Lin Zhen’s trip took much longer than Song Wei had expected.
By the time the vegetable greenhouses were fully planted and the New Year was almost upon them, he finally returned.
But his return shook the entire Ping’an Production Brigade.
Because Lin Zhen came back with a radio and a sewing machine!
In this era, when it came to marriage, the most enviable betrothal gifts were the “Four Big Items”: a bicycle, a radio, a sewing machine, and a wristwatch.
It was unclear whether Lin Zhen had bought a wristwatch since it was small and easy to miss, but the radio and sewing machine were impossible to hide.
In their rural area, when marrying off a daughter, if the groom’s family could provide even one of the Four Big Items, it would be the envy of everyone.
Now, Lin Zhen’s household already had a bicycle, and he had bought a radio and a sewing machine—clearly intended as betrothal gifts.
“Good heavens, these are all brand new! How much did they cost?”
Lin Zhen smiled and asked a few people to help carry the sewing machine back.
He handed two cigarettes to the comrade who had driven the tractor to deliver the sewing machine as a thank-you, and didn’t forget to answer the aunties’ questions.
“Didn’t cost much. I bought them in the south, where they’re quite a bit cheaper than here.”
Hearing this, everyone assumed he had gone south for his trip.
In reality, he had gone to the northwest.
Besides the sewing machine and radio, the tractor was carrying other items.
Several bolts of fabric—all in beautiful colors and of good quality.
There were also clothes: a women’s trench coat, cotton-padded jackets, shoes, and most notably, a military overcoat.
That military overcoat was also designed for women, much smaller and more delicate than Lin Zhen’s.
Military overcoats were only available in the army and were considered military resources. It was illegal for others to buy or sell them privately.
This particular overcoat was a gift from his former superior’s wife, who had learned he was getting married.
Back when he was in the army, he had been on good terms with his superior’s family.
With so many things in tow, it was impossible not to attract attention.
Song Wei had been at home supervising Hei Dan’s homework when someone rushed over to notify them the moment Lin Zhen returned.
The two of them, along with the wolf and the fox, ran out to welcome Lin Zhen.
Lin Zhen, carrying the radio, broke into a smile when he saw Song Wei.
Though he didn’t say anything, his message was clear: he was back.
Lin Zhen and Song Wei brought the items inside, followed by a crowd of onlookers.
Many envious people teased Song Wei: “Three of the Four Big Items already! Your betrothal gifts are truly one-of-a-kind in Ping’an Production Brigade.”
“The house has already been renovated, so these are just the icing on the cake. Song Zhiqing, did Lin Zhen buy you a wristwatch?”
“He must have. Wristwatches are small—maybe it’s hidden in a pocket. Ask Lin Zhen to show us!”
“Song Zhiqing, you’ve really hit the jackpot. Lin Zhen treats you so well. Live a good life together—from my experience, your future will be bright and prosperous.”
Song Wei thanked those who offered their blessings.
She either pretended not to hear the requests to see the wristwatch or brushed them off with a laugh.
As for those who were sarcastic or green with envy, as long as they weren’t insulting or crossing the line, she simply ignored them.
It wasn’t a good day to start a fight.
Finally, after seeing off the crowd, Lin Zhen closed the gate and walked back to embrace Song Wei.
“Did anything happen while I was away?”
Song Wei let him hold her.
The man radiated a strong, masculine warmth, and snuggling into his embrace felt like hugging a heated stove.
It made her look forward to marriage even more. On such a cold winter day, having a human-shaped warmer in bed would keep her hands and feet from turning icy. Sleeping while holding him would surely be incredibly comfortable.
“Nothing major happened, but Lin Dahai has returned.”
Lin Zhen gave a soft hum to acknowledge he’d heard.
“We don’t need to do anything else now. Their fate is already sealed.”
As life continued to improve, Lin Zhen, though he harbored hatred for Old Lady Lin’s family, wouldn’t devote too much energy to them.
The Lin family had deteriorated to this state without Lin Zhen lifting a finger himself—only occasionally nudging things along.
It just goes to show that even the smallest butterfly can set off a tremendous chain of events.
Not wanting to dwell further on Old Lady Lin’s family, Song Wei noticed the dark circles under his eyes and urged him to go rest.
Lin Zhen was in good health, and due to his past profession, he could sometimes go two or three days without sleep without issue.
But the severe dark circles now suggested he had been rushing about for far too long without proper rest.
Lin Zhen was indeed exhausted. Though he had spoken briskly with others, the moment Song Wei pushed him into the room, he fell asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow.
Song Wei rolled up her sleeves and started preparing food.
She still hadn’t mastered cooking. Even when following the same steps, the food she made always turned out strangely.
Sometimes it would inexplicably burn, other times it remained half-raw, or it ended up unbearably salty—or worse, completely bland.
She couldn’t cook, but she had gotten decent at steaming mantou (steamed buns) and baozi (steamed buns with filling).
Of course, she needed help with the fillings.
Her strength made her dough exceptionally firm and elastic.
After kneading the dough and letting it ferment, Song Wei took out the venison she had hunted in the mountains yesterday. Wielding two cleavers, she chopped vigorously on the cutting board, her hands moving so fast they almost blurred.
Soon, the meat was finely minced into a smooth paste.
She placed the ground meat in a bowl and left Hei Dan to keep an eye on things at home. Then, with energetic steps, she headed to the educated youth point to seek help.
Li Juan was the best cook among the educated youth, especially when it came to preparing fillings.
Song Wei went straight to her.
Hearing that Song Wei had arrived, the educated youth gathered around, eager for gossip.
“Song Wei, did Lin Zhen really buy the Four Big Items?”
Song Wei nodded. Though she hadn’t seen the wristwatch yet, Lin Zhen had told her he bought one.
In fact, he bought two—a matching pair for him and her.
Liu Linlin: “Wow, I’m so jealous of you! You and Lin Zhen have such a great relationship. If I met someone who treated me as well as Lin Zhen treats you, I wouldn’t be opposed to marriage either.”
Gao Le said bluntly: “I’ve never seen you opposed to marriage anyway. You were even into someone like Luo Yecheng before.”
Liu Linlin was displeased: “Can we not bring up that jinx on such a good day? Everyone has their moments of poor judgment.”
Now, whenever Liu Linlin recalled how infatuated she once was with Luo Yecheng, it made her sick. She wanted to crack open her own head from back then to see what she was thinking—how could she have ever been interested in someone like Luo Yecheng?
These days, everyone in the educated youth point spoke of Song Wei and Lin Zhen with envy.
After all, anyone could see how well they got along.
Lin Zhen wasn’t domineering or chauvinistic; he knew how to care for others.
Tasks like washing clothes and cooking, which were generally seen as women’s duties, came naturally to him. Not only did he wash his own clothes, but he also washed Song Wei’s dirty laundry.
When it came to washing dishes, they did it together. Even though they weren’t married yet, they already had the vibe of an old married couple.
What woman wouldn’t want a man like that?
But someone like Lin Zhen was truly rare.
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