Gu Chengze was momentarily stunned, but the sound of clapping and cheers from the crowd quickly pulled him out of it. 

The groom had brought the bride home, and the crowd broke into applause and cheers. Of course, this was also a subtle hint to move things along; they still had to wait for the honored guest invited by the Xu family to say a few words before the meal could begin. 

Xu Xiaoyun quickly shifted her gaze from her brother and sister-in-law and focused instead on Gu Chengze across the room. Her brows furrowed slightly in dissatisfaction; why was he sitting at the same table as Tang Momo? 

Gu Chengze lowered his eyes to hide his surprise. He was certain that the voice he had just heard did not belong to Tang Momo. 

From the sounds he had heard over the past few days, he had managed to detect some patterns. For example, although he could hear things Tang Momo didn’t say out loud, it was only when they had something to do with him. 

So, the seemingly meaningless words just now might be connected to him.  

Frowning at the thought, he couldn’t help but wonder if he had misunderstood the information. 

At this moment, everyone’s attention was on the bride and the groom, so no one noticed Gu Chengze’s unusual reaction. 

Tang Momo glanced at the dishes on the table and couldn’t help but reflect that it seemed the same everywhere. 

They had served the dishes, but no chopsticks were provided yet; everyone had to wait until the people in front finished speaking before they were given out. 

Tang Momo couldn’t help but touch her stomach. Everyone had just returned from work, so it would be strange not to be hungry. She could only hope that the guests in front would hurry up. 

Most people had the same idea as Tang Momo. They listened to the people in front and agreed with the speaker from time to time, but their eyes could not leave the dishes on the table. 

Xu Xiaoyun, as a member of the Xu family, wasn’t seated at the table yet. 

She had just changed into her outfit and fixed her hair, which drew quite a few glances. 

Seeing so many eyes on her, she couldn’t help but stand straight. She wanted to show Zhao Xiaoli how popular she was. 

Unfortunately, her good mood didn’t last even a minute before her mother caught her and sent her to serve the dishes. 

She initially wanted to refuse, but thinking of her mother’s sharp tongue, she knew she would definitely scold her later. She glanced at Gu Chengze’s table and then nodded in agreement. 

Although the current conditions were difficult, the meal was still generous, with cold dishes, steamed dishes, and stir-fried dishes. 

Usually, seeing even a hint of oil on food was rare, which is why people looked forward to such meals; the food would definitely be better. 

While the guest of honor continued to say auspicious words to the newlyweds, those at the table were not idle. With playful smiles, they turned to Gu Chengze, “Chengze, when will we get to drink your wedding wine?” 

Xu Xiaoyun, who was currently holding the tray, trembled slightly, and she instinctively looked at Gu Chengze with eyes full of anticipation. 

But she forgot that this wasn’t her previous life, and the two of them were strangers. 

Before Gu Chengze could speak, Zhao Xiuli cheerfully replied, “Soon, soon. We’ll definitely let you know when the time comes.” 

Tang Momo, who was busy comforting Tang Yangyang and didn’t see Xu Xiaoyun serving the dishes, smiled slightly at Zhao Xiuli’s words. It’s at least a year before his wedding, so it’s still early. 

Gu Chengze, hearing this, furrowed his brows even more. He finally realized what had felt wrong to him before. 

For example, how did she know he still had a year before his wedding? She seemed to know a lot about his personal affairs. 

He had previously thought his unusual experiences were due to the lightning that night, which allowed him to hear these words. 

But later, he found that he could only hear Tang Momo and not others, leading him to suspect it wasn’t just the lightning but something related to Tang Momo. 

However, the sudden appearance of this new voice made him start doubting his earlier thoughts. 

Xu Xiaoyun who was currently serving glanced at Gu Chengze as she left and became more determined. I will cherish Aze well in this life and never make the same mistakes again. 

Almost as soon as Xu Xiaoyun turned away, Gu Chengze’s gaze landed on her. The voice he had heard just now came from her, but he had no connection with this person. 

Gu Chengze then remembered their earlier encounter when he had bumped into Xu Xiaoyun as he entered the yard. His gaze grew more curious. 

“The banquet has started. What are you thinking about?” 

Zhao Xiuli quietly tugged at Gu Chengze’s sleeve. 

Gu Chengze calmed his emotions and shook his head at Zhao Xiuli, indicating that he was fine. 

Gu Chengze tried to hide his feelings, but he kept zoning out. Because of Tang Momo and Xu Xiaoyun’s earlier words just now, his mind was in a mess. 

After the banquet started, everyone’s chopsticks didn’t stop. Even the vegetarian dishes on the table were full of oil, so everyone ate happily. 

Only Gu Chengze moved slowly, and even Tang Momo noticed something was wrong with him. She frowned and wondered. Everything was fine when he arrived. Could it be because of Xu Xiaoyun? 

Gu Chengze tightened his grip on his chopsticks. Did she really know something? Was that the reason why she stopped Xu Xiaoyun from approaching him that day in the wheat field? 

Gu Chengze felt like he was starting to understand something, but also like he knew nothing at all. 

Maybe if he listened to Xu Xiaoyun’s words a few more times, he’d figure it out, especially since she implied that he had a close relationship with her. 

With so much information on his mind, Gu Chengze was a bit dazed, and when the captain and the aunt from the wheat field helped him piece together the events of Liu Fang’s injury, he was still a bit disoriented. 

“See, I told you Gu Chengze wasn’t that kind of person, but you all wouldn’t believe it.” 

“Exactly, I said so at the time. Xiao Gu is a soldier. How could he do something like that?” 

“Liu Fang is really something. It was her own fault she got hurt. But even with all the rumors spreading, she still hasn’t cleared things up. ” 

As Jia Daguo’s words fell, various voices came around them. Tang Momo patted Tang Yangyang’s head in her arms and whispered, “Yangyang, you mustn’t be like this in the future. Remember what I told you before. No matter what others say, you have to judge for yourself, understand?” 

The people talking were the same ones who had been the loudest when the rumors first spread, and now they were reflecting on it. 

Although Tang Momo’s voice was low, everyone at the table heard it clearly. 

Thinking that without Gu Chengze, Tang Momo’s life would have been lost in the mountains that day, everyone can understand why she defended Gu Chengze 

Zhao Xiuli didn’t expect Tang Momo to be so perceptive at such a young age. Thinking about the matter from last night when she went to find the captain, she felt even closer to her. “Girl from the Tang family, can I call you Momo?” 

Tang Momo didn’t expect Gu Chengze’s grandmother to speak to her and quickly nodded, “Of course, Grandma Zhao.” 

Zhao Xiuli’s face was full of warmth as she glanced over at the captain. “We really need to thank you properly for today.” 

Tang Momo was a bit surprised. Did they know about her meeting with the captain? 

Thinking about this, she shook her head. “I didn’t do much; I just told the truth of the matter.” 

 “You’re a good child.” 

After Zhao Xiuli finished speaking, she nodded to Zhang Xiaoli and felt even more guilty about her earlier suspicions. 

As the meal came to an end and everyone was preparing to leave, someone called out to Mother Xu, “Now that the new daughter in law has entered, shouldn’t you start focusing on your Xiaoyun’s marriage?” 

This was followed by a wave of friendly laughter, and though Tang Momo couldn’t hear Xu’s family’s response, she noticed Xu Xiaoyun’s gaze. 

“Sister, let’s go. Second brother and I will go with you to pick fruit this afternoon.” 

Tang Yangyang tugged at Tang Momo’s sleeve and started acting cute. 

“Okay, I actually have some work for you to do.” 

Tang Momo quickly shifted her focus. With her visit to the food factory tomorrow, she needed to prepare some things today. 

Tang Yangyang didn’t expect Tang Momo to agree so quickly, so she couldn’t react for a while. 

Tang Momo pinched her cheek and teased, “What’s wrong? Don’t you want to help out now?” 

“Of course not. I’m just a bit surprised.” Tang Yangyang pouted. 

Seeing Tang Momo’s cheerful demeanor, Gu Chengze felt heavy-hearted. The things he had heard today were beyond his usual understanding. 

“Chengze, are you feeling unwell today?” 

Zhao Xiuli glanced at him with some concern. 

“Don’t worry, I’m fine.” 

Gu Chengze tried to adjust his emotions. 

Seeing Gu Chengze and his grandmother leaving, Xu Xiaoyun felt a bit disheartened. She had hoped earlier that she would move them with the incident in the wheat fields. But she hadn’t expected Tang Momo to inform the captain in advance and choose today, the day of her brother’s wedding, to clear things up. Tang Momo had really played her cards well. 

And to say she had no thoughts about Gu Chengze—who would believe that? 

In her previous life, Gu Chengze had not met Tang Momo when he returned. Thinking of this, Xu Xiaoyun clenched her fists. 

For some reason, Xu Xiaoyun always felt uneasy. Everything was different from her previous life, and the biggest change was Tang Momo. 

With the new sister-in-law and no news from the Gu family, Xu Xiaoyun was already panicking. 

She had experienced how difficult her sister-in-law could be in her previous life and didn’t want to go through it again. She just wanted to leave this home quickly, but why hadn’t Gu Chengze taken any action yet?  

Her new sister-in-law, Bai Lu, was now whispering to her brother. “Didn’t you say your sister was about to get engaged?” 

From the tone of the others, it seemed Xu Xiaoyun hadn’t even considered a match yet. Xu Zhengfu had told her that he would buy a watch with her sister’s betrothal money. 

“What’s the rush? Didn’t you see that the one in military uniform? His grandmother favors my sister, so it’s likely that a matchmaker will be invited soon.” 

Xu Zhengfu was quite pleased with Bai Lu, or else he wouldn’t have bragged about buying a watch. 

Although they lowered their voices, Xu Xiaoyun could tell from Bai Lu’s occasional glances that they were scheming against her. No, she needed to think of a way. 

Seeing Gu Chengze looking troubled, Zhao Xiuli thought he was still affected by the rumors, so she decided to go to her maternal family’s elder brother’s place early to celebrate his birthday. 

Gu Chengze didn’t think much of it. It was normal for his grandmother to want to stay a bit longer at her maternal family. 

So he casually packed a couple of clothes and went with Zhao Xiuli to his uncle’s house. As for what happened today, he had to figure it out. 

*** 

Tang Momo was busy all afternoon. She took the twins to the orchard to pick some small fruits and planned to bring them back home. 

“Sister, we can’t take this back.” 

Tang Jianping looked nervous. 

“It’s fine; the captain allowed us to pick it.” 

Tang Momo patted her head to reassure her. 

Although the two little ones were small, they were quick. In no time, the basket they brought from home was full. 

“Alright, you two go play. I’ll take this back later.” 

The basket was too heavy for them to carry. 

“Then we’ll go pick up wheat ears in the fields.” 

Tang Jianan took Tang Yangyang’s hand and waved goodbye to Tang Momo. 

Tang Momo felt a bit troubled as she watched the two small figures moving farther away. They were already worrying about the family at such a young age. She hoped her visit to the food factory would be successful. 

Time passed quickly as she thought about things. By the time Tang Momo returned with the basket, the others in the house had already come back. 

Zhang Xiaoli came forward to take the basket from her and asked with some curiosity, “Yangyang said the captain allowed you to pick these. What are you planning to do with them?” 

“You’ll find out in a couple of days.” 

Tang Momo said with a mysterious smile on her face. 

“You’re getting more and more resourceful.” 

Zhang Xiaoli’s tone carried a hint of relief. Momo has grown up. 

After dinner, Tang Momo discovered that there was no sugar at home when she was washing the fruit. Making jam requires sugar. 

Tang Momo divided the cleaned fruit into two portions—one for making dried fruit and the other for jam. If the dried fruit doesn’t turn out well, she could make pickled fruit instead. 

However, the demand for pickled fruit might be lower. Tang Momo rubbed her temple and decided to finish what she was working on first. 

“Sister, what are you doing?”  

Tang Jianan watched as Tang Momo cut the fruit in half and discarded the core. 

“I’m making dried fruit. Tomorrow, your work is to keep an eye on this.” 

Tang Momo turned around and gave the task to the twins. 

“Is this for us to eat?” 

When it came to food, Tang Jianping’s eyes lit up. 

“No, But I’m going to the city tomorrow and will bring back some chicken cakes for you, okay?” 

Tang Momo realized a problem—she was now penniless and couldn’t afford anything. 

“We won’t give any to Xiao Bao then.” 

Tang Jianping said resentfully. 

Tang Momo knew Xiao Bao was the youngest son of their third uncle’s family, two years older than the twins. 

She and Zhang Xiaoli felt that adult grudges shouldn’t affect the children, so they had never stopped them from spending time with the people from the front yard. 

Tang Jianan guessed that Xiao Bao might have come over to show off after their aunt brought them something to eat. 

Zhang Xiaoli looked at the two little ones with some sympathy. They had really suffered these past two years. Remembering Tang Momo’s earlier words, she raised her head, “You said you’re going to the city tomorrow?” 

Tang Momo briefly explained that she had met the captain and what they talked about, and she cautiously added, “This method is something I read about in a book that Father brought back. I thought I’d give it a try.” 

Tang Dajun used to specifically find books at the waste station because the original Tang Momo loved to read, but the third branch’s Tang Qingqing would always borrow them and deliberately damage them. 

So Tang Momo wasn’t afraid of her lies being exposed; she could simply say that the book had been lost by Tang Qingqing. 

Zhang Xiaoli didn’t doubt her explanation and looked at the fruit cut in half on the table, “You want to use this method to get into the food factory?” 

“At first, I just wanted to help the team with this issue, but then I thought maybe this method could help me get into the food factory. Didn’t father say that the factory hired someone with exceptional skills in making shoe soles?” 

Tang Momo didn’t hide her intentions. 

Seeing her hopeful expression, Zhang Xiaoli couldn’t bear to discourage her and nodded, “Then let’s give it a try. If it doesn’t work out, don’t be disheartened. Is there anything you need help with?” 

“Making jam requires sugar. Do we have any tickets or money at home?” 

Tang Momo asked quietly. She couldn’t ask for money without feeling burdened. 

“I’ll get some for you. Since you’re going to the city, buy some fabric you like from the supply and marketing cooperative and make yourself some new clothes.” 

Momo was growing up and it was time for her to have new clothes. 

Seeing Tang Momo’s hesitant expression, Zhang Xiaoli patted her shoulder, “Don’t worry about the tickets and money. I used to think they should be saved for when you’re getting married, but we need to focus on our current situation.” 

Tang Momo lowered her gaze, thinking that if she could successfully get into the food factory and take the job back from Tang Xiaoxue, they could take Tang Jianan and the twins to the city for schooling. The current factories were all state-owned enterprises and had elementary schools. 

For Tang Jianan’s, he had been in and out of school because of the family’s struggles. While people might not care much about education now, Tang Momo knew the importance of academic qualifications. 

Moreover, a university degree in the 1980s was highly valuable. 

With this in mind, Tang Momo looked up at Zhang Xiaoli and said warmly, “Mother, life will only keep getting better.” 

Zhang Xiaoli is only thirty-five this year and she’s still in the prime of her life. Tang Momo doesn’t want to delay her happiness for the rest of her life because of them. 

But now is obviously not the time to talk about this. Let’s wait until the time is right to make plans. 

“Since you’re going to the city tomorrow, get some rest early. I’ll handle this.” Zhang Xiaoli pointed to the fruits that needed to be sliced. 

Tang Momo returned to her room, still holding the tickets and money Zhang Xiaoli had given her. She was determined to make her plans succeed this time. 

She couldn’t let Zhang Xiaoli’s trust and support in her go to waste. White sugar is a luxury now, yet Zhang Xiaoli didn’t ask any questions but handed her the tickets and money directly. 

Tang Momo looked down at the tickets and money in her hand, realizing that this is what unconditional support from family feels like.  

It was a feeling she had never experienced before, and she liked it. It made her even more determined to work hard. 

*** 

Zhao Xiuli’s maternal family is in Baiyang Brigade which is about six or seven kilometers away from Qingshui Brigade, so Gu Chengze drove the bicycle with Zhao Xiuli. 

When they arrived at his uncle’s house, Gu Chengze remained very quiet and was slowly processing what he had just learned. However, he needed further confirmation on these matters. 

Thinking about Xu Xiaoyun’s words, it seemed absurd to Gu Chengze that she was someone who had lived a lifetime. He thought perhaps he had misunderstood. 

However, Tang Momo’s previous actions and thoughts indicated he hadn’t misunderstood; in fact, Tang Momo seemed to know about these matters. 

Gu Chengze rubbed his temple, wondering if his ability to hear their thoughts was not because he was special, but because they were special. 

Tomorrow is his uncle’s birthday, and Gu Chengze tried to suppress his emotions and calm himself to listen to the plans for tomorrow. 

After discussing the plans, everyone’s attention turned to Gu Chengze. “How’s the matter with Chengze looking for a match?” 

“Still waiting for him to make a decision. How can I dare to bring it up with the girl’s family if he doesn’t agree?” Zhao Xiuli replied, half-jokingly. 

“Do you have a girl in mind?” Zhao Xiuli’s sister-in-law asked with a smile. 

“Yes, but it won’t work if Chengze doesn’t like it.” Zhao Xiuli said. 

But after this incident, she suddenly felt that Tang Momo was quite good. Although the family’s burden was heavier, this girl was attentive and knew how to repay kindness, and the whole family had good moral character. 

Although the burden was heavy, with Chengze’s support, life would undoubtedly get better. Given the family’s character, there was no worry about them falling out over interests. 

However, these were just her thoughts. She hadn’t discussed them with Gu Chengze yet. She planned to wait until the rumors in the team settled before discussing it in detail with him. 

Zhao family members knew Zhao Xiuli’s biggest worry was Gu Chengze’s lifelong affairs. Before Gu Chengze went to bed, Zhao Dali specifically had a heart-to-heart talk with him. 

“Uncle, I know. I will go look for suitable matches,” Gu Chengze nodded seriously and said that he specifically returned this time for this. 

“Settle the marriage soon. Once you have a son or daughter, you’ll be able to rest easy, knowing you can face your mother in the afterlife.” Zhao Dali said with a sigh, thinking about Gu Chengze’s mother. 

Her mother insisted on giving birth to Gu Chengze and they all disagreed to it. He regretted not supporting her back then, which might have spared her the hardship and health problems. 

Losing a child before her own was a great blow to Zhao Xiuli. If not for the young Gu Chengze needing care, Zhao Xiuli probably wouldn’t have been able to bear it. 

Thinking of this, Zhao Dali couldn’t help but shake his head. In this matter, who can say who is right or wrong? We can only say that it was fate. 

He patted Gu Chengze’s shoulder, “Your grandmother had a tough life, losing her child and then your grandfather. Now, all her hopes are on you.” 

Gu Chengze pressed his lips together and said nothing. He could marry for the sake of his grandmother, but he was opposed to having children. 

His own experiences from childhood made him unsure how to interact with children, and even more uncertain about how to handle having his own. 

He wasn’t the kind of child people had hoped for, so he instinctively felt repulsed by children. 

He couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have a child, and he didn’t like kids. 

Seeing him remain silent, Zhao Dali assumed he had taken his words to heart and patted his shoulder again. “I won’t add any unnecessary words. You’re an adult now, so you know what to do.” 

As Zhao Dali left, the silence in the room made Gu Chengze feel as though he had returned to his childhood. Back then, people used to say he was bad luck and that he was the cause of his mother’s death. They didn’t let other children play with him, and even his aunt and the other children in the family weren’t allowed to play with him. 

The Gu family looked at him with disdain, and they even urged Zhao Xiuli to give him away. 

Zhao Xiuli had slapped her eldest son hard and shouted that he was the only bloodline of her only sister who had fought for her life to give birth to him. 

Perhaps that slap had some effect, since the family never mentioned it again after that. 

Gu Chengze supported his forehead with his hand and felt a bit uncomfortable. 

The contempt and disgusted looks were all directed at the young him, but this time he didn’t shrink back as he had before. Instead, he stood up and met their gazes directly. 

He kept telling himself in his heart that it was all in the past, that everything was over now. 

*** 

Tang Momo and the others had benefited from the food factory’s goodwill. The factory had sent a tractor to collect goods from nearby production teams, so Tang Momo and the others didn’t have to walk, and not only that, they didn’t have to wake up early as well. 

Seeing Tang Momo with empty hands, Jia Daguo asked, “Where’s the things you mentioned?” 

“How can it be ready so quickly? I still need to buy ingredients.” After Tang Momo finished speaking, she deliberately shook the tickets and money in her hands. 

Jia Daguo was aware of her family’s situation and wanted to say something, but in the end, he only said, “Just do what you can.” 

There are so many capable people at the food factory, and none had ever suggested using small fruits to make snacks. So, Jia Daguo didn’t hold much hope for Tang Momo’s idea. 

He originally thought she was just fooling around at home, but now that she was spending money to buy ingredients, he had to take it more seriously. 

“Don’t worry, Captain. I’ll just try this once. If it doesn’t work, then that’s it,” Tang Momo said, knowing what he was concerned about. 

Recalling what Zhang Xiaoli had given her last night, Tang Momo was even more convinced that there were secrets in her family she didn’t know about. 

Since Zhang Xiaoli was still not willing to tell them yet, she just pretends she didn’t know. 

The tractor was probably the fastest means of transportation of the time. In less than half an hour, they arrived at the food factory. 

Jia Daguo usually completed the handover with the factory’s purchasing department and left, but today he made an unusual request: “Brother Luo, I’d like to meet your factory director. Is that possible?” 

The purchaser was a bit surprised but quickly adjusted his expression. Considering Jia Daguo’s usual care for him, he nodded, “Sure, I’ll check with the director’s secretary to see if he’s available.” 

Tang Momo watched as the purchaser went inside, and her grip on her pouch tightened with nervousness. 

Jia Daguo glanced at her and whispered, “Whether it works or not depends entirely on you.” 

Tang Momo took a deep breath to steady herself. “Captain, I understand.” 

The purchaser soon returned with a smile. “You’re in luck today. The director is in the factory right now. Let’s go; I’ll take you to him.”