.
The newly renovated courtyard was decorated with red silk and lanterns, and large double happiness characters could be seen everywhere.
In this lively and festive atmosphere, Xie Lanshen carried Chen Zhihuan horizontally in his arms and stepped out of the courtyard with a smile.
"The bride is leaving!"
Song Xunying, dressed in red, stood at the entrance as the representative of the bride's elders and loudly offered her blessings.
"Flowers bloom with a destined owner, bringing double blessings; doors open to joy and advancement; today is the auspicious day for a daughter's marriage, a blessed union from heaven!"
The moment the words were spoken, the crackling sound of firecrackers rang out again.
Lin Banxia stood in front of the door, watching her daughter and son-in-law's backs, pursing her lips tightly, but still couldn't help but tear up.
Song Mingqian immediately noticed the change in her expression, took out a handkerchief from his pocket, and smiled as he carefully wiped the corners of her eyes.
"Today is Huanhuan's wedding day, she should be smiling more, why is she crying?"
Lin Banxia shook her head, placed her hand next to Song Mingqian, and let him hold her hand before speaking with a nasal tone.
"I'm just so happy. In my memory, Huan'er is still that little girl who barely reaches people's knees. All she does is ask for candy in her babyish voice all day long. It seems like in the blink of an eye, she has grown into a young woman who can start a family and build a career."
"I never thought I would actually see my daughter get married. I am so happy."
Song Mingqian's eyes also welled up with tears as he smiled and gently pulled her into his arms.
"We still need to save our tears. We have many good days ahead of us. We won't even have to wait until our little grandson is born before we both cry ourselves to death."
The two nestled together, their eyes filled with pride and joy as they looked at their daughter. They were truly grateful for everything before them and cherished this opportunity for reunion that God had given them.
"The groom is carrying the bride to the car to go to the hotel!"
Amidst enthusiastic applause and good-natured cheers, Xie Lanshen carried Shen Zhihuan into the car parked at the door.
Chen Zhihuan's beautiful eyes curved into crescents, and she smiled especially happily when she saw her beloved relatives and friends outside the car window.
Everyone close to her—her parents, the Xie family, the Cheng family, her mentors, and the neighbors who had helped her—all came to participate in this grand ceremony.
Shen Zhihuan had never felt so incredibly lucky and happy as she did now.
Looking back on everything, it still feels like a dream.
"What have I done to deserve such a happy and fulfilling life?"
"In my heart, you will always be the best. You deserve all of this and deserve even more happiness."
A deep, magnetic voice sounded from behind her. Xie Lanshen gently took her hand and intertwined their fingers.
The two smiled at each other and simultaneously raised their other hands to wave to their relatives and friends outside the car window.
(End of text)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com