Chapter 216 plans their future
It's wonderful to see Xu Zhian so lively and cheerful these days.
I remember that he used to always stay quietly in the corner, not saying much, and his eyes were filled with a timid and reserved look.
But things are different now. He would chase after Xie Yunze asking all sorts of questions, pester Xu Zhili for stories, chatter incessantly at the dinner table, and when he smiled, he would reveal two little tiger teeth, his eyes shining as if they were filled with stars.
Watching him transform from silent to so bright and vibrant is like watching a seedling that has been withered for a long time finally drink its fill of water and stretch out to face the sunlight.
The warmth hidden in these changes is more comforting than anything else.
Xie Yunze was still holding the half-peeled eggshell in his hand. Seeing the little guy's face covered in egg yolk, he couldn't help but lower his head and chuckle, his shoulders trembling slightly.
Xu Nuoyan sat at the table, wiping Xu Zhian's mouth with a tissue while laughing at his satisfied expression. His laughter echoed in the room like a string of silver bells.
Xu Zhian was a little embarrassed by their laughter and mumbled indistinctly, "What are you laughing at... eggs are delicious..."
As she spoke, she took another big bite, her eyes narrowing comfortably into slits, like a kitten that had just stolen a bite of honey.
Sunlight streamed through the windowpane, warming the air with laughter and the aroma of egg yolks.
After dinner, Xie Yunze insisted on washing the dishes, but Xu Nuoyan refused, saying, "It's our first day of marriage, how can I let you do this? Take Zhili out for a walk, the weather is nice today."
The two then went out hand in hand.
The warm December sun shone on them as Xie Yunze held Xu Zhili's hand tightly, warming her icy fingers in his palm.
"Are you cold?" he asked.
Xu Zhili shook her head, looking at the two clasped hands, feeling a sweet warmth in her heart.
When the villagers saw the newlyweds, they all greeted them with smiles.
"Yun Ce, Zhi Li, you're out for a walk?"
Happy wedding!
"You two are such a perfect match!"
Xie Yunze responded to each question with proper manners.
Once they were out of sight, he leaned close to Xu Zhili's ear and said, "They're all staring at you. It's a problem that my wife is so beautiful."
Xu Zhili playfully slapped him: "What nonsense are you talking about?"
The two walked to the edge of the fishpond, which was covered with thick ice in winter and glistened in the sunlight.
"Do you remember the first time we met?" Xie Yunze suddenly asked.
Xu Zhili nodded with a smile: "How could I forget? Back then, you injured your head and lost your memory, turning back into a silly fifteen-year-old boy, calling me 'sister' and following me around, being very clingy."
Xie Yunze looked at her, his eyes filled with tenderness like spring water: "I saw you in the crowd that day, the sunlight was shining on your hair, so bright it was dazzling. I thought to myself, this sister is really beautiful, she makes people like her from the bottom of their hearts."
He paused, his voice softening, "Later, when my memories returned, my feelings for you didn't diminish, but I became more timid. I was afraid of being too forward with you, and even more afraid that you would only see me as that 'silly boy' who needed to be taken care of."
As Xu Zhili listened, she looked up and met his smiling eyes. It turned out that she had been secretly moved for a long time.
Xu Zhili leaned on his shoulder: "Then why didn't you say so sooner?"
"I'm scared."
Xie Yunze honestly admitted, "I was afraid you would resent that I was always in the army and couldn't be with you, and I was afraid you would suffer with me."
"Fool."
Xu Zhili said softly, "When two people are together, no hardship is too great."
They stood by the fishpond for a long time until they heard Xu Nuoyan calling them from afar.
"We must have more guests," Xie Yunze said with a smile. "Let's go back, bride."
Sure enough, a large crowd gathered in the courtyard. Xie Xiazhu arrived with Yaya, and the sewing group members also came to see the bride.
"The bride looks so beautiful today!" Aunt Li said, holding Xu Zhili's hand and looking her up and down.
Ya Ya asked curiously, "Aunt Zhi Li, is getting married fun?"
Everyone laughed, and Xu Zhili blushed, unsure how to respond.
Xie Yunze picked up Yaya and said, "You'll understand when you grow up."
Xie Xiazhu gave Xu Zhili a pair of pillowcases: "They were made in a rush, so please don't mind them."
Xu Zhili took the pillowcase, which was embroidered with twin lotus flowers. The stitches were fine and dense, showing that a lot of effort had been put into it.
"Thank you, Sister Xia Zhu, I really like it."
"You guys chat, I'll go help Mom cook." Xie Yunze tactfully left the women alone.
After he left, Aunt Li asked softly, "Zhi Li, is Yun Ce good to you?"
Xu Zhili nodded, blushing.
"That's good, that's good," Aunt Li said with relief. "Seeing you happy puts our minds at ease."
The women were chatting animatedly when they suddenly heard the sound of a car outside. It turned out that Xie Yunze's political commissar had arrived.
"I've come to see the newlyweds." The political commissar smiled and took out a red envelope. "This is a donation from the comrades in the army, you must accept it."
Xu's mother hurriedly invited the political commissar into the house to sit down, and Xie Yunze also came out to salute upon hearing the call.
"Don't be so polite, you're the groom now." The political commissar patted him on the shoulder. "You still have twenty days of vacation left, spend some quality time with your new bride."
At noon, the Xu family set up another table. The political commissar, Secretary Wang, and several relatives and friends sat around the table, enjoying a lively atmosphere.
Xie Yunze was drinking with the men when Xu Zhili quietly nudged him, saying, "Drink less."
The political commissar saw this and joked, "She's only just gotten married and she already knows how to dote on her husband?"
Everyone laughed, and Xu Zhili lowered her head and ate her food, too embarrassed to speak again.
After the meal, once the guests had left, Xu Zhili helped her mother clear the dishes, and Xie Yunze also came to help.
"Go and rest," Xu's mother still wouldn't let him do it.
"Mother, I'm your son-in-law now, which means I'm practically your son. Please don't stand on ceremony with me." Xie Yunze insisted on helping.
Xu's mother watched him neatly tidy up the table, her eyes filled with satisfaction.
That evening, the young couple finally had some time alone. Xie Yunze pulled a small notebook from his pocket: "I want to show you something."
Xu Zhili took it and found it was a bankbook; the number on it startled her.
"so much?"
"I will entrust my allowance and bonuses to you for safekeeping from now on," Xie Yunze said earnestly. "I know it's not easy being a military wife. I can't be by your side often, but at least I will leave the family to you."
Xu Zhili touched the bankbook, her heart heavy. This was not just money, but also Xie Yunze's trust and entrustment to her.
"I will take good care of this home," she said softly.
Xie Yunze held her hand: "When spring comes, we'll renovate the house and make you a small study so you can focus on drawing your designs."
Xu Zhili was so moved that she didn't know what to say, not expecting him to have thought of that.
Xu Zhili looked at the smile in his eyes and couldn't help but curve her lips into a smile, saying softly, "No need, this is fine."
Outside the window, the moon quietly climbed to the treetops.
Inside the new house, the newlyweds sat embracing each other, planning their future.
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