Chapter 190 Dowry That Cannot Be Donated Openly
"Hello Grandpa Lu! Hello Aunt and Uncle! Hello Little Aunt and Uncle!"
Gu Baobao took a deep breath, put on a polite smile, and greeted everyone in turn with a clear voice and graceful demeanor.
"Oh! Good child! Come in, come in! Are you cold?"
Grandpa Lu was all smiles and personally stepped aside to make way for him.
The eldest aunt, Lu Yuzhi, was about fifty years old. She had short, ear-length hair, wore a gray polyester jacket and glasses, and had a capable demeanor. She looked at Gu Baobao with gentle eyes and nodded repeatedly.
"Is this your baby? I've often heard Dad and Zhanming talk about you. Seeing is believing, this girl is beautiful! She has such a bright and spirited look!"
Uncle Liu Haitang, slightly overweight, with a warm smile, nodded in agreement:
"Welcome, welcome! We've been looking forward to your arrival."
My aunt, Lu Yulan, looks younger. She has a trendy perm and wears a navy blue Lenin suit, which makes her look more capable.
She stepped forward and took Gu Baobao's hand, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons with laughter.
"Finally, the rascal's girlfriend has arrived! I'm his aunt, so just call me aunt! This kid used to act like he was going to the execution ground whenever blind dates were mentioned, but it turns out he has such high standards, and she's been waiting here for him!"
Uncle Song Xiang, a standard soldier, stood ramrod straight. He didn't talk much, but his gaze towards Gu Baobao held admiration. He then punched Lu Zhanming in the shoulder.
"Good lad! You've got guts!"
Two teenagers, the younger cousin Liu Jianjun with his chubby face, looked at Gu Baobao curiously;
My cousin, Song Xiaomei, shyly hid behind her mother, but couldn't help stealing glances at her beautiful future sister-in-law.
Surrounded by everyone's enthusiasm, Gu Baobao's initial nervousness gradually dissipated, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart.
She could sense that the family genuinely welcomed her; the warm and loving atmosphere was undeniable.
Once inside and seated, the room was warmly heated, and the table was already laden with fruits and snacks, including some rare chocolates.
Grandpa Lu sat on the sofa in the main seat, looking at Gu Baobao with increasing satisfaction.
This child is not only exceptionally handsome, but also possesses a calm and dignified demeanor, with clear and upright eyes, clearly indicating that he has profound knowledge and wisdom.
She's so much better than those delicate or loud girls!
Most importantly, she was able to make her stubborn grandson, who was like a mule, finally give in and take the initiative to apply for marriage, and even make him say something like "protecting is fighting." That's no ordinary ability!
“Baby, you suffered and were frightened this time abroad.”
When Old Master Lu spoke, his tone was both loving and concerned.
"Zhan Ming is tough and resilient; it's his duty to take a bullet for him, so don't take it to heart. But you, at such a young age, are shouldering such a heavy responsibility; it's not easy for you."
"Grandpa Lu, please don't say that. Zhanming got injured while protecting me."
Gu Baobao quickly took out the gifts she had brought, especially handing the small cloth bag containing the special health-preserving pills to the old man.
"These are some medicine pills I made myself to regulate my body. They're made with good medicinal herbs. You can take them for fun; they'll be good for your health. The wine and cigarettes are for Grandpa and Uncle. Please have some fruit and snacks."
"You're here, why did you bring anything!"
Despite saying that, Old Master Lu took the small cloth bag and carefully put it away, his wrinkles beaming with joy.
This child is so sensible!
really!
Aunt Lu Yuzhi, observing Gu Baobao's methodical actions and speech, nodded in approval and asked:
"Baby, Zhanming said the organization has arranged a courtyard for you in Houhai? Is everything settled? If you need anything, just tell your aunt. It's close by and convenient."
“Everything is packed, Auntie. We have everything we need. The organization and Grandpa have been very thoughtful.”
Gu Baobao said gratefully.
Aunt Lu Yulan, being more impatient, went straight to the point:
"Have you submitted the marriage application? Have you decided on a date yet? The current situation is a bit... well, it's not appropriate to have a big celebration, but we're family, so we should at least have a lively affair!"
Your yard is big enough to fit several tables! Have you taken your wedding photos yet? Oh, that's popular now..."
"Magnolia!"
Old Master Lu coughed and glared at his youngest daughter.
"The children have just returned, settling them in is the priority. We'll discuss the wedding after the organization approves it. Keep everything simple for now; we can't cause trouble for the organization, and we definitely can't attract attention to the baby, understand?"
Lu Yulan stuck out her tongue:
"Dad, I'm just so happy! Our family hasn't had a happy occasion in years!"
At this point, the atmosphere in the living room paused slightly for a moment.
The early death of Lu Zhanming's parents is a wound that the Lu family can never heal.
Old Master Lu's eyes dimmed for a moment, then were replaced by a brighter look of satisfaction.
He looked at his grandson and granddaughter-in-law sitting side by side, and thought that his son and daughter-in-law could rest in peace now.
"Oh, right,"
Grandpa Lu changed the subject, took a small wooden box wrapped in red cloth from his pocket, and handed it to Gu Baobao.
"Baby, keep this."
Gu Baobao took it with a puzzled look; it felt quite heavy in her hand.
Uncover the red cloth to reveal a small sandalwood box, carved with simple patterns, exuding an antique charm.
Upon opening the box, one finds it lined with red velvet, upon which lie several items lying quietly:
A pair of jadeite bracelets with excellent clarity, emerald green and lustrous color;
A gold hairpin inlaid with rubies, with an antique style;
There are also a few yellowed and worn-out land deeds and house deeds?
Judging from the address and size, it seems to be a few shops and a small courtyard in the western and eastern parts of the city in the early years.
"Grandpa Lu, this..."
Gu Baobao was startled; this was far too valuable!
"Keep it, child."
Old Master Lu pressed down on her hand as she tried to refuse, his tone leaving no room for refusal, yet his voice was low, tinged with a sense of melancholy and world-weariness.
“This isn’t the kind of dowry that’s done openly; it’s not fashionable these days, and it’s too conspicuous. This is a small token of our appreciation that I, the old man, and Zhanming’s parents prepared for Zhanming’s future wife a long time ago.”
He stroked the pair of jade bracelets, his gaze distant:
"This bracelet was left to Zhanming by his grandmother. This hairpin was part of his mother's dowry."
These few sheets of paper... represent some property our family acquired years ago. Later, it was all converted into a joint public-private enterprise, but we still kept the deeds as a memento. They're not worth much money, but their significance is different.
He looked at Gu Baobao with an extremely solemn expression:
"Zhanming's parents passed away early, they didn't have the fortune to see their son get married. This old man's greatest wish is that this young man can find someone who cares for him."
A good girl to walk side by side with for a lifetime, living a peaceful and stable life, having many children. Now, that hope has come true.
"Baby, you are a good child, with great abilities and a broad mind. It is a blessing for Zhanming to marry you, and for our Lu family as well."
Keep these things safe. Consider them a gift from your grandfather, on behalf of Zhanming's deceased parents.
This is also our Lu family's recognition and appreciation of you. Giving it to you privately doesn't violate any rules; it's just a small token of our family tradition.
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