Chapter 80 The Finale

Chapter 80: The Grand Finale

Zhou Yanze first saw Lu Yun outside the state-owned restaurant. Lu Yun was sitting by the window, beaming. Zhou Yanze knew at that moment that it was love at first sight. He had someone look into Lu Yun, learning that she worked at a garment factory. He was figuring out how to meet and pursue Lu Yun when he found out that Lu Yun was going to have a blind date with Zhou Jun!

There was no way Zhou Yanze would let that blind date happen! Before he could even plot anything, he saw that Zhou Jun was about to ditch Lu Yun for Sun Chun. He hesitated, unsure if he should use this chance to meet Lu Yun, but he just couldn't stand the idea of Lu Yun waiting there by herself, so he took the initiative to go meet her himself.

Later, Zhou Yanze was so glad he'd gone to meet Lu Yun—it got him that blind date with her!

After hearing Zhou Yanze's story, Lu Yun thought it was amazing—so even without that blind date, he would've found a way to meet and chase after her.

As her pregnancy progressed, Lu Yun had a harder time getting around, and Zhou Yanze tried to stay home with her as much as he could. He'd go on walks with her, take her to the store, or bring her to her parents' place.

When Chen Qiao made plans with Lu Yun, Zhou Yanze didn't butt in—he'd drop Lu Yun off to meet Chen Qiao and then pick her up to bring her home. When Chen Qiao came over to visit, Zhou Yanze would head out to give Lu Yun her space.

Chen Qiao's career was stable now. She'd wanted to date, but she couldn't find the right guy, so she'd given up on that. And watching Lu Yun marry a guy like Zhou Yanze made it even harder to find someone who measured up.

Chen Qiao: "Why can't there be a guy like Zhou Yanze who falls for me at first sight?"

Lu Yun: "How could there not be? Maybe there is. Don't rush it. You'll definitely find happiness."

Lu Yun and Zhou Yanze went back to the compound. Lu Yun urged her parents to think about moving into the siheyuan, which was ready to live in right away. The big plus was that it was close to her dad's shop. Lu Yun's parents were keeping up with the times, too—her dad's shop was already open, and they'd both quit their jobs to focus on the business.

When Zhou Yanze's housing development launched, he set aside a unit for Lu Yun's parents and one for himself and Lu Yun. He chimed in to persuade them, saying if they wanted to live in an apartment building, they could move there too.

Lu Yun's parents mulled it over and decided to move into her siheyuan.

When Lu Yun and Zhou Yanze got back, Han Gang was in the courtyard talking to Sun Zhi. The two families had bad blood, and their conversation was full of jabs.

Han Gang: "I really didn't think you'd get remarried."

Sun Zhi: "I didn't think you'd marry into the family, either."

Han Gang: "What do you know? I'm way better off than you."

Sun Zhi: "That's debatable."

Lu Yun found their back-and-forth hilarious. Zhao Lan came out and called Sun Zhi back inside, flashing Han Gang a smile—she didn't want Sun Zhi getting tangled up with Han Gang. After Zhao Lan and Sun Zhi got back together, their family seemed to keep a lower profile in the compound and stopped picking fights with everyone.

Chen Shu came to see Lu Yun. Zhou Yanze stayed right by Lu Yun's side, keeping a sharp eye on Chen Shu the whole time. With Zhou Yanze staring at her like that, how could Chen Shu dare try anything? Not that Chen Shu had come to scheme this time, anyway. Chen Shu was getting married—to the owner of the recycling station where she used to work.

Just like in Chen Shu's dream, this guy had taken the initiative to come find her and pursue her. Chen Shu had figured this was her settling for second best, or maybe the man she was meant to marry. She hadn't been all that interested at first, but as they started dating, she found herself falling for him.

Chen Shu: "Cousin, you have to come to my wedding!"

Lu Yun: "I'm not going, but I'll give you a red envelope. You can see I'm pregnant and it's a real hassle."

Chen Shu: "You just don't want to."

Lu Yun: "Yep, I just don't want to."

Chen Shu: "You talk like that in front of him?"

Lu Yun: "So what? Got a problem?"

No problem—none at all. They were the male and female leads, head over heels for each other. Lu Yun's personality just made Zhou Yanze think she was even cuter. If anyone else acted like that, Zhou Yanze might not feel the same way, but that made sense. She was also super forgiving of her boyfriend now, thinking everything about him was perfect.

Chen Shu thought of Jiang Xiangqian—the guy who still hadn't gotten married because of Lu Yun. Chen Shu didn't bring it up. Why would she cause trouble between Lu Yun and Zhou Yanze over Jiang Xiangqian? When Chen Shu left, she saw how tenderly Zhou Yanze treated Lu Yun and laughed bitterly at herself. Even if she wanted to stir up trouble between the leads, Chen Shu knew their relationship all too well!

Chen Shu: "Cousin, I bet you're having a boy."

Lu Yun believed her. Chen Shu must know something to say that. So she was having a boy—maybe a boy who'd look like Zhou Yanze!

After meeting with Chen Shu, Lu Yun thought of Sun Chun and Zhou Jun. She asked Zhou Yanze, "How are Sun Chun and Zhou Jun doing lately?"

Zhou Yanze: "The Zhou family isn't happy with this daughter-in-law at all. After they got married, they used to argue, but later, because of the Zhou family's dissatisfaction with Sun Chun, they banded together as a united front."

Lu Yun: "Those two are quite something."

As the Spring Festival approached, Lu Yun was somewhat busy, but not too busy—Zhou Yanze helped her with many things. With Lu Yun's big pregnant belly, Zhou Yanze was truly worried, and he was firmer about this matter. Lu Yun simply turned to Zhou Yanze whenever something came up, and Zhou Yanze was more than happy to help.

The only things Lu Yun did herself were buying herself some clothes, picking out gifts, and getting some ingredients.

Lu Yun and Chen Qiao talked about how last year Chen Qiao had set up a stall at Red Star Commune, and the two of them had eaten melons there, laughing until their stomachs hurt.

This time, Lu Yun certainly wouldn't be going to Red Star Commune, but Chen Qiao was going—as hardworking as ever. She also brought back the dried mushrooms that Lu Yun had bought last year. Lu Yun and Zhou Yanze took the dried mushrooms back to Lu Yun's parents' house, only to learn that Lu Yun's father had made a special trip to Red Star Commune just for those dried mushrooms.

Lu Yun wasn't a picky eater now and ate a lot. Lu Yun's father had prepared several dishes waiting for them to return. Zhou Yanze went over to help Lu Yun's father, who didn't refuse—they often visited, and Lu Yun's father knew about Zhou Yanze's cooking skills.

Since they had moved to the siheyuan, cooking had become much more convenient.

During the meal, they talked about the apartment renovations and then about Zhou Yanze's work. Zhou Yanze planned to develop a villa area. Once it was ready, they could all move there together, making it convenient to be neighbors. Lu Yun already knew all this—while talking, Zhou Yanze didn't forget to put food on Lu Yun's plate, and Lu Yun focused on eating.

Lu Yun's father brought up news from the compound: "Aunt Jiang's children went back to apologize to her, but Aunt Jiang didn't forgive them. They keep going to see Aunt Jiang and Uncle Li, though. Aunt Jiang scolded them, saying the money her husband earns is hers, and if they're only coming back for the money, they shouldn't get their hopes up. Her son had a big fight with her, but her two daughters still go back regularly."

Lu Yun: "They did treat their children well before."

Lu Yun's father: "Yes. Now they've probably come to their senses. Aunt Jiang spends lavishly and now dresses like a wealthy lady. But she can't be as heartless as she claims—she seems to treat her two daughters quite well."

On the day of the Spring Festival, when Lu Yun woke up early in the morning, Zhou Yanze handed her a red envelope. The envelope wasn't very thick, which Lu Yun found strange—hadn't he given her a red envelope with ten thousand yuan before? Now this one looked quite ordinary? When Lu Yun opened it, she realized it was anything but ordinary—Zhou Yanze had given her a check, and an astonishing one at that.

Zhou Yanze: "Happy New Year! Wishing you peace and joy!"

Lu Yun: "At this rate, how am I supposed to give you a red envelope?"

Zhou Yanze: "A red envelope from my wife is the best one!"

Lu Yun took out the red envelope she had prepared long ago and handed it to Zhou Yanze. "Zhou Yanze, happy New Year! Wishing you peace and joy!"

Zhou Yanze: "Thank you, my dear wife!"

After Lu Yun and Zhou Yanze got married, Lu Yun was in charge of the household, including Zhou Yanze's earnings. The check Zhou Yanze gave Lu Yun wasn't enough to shock her into excitement. After getting up, Lu Yun and Zhou Yanze went to Lu Yun's parents' house together—they would spend the Spring Festival there.

Outside, everything was lively and bustling, while the two of them strolled leisurely.

Lu Yun: "It's so wonderful being married to you."

Zhou Yanze: "No, it's me who's truly blessed to have married you!"

After the Spring Festival, Zhou Yanze continued to set aside his work and stay by Lu Yun's side. Their relationship grew even stronger, and Zhou Yanze became even more clingy.

As the time to give birth approached, Lu Yun began to feel anxious, so anxious she couldn't sleep. It was fine that she couldn't sleep, but Zhou Yanze not only couldn't sleep—he was worried every day, looking like he had lost weight. Even so, Zhou Yanze still tried to comfort and reassure Lu Yun.

Zhou Yanze planned to have only one child and had even gone to get a vasectomy without telling Lu Yun.

When Lu Yun mentioned to Zhou Yanze that they would need contraception if they only wanted one child, Zhou Yanze then voluntarily told her about the vasectomy.

Zhou Yanze was full of regret. "I wish we hadn't had a child at all!"

Lu Yun laughed. "What nonsense are you talking? You're about to become a father, and saying you don't want a child would break the child's heart. I'm fine, don't worry—really! Think about it, this is our child. I'm even more excited now for his arrival."

Zhou Yanze spoke to their child, "Be sensible, and it's best if you come out nice and obediently."

Lu Yun said, "We should believe he's a grateful child!"

Lu Yun and Zhou Yanze's child truly repaid their kindness. Lu Yun gave birth smoothly, and just as Chen Shu had said, it was a boy—a boy who looked very much like Zhou Yanze.

After giving birth, Lu Yun didn't have to worry at all about childcare. Lu Yun's parents helped take care of the baby, and Zhou Yanze also learned how to care for the child. But the postpartum confinement period was a real ordeal!

Once the confinement period was finally over, Lu Yun wanted to go out and have fun. Zhou Yanze didn't object—he even offered to take her out. He took her to the park, where the peach blossoms were blooming beautifully.

The couple looked at the peach blossoms together and both smiled.

Lu Yun said, "Let's go watch a movie together in a bit."

Zhou Yanze took out movie tickets, "Great minds think alike—I already bought the tickets ages ago."

Lu Yun said, "My hubby is so thoughtful!"

Zhou Yanze said, "Lu Yun, I love you."

—End of the main story

Author's note:

The next chapter will begin updating the side story "Little Sweet Wife of the Eighties." The next book might be this one—if you're interested, feel free to bookmark it. Sun Tian's blind date match is tall with long legs and an honest personality. Sun Tian plans to marry him, but while gossiping in the courtyard, she gets hit on the head and dreams of the future. Her blind date is the son of a big shot. After the big shot finds him, he's changed—he doesn't remember being married and wants a divorce. Sun Tian plans to find another man. In the pouring rain, a man soaked through corners Sun Tian against the wall and asks her, "Do you dislike me that much that you have to avoid me?" Sun Tian then realizes that the honest man was all a disguise—before he lost his memory, he wasn't honest at all! PS: Set in the eighties, romance-focused, pre-orders open on 7.27.