The villagers of Kaoshantun were all very surprised. The brigade leader's family really kept it a secret. How come they had never heard of such a big thing?
These educated youths who returned to the city can still come back to propose marriage, which means Xie Lanqiao will also become a city dweller in the future.
This was undoubtedly huge news, stunning not only the villagers but also the Xie family, who were stunned for a long time.
They really just wanted their child to learn a lesson; they didn't intend to kidnap someone else's child.
Comrade Hua Zhian is a good man, but that doesn't mean his family would agree to him marrying a country girl.
"Alright, they must be tired from their journey back. Let them go inside and rest for a bit," Xie Daping, being the team leader, said, dispersing the crowd. He didn't even know what was going on in his own home, so why should these people know first?
When the family returned home, Xie Daping asked his wife, Chen Xiaoling, to cook them a bowl of noodles and pour them a glass of water.
Under the scrutiny of her parents and siblings, Xie Lanqiao had no choice but to bite the bullet and say that they had come back this time to hold a wedding.
Hua Zhian also hurriedly and obediently placed all the things prepared at home on the table. They were all the betrothal gifts that Hua Zhian had prepared at the time. However, the bicycle was not purchased in advance, and the money and the bicycle ticket were placed together.
"I came in a hurry and didn't know if there were any suitable bicycles in the village, so I brought the money and tickets back together."
The bicycle ticket was obtained by Hua Guangzong through a bargain with an old friend; the rest were prepared in advance by his family.
"I don't know what the rules are here, but this is the sincerity my family can offer. I hope the brigade leader will betroth Comrade Xie Lanqiao to me." Hua Zhian was still very nervous. He had been somewhat resistant before, but after he finished speaking, he felt relaxed.
Little did he know that his fate would change from that moment on, leading him down a different path in life.
Captain Xie and Chen Xiaoling looked at the large amount of money and banknotes on the table, somewhat at a loss, "This is too much..."
As soon as he finished speaking, he realized that this wasn't the point. They hadn't even agreed to marry their daughter to the other party yet, so why were they already giving betrothal gifts?
"No, Comrade Hua Zhian, it's all arranged by parents and matchmakers. Who would come to propose marriage on their own?"
Hua Zhian was bewildered. His grandparents told him to handle it himself, but was that not what they meant?
Besides, what the hell is a matchmaker? Where is he going to find one now?
Isn't the village's top matchmaker the brigade leader's wife? Did he ask his prospective mother-in-law to act as matchmaker?
When she had free time, Chen Xiaoling also acted as a matchmaker. Now, seeing Hua Zhian's eyes, she immediately understood.
She was so angry she laughed. Was this guy really that stupid, or was he just pretending? Who's ever seen someone let their mother-in-law be the matchmaker?
Xie Lanqiao immediately defended her own, "Father, Mother, where are we supposed to find a matchmaker for Zhi'an in such a short time?"
Besides, we live in a new society now, so we don't have to be so particular about those things.
This way, our family can save on the cost of a matchmaker's gift...
Chen Xiaoling quickly covered her daughter's mouth. What a silly child! What prospective son-in-law doesn't get harassed when he comes to visit? This is nothing!
Besides, even though it's a new society, it's not like they don't even hire a matchmaker.
Even if people are dating in private, they still have to go through this formality.
When it comes to betrothal and wedding banquets, we have to discuss it together, otherwise how can they hold their heads high in the village?
Everyone says girls are outgoing, but after just one trip out, they can't tell the difference between inside and outside anymore.
"I really don't understand these things," Hua Zhian said, scratching his head. He had eaten banquets in the village before, but that was all. He had never really heard of so many complicated things involved.
"It's just that the elders in my family don't have enough time to travel back and forth, so they asked me to handle this matter entirely on my own. I hope you two can understand."
It's not that their family doesn't value it, but the journey is really too far and they can't afford the hassle.
Xie Daping remained silent with a sullen face. He had previously thought it was inappropriate for Hua Zhian to come alone to propose marriage, but considering his parents' work and his grandparents' age, he could understand it somewhat.
That's not the point. The point is that he really doesn't want to marry his daughter off so far away.
This round trip takes so long, how often will I be able to come back and see those two old folks again?
He had raised his daughter with great difficulty, and now she had been taken away by someone. It would be difficult for him to see her again. How could he accept this?
I also felt a little regretful. I shouldn't have wanted to teach my daughter a lesson and made her make this trip.
If we had been more forceful and found her a marriage nearby, none of this would have happened.
Chen Xiaoling was secretly pleased. Her daughter had married well and would no longer have to work in the fields under the sun and wind.
She's suffered her whole life, and now that her child can live in the city, he might even be able to help her nephew in the future.
The Xie brothers, who rushed back, sent their wives to the kitchen to help, and then stood by the corner of the wall. They never expected their sister to be so capable, managing to bring back the educated youth who had returned to the city.
With so many people watching, Hua Zhian felt immense pressure, but there was nothing he could do; it was something he had to go through.
Fortunately, the elders in his family had made ample preparations for him, bringing out gifts for everyone.
Seeing that the Hua family was so well-mannered, even having children, the Xie family was even more satisfied with the wedding. They knew that Hua Zhian had just returned to the city and couldn't possibly afford so many things on his own.
"It was well-intentioned," Captain Xie said somewhat guiltily. He had only wanted to dissuade his daughter from pursuing him, so he hadn't bothered to prepare any local specialties, the total value of which was less than that of just one of these items.
I wonder if my daughter will be looked down upon if she really marries Hua Zhian.
The man has already come to our door, and just now, this silly boy revealed his purpose outside the door. This marriage is inevitable.
Captain Xie stopped worrying about things that couldn't be discussed and let his family take care of this future son-in-law.
He then privately called Xie Lanqiao aside and asked, "You didn't cause any trouble in the city, did you?" Otherwise, why would she have come all this way with him?
"Father, am I that kind of person?" Xie Lanqiao was a little angry. She had dignity too, you know.
"The people in Zhi'an's family are all very nice," Xie Lanqiao said, still concealing Hua Zhi'an's attitude when she first arrived, and trying her best to speak well of the Hua family.
Their own daughter isn't even married yet, and their hearts are already biased. What can Captain Xie do? Besides, the other party has given so many betrothal gifts and made a big show of it, so this marriage is still a good match.
Their family has lived in this village for generations, and it's time for them to go out and explore a new path. They don't expect much help in the future, but at least they can be more informed about the outside world.
Once he had this idea, Hua Zhian received an unprecedentedly warm welcome. The next day, he and Xie Lanqiao took the letter of introduction and went directly to the township to get their marriage certificate.
Hua Zhian then remembered to go to the former educated youth's residence to take a look, where there were still a few old educated youth there.
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