Chapter 37 Chapter 37 A legitimate couple
"We don't have anything nice to give you for your wedding. Do you like this dress?"
Zhao Xiaoxing held up her dress, walked over to Qingmei, and said, "The silk on the hem was hand-woven by Xiaoyan bit by bit. She spent several nights weaving, and her eyes are almost blind. The lining is made of fine cotton, and there's just a band around the bottom of the skirt to prevent it from getting snagged. It won't keep you warm."
Qingmei was so happy: "Lace? Xiaoyan, you can actually weave lace?"
Xiaoyan said shyly, "I learned it from a book."
Qingmei knew that some handcrafts were more exquisite than those made by machines, and that skilled craftsmen were rare. But something so exquisite, like the moon-white gauze skirt worn by the person in the painting, made Qingmei not want to touch it with her hands, for fear of dirtying it.
"Are the buttons on the chest real pearls?" Qingmei poked them gently with her fingers. The glistening pearls made the whole white gauze dress look more upscale, noble and elegant.
Zhao Xiaoxing said embarrassedly, "I dug it out in the cowshed a while ago. I thought it was plastic and not worth much, so I saved it for a button. Aunt Gu said it was quite valuable, so I gave it to you."
From the beginning to the end, in Zhao Xiaoxing's heart, Qingmei deserves the best.
Zhao Wuhe also came over to look at the white gauze skirt. Xiaoyan, who was standing silently beside her, had a red face and kept looking at Qingmei's eyes, hoping that Qingmei would really like her painstaking work.
"Oh, the pattern of this skirt is hard to come by." Zhao Wuhe picked up the white gauze skirt and tried it on Qingmei. "It's good, but isn't the waist too tight?"
Xiaoyan whispered, "Sister Xiaomei has a thin waist, she will definitely be able to wear it."
Zhao Wuhe simply asked Qingmei to put on the new dress.
Qingmei put on her new skirt and felt that it was a little tight around her waist: "It seems not to work."
Xiaoyan held up her skirt from behind and whispered, "Hold your stomach in."
Qingmei sucked in her stomach and the skirt was instantly put on.
Zhao Wuhe finished her laughter: "I know your size better than you do. But the skirt is really beautiful, so beautiful. In the past, when you wore clothes, it was you who complemented the clothes. Today, it really complements each other."
Zhao Xiaoxing said, "I'm in charge of sewing. The rest is from materials Xiaoyan looked up at the county library. We didn't recognize some of the words, so we looked them up in the dictionary. Come on, give us some praise. We're really exhausted."
Qingmei rushed over and gave Zhao Xiaoxing and Xiaoyan a big hug each. "Thank you, I'll wear it tomorrow to get the marriage certificate and take wedding photos!"
Xiaoyan said excitedly: "Really?"
Qingmei said, "Really! It's a pity that this color can't be worn to a wedding."
Xiaoyan said: "Yes!"
Qingmei said, "What is it?"
Zhao Xiaoxing said, "They even made a wedding dress for you. The red is as passionate as fire. From the headband, to the clothes on your body, to the shoes on your feet, everything is arranged for you."
Qingmei hadn't had time to prepare a wedding dress recently, so the bride must have sewn it herself. She was planning to buy something from the Commercial Building to wear for photos and the wedding.
People at that time had simple weddings. A young man in the village who got married last month even went home after harvesting rice, set up two tables in the evening and told his relatives and friends that he was married.
Qingmei wanted to keep things simple, but everyone around her was eager to give her a grand wedding.
Zhao Wuhe put her arm around Xiaoyan's shoulders, put her cheek close to hers and said, "No wonder Xiaomei has loved you for so long. You are such a thoughtful child."
Xiaoyan smiled brightly, took the initiative to get close to Zhao Wuhe, and then ran to Zhao Xiaoxing's room to get the wedding dress.
Zhao Xiaoxing pouted jealously, moved her face closer to Zhao Wuhe and said, "I want one too. After all, I sew carefully."
Zhao Wuhe bumped into her face and laughed, "A lot of flesh."
Zhao Xiaoxing grinned.
Xiaoyan quickly brought the wedding dress. She had been worried that Qingmei would think she was acting on her own, so she had been making it secretly out of fear.
The bright red wedding dress is a set of upper and lower parts, and the finished product looks a bit like the uniform of Soviet cadres.
The colors of the upper and lower parts have a stepped feel, and the overlapping cloud neckline is a popular fashion style recently. The neckline is made of layers of hard gauze, and the lapel is thin red gauze.
As she walked, the red gauze fluttered in the wind like waves, like a gorgeous sea of red flowers, holding Qingmei's delicate face in her palm.
The top does not have pearl buttons, but is handmade by Xiaoyan.
She learned several knot patterns from Grandma Ying, including peony knot patterns, rose knot patterns, and butterfly knot patterns, and finally chose the double happiness knot pattern, which represented her best wishes for Qingmei.
Qingmei was so touched that she hugged Xiaoyan and said, "It must have taken a lot of effort. I didn't even know we had such a great chef at home."
Xiaoyan said: "I also just learned it not long ago, mainly relying on my words. Xing'er does more of the production than I do."
Zhao Xiaoxing said nonchalantly, "It's all for the sake of my sister's wedding. It doesn't matter if I do more or less!"
Zhao Wuhe watched carefully from the side and realized that these three girls were closer than ordinary sisters.
After Qingmei tried on the clothes, Xiaoyan left the white gauze skirt hanging outside, waiting for Qingmei to wear it out the next morning.
Grandma came back from visiting her old sisters and praised them again, which made Zhao Xiaoxing and Xiaoyan feel embarrassed.
It’s getting late, everyone should go to bed.
Qingmei must have been very excited and couldn't sleep at night, tossing and turning.
Her watch was placed next to her pillow. She took it out and checked the time. It was just past twelve o'clock.
Qingmei didn't draw the curtains tonight because she wanted to look at the sky all the time.
The scene outside is so peaceful and quiet, but it will probably be very different tomorrow.
Qingmei propped herself up with her arms, her messy hair falling from her shoulders. She felt itchy and reached out to pull her hair back to her chest.
At this moment, she felt a dark shadow flash by outside. Qingmei was about to lie down, but suddenly sat up again.
Who is it?!
Qingmei reached out her hand and gently woke Xiaoyan up.
Xiaoyan opened her eyes drowsily, rubbed them and said, "What's wrong?"
Qingmei said, "Shh. I'm going out to take a look. You lock the door in the house."
Xiaoyan immediately perked up and said, "I'll go with you."
Qingmei said, "It's okay, there's an axe behind the door."
Xiaoyan swallowed and said, "Then be careful. If you can't get help, call for help. Brother Fang and the others will definitely help us."
"I know." Qingmei tiptoed down, grabbed the axe and walked out of the inner room door in her slippers.
After opening the door outside, Qingmei stood at the door and looked around, but found no movement.
Could it be the magpie that wants to attack Zhao Xiaoxing at night?
Could this thing's IQ evolve to this level?
Suddenly, a strong arm grabbed her waist and pressed her against the blue brick wall. Qingmei subconsciously tried to swing the axe, but the man grabbed her wrist and gently bit the tip of her ear as if to punish her. A familiar voice said with a smile, "Murdering your husband?"
Qingmei dropped the axe, hugged her neck and started kissing her.
It's been a month, and I haven't been able to touch or kiss her. I'm so craving for her.
Gu Qingzhou was not in a hurry. After kissing the tip of her ear, he kissed behind her ear and even licked it.
The little object felt sweet and soft in his arms. She hummed and rubbed against his arms. Her little hands began to dishonestly reach into his clothes. "Why are you here?"
Gu Qingzhou let her do as she pleased, reaching out to stroke her hair, sniffing and kissing it in his palm, saying reluctantly, "I can't wait to see you."
Doesn’t Qingmei miss him too?
Qingmei was about to continue being affectionate when Gu Qingzhou tapped her shoulder and looked towards the window.
Qingmei looked over and saw Xiaoyan and her grandmother staring dimly inside with kerosene lamps, not knowing how long they had been watching. Their facial features were full of blue, and the scene was a bit like Sadako's.
Gu Qingzhou coughed and said, "Has our village applied for the township electrification plan?"
Qingmei licked her lips, withdrew her hand and said regretfully, "Yes."
Gu Qingzhou said: "From now on, turn on a light in the yard and another light in the house."
Qingmei said, "I think so too."
Gu Qingzhou smiled and said, "I'm not in a hurry now. Let's go to bed first?"
Gu Qingzhou rushed over in the middle of the night, but naturally he couldn't pick up the person. Even if he did, the Civil Affairs Bureau would not be open at that time of night.
Fortunately, there were many rooms in the house. Qingmei opened a side room for entertaining guests. Inside was a bamboo bed. "Will you stay for one night?"
Gu Qingzhou smiled and said, "Okay, keep the account."
Qingmei didn't know that Gu Qingzhou would write down every time he endured it in his little notebook and would ask her for it back later. She thought he was a good person and was joking with her.
"Okay, remember that."
Qingmei threw the towel blanket on him and said, "Dear, see you tomorrow."
Gu Qingzhou said: "Baby, see you tomorrow."
Qingmei almost knocked her head against the threshold and turned around to say, "Isn't it corny? Where did you learn that?"
Gu Qingzhou said: "When they were studying in the Soviet Union, they all called their lovers this. Sometimes they would also say dear."
Qingmei asked, "Have you been to the Soviet Union?"
Gu Qingzhou said: "I studied abroad for two years during my military school years. They not only call each other 'baby', but also have many phrases to praise their loved ones. It's very affectionate and romantic."
Qingmei stood in the moonlight and asked, "Is there anything for me?"
Gu Qingzhou stood up and walked to the door, lowered his head and said softly: "It's a pity. I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
I love you, my angel.
You are my world, you are the center of everything.
The more I look at a man under the moon, the more attracted I become.
Qingmei couldn't help it and tiptoed to kiss him on the lips.
Qingmei returned to her kang room and rolled over several times wrapped in a towel. She felt she was doomed to have trouble sleeping tonight, her heart pounding.
She turned her head and met Xiaoyan's eyes, which scared Qingmei.
Xiaoyan quickly closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep, as if she was not the one who was watching people fall in love with her grandmother just now.
Qingmei turned her head to her grandmother again. The old lady's breathing was uneven, and it was obvious that she was pretending to sleep.
Qingmei couldn't help but burst out laughing when she thought of the curious look on their faces when they were leaning against the window just now.
This was like turning on a switch, and Xiaoyan and her grandmother also laughed.
Xiaoyan stood up and said to Qingmei, "Sister, I didn't see anything, really."
Grandma said, "Is my grandson-in-law okay?"
Qingmei laughed and said, "You said you didn't see anything."
She crawled to the foot of the kang and quickly pulled the curtains shut.
With Gu Qingzhou around, she is not afraid of anything.
Before the young chickens in the backyard started crowing, there was already movement in the blue brick house.
Qingmei yawned as she slowly put on her white gauze dress. Zhao Xiaoxing suddenly rushed in and asked in surprise, "Guess who I saw in the yard?"
Qingmei and Xiaoyan said in unison: "Gu Qingzhou."
Zhao Xiaoxing was shocked: "How did you know?"
Qingmei curled the corners of her lips. She really admired Zhao Xiaoxing's sleep quality.
Xiaoyan said, "I came here at midnight yesterday because I was afraid I would be late going to the Civil Affairs Bureau this morning."
"The Civil Affairs Bureau won't close. It's better for rural people. We can just register at the brigade." Zhao Xiaoxing muttered as she walked over to help Qingmei braid her hair.
She loved Qingmei's hair tied back. Qingmei was beautiful and elegant, possessing an indescribable vitality. With her hair tied up, she looked even more elegant and graceful, like the daughters of wealthy families.
Zhao Xiaoxing likes to dress Qingmei like this, and she starts by braiding her hair into a bun.
Qingmei let them dress themselves up and sat on the bench looking out the window.
Grandma was cooking in the kitchen, and she had specially made some precious millet porridge today. She said it represented the bright and glorious day when they would get their certificate.
Gu Qingzhou, dressed in military uniform, stood in the yard like a tall poplar tree. Perhaps because he was in a good mood, his eyes were full of smiles.
He talked to his grandmother attentively, but looked at his watch from time to time, secretly urging her to hurry up.
When Qingmei came out dressed up, Gu Qingzhou was stunned for a moment, unable to believe that his little girlfriend was so elegant and charming.
Qingmei touched the tuberose on her ear, which Xiaoyan had given her to decorate her hair. She said a little shyly, "Isn't that too exaggerated?"
Gu Qingzhou said repeatedly: "It's not an exaggeration. Some of them wear big red silk flowers. You are much better than them. Very good, very good."
Qingmei pursed her lips and smiled faintly: "Look, you can't even speak clearly."
Gu Qingzhou said frankly: "You are so beautiful that it is beyond my expectation."
The two young lovers finished their millet porridge and were about to go to the Civil Affairs Bureau when Zhao Wuhe suddenly came over.
Zhao Wuhe said, "Strange, why isn't it raining?"
Qingmei and Gu Qingzhou looked at each other, and Gu Qingzhou asked, "What's the rain?"
Zhao Wuhe glared at him and said, "You really think your mother is a fool and has lived two lives in vain, right? I'm just asking you two, do you want me to accompany you? The sky is already overcast."
Qingmei stayed where she was. Her future mother-in-law was hiding something very well. No wonder she was willing to do anything with her later. It turned out that she had seen through her.
Gu Qingzhou looked at Qingmei, and Qingmei said, "If you don't mind..."
Zhao Wuhe said, "I'll sit back and close my eyes to rest. You two should calm down."
Gu Qingzhou smiled and said, "Don't worry, I will concentrate on driving."
Zhao Wuhe snorted, took Qingmei's hand and said, "Let's go, kid. When you come back, we'll really be a family."
*** ***
Outside the County Civil Affairs Bureau, there are many stalls selling plastic roses. Some of the shops are photo studios.
Gu Qingzhou drove to the side of the road outside the Civil Affairs Bureau, got out of the car and opened the door for Qingmei.
Zhao Wuhe was waiting in the car, watching them walk to the Civil Affairs Bureau with a smile on her face.
The appearance of Gu Qingzhou and Qingmei attracted many people's attention. The military rank of the male comrade was intimidating, and he was also very handsome.
Qingmei, needless to say, is a famous beauty in the surrounding area. Today, she was carefully dressed up by Zhao Xiaoxing and Xiaoyan, and was the most anticipated bride in the whole audience.
They first sat on the bench and lined up. Tomorrow is National Day, and there are many couples holding weddings and getting marriage certificates during this period.
The Civil Affairs Bureau wasn't large, with only two desks. One was occupied by an examiner, the other by a document clerk. After checking the marriage documents, they would stamp and issue the marriage certificate on the spot.
Gu Qingzhou had already prepared all the information very comprehensively, including Qingmei's information.
When it was their turn, Qingmei stood up happily and followed Gu Qingzhou to the desk.
Gu Qingzhou handed the information bag to the examiner. The examiner, a female comrade in her forties, took a look at Qingmei and thought to herself why she was dressed so seductively.
He glanced at Gu Qingzhou and saw that he was wearing a military uniform. He coughed and opened the file bag.
Gu Qingzhou noticed that her gaze was not very friendly. She quickly glanced at her own information. When it came to Qingmei's information, she suddenly raised her voice and asked, "Why is she still a widower?"
Qingmei and Gu Qingzhou had already attracted a lot of attention, and her voice made many people look over and whisper.
Qingmei's face fell and she said, "Yes, I'm the widow, and this is my second husband. We're in love, so is there a problem?"
As she spoke, she turned around and looked around for inquiring eyes.
Everyone present felt that such a woman was extremely lucky to find a military officer for her second marriage.
Feeling Qingmei's composure, the examiner continued, "You're a widower. Tsk, it's hard for me to give you this marriage certificate. How about this soldier comrade, please consider other unmarried and childless people—"
"Please be mindful of your identity and words."
Gu Qingzhou frowned, grabbed Qingmei's hand, and said sternly, "I'm Gu Qingzhou, commander of the 3rd Regiment of the 014th Division. Comrade Qingmei has been approved and politically reviewed by the first commander of our independent division. All her information is complete and true. Isn't that enough? Do you need me to call you to talk to our division commander about hindering military marriage?"
"Hey, hey, you can't say that. Comrade soldier, please calm down first."
Inspector Wang immediately stood up and said with an apologetic smile, "What right do I have to disapprove? You, such a large army, all agree on this. Come on, don't be angry, sit down quickly."
Inspector Wang's daughter was of marriageable age, but she couldn't find a suitable man. Seeing a village widow find such a good-looking man, she couldn't help but say a few words.
If you ask her to stop her, she wouldn't dare. She just wants to annoy people on such a happy occasion.
"No need to sit down, please ask your leader to come out." Gu Qingzhou said lightly: "You are not worthy of issuing us a marriage certificate."
"Old Wang, what are you doing?!" The section chief of the Civil Affairs Bureau in the office behind him heard the voice and came out. He was transferred here after being demobilized from the army. When he saw Gu Qingzhou, he involuntarily raised his hand slightly and wanted to stand at attention and salute.
Gu Qingzhou said: "She didn't do anything, she just abused her power and intended to hinder military marriage."
The section chief was so angry that he almost fainted after being accused of this crime.
He pointed at Inspector Wang and said, "You feel uncomfortable if you don't do something all day long, don't you? You're a good inspector, but they're newlyweds approved by their employer and don't have any major problems. What right do you have to dictate their decisions and refuse to issue a marriage certificate?"
Reviewer Wang quickly explained: "I didn't refuse to publish it, I just suggested..."
On Qingmei's wedding day, she didn't want to get angry with a middle-aged woman. She said quietly, "Is it because you're having a hard time that you can't stand seeing others happy? Especially a remarried widower like me who dresses seductively?"
Suddenly, a young woman in the service hall shouted, "Why can't a widow remarry? Chastity arches are a remnant of feudalism!"
"Yes, down with the remnants of feudalism!"
... ...
People who come to get a certificate generally won't offend the examiner. She might choose a day specifically to find fault with you and prevent you from getting the certificate.
Inspector Wang had been annoying people more than once, and there was already a rumor about her on the streets. Many newcomers would even give her gifts in advance to facilitate their marriage.
Old Wang's face was etched with embarrassment. Just as he was about to speak, a newlywed couple stepped forward, slammed a thick stack of documents on the table, and said, "She just can't get us a certificate! Look, the first time, they said our documents were incomplete and told us to go get them. The second time, they said the company's seal wasn't clear, so they told us to re-stamp it. The third time, they said the handwriting was connected, so they told us to rewrite it. My partner and I went to your Civil Affairs Bureau over ten times a month just to get a marriage certificate! Is that how you do things?"
The others who were waiting to get their certificates looked over, their faces filled with indignation.
The section chief immediately said to Inspector Wang in front of everyone, "Suspend your duties!"
Qingmei said slowly, "Does that mean you're waiting for the storm to calm down and then have her return to her post?"
Everyone had originally thought that suspending her position was enough, but upon hearing this, the newcomers who had just rushed up surrounded the section chief and said, "Is this how you're going to treat the people? If you don't get rid of her today, we'll file a complaint!"
Old Wang was immediately annoyed and said to Qingmei across the table, "Is it not to embarrass you? Are you going to make me lose this job?"
Qingmei sneered and said, "I'm a widow. If you and he give me a hard time, how can I live like this? I have a mean personality. If anyone gives me a hard time, forget it."
The section chief swallowed and glanced at Gu Qingzhou. Gu Qingzhou stood quietly behind Qingmei, his attitude clear. To embarrass Qingmei was to embarrass him.
The section chief went back into his office to make a phone call. A few minutes later, he came out and said to Lao Wang, "Pack your things and go home. This place can't accommodate a big Buddha like you."
Qingmei smiled and said, "You are still a snobbish Buddha."
Old Wang was trembling all over. He wanted to reach out and grab Qingmei, but Gu Qingzhou grabbed his wrist and put it behind his back: "If you want to attack a military wife, think about the consequences."
Old Wang's tears instantly fell. She wanted to throw a tantrum and throw away her face, but two young female comrades came out of the office and pulled her out according to the director's instructions.
Gu Qingzhou raised his eyebrows and asked the section chief: "Is he really fired?"
The section chief nodded and said, "Yes, you definitely won't see her next time you come."
Gu Qingzhou sneered: "There won't be a next time."
Knowing he had said the wrong thing, the section chief quickly said, "Right, right, I wish you two a long and happy life together, a son soon, and never come to the Civil Affairs Bureau again, haha."
He walked to the desk with a dry laugh and personally stamped the marriage certificate for Qingmei and Gu Qingzhou.
A marriage certificate is a certificate that contains personal information and the date of issuance of the certificate.
Qingmei looked at it again and again, feeling very curious.
Gu Qingzhou whispered, "Not angry?"
Qingmei smiled and said, "Why get mad at her?" She wouldn't punish herself for someone else's mistakes. Besides, Inspector Wang had already been fired, and she was very satisfied.
Seeing that she was really not affected by the farce, Gu Qingzhou patted her head and took her to take wedding photos.
When they reached the door, the section chief rushed out and said, "Our director called and wanted to speak to you and your wife to apologize. I'm so sorry, Comrade Commander, please don't take it personally."
Gu Qingzhou glanced at his watch. Not wanting to let any messy things delay today's schedule, he said calmly, "Forget it, we have other things to do."
The section chief couldn't keep them and had to send them to the car, still apologizing.
Qingmei sat down. Zhao Wuhe, who was standing behind her, said, "Just now, there was an old woman throwing a tantrum outside the Civil Affairs Bureau and was dragged away. She looks about my age. Is she divorced?"
Qingmei smiled and said, "That's right, otherwise he wouldn't be so cynical."
Gu Qingzhou drove Qingmei to an inconspicuous alley where there was a photo studio. It was very different from the small photo studios on the street, and it had a feeling that good wine would not be afraid of a narrow alley.
They must have made an appointment in advance, because as soon as they got off the car, a couple came to greet them.
Qingmei was surprised to see that the man in the Mao suit was actually a foreigner with red hair and blue eyes. He was very tall, and Qingmei had to look up at him.
Gu Qingzhou introduced: "This is the photographer, Lime, whom I met when I was studying in the Soviet Union. He knew I was getting married, so he invited us to come and take wedding photos."
Rhyme said, "I invited you, but I didn't know your wife was as beautiful as an angel. I need to think carefully about whether I am qualified for this job."
Qingmei knew that this was just a polite remark from foreigners, but she had to say that she was very happy to hear it.
She greeted Lime and his wife Xiao Hong separately and said, "I believe you will film us in an authentic way."
Xiao Hong laughed and said, "I will definitely not let your beauty down."
Rhyme smiled kindly and said, "Wedding photos in your country are so rigid. The two of you are married, but there's no emotional interaction; you just sit there. The photos I took of you will help your children see your enviable love."
Qingmei and Gu Qingzhou walked into the studio and found that it was indeed different from the photo studios outside. The scenery inside was very realistic, and there were also foreign wedding dresses.
Xiao Hong said, "I wore it secretly."
Qingmei understands, who doesn’t want to look beautiful today?
She and Gu Qingzhou looked into each other's eyes in front of the camera, and Lime even came over and asked Gu Qingzhou how to hug her more intimately.
After taking several photos in a row, Lime even encouraged them to take a kissing photo.
Qingmei refused with a blushing face, and finally asked Lime to take a public photo of the two of them sitting shoulder to shoulder in front of a red cloth.
What happened just now should not be shown to others, and even though they hugged each other, it wasn’t excessive.
I'd better hang this up for everyone to see.
After taking the photos, we waited for the auspicious day of getting married the day after tomorrow.
Qingmei returned to Donghe Village. Gu Qingzhou had no time to hang out with her and went straight to the Gu family's old house to prepare for the wedding.
Qingmei hadn't been there in the past few days, so she had no idea how the house was being decorated. She could often see people going to the old house in the village, and it was bustling with activity.
Zhao Wuhe didn't allow Zhao Xiaoxing and Xiaoyan to go and inquire, she could only look forward to the arrival of No. 2.
On the 1st, Gu Qingzhou was going to spend the National Day in the army. Although he was not there, he had already arranged everything for everyone else.
Bao Mi and Xiao Jin, who came to help with the decoration, were busy as tops.
They had already set up the tables and chairs in the Gu family's old house, and the cook who was coming to cook had also arrived a day before to clean up and prepare the food. Large red flowers made of red cloth were hung throughout the house.
On the evening of the 1st, Gu Qingzhou arrived at the Gu family's old house. He and Qingmei did not meet that night.
The wedding day.
At the first crow of the rooster, firecrackers rang out outside.
Qingmei got up and put on her wedding dress, while Zhao Xiaoxing came over to help with her hair. Xiaoyan, on the small stove, simmered a longan, lotus seed, and red date soup, which, according to local custom, meant "a son and daughter of wealth."
Zhao Xiaoxing braided Qingmei's hair into a low bun, each strand revealing grace and charm.
Her eyes were like autumn water, her red lips were slightly parted, and her smile bloomed with joy made her look like a delicate flower blooming in spring, intoxicating.
After combing my hair and drinking my soup, my female comrades arrived first.
Everyone was amazed by Qingmei's outfit and surrounded her, saying auspicious words for a long time.
Afterwards, they pasted red wedding characters on the windows and doors, and helped wrap small portions of peanuts and candies in the red characters for the guests.
The thermoses, pillowcases, bed sheets and other items brought by the visitors were placed on the kang, and they looked like a small mountain and were increasing in number.
The children first came here in groups to ask for candy, giving it away without asking for money with auspicious words. Then, they received instructions from adults and stood outside the door, becoming the first barrier to the door.
The yangko troupe also arrived at noon, walked around the village twice while beating drums and gongs, and then sat down under the fruit trees in the blue brick courtyard to rest.
Some naughty children saw the trees full of yellow duck pears and peaches, and they were so greedy that they kept drooling under the trees.
The yellow lantern persimmons next to them are also the size of buns, but they are still green and not ripe yet. Each one looks like a small package, which is very cute.
Zhao Xiaoxing saw the children's eager eyes in the house, called Xiaogang over, and said to him, "There is a net bag for picking fruit behind the door. Take it over and let them pick it."
Xiao Gang shook his head and said, "No!"
Zhao Xiaoxing smiled and said, "You're quite considerate of us. Let me tell you, can you count?"
Xiao Gang said, "I can count." He wiped the corner of his lips and began: "1, 2, 3, 4..."
Zhao Xiaoxing kept saying, "That's enough, that's enough. Just watch them and tell them to pick only three each. If they pick more, they won't get any candy."
Xiaogang ran out the door and said, "Can I have one more?"
Before Zhao Xiaoxing could say anything, Mrs. Fang, who had already arrived at the kang room, said, "You can only eat one at most. Can you save some space for meat later?"
Xiao Gang thought about it and decided that meat was more important. He nodded and ran out with the net.
At about ten past ten, Brother Fang, who was standing on the wall, shouted, "The wedding procession is coming! The groom is here! Everyone, guard the door!"
Qingmei, who had been sitting on the kang feeling sleepy, suddenly perked up. Everyone in the room rushed to the window to look out.
Gu Qingzhou came with a bicycle team. He was riding in the front, and his good comrades were riding behind.
There was a radio hanging on the steering wheel of Muren's car, playing music with gongs and drums.
Gu Qingzhou originally wanted to drive to pick her up, but was stopped by Qingmei.
Donghe Village is a small place, so there is no need to get on and off the bus and go around in circles.
Six bicycles came over, all adorned with large red flowers. A group of soldiers in green uniforms stood out like red flowers and green leaves.
In front of the first door stood a group of children and mothers, and a few men were also trying to block the door.
Gu Qingzhou was well prepared. He waved to Mu Ran, who came up and threw a handful of crispy shrimps into the pot.
"Shrimp cakes! Shrimp cakes!"
“This is mine!”
"Give me!"
The children didn't even bother blocking the door and started scrambling for the prawn cakes.
Brother Fang, Brother Wang Yang and others hurried to catch up, and saw that the door was squeezed open a crack, and Gu Qingzhou was politely inserting a Huanghelou cigarette outside the door.
This is a rare southern cigarette and is one of the best cigarettes.
It's produced in the Yangtze River Delta, and there's regional control, so most people can't get it. Those who can get it won't travel thousands of miles just for two packs of cigarettes.
Gu Qingzhou had planned it early on and asked his comrades to bring it back for preparation.
"Brother Fang, Brother Wang Yang, please open the door. I'll give you all these cigarettes." Gu Qingzhou pretended to negotiate with them, but his hands behind him made a "prepare" gesture.
Brother Wang Yang felt it was not appropriate to lock out a group of officers, so he said, "Give me the cigarettes and I'll open the door."
Gu Qingzhou said: "Open the door a little wider, I have a whole pack of cigarettes."
Brother Wang Yang had never guarded a door before, so he believed it and wanted to open a crack. Gu Qingzhou felt it and quickly gestured.
Brother Fang climbed up the wall and saw what was happening. He shouted, "Close the door! They're playing tricks—"
Before he could finish his words, Mu Ran climbed over the wall, covered Brother Fang's mouth, and dragged him outside...
It's totally vulnerable.
"Ah—is he okay?" Mrs. Fang in the kang room said anxiously, "They should be seriously ill, right?"
The wall is not low, it would be dangerous if you fall down.
As soon as she finished speaking, Brother Fang's voice came from outside the door, shouting, "Wang Yang, open the door! There are so many cigarettes, share them all with the men inside!"
All the women in the kang room laughed, and Qingmei couldn't help but joke, "Brother Fang betrayed us too quickly."
Mrs. Fang felt embarrassed and stood up to guard the inner door herself, saying, "Don't even think about letting him in today!"
Xiaoyan and Zhao Xiaoxing quickly stopped her and said, "Don't be like this, just do it for your own good."
Mrs. Fang looked at Qingmei with a smile, thought for a moment, and then sat down again.
It seems that not only the husband has betrayed her, but the beautiful woman sitting in the room has also betrayed her.
It will probably take some time before we get here. Captain Jin and Secretary Wang are chatting with other female comrades. Even Wang Liya and Wu Ban came this morning.
Wang Liya gave Qingmei a pair of hairpins and took the opportunity to ask Qingmei: "Can we be friends now?"
Qingmei still said the same thing: "It's still a little bit short."
Wang Liya whispered, "Okay, I'll try harder."
The others watched with great amusement.
Among them are large mahua and small mahua. They have made a lot of money recently, and when they saw Qingmei's wedding dress here, they felt both happy and regretful.
I like it because it looks so pretty, it makes Qingmei's already pretty face look as delicate as a flower. But I regret that the craftsmanship is too demanding, and I know that I can't make it with my half-baked hands.
They had just started talking in the room when grandma, who was sitting at the head of the kang, suddenly said, "He's coming in."
Qingmei and others looked over and found that Gu Qingzhou and others no longer knocked on the door, but directly let Bao Mi and Xiao Jin climb over the wall to break in.
They have been by Gu Qingzhou's side all year round, so needless to say, they are very skilled. They climbed up the wall nimbly and lightly and jumped into the yard without any hindrance.
They shouted from behind, "Push the door!" and then rushed to the door and pushed through the crowd.
The others outside immediately exerted their strength and opened the door in one go.
The firecrackers in the yard rang again, and Gu Qingzhou's joyful and handsome face finally appeared in front of Qingmei.
Soldiers have their own special military uniforms for weddings, which are more upright and majestic than ordinary uniforms.
Gu Qingzhou was wearing a small red flower on his chest and took out a collection of quotations from great men to show it to Qingmei in the window.
There are posters of great men in Qingmeikang Room. Later they will bow three times under the portraits of the great men and recite a few quotations.
Qingmei was wondering why Gu Qingzhou didn't knock on the door, but who knew there was a traitor in the house.
Xiaogang secretly opened the bolt.
All the women in the room were so eager to eat the small pot. Mu Ran and the others quickly took out red envelopes from their pockets, which were full of one-cent and two-cent coins, and stuffed them into the women's pockets: "Calm down, we are in a hurry."
Gu Qingzhou did not arrange for Xiaogang to open the door. Seeing that everything went so smoothly, he excitedly hugged Xiaogang's head and kissed him twice.
Mrs. Fang never expected that Brother Fang was useless and Xiaogang became the traitor.
She ran over and grabbed the small jar and said, "Why did you open the door for him?"
Xiao Gang laughed and said, "He's good, he can be good to Qingmei! No, don't miss it!"
This made everyone laugh again.
The little fool also knew that Captain Gu loved Qingmei and was worried that they would not open the door.
What words could be more pleasant to hear than these?
Qingmei was also looking forward to Gu Qingzhou coming in. She looked at her husband with a smile on her face and thought he looked the most handsome today.
The first thing Gu Qingzhou did when he entered the house was to look for his shoes on the floor.
His comrades, worthy of their experience in carrying out numerous missions, were able to spot the black leather shoes hidden under the kang mat even though they were covered with a towel. It took less than thirty seconds.
Gu Qingzhou lifted Qingmei's feet, put on her leather shoes himself, and fastened the buckles considerately.
The female comrades in the kang room all laughed when they saw him. They couldn't tell how caring he was.
He helped Qingmei down to the ground, bowed before the Chairman's statue, and recited his quotations. He also promised his grandmother that he would take good care of Qingmei. Only then was he done.
After it was over, everyone cheered him on and asked him to sing.
Gu Qingzhou shouted directly: "Ready - get ready -"
The ear-shaking army song is loud and tuneless...but the spirit and military soul are there.
After the song ended, Gu Qingzhou felt Qingmei's back of the hand gently touching his own. He glanced at the wall clock and saw that it was almost the auspicious time set by Zhao Wuhe.
Before Mrs. Fang and Captain Jin could think of the next game, Gu Qingzhou turned around and said to them, "Excuse me, but please eat and drink well later."
This was said too suddenly.
All the female comrades present thought so.
Almost as soon as he finished speaking, Gu Qingzhou picked up Qingmei and rushed out quickly, leaving them no time to react.
"Grab, grab the wife!"
The room was in chaos.
Zhao Xiaoxing and Xiaoyan were about to chase after them, but Bao Mi and Xiaojin were standing at the door to stop them. That would have been fine, but Xiaoyan saw Xiaogang also drooling and trying to stop them.
When they finally rushed out, Gu Qingzhou had already ridden his bicycle, ringing the bell in a swagger, and carried his wife home.
Zhao Wuhe watched the sky getting darker and darker, and stood impatiently in the Gu family's old house waiting.
Today, the eldest daughter-in-law, Ruan Siqiao, also came to help. She looked at her watch and said, "Mom, don't be too anxious. There's still time."
Zhao Wuhe watched the weather change and felt anxious so much that her chest ached.
"I'll go in and talk to the leaders. You wait." Zhao Wuhe walked into the old house, looking back every few steps.
Today, not only Commander Wang and Political Commissar Chen arrived with their families, but also old friends from Beijing and Shanghai.
They all knew that Zhao Wuhe and Gu Qianshan had a bad relationship, and this time Gu Qianshan made excuses for not coming. He gave a large sum of money for the wedding and also prepared a gift for Qingmei.
The other old friends were used to it. Regardless of whether Gu Qianshan came or not, the personal relationships had to be maintained. After all, he was still Gu Qianshan's biological son.
The aroma of food wafted faintly from the yard. The chef used Zhao Wuhe's soy sauce, and the dishes he cooked were so delicious.
"Here I come!" Ruan Siqiao's voice came from outside.
Zhao Wuhe quickly asked someone to set off firecrackers, and the firecrackers continued to go off until the newlyweds entered the yard and the ceremony was performed by the master of ceremonies and the witnesses.
People who came to give gifts greeted Gu Qingzhou and Qingmei one after another. Qingmei smiled brightly, looked young, and was very thoughtful in her words and deeds.
When meeting leaders such as Commander Wang and Political Commissar Chen, he maintained an attitude of neither servility nor arrogance.
When everyone started to jokingly ask them to drink the wedding wine, the old political commissar Chen had to admit, "My useless daughter is far from being as wise as others."
Commander Wang patted Political Commissar Chen's shoulder and asked him to sit down and drink. "Looks like we have to find the next son-in-law."
Gu Qingzhou took Qingmei to meet people and toast them. Qingmei didn't breathe a sigh of relief until she saw Zhao Xiaoxing, Xiaoyan and others at her mother's table.
Zhao Xiaoxing was worried Qingmei might be hungry, so she stuffed a piece of chicken leg into her mouth while no one was paying attention. Xiaoyan sniffed the wine glass and found it a bit too strong, so she added some boiled water.
Qingmei saw all the neighbors coming here, including Grandpa Guo and Grandma Ying, and the smile on her face never faded.
Gu Qingzhou kept toasting and drinking, and his stomach felt like a bottomless pit.
Mu Ran followed behind, holding the wine jug to help pour wine. From time to time, someone would come over to smell whether it was water or white wine.
When they smelled the rich and mellow aroma of the wine, which was the unique aroma of Maotai, everyone realized that Gu Qingzhou was just pretending. He was the kind of person who could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk.
Commander Wang and his men left with their families at about the same time. They also helped Zhao Wuhe take away their old friends who had come from other places and put them up in the army guesthouse. They would be responsible for their reception later.
Since Gu Qianshan was not around, only Commander Wang, the elder who had watched Gu Qingzhou grow up, could help, so that the groom would not be too busy to take care of them and treat them coldly.
The departure of the leaders was almost a signal to start a drinking contest.
When the brothers who came from all over the country to attend the wedding first learned that Gu Qingzhou was really going to marry a widowed lesbian, they could hardly believe their ears.
They thought that the person who could capture Gu Qingzhou under such conditions must be a very cunning and ruthless character.
But when I really saw Qingmei with her beautiful face, all my doubts disappeared.
Gu Qingzhou has such good taste, how could he find such a fairy-like beauty to be his wife?
They surrounded Gu Qingzhou one by one, wanting to ask if Qingmei had any sisters, and that being a young widow was no problem. Then, all of them were drunk by Gu Qingzhou.
There were seven or eight cars parked in front of the Gu family's old house. One batch of people had just left, and they were waiting to see off the next batch.
In an era when getting married on a bicycle is considered prestigious, the appearance of so many cars is quite shocking.
There were countless tables set up inside and outside the Gu family's old house, all of which were luxurious banquets with eight dishes and one soup.
This wedding banquet not only broadened the horizons of the people of Donghe Village, but also of the guests who attended the wedding.
Zhao Wuhe put all her energy from two lifetimes into this day. She smiled at everyone she met, and her steps were full of energy.
Gu Qingzhou also changed his previous aloof attitude and had a gentle smile on his face from morning to night.
The door of the Gu family's old house opened wide, and several well-dressed people left.
Not far away, under the banyan tree.
Chen Qiaoxiang looked at the scene in front of her with a splitting headache. She had been here for a whole day without eating or drinking, just spying.
It had to be said that the grandeur of Qingmei's wedding today was something she could never have dreamed of: the aroma of food, the comings and goings of distinguished guests, and the countless gifts and blessings.
She thought she was too jealous, and her heart seemed to be hollowed out. She grabbed her chest and felt extremely uncomfortable.
She seemed to have lost something, but she couldn't remember what she had lost.
The sky gradually darkened, and it looked like it was going to rain. Chen Qiaoxiang forced herself to return to the Huang family's house.
For some reason, everything about the Huang family seemed so strange. Was this really where she belonged?
"You're back?" Uncle Huang suddenly emerged from his kang room, looked at her with a friendly expression, and said, "I have something to discuss with you. Come, sit down and let's talk."
Chen Qiaoxiang knew that Qingmei and she were no longer from the same class, as evidenced by the presence of the wealthy and noble guests.
But when Uncle Huang took out several thick stacks of Great Unity and placed them in front of her, Chen Qiaoxiang's eyes gradually lit up.
She swallowed, staring at the money without moving her eyes, and said, "This is so much money. What are you going to do with it?"
Uncle Huang said, "I don't have any children either, but the Huang family needs to have an heir. Even if you don't live with Huang Wenbi in the future, this money is yours. Do you know how much it is?"
Chen Qiaoxiang slowly placed her hand on the banknotes and shook her head blankly.
Uncle Huang said, "One thousand yuan. As long as you give birth to a child, it will all be yours."
*** ***
There are big red lanterns hanging under the eaves of the old house, and a portrait of the great man is hung in the most conspicuous place in the main hall.
On the left is Zhao Wuhe's master bedroom in the east house, and on the right is their wedding room.
The bridal chamber was decorated with large red wedding characters, and large red flowers were hung on the furniture. Even a large red flower was hung above the double bed.
Lightning flashed outside the window, and dark clouds came as fiercely as a wall.
Qingmei frowned and said, "It was fine just now."
Gu Qingzhou stepped forward and closed the curtains, saying, "This way, we won't be afraid of loud noises."
Qingmei's originally raised heart was put back into her stomach by his words. She laughed and said, "There will definitely be a thunderstorm later."
"It rains a lot in the south, but it doesn't rain much here, so it doesn't matter. Why don't you give it a try?"
Gu Qingzhou began to unbutton his clothes, his strong and muscular upper body was faintly visible, and Qingmei felt that her sanity was about to collapse.
She lived two lifetimes and was a widow for two lifetimes, but she never tasted meat!
The thunder came as expected, and the room suddenly became bright and dark.
Qingmei swallowed and looked up to see Gu Qingzhou's deep gaze, which contained a desire that they all understood.
Qingmei pushed Gu Qingzhou back step by step, and finally lay on the bed.
Qingmei tugged at Gu Qingzhou's clothes with her small hands, and said with a fearless expression: "Even if the house collapses today, I will still kill you. You, take it off, take it all off!"
Qingmei unbuttoned Gu Qingzhou's collar as she spoke. This thing was pressing against his Adam's apple, making Gu Qingzhou look sexy without realizing it.
Gu Qingzhou watched as the little hands haphazardly helped him take off his clothes. He was enjoying it at first, but when he saw that his wife's clothes were intact, he quickly grabbed his collar and said, "Don't just let me take off the clothes, why don't you take them off too?"
Qingmei bit his Adam's apple and Gu Qingzhou gasped.
Qingmei opened her mouth, smacked her lips twice, and then placed her hands on his chest, squinting down at him and saying, "Why are you still wearing your underwear? Take off all your clothes and lie down."
Gu Qingzhou struggled below and said, "Wait, wait, wait, a couple can't just take off their clothes by themselves. I know I have a good figure, but you have to take off your clothes too. Don't ignore my advice——"
Qingmei was determined to go against the will of heaven. Heaven didn't allow her to sleep with Gu Qingzhou, but she insisted on sleeping with him tonight. She was so stubborn that she couldn't hear anything else and could only see the hot wheat-colored flesh.
Seeing that Qingmei ignored him, he actually wanted to pull down his pants.
He turned over and pinned his young wife down, smiling sinisterly as he said, "If you don't want to discuss this, then don't discuss it. We agree. Even if the house collapses, I'll still get rid of you today. I have no choice but to deal with you."
Outside, raindrops as big as soybeans hit the eaves, and loud thunder fell in the middle of the yard.
The mosquito net on the double bed in the room was drawn.
Qingmei felt like she was about to suffocate from Gu Qingzhou's kiss.
All the bones in her body were numb. Gu Qingzhou turned her over again and kissed her again and again, tirelessly.
Beads of sweat rolled down my back and my body was burning hot.
Skin-to-skin contact makes them close...
Qingmei's mind was in a daze, and the huge thunder brought her back to consciousness.
Gu Qingzhou was still there. Seeing her dazed look, he leaned over and kissed her. Qingmei said weakly, "Beast."
Gu Qingzhou held her and sat down, acquiescing: "But I love you."
......
Qingmei woke up again, and there was still the sound of rain outside.
The room was gloomy. Gu Qingzhou waited until she woke up and pestered her again. Only their breathing was rapid.
*** ***
Three hundred miles away, the rescue call from Yanshi City was connected to Commander Wang’s office through the emergency line.
The commanders of his two regiments had already set out to the south for rescue, so Commander Wang had no choice but to think of someone.
The summer floods were thought to be over, but then a massive reservoir in the upper reaches of the Yellow River in the south was breached by blasting, causing the water to overflow. Yanshi City, a mountainous city, had spent the entire summer preparing for flood control, leaving it with no resources left to counter the torrent.
As soon as the phone call was made, the car to pick us up arrived.
Gu Qingzhou stood in front of Qingmei in a neat and tidy manner: "Emergency military order."
Qingmei suppressed the reluctance in her eyes and asked, "Is it because of us?"
Gu Qingzhou spoke frankly: "The enemy spies blew up the southern reservoir, which has nothing to do with us."
Qingmei breathed a sigh of relief: "Come back safely."
Gu Qingzhou said: "Okay."
He strode into the car. Bao Mi, who was driving, didn't have time to say hello to Qingmei. He stepped on the accelerator and drove straight to the Yanshi rescue command center.
There was no news for five or six days after Gu Qingzhou left.
The current situation in Yanshi City can only be heard on the brigade headquarters' radio.
Additional personnel were dispatched from all over the country, but the local people had not yet been evacuated. Many were still trapped in resettlement centers without food or water.
Just one week after Gu Qingzhou left, Captain Jin received a notice from above and hurried to find Qingmei.
At this moment, Qingmei was sitting under the persimmon tree, staring at the distant sky in a daze.
"Our county needs to deliver relief supplies to the people of Yanshi. Tractor drivers are being called upon to help. Are you willing to go?"
Qingmei immediately sat up and said, "I do."
Captain Jin held her shoulder and said worriedly, "I heard there's a flash flood and heavy rain over there. Can you really go?"
Hearing this, Qingmei hesitated.
Gu Qingzhou is also there.
If I go by myself, the already bad weather will definitely be made worse.
The couple, who had just been in love on their wedding night, were forced to separate. They were on seven days of marriage leave, and they were not seen for seven days. As soon as they got out of bed, they had to rush to a dangerous area.
Qingmei missed Gu Qingzhou, and she knew that Gu Qingzhou would definitely miss her at some point in time.
She wished she could take this opportunity to see him in person.
Qingmei looked at the clear sky and suddenly felt sad. "I can go, but I have to go as far away from the 014 Rescue Command Center as possible."
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