Chapter 78

Chapter 78

Liu Liu saw Jin Xiuzhu and immediately reached out for a hug.

Jin Xiuzhu thought it was because they hadn't seen each other for a long time, and her daughter missed her.

She hurriedly went forward and held Liu Liu in her arms, soothing her softly, "What's wrong? Are you missing Mom too much? Mom misses you too. How about I make something delicious for you tonight?"

Liu Liu pouted, tightened her grip around Jin Xiuzhu's neck, and buried her little head in Jin Xiuzhu's neck without saying a word.

It was He Yan who, after drinking some hot water, said, "Don't mention it; Liu Liu was terrified. When we got off the train, she almost got kidnapped."

Jin Xiuzhu's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, "What happened?"

Fu Yanyan explained, "It's my fault. When we got off the train, there were so many people. Dad and brother were carrying luggage, and I was holding my sister's hand in the middle. As soon as we stepped off the train, someone darted out and grabbed my sister to run away. If it weren't for Dad's quick reaction, she would have been taken."

Hearing this, Liu Liu seemed to recall the frightening incident, and her eyes turned red again.

Jin Xiuzhu quickly patted her back to comfort her, her face darkening as she asked, "Isn't there police at the train station?"

Jiang Mingchuan replied, "With the New Year celebrations, there are so many people; how can they manage everyone?"

He Yan added, "Mom, you didn't see it. The train station is packed with people. With the recent policy of openness, many people are traveling. Everyone is rushing home for the New Year, making it impossible to see anything. Fortunately, Dad was there to snatch my sister back and even escorted the perpetrator to the police at the station. The police said that many children have gone missing these days, and ours is the only one found. Some are part of organized gangs, with some responsible for snatching and others hiding them—it's a vicious cycle."

Jin Xiuzhu listened with shock and fear, hugging Liu Liu tightly.

Liu Liu pouted and acted spoiled, "Mom, I was so scared then."

Jin Xiuzhu stroked her little head, "It's okay, don't worry. Tonight, Mom will call out for you, and you won't be afraid anymore."

Liu Liu nodded obediently.

Jingzhi, still shaken, came over and patted Liu Liu's back, unable to imagine what would happen if Liu Liu had been lost.

Perhaps due to her young age, after being comforted by her mother for a while, Liu Liu's mood improved, and she started running around upstairs and downstairs.

Her room had already been tidied up by Jin Xiuzhu, with a small quilt with floral patterns laid on the bed, looking warm and cozy.

Fu Yanyan, feeling guilty, stayed close to her sister, following her wherever she went. Liu Liu was delighted and led her sister to the kitchen for snacks.

In the evening, Zhong Xue brought her child over. She had been coming over for dinner every day recently, enjoying Jin Xiuzhu's cooking.

Before her in-laws' troubles, she used to cook, but she lacked talent. Her dishes could only be described as cooked, not particularly tasty. It wasn't until she tasted Jin Xiuzhu's cooking that she realized simple home-cooked meals could be so delicious.

She complained to Jin Xiuzhu, "I've been eating my mom's cooking since childhood. My mom's cooking is very simple. No matter what dish, she just stir-fries it with a little oil and then boils it with water. She doesn't use much oil—just a few drops. How could it taste good?"

Jin Xiuzhu laughed, "I wondered where Jiang Mingchuan learned his cooking skills. Turns out he learned from Auntie."

Zhong Xue burst into laughter, "That's true. When I was young, my mom often invited Brother Mingchuan over for meals. He always helped in the kitchen, probably learning from her."

Actually, she didn't say that Jiang Mingchuan's adoptive mother was even more frugal, watching closely when cooking to ensure no extra oil was used.

Jin Xiuzhu remembered how Jiang Mingchuan used to cook, using only two drops of oil and sparing salt, resulting in bland dishes like boiled water.

In the evening, Jiang Mingchuan and He Yan cooked the meal together, which tasted excellent. Everyone had two bowls, leaving nothing left.

After dinner, Jin Xiuzhu and Zhong Xue reviewed their list again, discussing which family to visit first with Bai Jingzhi tomorrow.

Zhong Xue agreed with Jin Xiuzhu's plan, "Indeed, it's better to do things in the capital than elsewhere. Your in-laws have many friends here. Getting to know them now will benefit the younger generation later. After working, I realized that those with connections fare better. Without connections, you're vulnerable to bullying. When I got married, my family was gone, and they took advantage of me."

Now, talking about these things, Zhong Xue could face them calmly, even joking about herself, showing she had truly let go.

She then turned to Bai Jingzhi, "Tomorrow, follow your brother and sister-in-law to meet people. Be confident and answer their questions clearly. Those elders like you."

Bai Jingzhi nodded obediently, "Okay."

Zhong Xue asked, "We'll be last. Focus on meeting the elders first. The day after tomorrow is the engagement banquet. When will the groom's side arrive?"

Bai Jingzhi replied, "Ji Ling said he'll come in the evening. He went home first."

Zhong Xue nodded, "That makes sense. They must be busier on their side. I heard there's no father in the family. You might have to work harder after marriage, but it's fine as long as he values you. Remember the person I wrote to you about?"

Jin Xiuzhu thought for a moment, "Yes, the one introduced by your relatives?"

"Right. We met twice, and I felt he still had deep feelings for his ex-wife. I didn't want to continue. I don't want to marry someone who still has feelings for another."

Zhong Xue smiled, "Especially after reading your letter, I realized it wasn't worth it. I don't lack anything now, why settle?"

Jin Xiuzhu agreed, "Our neighbor is now a military wife. I'm teaching her some traditional Chinese medicine knowledge..."

She briefly told Zhong Xue about Li Yun, adding, "Hearing your situation, I felt it was similar. I worried she'd overthink, so I agreed to teach her. It's a shame if such knowledge gets lost. She's calm and learns quickly."

Zhong Xue seemed relieved, sighing, "I was worried about her future."

"Maybe she should focus on having the baby first."

Zhong Xue sighed, "Having a child is both good and bad. Without family support, it's harder to raise a child alone."

"But without a child, she might remarry. Having a child might be better."

Zhong Xue nodded, "True. If I really don't want to get married, my parents wouldn't say anything. Mainly, it's the relatives who bother. Anyway, let's hope Jingzhi has a good life, like you two."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled.

As night fell, Zhong Xue took her two children home. She rode a bicycle, with one child in front and the other behind, heading home.

After riding for a while, her son remarked enviously, "Mom, Auntie's house is so lively."

Zhong Xue laughed, "Our house is lively too. Your grandmother still complains about you being noisy every day."

The daughter sitting in the back suddenly asked, "Will Mom get married again?"

"Not anymore. Didn't you hear your aunt say that Aunt Li Yun regrets it?"

Her daughter responded understandingly, "That's because she met someone bad. If she had met someone like Uncle Jiang, she wouldn't regret it."

In fact, she also wanted a father like Uncle Jiang. Fu Yanyan wasn't her biological sister, but Uncle Jiang was always kind to her.

Zhong Xue fell silent for a moment before saying, "The previous uncle wasn't right. If Mom meets someone suitable in the future, she'll get married."

The daughter in the back smiled, "I want a dad like Uncle Jiang, who cooks lots of delicious food and serves dishes to Yanyan and Liu Liu."

Zhong Xue didn't expect her daughter to remember these details. But she didn't know how to explain to her daughter that men like Uncle Jiang were rare in real life, and it was unlikely that she would meet another one. When young, she only liked sweet-talking and well-dressed men, thinking surface charm was enough. Only with age did she realize that many good qualities could be faked, and true goodness came from within.

Jiang Mingchuan and Jin Xiuzhu, as a couple, could make any life better. Together, they made their lives even happier.

After everyone left, Jiang Mingchuan asked Zhong Xue about writing letters. He didn't know about this yet.

Jin Xiuzhu explained, "Zhong Xue has good conditions. She can marry anyone. Why find someone with feelings for someone else? That will definitely lead to arguments. Men rarely cherish those around them. Once things go wrong, they start missing the past. If they were together for life, they might not treat others well either, often putting on a show."

Jiang Mingchuan regretted asking and was scolded by his wife. He whispered, "I'm not like that."

Jin Xiuzhu snorted, "Who knows? We've only been married for a few years, not a lifetime."

She turned and went to the kitchen to wash up.

Jiang Mingchuan felt wronged and looked at the children and his sister.

Jingzhi sympathetically glanced at him but said, "Brother, be nicer to Sister-in-law."

She then followed Jin Xiuzhu.

Jiang Mingchuan: "..."

Fu Yanyan held her sister's hand and started upstairs, hesitating before saying, "Dad, Mom cares about you."

He Yan comfortingly patted his father's shoulder, "Dad, don't disappoint us."

Jiang Mingchuan sternly said, "Looks like you're itching for a beating."

He Yan shrank back and quickly ran away.

Jiang Mingchuan watched him run faster than a rabbit and couldn't help laughing.

Around ten o'clock that night, Ji Ling arrived with a large bag full of local specialties from his hometown.

The next morning, the whole family got ready and left, each carrying something. Besides candies, many were pastries made by Jin Xiuzhu and the family.

Although the department store sold pastries, they were expensive and not very tasty. So they decided to make their own, saving money in the process.

Perhaps due to being in the capital, everything was more expensive.

Jingzhi walked beside Jin Xiuzhu, feeling warm inside. The family had been busy helping her, making her feel both guilty and grateful, realizing how wonderful having family was.

First, they visited Old Man Zhang's house. Jin Xiuzhu had written to him in November about these matters and visited him shortly after arriving in the capital. So today, Old Man Zhang was waiting for them at home.

They arrived early, delivered gifts, introduced themselves, and then moved on to other houses, agreeing to have dinner there later.

They visited several other families, all old friends of Jiang Mingchuan's parents.

By the time they finished, it was already four in the afternoon. They returned to Old Man Zhang's house, finding many people there, some from earlier visits and some younger members of the Zhang family.

Several aunts held Jingzhi's hands, saying she looked like her mother.

Jingzhi responded with a confident smile. Zhong Xue's family also arrived, and with so many people, Zhong Xue came over to talk to Jin Xiuzhu.

She sighed, "It's been a long time since I've seen so many people. Even during the New Year, it's never this lively."

Jin Xiuzhu glanced at Jingzhi surrounded by people in the living room and smiled, "Everyone is happy today."

Zhong Xue smiled, "It's great. Ji Ling must be under pressure. He probably didn't expect so many elders to support Jingzhi."

Jin Xiuzhu heard this and scanned the living room, spotting Ji Ling surrounded by several elders. She couldn't help but laugh, "Our daughter isn't easy to marry off."

"Exactly. My parents were too accommodating. Remember, no matter how good a man is, he needs to be kept in check, or he'll get carried away."

Jin Xiuzhu nodded, "I agree."

"Right?"

Zhong Xue proudly raised her chin, "By the way, I plan to quit my job at the department store next year and go south to see what's happening."

Jin Xiuzhu looked at her in surprise, "Why? Is the job not good?"

"It's not that, just not much potential. I heard the south will develop well, so I want to explore it."

Jin Xiuzhu thought for a moment and shared her experience, "If you go south, decide clearly what you want to do. Previously, Wang Ling and I discussed taking over her factory if it closed down. Then we could open our own clothing factory and store."

"When Mingchuan and I went to a neighboring provincial capital for a competition, we met a woman whose factory wasn't doing well. I was interested in their factory, but she didn't reply to my letters. I gave up. It's probably better to find our own place anyway."

Zhong Xue nodded, "That makes sense."

Then she lowered her voice, "Let me tell you a secret. A friend mentioned that the south will have big changes soon. If you have money, invest there; you won't lose."

Jin Xiuzhu understood and tapped her teacup against Zhong Xue's, "Thank you."

Zhong Xue smiled.

At dinner time, the Zhang family couldn't fit around their table, so they borrowed two tables from their neighbors. After eating, they chatted for a long time and didn't leave until around nine or ten o'clock at night.

Jiang Mingchuan carried Ji Ling back with a dark face. Ji Ling had a low alcohol tolerance and was quickly drunk by the elders. Fortunately, he didn't pass out as he used to; he just sat there with a red face. Jiang Mingchuan took care of the rest of the drinks for him.

Jin Xiuzhu and Bai Jingzhi walked behind them, watching the two. Bai Jingzhi looked worried, but Jin Xiuzhu laughed, "Let your brother carry you; he's strong."

Bai Jingzhi found it amusing yet heart-warming.

Jin Xiuzhu asked her, "Are you going back with Ji Ling or with us?"

Bai Jingzhi knew what she meant, "We've discussed it. I'll go back with you."

"Alright, we'll leave on the third day."

"Okay."

The next morning, before dawn, Jin Xiuzhu got up to do Bai Jingzhi's makeup. All the products were bought from the department store. Now, the department store had many more women's items, skincare and cosmetics filling the shelves. There used to be some, but not as many or as openly displayed.

Jin Xiuzhu sensed an invisible force changing everything.

Although Jin Xiuzhu hadn't done makeup in a long time, her skills remained. She used fine silk threads to thread Bai Jingzhi's eyebrows. Bai Jingzhi didn't dare move, closing her eyes and fluttering her eyelashes.

"It might hurt a bit, bear with it."

"Mm."

After threading, Jin Xiuzhu wiped her face with a warm towel and applied facial cream. Then she started doing her makeup.

Bai Jingzhi didn't know how Jin Xiuzhu did it, but after a few simple touches, she looked different—her complexion improved, her eyes became more attractive, and her finely shaped eyebrows added elegance. With lip rouge, she barely recognized herself.

Next, Jin Xiuzhu styled her hair. She wet the comb with the water used for washing her face, combed it smooth, and then twisted it into an elegant updo, making her face look smaller and prettier.

Looking at Bai Jingzhi in the mirror, Jin Xiuzhu was satisfied. She placed a few red velvet flowers in her hair and added earrings and a necklace.

Bai Jingzhi wore a red qipao-style dress made by Jin Xiuzhu—a fitted blouse and pleated skirt. It was cold, so she wore a thick cotton coat over it, which she would take off later during the toast.

Tall and fair-skinned, Bai Jingzhi looked even more beautiful in the dress.

She turned in front of the mirror, feeling more confident. Turning to Jin Xiuzhu, she smiled, "Thank you, sister-in-law."

Jin Xiuzhu, chin resting on her hand, was delighted, "Beautiful."

Indeed beautiful. Jin Xiuzhu thought Bai Jingzhi's appearance and figure were not suited for local attire. If she wore traditional Great Jing Dynasty clothing, even she would feel intimidated. Such innocent beauty could attract many young talents.

Bai Jingzhi blushed and lowered her head.

After finishing up, they went downstairs. Jiang Mingchuan and Ji Ling were already up and busy in the kitchen. Seeing them come down, Ji Ling stared in awe, holding the dishes motionless.

In the kitchen, Jiang Mingchuan didn't hear a response and came out to check. Seeing his brother's lack of composure, he angrily hit him with the handle of the spatula, "What are you standing there for? Come help."

After a glance at his beautifully dressed sister, he returned to the kitchen, growing angrier.

Ji Ling quickly responded, smiling at Bai Jingzhi, and hurried back to the kitchen after putting down the dumplings and dishes.

Bai Jingzhi's face turned red.

Jin Xiuzhu chuckled.

After breakfast, the family went to the State-owned hotel.

Zhong Xue came to pick them up, driving a small car she had somehow borrowed. She took Jin Xiuzhu and Bai Jingzhi first.

Jiang Mingchuan and He Yan followed behind, while Ji Ling detoured to the train station to pick up his mother and uncle.

The banquet was held in the largest private room on the second floor of the State-owned hotel, with five tables set up. There were no relatives present; only old friends of Jiang Mingchuan and Bai Jingzhi's parents were invited.

By mid-morning, guests started arriving, and Ji Ling brought Zhu Ying and Commissioner Zhu. Fang Min didn't come; Zhu Ying explained that she was back home, with a big belly, making travel difficult.

Jin Xiuzhu understood and gestured for her to sit down.

Commissioner Zhu greeted everyone warmly under Jiang Mingchuan's introduction. His high position contrasted sharply with Ji Ling's treatment yesterday. Everyone spoke to him politely, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

The meal lasted until past two in the afternoon. After sending all the guests off, the family finally relaxed.

Zhu Ying remarked, "They are all impressive people; I didn't dare speak loudly."

Jin Xiuzhu apologized, "It's mainly due to the tight schedule. Otherwise, we could have let you rest a bit."

Zhu Ying waved her hand, "It's normal. Weddings are always like this. It's just once."

Jin Xiuzhu smiled, "What are your plans for the afternoon?"

Zhu Ying replied, "We're heading back. Things aren't settled at home yet. Ji Ling will go with us, so you won't have to worry about anything here."

"No trouble at all. Everything is done now; it's your turn."

Zhu Ying smiled, "Busy but happy."

Seeing her radiant smile, Jin Xiuzhu felt her own fatigue lift, "Yes, busy but happy."

It had been a long time since she felt so busy. Watching the newlyweds' joyful faces made her feel young again.

That kind of youthful joy was something she had never experienced.

After tidying up, both families went downstairs together. Zhu Ying didn't let them send her off, telling them to rest and that they knew the way.

Watching the three of them leave, on their way back, Jiang Mingchuan and Jin Xiuzhu walked behind. He suddenly said, "In a few years, let's have a proper celebration too."

Jin Xiuzhu turned her head and looked at him in surprise.

Jiang Mingchuan smiled, "We had nothing back then; I felt like I wronged you."

Mainly because he noticed that today, Jin Xiuzhu looked at her sister with envy, feeling a pang of regret, thinking he hadn't done well enough back then.

Jin Xiuzhu smiled, "Your words are enough. We've been married for so many years; it would be embarrassing to do it now."

"What's there to be embarrassed about? It's our family's affair; who cares what others think? Our happiness is what matters most."

Jin Xiuzhu didn't say anything, but she felt a subtle sense of anticipation rising within her.