Chapter 829 Department Store On a day off, Ma Hongxia specially changed into her most presentable gray plaid top, dressed up in the same way, and walked into the largest department store in Beijing.
The store was bustling with people, and the selection of goods was much richer than in the previous few days, but it was still a traditional counter-style sales store.
They first went to the bedding counter.
Various bed sheets and duvet covers are displayed in the glass cabinet.
Ma Hongxia looked carefully and finally pointed to a satin quilt cover with a bright peony and phoenix pattern and a pink bed sheet with the character "囍" and mandarin ducks printed on it. She said to the salesperson, "Please take a look at these two items."
"Mom, isn't this... a bit too flashy?" Liu Hua muttered under her breath, looking at the bright red and green quilt cover. She preferred the more understated color of the quilt next to her.
"What do you know?" Ma Hongxia gave her daughter a reproachful look. "This is what you need for a wedding. It's festive and auspicious! This satin is so nice, so smooth."
She touched the texture of the quilt cover and was very satisfied.
Then, she added a colored pillowcase to complete the set.
But seeing her daughter staring intently at the simple, clean designs, she gave in.
"Buy that one too."
Liu Hua happily took Ma Hongxia's hand: "Thank you, Mom."
Next, they went to the enamelware counter.
Ma Hongxia picked out two enamel basins with large red "囍" characters printed on them, one red and one pink.
I also selected a set of enamel tea mug and toothbrush cup with the same pattern printed on them.
"Mom, aren't there plastic enamelware now? It's lightweight." Liu Hua looked at those heavy enamelware items.
“Plastic is not durable, enamel is better, it won’t break!” Ma Hongxia insisted, “These are all necessities for daily life.”
Finally, they came to a relatively quiet counter that sold new pressure thermos flasks and table lamps.
Ma Hongxia hesitated for a moment, then pointed to the maroon gas-pressure thermos and said to the salesperson, "I want this one."
These are modern items she added for her daughter, considered a highlight of her dowry.
Looking at the thermos that didn't need a kettle, Liu Hua finally showed a hint of fondness in her eyes.
Ma Hongxia pulled Liu Hua and headed straight for the clothing sales area.
There are more counters here than those selling fabrics, and the clothes hanging here are much more fashionable than those in the previous places.
"You only get married once in your life, so you have to buy several new outfits from head to toe."
Ma Hongxia muttered to herself, her gaze sweeping over the clothes rack.
She first picked out a bright red woolen short coat for her daughter, with a black fur collar that looked exceptionally festive and elegant.
“This outfit is good. You can wear it for the first time or the second time you return to your parents’ home. It will look presentable.”
Liu Hua touched the soft fur collar, liking it in her heart, but still said, "Mom, isn't this too flashy..."
“Listen, you have to wear red for your wedding!” Ma Hongxia said firmly, and quickly picked out a beige long-sleeved polyester shirt, a pair of navy blue polyester trousers, and a pink cardigan with delicate lace trim.
"This outfit is great for everyday wear; it makes me look smart and stylish."
After buying clothes for her daughter, Ma Hongxia started to think again: "Zhao Rui is getting married soon, so I should also get him a decent set of clothes."
These words made Liu Hanhua's face blush slightly, but her heart felt sweet.
They went to the men's clothing counter.
Ma Hongxia took a fancy to a dark gray woolen Zhongshan suit; the material was thick and the fit was crisp.
She asked the sales clerk for Zhao Rui's size and carefully checked the stitching and buttons.
“This outfit is good. He can dress appropriately for formal occasions in the future and won’t look bad.”
Next, she selected two white polyester shirts and a pair of dark wool trousers for Zhao Rui.
"We can wear them interchangeably, there are enough to wear."
When it came time to pay the bill, Ma Hongxia took out a handkerchief from her cloth bag, unfolded it layer by layer, and found a thick wad of cash inside.
She counted the money slowly and carefully, but there was no sign of heartache on her face, only the solemnity of someone preparing an important event for their daughter.
After buying the clothes, Liu Hua only uttered a sound of surprise.
"I almost forgot."
"Forgot what?" Ma Hongxia asked curiously.
"We didn't go to Jasmine Clothing to take a look; their women's clothing is much more fashionable there."
“Go buy two more items.”
Ma Hongxia thought it was something serious, but she often saw advertisements for clothing on TV, and the clothes from Lu Qingyang's clothing factory were indeed very nice.
"Mom, I also need to buy you and Dad new outfits, and Grandma too!"
"You silly child..." Ma Hongxia complained, but she was secretly overjoyed.
...
The chosen auspicious day was a clear and sunny weekend.
Early in the morning, the Liu family got busy.
Liu Dong sprinkled water and swept the already clean courtyard again, while Ma Hongxia polished the altar table in the main room until it shone, setting out washed teacups and serving melons and peanuts for the guests. Liu Hua was even more restless, constantly adjusting her clothes and peeking out the door.
Around 10 a.m., the sound of a bicycle bell came from the alley.
Upon seeing Zhao Rui, he was wearing a brand-new dark blue Zhongshan suit, which made him look even more upright and spirited.
Behind him, his parents also came pushing their bicycles.
Father Zhao pushed a 26-inch Forever bicycle with a net bag hanging on the handlebars containing a box of snacks. Mother Zhao rode a 26-inch Flying Pigeon bicycle, with things also in its basket.
As expected, Zhao's father looked every bit the researcher, wearing black-rimmed glasses, a faded but perfectly tidy Zhongshan suit, his top button fastened meticulously, and a gentle yet slightly reserved smile on his face.
Zhao's mother had her short hair neatly combed to her ears, and she wore a light gray polyester jacket over a white shirt. She looked clean and sharp, and her eyes were bright and gentle.
"Brother Liu, Sister Ma, sorry to bother you."
Zhao's mother stepped forward with a smile and exchanged pleasantries with Ma Hongxia and Liu Dong, who were welcoming them.
The group was warmly invited into the main room and seated.
Ma Hongxia quickly made tea for the guests.
Father Zhao solemnly placed the gifts he brought one by one on the altar table.
First, he wrapped four kinds of Beijing-style pastries in bright red oil paper, and then covered them with a red paper sign with the words "Old Brand". He explained, "This is Daoxiangcun, and the kids love to eat it."
Next came two packs of Daqianmen cigarettes wrapped in red paper, which were handed to Liu Dong: "Father-in-law, this is a small token of my appreciation."
Then, Zhao's mother took out a long, exquisite box tied with a red ribbon from her handbag, opened it, and found a shiny Hero fountain pen inside.
Zhao's mother smiled and said, "I heard from Rui that Huazhi is good at accounting. I hope that these two young people can make progress together in their work and studies in the future." This gift is not only valuable but also has profound meaning, which is very suitable for the Zhao family's status.
Finally, Zhao's father took out a thick red envelope sealed with red paper from the inside pocket of his Zhongshan suit jacket and handed it to Ma Hongxia with both hands: "Mother-in-law, this is a small token of our appreciation. We're buying some things that Huazhi likes. Please forgive us if our manners are lacking."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
