Ji Shuyu had just stepped out of the laboratory, pondering whether to spend the evening grinding points in the Simulation Lab or head home and let He Yuan cook her something nutritious to replenish her brainpower, when she heard someone call out to her brightly.
“Sister Shuyu! Sister Shuyu!”
Ji Shuyu turned to see Xiao Xin from the supply and marketing cooperative.
The girl was wearing a brand-new floral blouse, her hair neatly combed, her face flushed, and her eyes sparkling. It was clear she had joyous news.
“Xiao Xin? What brings you here? Come on in, have a seat.” Ji Shuyu greeted her with a smile.
Xiao Xin hurried over, grabbed Ji Shuyu’s hand, and shook it excitedly. “Sister Shuyu! I came specifically to thank you! And to deliver your invitation!”
It hadn’t been that long since they last met, but the timid demeanor she used to have was completely gone.
Now, she was radiant, lively, and cheerful.
“Invitation? What invitation?” Ji Shuyu didn’t catch on immediately.
“Zhao Qiang’s and mine!” Xiao Xin’s face turned even redder, filled with the shyness and joy of a bride-to-be.
“Our… our matter is settled! My parents finally agreed, they’ve consented to our marriage! It’s all thanks to you for originally bringing us together and having Zhao Qiang work hard under Regimental Commander He.”
Ji Shuyu was overjoyed to hear this. “Really? That’s wonderful, congratulations! That Zhao Qiang, he’s something else, huh? He really managed to persuade your parents?”
“Yes!” Xiao Xin nodded vigorously, her eyes full of happiness.
“Zhao Qiang is working so hard now. He’s capable and dependable. He gives all the money he earns to my parents to manage, saying it’s security for giving me a good life in the future.”
“My parents saw that he’s truly sincere towards me and that he’s ambitious, so… they relented!”
After all, Xiao Xin’s parents’ biggest worry was precisely about the couple’s future livelihood.
Zhao Qiang demonstrated his sincerity, so of course, her parents agreed.
“That’s really wonderful!” Ji Shuyu was genuinely happy for them. She remembered how Xiao Xin’s family had been dead set against it before, almost tearing the couple apart.
“Sister Shuyu, you are our matchmaker! Without you, Zhao Qiang and I wouldn’t have this day.” As she spoke, Xiao Xin pulled a bright red invitation from her pocket and pressed it into Ji Shuyu’s hand.
“Tonight, my parents are hosting a few tables at home, just for close family and friends. You must come! My parents said we absolutely have to invite you, our great benefactor!”
“Regimental Commander He is being notified by Zhao Qiang.”
Ji Shuyu took the invitation, looking at the names “Zhao Qiang” and “Wang Xinxin” written side by side.
“Alright, I’ll definitely be there,” Ji Shuyu agreed readily. “This is a joyous occasion. I need to see how beautiful the bride looks!”
Xiao Xin shyly stamped her foot. “Sister Shuyu, don’t tease me! It’s just a dinner for both families first. It’s settled then! Come early tonight and help me see if there’s anything else to prepare. I need to get back and help now!”
“Go on, hurry along.” Ji Shuyu smiled as she watched Xiao Xin leave.
She looked down at the bright red invitation in her hand, and her own mood brightened.
That evening, Ji Shuyu and He Yuan arrived on time at Xiao Xin’s home.
Several large round tables were set up in the courtyard, already filled with many relatives and neighbors. The place was bustling and filled with laughter and joyful chatter.
Xiao Xin’s parents were beaming, busily attending to the guests.
Xiao Xin, dressed in red, was waiting for them at the entrance. Seeing Ji Shuyu arrive, she immediately came forward happily.
“Sister Shuyu, Regimental Commander He, you’re here! Please, come inside and sit down!”
Zhao Qiang was also there, wearing a brand-new Zhongshan suit, looking spirited.
Seeing He Yuan, he immediately straightened up and saluted. He Yuan smiled and patted him on the shoulder. “You’re the main character today, relax a bit.”
The banquet began, and the atmosphere was initially harmonious and joyful.
Xiao Xin’s parents stood up to thank all the relatives and friends for coming.
They specifically mentioned Ji Shuyu and He Yuan, saying it was thanks to them that Zhao Qiang had become more and more promising and that he and Xiao Xin could have this day.
Everyone smiled, casting friendly glances towards Ji Shuyu and He Yuan.
After a few rounds of drinks and several courses, most people were immersed in the celebratory mood.
But there’s always someone who can’t stand to see others happy.
Among the guests was a middle-aged woman with very high cheekbones, a distant aunt from Xiao Xin’s family, whom everyone called Auntie Wang.
She had previously been scheming to match her own idle, good-for-nothing son with Xiao Xin.
She figured that since Xiao Xin was the only daughter, the family’s assets would eventually fall into her family’s pockets – essentially, marrying into the family to inherit their property.
She never expected Zhao Qiang to appear out of nowhere, completely ruining her plans.
Watching Xiao Xin’s parents’ satisfied looks towards Zhao Qiang, and seeing Xiao Xin and Zhao Qiang sweetly toasting the guests, she felt sourness bubbling up inside.
She squinted her eyes and said to the person next to her in a sarcastic, insinuating tone:
“Oh my, this engagement banquet is quite lively. It’s just a pity… The bride’s elders are all here, but why isn’t there a single proper elder from the groom’s side?”
“Does the Zhao family not value our Xiao Xin enough? Could there be some issue? I’ve heard that some families don’t even show their faces because they look down on the bride’s family!”
Her words caused the previously lively banquet to quiet down noticeably.
The smiles on Xiao Xin’s parents’ faces stiffened, and Xiao Xin nervously grabbed Zhao Qiang’s hand.
Zhao Qiang’s expression darkened; he wanted to explain but was afraid of saying the wrong thing.
He Yuan frowned slightly and was about to speak when Ji Shuyu gently pressed his hand, stood up herself with a smile, and took over.
She picked up a cup of water, walked smilingly over to the so-called Auntie Wang, and said in a clear, loud voice:
“Auntie Wang, is it? What you said isn’t quite right. Zhao Qiang’s parents live far away, the sea route is difficult, and the journey is too hard on the elderly. It’s not easy for them to make the trip.”
“Their regards and intentions were conveyed long ago through others, and they discussed and agreed upon this with Xiao Xin’s parents beforehand. How can you say they don’t value it?”
She paused, let her gaze sweep over the guests, and continued speaking clearly.
“Besides, we’re in a new society now. What matters is that the young people love each other and can stand on their own two feet.”
“Zhao Qiang is here alone, relying on his own two hands, working hard and diligently. He’s built a future for himself and earned the recognition of Xiao Xin and her parents.”
“This sense of responsibility and capability is stronger than anything! Isn’t this infinitely better than relying solely on one’s parents to show face while being incapable oneself?”
Ji Shuyu’s words carried a pointed meaning. Several relatives who knew about Auntie Wang’s lazy son smirked secretly.
Auntie Wang was left speechless, her face flushing red then turning pale. She still tried to retort, “You… what do you, an outsider, know…”
“How am I an outsider?” Ji Shuyu’s smile grew sweeter.
“I’m Xiao Xin and Zhao Qiang’s matchmaker, so I’m practically half a member of the bride’s family. I’ve seen how Zhao Qiang has worked hard step by step and how sincere he is towards Xiao Xin.”
“What I value is his character and ability, and I believe Xiao Xin’s parents feel the same.”
“As for all those baseless suspicions and gossip, on such a joyous day like this, it’s better to say less. Let’s not spoil everyone’s mood, don’t you think, Auntie Wang?”
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