Chapter 20
No matter how uncomfortable she felt, she couldn't back down. She, Xia Qingtang, was an adult who could stand on her own two feet. She had gone through so much hardship in her previous life. How could she be afraid of a member of the Xie family?
Anyway, she lives with Xie Jinxuan, not with Xie's family, and she has never thought of marrying up to a rich man.
In fact, if she had known that Xie Jinxuan's family had such a high-ranking official, she would have rejected him at the first moment and would never have given him such an opportunity.
But the misunderstanding had already been created, the two of them had already registered their marriage, and, apart from the fact that her family was too well-off, Xia Qingtang really couldn't find any faults with Xie Jinxuan... In fact, having a well-off family was not really a disadvantage, it was just that Xia Qingtang was afraid of that.
Xia Qingtang slowly adjusted his breathing, trying to calm his mind.
No matter how wealthy and powerful the Xie family was, Xie Jinxuan had promised her that the couple would live separately after marriage. If Xie Jinxuan changed her mind later, Xia Qingtang would divorce her.
If she is well fed, the whole family will not be hungry, and she can survive well even after divorce.
Thinking of this, Xia Qingtang was not as nervous as before. She stood there calmly and accepted her grandfather's scrutiny.
If you want to watch it, just watch it. Xia Qingtang has a clean background, is from the working class, is in good health, and has positive thoughts. Is there anything else you can't watch?
The old man looked at Xia Qingtang's determined gaze and nodded, then his expression relaxed and he smiled: "Good, very good, the frontline workers are all great, the big construction depends on you frontline workers."
Grandpa Xie has a very serious face, but with that smile just now, he became kind.
"That must be good. This is the wife I found myself, how can she not be good?" Xie Jinxuan also walked in at this time. He put the two big bags on the ground, and hurried to Xia Qingtang's side. He held her right hand tightly, wanting to give her support and strength. Of course, he was also worried that Xia Qingtang would suddenly change her mind... and run away and leave him alone.
Xia Qingtang turned his head to look at him, and seeing that Xie Jinxuan looked worried, he could only sigh slightly and try to get through today's situation in a dignified manner.
The old man said: "It's not enough to just know that others are good, you have to be good to them, understand?"
"Of course I know. Qingtang is my lover. If I don't treat her well, who can I treat well?" Xie Jinxuan said.
"Sit down and talk. Everyone, sit down. Xiaoliu, go call Chengye and Jinyun down." The old man took the lead and sat down on a single sofa, then motioned for everyone to sit down.
"Okay, I'll go upstairs and call for help." Upon hearing this, Sixth Aunt smiled and ran upstairs. Everyone else sat down, and Xie Jinxuan also pulled Xia Qingtang to sit on the low stool opposite the coffee table.
There were two large tea trays neatly placed on the coffee table. One of them held a celadon teapot surrounded by a circle of cute small porcelain cups that looked clean. There were also a few ordinary white porcelain tea cups next to it, which were also clean.
Another large tea tray contained six or seven peaches, a plate of shelled chestnuts, and some sesame peanut candies, which looked delicious.
Grandma picked up the celadon teapot and poured tea into the small porcelain cups. Then she handed the first cup to Xia Qingtang across the coffee table: "Qingtang, try this tea. It was brewed just now."
Unlike the serious-looking Grandpa Xie, Grandma Xie has gentle eyes and brows, and it can be seen that she must have been a beauty when she was young. Even at this age, her skin is still very white, and the cuffs of her simple cotton shirt are slightly rolled up, revealing her slender wrists.
Neither she nor Grandpa Xie wore watches, but Mother Xie did have a watch on her wrist, but it looked like she had worn it for many years.
Xia Qingtang thanked him and took a sip of the tea. He couldn't tell whether it was good or bad, so he could only say, "It smells strange."
Mother Xie smiled and said, "Qingtang is like me, I don't really know how to drink tea. I only know that tea water smells really good, and everything else tastes the same."
This sentence dispelled the embarrassment of Xia Qingtang not knowing how to drink tea. She drank the tea in one gulp and put it on the coffee table in front of her. Her grandmother poured her another cup and also picked some chestnuts for her to eat.
"You came at the right time today. We got a lot of chestnuts, which are especially sweet when cooked. And this candy was made by Xiaoliu herself. You can try it. Xiaoliu is Jinxuan and their sixth aunt. Our family is very busy, and I can't take care of so many people by myself, so I had to ask Xiaoliu to come to our house to help." Grandma obviously liked Xia Qingtang very much. She looked at her in a soft voice and smiled all the time.
"My brother has brought his lover back?" A clear young voice suddenly came from the stairs. Then, a boy of about fourteen or fifteen years old ran out jumping, rushed in front of Xie Jinxuan and Xia Qingtang, and stared at Xia Qingtang.
This should be Xie Jinxuan's younger brother Xie Jinyun. They look very similar and can be seen as brothers at first glance. They have the same eyebrows and nose bridge, but the mouth and chin are slightly different. The elder brother appears to be more resolute and manly, while the younger brother looks a little more delicate and more like Xie's mother.
Of course, he is still young now, and maybe he will lose his handsome appearance when he is twenty years old.
Xie Jinyun was wearing a long-sleeved sweatshirt commonly worn by teenagers, with patches on both elbows, and a pair of cloth shoes on his feet, which were also patched.
"Sister-in-law, you are so pretty!" The young boy said in a very exaggerated tone: "I have never seen anyone as pretty as you in my life!"
Xia Qingtang smiled a little embarrassedly, not knowing what to say. After hesitating for a moment, he whispered "thank you".
Mother Xie said, "Isn't your sister-in-law pretty? Your brother always says he wants to find the best wife, and I didn't expect he really found one. I thought he was just bragging before, and I thought, where can you find such a beauty that can make people speechless at first sight? I didn't expect to see one today."
Xie's mother was not pretty, but she looked very capable, and her short hair made her look very refreshing. Xia Qingtang was originally worried that a middle-aged cadre like her would not be able to stand her young appearance, but she did not expect that her attitude was always very good and she seemed quite happy.
Xie Jinxuan said: "I never brag. What I say will come true."
The whole family laughed. At this moment, a tall middle-aged man came downstairs. He looked about the same height as Xie Jinxuan, probably a little over 1.8 meters. Xie Jinxuan inherited her facial features from him.
Xie Jinxuan then pulled Xia Qingtang up and said, "Dad, this is my lover Xia Qingtang. We went to register for marriage at the beginning of the month. Qingtang, this is my dad."
Xia Qingtang just called out "Uncle", Xie Chengye smiled and nodded, saying: "Good boy, sit down, sit down and talk, don't be restrained."
He is of the same bloodline as Grandpa Xie. He looks very serious when he is not smiling, but when he smiles, he becomes a very amiable person.
So everyone sat down again. As soon as Xie Jinyun sat down, she started to eat chestnuts. She also handed the peeled chestnut kernels to her grandmother and mother. She looked like a very filial child.
At the same time, it can be seen that the family atmosphere in their home is good. Even when talking about serious matters, as long as the children do not interrupt everyone's conversation, there is no need to be so restrained.
Up to this point, Xia Qingtang had already met everyone in the Xie family. Everyone looked gentle and kind, and no one was arrogant. Everyone looked at her with warm welcome in their eyes, which made Xia Qingtang's tense heart relax a little.
She didn't know how to describe it, but so far, the feeling at Xie's house was much more comfortable than the first time she went to Kong's house.
The Kong family was all domineering, and Kong's father had never even looked at her straight in the eye, as if she were even worse than an ant. The whole family looked down on her.
But here, she can feel that everyone respects each other, which is the biggest difference.
Even though the Xie family has such high-ranking officials, Xia Qingtang doesn't seem to feel that he is marrying above his station.
After everyone was seated, the old man took a sip of tea and slowly said, "It happened quite suddenly, and you didn't tell us in advance that you were getting married. Now that you're at home, tell us how you got together, so that we can know the whole story."
Xie Jinxuan and Xia Qingtang looked at each other, and Xia Qingtang whispered, "You go ahead and tell me."
Xie Jinxuan nodded and said slowly: "As you can see, this is my lover Xia Qingtang. She is two years younger than me and works in a cotton mill. Her parents also work in the cotton mill, and she has a brother who is working in the production team. However, her mother retired due to illness, so her brother will be able to return to the city to work soon. As for the two of us, Qingtang and I are high school alumni. I knew her when I was in school, but she didn't know me. Didn't I go to my third aunt's house to play for a few days last month? Their steel mill happened to be showing a movie, and we met while watching a movie. It was a long-awaited reunion. A few days later, I heard from my third aunt that Qingtang was looking for a partner. I felt that I met her requirements, so I recommended myself. After we got in touch, Qingtang thought I was pretty good, so we settled down. I won't hide it from you. I have had a good impression of Qingtang for a long time, and I am very happy to be a family with her!"
"You just met again last month? That means you haven't been together for a long time." After Xie's mother finished speaking, she quickly added: "I don't mean anything else, as long as you think it through."
Xie Jinxuan said: "Of course we have thought it through. Qingtang is not the kind of person who is confused. She married me because she knew what she was doing."
Hearing this, Xia Qingtang couldn't help but feel warm in her heart. Xie Jinxuan really understood her thoughts, which made her very happy.
The old man said, "Jinxuan has always been a very determined child. He always has his mind set on something. If he wants to eat fish, he will get a fishing rod and go fishing in the suburbs that night. If he doesn't catch any fish, he won't come back. I'm not surprised that he got married suddenly. He has been smart and sensible since he was a child. Since he wants to get married, he must have thought it through. I have said it before, the children should make their own decisions about their marriages. We, as elders, can only serve as a reference. In the future, they will live their own lives. I'm just a little worried. What is your family's attitude towards this matter, Xiaoxia? For such a big thing as marriage, we should have visited your home, discussed a date with your in-laws, and then let you get the marriage certificate. Now that you are married, our family has never visited you. How rude."
Xia Qingtang glanced at Xie Jinxuan, who whispered, "It's okay, just tell the truth, my family will understand."
Xia Qingtang also felt that she had nothing to hide. If the Xie family could not accept her reason for getting married so quickly, then she could just reduce contact in the future. It wouldn't be a big deal.
At least, Xie Jinxuan has always been on her side.
So she said, "Actually, it was my idea to register for the marriage without telling my family, and Jinxuan listened to me. Otherwise, he would have told everyone a long time ago."
The old man's expression didn't change, but grandma asked, "Is there something in your family that doesn't allow it?"
Xia Qingtang nodded and said, "Yes, my family situation is a bit special. I have an elder brother who is working in the countryside. My mother has always wanted to marry me to a good family and ask for more gifts and benefits. When my brother returns to the city, I can find him a good wife. Some time ago, a man from a cadre family came to my house to propose marriage. My mother was attracted by his good conditions and was willing to give a lot of gifts, so she wanted me to marry him, but I didn't want to. This is not the old society. I am also a working person. I hope to make my own decisions on matters such as marriage, but my mother disagrees, and that cadre family puts a lot of pressure on me... So I had no choice but to find a partner and get married as soon as possible. As long as I get married, they can't force me to do anything. It was at this time that I met Jin Xuan."
As soon as she finished speaking, the young boy Xie Jinyun slammed the table and said angrily: "Is there such a thing? It's a new society now, how can you still force people to get married? It's really too much! Sister-in-law, who do you think that person is? My brother and I will go and beat him up!"
"Okay, eat your chestnuts and stop talking nonsense." Xie's mother took a chestnut and stuffed it into Xie Jinyun's mouth, trying to shut him up.
The old man also looked a little unhappy. He frowned and said, "What kind of pressure did they put on you?"
Xia Qingtang hesitated for a moment, somewhat hesitant to speak.
"Kid, it's okay, just tell the truth." said the old man.
"I was originally a female textile worker in a workshop. Because I disagreed with dating that cadre, the factory transferred me to the warehouse as a porter. The porters in our factory have always been strong men, so they were targeting me at first glance. But please rest assured, with the help of Jinxuan, I have already solved the job issue. The factory transferred me back to a workshop, and I probably won't go to the warehouse anymore." Xia Qingtang said slowly.
Xie Chengye did think of something. He said, "The Workers' Newspaper recently published an article saying that the director of the cotton mill was ambitious and had reckless ideas. He had the wild idea of training young female workers to be porters... So that's what happened. This is really outrageous. How could the director of a mill be so confused?"
Mother Xie also said, "I remember it too. I've also read that article. It also said that the first female worker we trained was injured and hospitalized. Qingtang, is that you? How are you injured?"
"It's me, but I'm fine now, please don't worry." Xia Qingtang said.
Everyone else seemed relieved, only the old man was still frowning. He said in a deep voice: "You were transferred to the warehouse as a porter. Was it really because you rejected that cadre family?"
Xia Qingtang said seriously, "I don't have direct evidence to prove it, but I only know that when I lied to that person and said I was willing to be with him, he immediately said that the factory must have made a mistake, and I could immediately return to the first workshop as a textile worker. How could there be such a coincidence in the world? I rejected him, and the factory made things difficult for me. As soon as I said I was with him, I could immediately return to my original position. Isn't this strange?"
"Grandpa, it must be that person who did it, but we don't have direct evidence and can't do anything. But the article has been taken seriously by the higher-ups, and the factory director has been criticized. Qingtang should not be affected in the factory. If her work will be affected, I will be responsible for solving it." Xie Jinxuan said seriously.
"It's not enough to just be responsible for resolving Xiao Xia's unfair treatment. The root of this matter is private transactions and abuse of power. But today is not the time to discuss these things. Let's put them aside for now and talk about your marriage." The old man said, "Do Xiao Xia's parents know about your marriage now?"
"I know. I found out this morning." Xia Qingtang said, "Today is Mid-Autumn Festival. That cadre brought his mother to our house to propose marriage. I brought Xie Jinxuan home and showed them the marriage certificate. After that... there was a big fight. My mother told me to get out, so I came out with my things on my back. Since the place I'm staying in now can't hold so many items, Jinxuan suggested putting them under his bed, so I followed him here. Of course, it was only when I got here that I found out that Jinxuan's family is also a cadre..."
"Qingtang, I didn't think of hiding this. I really thought that Third Aunt had told Aunt Li. I thought that since this was an introduction by our elders, I would have told you about my family situation. I really didn't know that they didn't tell you." Xie Jinxuan said anxiously, "Although our family is also a cadre family, I can assure you that we are definitely not that kind of cadre family. You have met my grandparents, parents, and they are all very good people. Besides, I promised you that we will live separately in the future. We have our own residence. If you don't want to interact with my family, then don't. I will listen to you."
"Ahem." Mother Xie coughed lightly and said, "How do you talk like that? Listen to what your grandparents say first."
Xie Jinxuan laughed and said, "Mom, I really promised Qingtang that we will just be a couple and not live together with you guys."
"It doesn't matter if you don't live with us. We all live in the same compound anyway. If anything happens, we can just shout and we'll hear you," said the old man.
Grandma looked a little sad: "Ah...you don't live with us...our home is good, you live on the third floor, no one will disturb you. Jinxuan finally got married, are you going to separate from us?"
The old man said: "Young people have their own ideas, just follow them."
"Where do they live then?" asked grandma.
Xie Jinxuan said: "After I got the marriage certificate, I went to the company to apply for a house. It will be approved in a while. It's over there in the bungalow. They said they would vacate a warehouse and give it to me."
There are extra houses in the compound, but they are all used as warehouses. Even if an application is made, it will take time to vacate the houses first. After that, Xie Jinxuan will have to buy furniture and decorate the house, so it will take at least two months before she can move in.
"There's only one room, how can it be enough to live in..." Grandma whispered, "That's a room used as a warehouse. The air is not good, and there is not even a toilet. You have to empty the spittoon every day, and you have to go outside to use the tap water. It's inconvenient to wash vegetables on rainy days. It's much better to live at home. It's not like we don't have a place to live. Xiaoliu can cook three meals a day. You and your wife can live on the third floor, and no one will disturb you. It's much better to live at home..."
Listening to her grandmother's aggrieved tone, Xia Qingtang couldn't help but lower her head, not daring to look at her expression.
"It's okay, grandma. I've asked everything. It's just the hard work of the last few years. I work so hard, and in a few years I'll be able to move into that small suite with a bathroom over there." Xie Jinxuan said, "Don't worry. I care about Qingtang so much that I don't want her to suffer with me."
"But it's still hardship now, and one room is really too small to live in." Xie's mother said: "I also agree with your grandmother's idea. It's better for you to live at home before you can get a house with a toilet. You can't get married and never have children, right?"
"I still respect Qingtang's idea. We plan to live separately." Xie Jinxuan's attitude was very firm, which made Xia Qingtang feel more at ease.
She could see that although Xie Jinxuan respected his elders, he would stick to his decisions to the end.
With a personality like his, life will be much more convenient in the future. No matter big or small, as long as Xie Jinxuan can be convinced, it is equivalent to making a decision and there is no need to worry about his family.
Grandma sighed and said, "I'm sure I'll feel bad for you. You've already suffered a lot in the army before... What if you live in a house vacated by a warehouse and your old illness comes back?"
Xia Qingtang was shocked: "Do you have an old illness?"
"No, no, I just got injured once in the army. After that, it hurts easily when it rains or snows, but it's okay. You've read my physical examination report. I'm a very healthy person." Xie Jinxuan explained anxiously, fearing that Xia Qingtang would return the product to him.
Xie's mother and grandmother looked at each other, then sighed silently.
They could see that Xie Jinxuan cared about Xia Qingtang very much, as if she was afraid that he would run away.
Xia Qingtang also saw that he valued her very much, so she whispered, "That's not what I meant. I'm worried about your health. Tell me where you're hurt. "
Xie Jinxuan was overjoyed, and immediately smiled and said, "Okay, let's talk about it in secret later."
At this time, the old man spoke up: "Young people can live wherever they want. If one room is not enough, the house that Chengye allocated before can be taken back and given to the two of them to live in. I remember that Lao Qin is moving back to his hometown, right? The house that Chengye gave up is empty. It has been used for so many years, and it is only right to give it back to the children. After all, it was originally the house that Chengye allocated, so it is only right to take it back."
Grandma was immediately happy. She clapped her hands, her eyes sparkling, "Yes, yes, why didn't I remember that Chengye and his wife gave their house to someone else? It just so happened that Old Qin was leaving, so the house became vacant. Although the house is not too big, it is just right for Jinxuan and his wife to live in. After they have a child, they can live there. At least Jinxuan and Qingtang won't suffer! I just can't bear to see children suffer."
Xie Chengye also nodded and said, "In that case, I will go and tell them that after Uncle Qin moves out, I will take the house back. Then I will find someone to clean it up, buy some things, and decorate it as a new house."
"New house, then can I live with my brother? I also want to live in a new house." Xie Jinyun asked naively.
Xie's mother smiled and said, "That's definitely not possible. The new house is for newlyweds to live in. What are you doing there?"
Everyone was very happy and chatting excitedly, except Xia Qingtang who was still a little dazed.
Xie Jinxuan said quickly, "It's like this. I told you before that many years ago, my dad gave the house he was assigned to someone else. Now that tenant is moving out, we can take the house back. It will probably only take a month or two... If you think it's okay, we can live in my dad's house. It's definitely better than the warehouse I was assigned. At least there's a toilet in the house, and you won't be wronged."
Xia Qingtang looked at Xie Jinxuan's concerned eyes and said, "Actually, I'm fine with either. It would definitely be better to have a better place to live, as long as you don't mind."
After all, she came back from twenty years later. It would be better if she didn't have to empty the spittoon, and she wouldn't insist on making things difficult for herself.
If I could do it all over again, I would be able to let go of everything.
"Okay, then we'll live in Dad's house." Xie Jinxuan said with a smile, "Thank you, Dad, thank you, Mom. I was still worried that Qingtang would be wronged if we only had one house, but I didn't expect that this would solve the problem."
"If you had told us earlier, we could have prepared earlier." Grandma said, "It's a wedding after all, so we need to prepare things for you. We need to buy a set of furniture, a clock, and an electric fan. These all take time."
In this era, only families like theirs can afford electric fans. However, even for such families, they still need to wait if they want to buy these things.
Xie Jinxuan said, "I have already found someone to make furniture, but since we are going to move into a big house, I have to tell my master quickly and make a few more things, otherwise the house will be empty and look ugly."
Xia Qingtang was stunned when she heard this. She didn't expect that Xie Jinxuan had been doing so many things without her knowing.
It can be seen that he cares about this marriage much more than herself.
Thinking of this, Xia Qingtang couldn't help but remind himself: If someone is nice to you, you should also know how to respond.
The whole room was filled with joy, and Xie's mother asked, "Now that they are married, do you want to have a wedding banquet?"
Xie Jinxuan quickly looked at Xia Qingtang. Xia Qingtang said in a low voice under everyone's burning gaze: "I'm fine with it. I'll listen to you... But I don't want to make it too extravagant. Keep it simple."
"Then just set up two tables and invite your family to have some fun, but don't be extravagant. As for the date, set it after you move in." Grandma said, "Also, now that they're getting married, we have to visit the in-laws. We can't just not even say hello when a girl of such age marries into our family. There's also the betrothal gift and everything that's necessary. I've saved some money for Jinxuan to get married..."
Xia Qingtang was shocked after hearing this, and she immediately said, "It's better not to go..."
Everyone looked at her with puzzled eyes.
Xie Jinxuan said: "Qingtang just had a falling out with his family. If he goes to their house now, wouldn't that be bad?"
"How can it be bad? Doesn't Qingtang's mother want her to marry into a cadre family? Our family is a cadre family." Grandma said very frankly.
Xia Qingtang had already liked the old lady's character at this time. She smiled and said softly, "It is precisely because you are a cadre family that I don't want you to go to my mother's house... I don't want them to get close to you and gain benefits from you."
In her previous life, Zhao Meizhen forced Xia Qingtang to suck blood from the Kong family in this way. No matter whether it was money or benefits, she didn't know how much she had given to her parents' home. This time, she would never be such a sucker no matter what.
Besides, the Xie family seemed so kind, so she would definitely not let Zhao Meizhen take advantage of them.
The old man laughed and said, "If you want to gain benefits from us, you must be overthinking. You just came to our house and don't know my character. No matter who it is, if he wants to get something that he shouldn't have, I will give him a hard time."
Grandpa Xie does have a righteous face, and one can tell from the way the family is dressed that their family has never enjoyed any special treatment, which is completely different from the Kong family.
Xia Qingtang nodded: "I understand what Grandpa said, but I haven't thought clearly about visiting my parents... Can I discuss it with everyone after I think it through?"
Although it was their first meeting, the Xie family respected her very much and she was willing to respect them as well.
"Of course I can. You have so many things going on, so it will definitely take time to deal with them. Besides, it was quite sudden for you to be with Jinxuan... How about this, I'll give you some time to think about it and get along with each other. You got married in such a hurry, and you didn't spend much time with each other. You need time to get used to each other, so that you can become a good couple." The old man said, "I agree with your marriage and I'm very satisfied with it. I just have one last question."
"Grandpa, please say." Xia Qingtang was not nervous at all at this time.
"You said before that you were staying at someone else's house, but you and Jinxuan are already married. Isn't it inappropriate to still live at someone else's house?" The old man said slowly, "Of course, there are many couples who live apart, but you and Jinxuan have only known each other for a short time. Isn't it inappropriate to live separately after just getting married? According to my old-fashioned thinking, you should still live together and take advantage of this newlywed period to get to know each other better. This is responsible for both of you, and even more so for your future. Xiaoxia, what do you think?"
Xia Qingtang actually wanted to have more contact and get to know Xie Jinxuan better, but the problem they faced was that they had no place to live for the time being.
If he wanted to have more contact and understand more now, he could only move into the Xie family. Xia Qingtang was very hesitant about this.
No matter how friendly their attitude was, she always had a shadow in her heart - the shadow of trying to climb up the social ladder in her previous life.
Seeing Xia Qingtang lowered his head and said nothing, the old man smiled and said, "Xiao Xia, think about it carefully. Our house is big enough. Besides, living here is only temporary. You don't need to adapt to our life. When Chengye's house is taken back and decorated, you and Jinxuan can move out. You will only live here for a short period of time. If you have thought it through, tell Jinxuan and move in directly. Your bedroom is on the third floor and no one will disturb you. If you don't want to, it's okay. When that house is vacated, you can live together. It's all good."
"Yes, anything is fine, as long as you are happy, Qingtang." Grandma said with a smile: "You are such a good girl, willing to marry our Jinxuan, we are reluctant to let you down in the slightest. If Jinxuan treats you badly, come back and tell grandma, and grandma will make the decision for you."
Xia Qingtang nodded seriously: "Thank you, Grandpa, thank you, Grandma, I will think about it carefully."
"Okay, it's this late. Lunch is getting cold. Let's eat quickly. After dinner, you two brothers put these things in Jinxuan's room." The old man stood up with a smile and led the way to the other end.
Xie Jinxuan immediately said, "Let's eat at home. Aunt Liu's cooking skills are great. I guarantee you'll want to eat more after you've eaten."
Xia Qingtang nodded: "Of course we have to eat at home, but I came too hastily. Today is a holiday, and I didn't bring anything."
Grandma came over and held her hand: "What else do you want to bring? Your coming here is the best gift. Grandma is so happy today!"
At one point, everyone went to the restaurant over there. Since the Xie family was large, a large octagonal table was set up in the restaurant. It previously seated seven people, but now it could accommodate just eight people.
Because it was the Mid-Autumn Festival, the food on the table was relatively rich, including stir-fried lotus root slices, stir-fried eggplant with peppers, large pieces of steamed old pumpkin, scrambled eggs with leeks, shredded potatoes and pork, and a pot of fresh fish soup, the smell of which made people's appetite grow.
This dietary standard was much better than that of Xia Qingtang's parents' home, but not as good as that of the Kong family. Xia Qingtang still remembered the dishes that the Kong family prepared during festivals. They would at least roast a chicken and stew a bowl of braised pork.
Xia Qingtang had been through so many things in the morning and was already hungry. Xie Jinxuan was afraid that she would feel embarrassed to eat more, so she took a blue-rimmed bowl and filled it with rice (rice cooked with a mixture of rice and millet) for her, and kept putting vegetables on the plate for her, fearing that she would not be full.
Xia Qingtang didn't feel embarrassed because her whole family urged her to eat more, and the food was very delicious.
Xie Jinxuan was right. Sixth Aunt’s cooking skills were indeed very good, and people wanted to eat it again after having it.
We had a very lively lunch, chatting about topics in the newspaper.
After eating, Xia Qingtang wanted to help clean up the dishes, but Xie Jinxuan stopped him: "No need for you, sit down and talk to grandma, we are here."
After saying that, the two brothers helped Aunt Liu clear the table. Their movements looked very skillful, as if it wasn’t their first time.
Grandma was afraid that she would be nervous if she was alone, so she held her hand and said, "It's like this in our family. Xiaoliu cooks, and it's up to the two brothers to collect and wash the dishes. You'll get used to it in the future."
Sixth Aunt is a distant relative of their family. According to her level of treatment, Grandpa Xie can hire a nanny to take care of himself, so they asked Sixth Aunt to come and take care of the house.
After all these years of living together, Sixth Aunt is not just a nanny, she has long been a member of their family.
Now, grandma is the only retired person in the Xie family. Everyone else is busy working or going to school. With Sixth Aunt at home, Grandma Xie is no longer lonely.
After lunch, Grandpa Xie, Xie Chengye and Mother Xie went back to work. Xia Qingtang sat with Grandma Xie in the living room for a while, listening to her talk about the interesting things about Xie Jinxuan's childhood.
Just as I was listening happily, I saw Xie Jinxuan coming downstairs with her brother. He said, "Everything is put away. Do you want to go to my room and take a look?"
"Let's not watch it today. I want to go to the steel plant and tell Yanni about what happened today so that she won't worry." Xia Qingtang said.
Xie Jinxuan immediately said: "Okay, then I'll take you back."
He explained to his family why Xia Qingtang wanted to leave and took her out.
After the two of them walked out of the gate of the compound, Xie Jinxuan immediately lowered her voice and said, "Qingtang, I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to hide it from you, I..."
"I know." Xia Qingtang smiled. "Don't be nervous. Your family's situation is already here and it can't be changed."
"and you……"
"For now, I can accept your family's situation because they don't affect us and they respect me."
Xie Jinxuan breathed a sigh of relief and added, "I promise that they will never disturb our lives. If you don't want to live in our house, then don't live there. Not only will I respect your decision, but they will too."
"I believe you." Xia Qingtang said with a smile: "Anyway, if I find something wrong later, I will run away."
Xie Jinxuan was stunned for a moment, and Xia Qingtang continued: "I'm not kidding you. If you lie to me, I will really leave."
"I won't lie to you." Xie Jinxuan stood beside her, holding her hand and said word by word: "It's pointless to talk too much. I will let you see how I do it. Qingtang, just wait and see."
"Okay, I'll wait and see." Xia Qingtang said with a smile: "Now, accompany me back to the steel plant first."
After a long and exciting day, Xia Qingtang went to bed early that night. She slept very soundly. She woke up the next morning feeling refreshed and went to work at the factory on time with her bag on her back.
The news of her sudden marriage spread throughout the cotton mill. Everyone in the workshop was clamoring for wedding candy. Xia Qingtang smiled and said, "I'll bring wedding candy tomorrow. I'll give you as much as you want."
Wen Xiaoli and others pestered her to ask about everything about Xie Jinxuan. Xia Qingtang only said that the other party was a soldier, worked in the provincial party committee, and was her senior in middle school. She didn't say anything else.
The early shift gets off work early, so Xia Qingtang agreed with Xie Jinxuan yesterday that she would go over here and wait for him to get off work, and then the two of them would go to a state-owned restaurant for dinner, so that they could have more contact.
Other people date first and then get married, but for them, it's the opposite, but they will still follow others' steps.
Xia Qingtang followed the crowd leaving get off work, walking side by side with Wen Xiaoli. Before they reached the factory gate, they saw Kong Liangchao and Director Qi standing under a tree. The two were whispering something. Director Qi looked unhappy, and Kong Liangchao also looked quite angry.
Wen Xiaoli reacted quickly: "Qingtang, isn't that the guy surnamed Kong? Why is he with Director Qi again? Does he want to take you to the warehouse again?"
Xia Qingtang looked over there coldly and said softly, "Don't worry, Director Qi won't do that. He's a good director."
Director Qi didn't seem to be having a happy conversation with Kong Liangchao. He said a few more words with a stern face, then left Kong Liangchao.
Kong Liangchao stood under the tree angrily. When he turned around and saw Xia Qingtang in the crowd, his eyes suddenly spewed flames of hatred.
Xia Qingtang walked past the tree expressionlessly, but Kong Liangchao suddenly rushed over, grabbed her backpack and whispered, "Don't be complacent. If I can't deal with you, can't I deal with your so-called lover? Believe it or not, as long as I give him a word, he, a retired soldier, will be kicked out of the provincial party committee immediately!"
He spoke quietly and quickly, so only Xia Qingtang and Wen Xiaoli heard it.
Wen Xiaoli was so angry that she wanted to curse, but was stopped by Xia Qingtang.
She smiled gently and said, "Officer Kong, I can't control what you want to do. As long as you are happy, just do it."
"You think I don't dare?"
"Yes, I thought you didn't dare." Xia Qingtang deliberately provoked him, then contemptuously pulled back the strap of his backpack and pulled Wen Xiaoli out.
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