This was the day Li Aiqin got married.
In the 1980s, only a very small number of families could afford the dowry of "three turns and one sound" (referring to a set of three watches, one ring, and one radio).
The news that Li Aiqin had married well spread throughout the entire residential compound, and on her wedding day, the entrance was crowded with people.
Although Li Aiqin was still dissatisfied with marrying Xu Haifeng, this was the first time she had been in the spotlight, and it was the man who gave her confidence.
Zheng Yilan, as the mother-in-law, was extremely arrogant.
Seeing the envy on the faces of those who used to look down on her, she really wanted to applaud.
Someone laughed and said, "Yilan, your Aiqin married so well. The man is handsome and talented. Your good fortune is just beginning."
"That's right. The 'three turns and one sound' (referring to a watch, a bicycle, a radio, and a sewing machine) are not easy to buy. You not only need money, but also tickets."
Then someone else chimed in, "His son-in-law is a minor manager at the steel factory; what kind of ticket can't he get?"
Zheng Yilan glanced at the three gossipy women who usually didn't even need to look at her properly, but now they were fawning over her at every turn.
She couldn't suppress her smile. "He's just a minor section chief, only in charge of a dozen or so people."
"Wow, you're really capable."
The three men immediately changed their opinion of Zheng Yilan and often asked her out for shopping and chatting.
Li Aiqin rode her bicycle, enjoying the prestige along the way. But when she arrived at the Xu family's house and saw the meager banquet, her face immediately fell.
"The bride is here! The bride is here!"
Someone shouted something, and instantly everyone looked over.
Li Aiqin forced a smile, unaware that her smile looked worse than her tears.
The Xu family parents' originally gentle expressions suddenly turned cold, but it was fleeting and no one noticed.
As she walked around and around, she felt like her head was about to explode, and she couldn't tell who was who at all.
Zhan Tianjiao stepped forward and said gently, "Haifeng, quickly take Aiqin back to the house to rest for a while."
"Thank you, Mom."
Before the marriage, Li Aiqin had only met her parents-in-law once, and she had a good impression of them.
Zhan Tianjiao smiled and said, "Why are you being so polite with your mother? You're feeling unwell right now, so go back to your room and lie down. I'll take care of things here."
The Xu family's house is on the third floor, with three bedrooms and a living room. It looks quite spacious, and there is also a TV in the house.
Li Aiqin's depression suddenly dissipated a little.
Xu Haifeng was busy in the new house. "Honey, I'll go downstairs to greet the guests first. If you need anything, just have Yaya call me."
Ya Ya is the daughter of his older brother, Xu Haitao.
"Wait, I have something I want to ask you."
"What's wrong?"
Xu Haifeng, not understanding what was going on, squatted down in front of her.
Don't you think today's banquet is rather meager?
The meal consisted of three vegetarian dishes and a plate of minced meat, and it was devoured as soon as it hit the table.
Xu Haifeng blinked and began to lie through his teeth, "That's how it is. That's how it is at other people's banquets. So Mom didn't set out so many dishes to be fair and save money for the two of us."
"I see." Li Aiqin thought to herself, "Not bad."
"Honey, is there any other problem?"
"That's all, you can go now."
After the man left, Li Aiqin wandered around the room.
Just then, a little girl stood opposite her, poking her fingers. Her clothes were a bit dirty, her face was covered in black and red patches, and her eyes had a silly look about them.
She gave a look of disgust and raised her voice slightly, "Who are you?"
The little girl remained unmoved, just staring at her and grinning foolishly.
Li Aiqin felt a chill run down her spine. "If you don't say anything, I'm kicking you out."
A plump old woman rushed in, panting, and said, "Sister-in-law, she is your niece."
"I don't have a niece."
As soon as she finished speaking, she belatedly realized, "And who are you?"
Hu Tao introduced herself, "I am Haifeng's sister-in-law, my name is Hu Tao, and she is my daughter Yaya."
Upon hearing the other person's identity, Li Aiqin carefully examined him and made comparisons in her mind.
She quickly changed her tone, "Oh, it's my sister-in-law. I'm sorry I didn't recognize my family."
"It's alright, I'll take Yaya downstairs and won't disturb your rest."
The banquet ended in the evening, and the Xu family was at a loss as to what to do about the mess on the ground.
Xu Haiyan complained, "Second brother, second sister-in-law has been up there all day, why doesn't she come down and do any work?"
"Yes, this new bride is so insensible."
Zhan Tianjiao reprimanded her second son, telling him to go home and teach him a lesson tonight.
Xu Chang took a drag of his cigarette and scolded, "Alright, she's just joined the family and doesn't know our rules yet. Talk to her properly tomorrow."
"You guys hurry up and pack up. I have to go to work tomorrow, so I'm going back to rest first."
He then left with his hands behind his back.
Xu Haiyan pouted, "Mom, look at Dad..."
"Alright, hurry up and pack up."
Zhan Tianjiao also held her breath, it seemed that this little vixen was not as difficult to handle as her eldest daughter-in-law.
Li Aiqin was fast asleep in the house, completely unaware that she had earned a reputation for being lazy and good-for-nothing in the Xu family's eyes.
*
Now, Su Jingjing goes to the store to check on things every weekend.
"Yuanyuan, come down quickly."
As soon as I got home, I saw Yuanyuan sitting on her father's shoulders, laughing all the while.
The courtyard, which had been filled with laughter and chatter, suddenly fell silent.
"Mom...Mom..."
Her round, doe-like eyes revealed fear.
Yan Ling winked. "Honey, what if you scare Yuanyuan with all that noise?"
Su Jingjing closed the door and walked in, frowning. "Mom, how could you let Yuanyuan sit on Dad's shoulders?"
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