Chapter 38: Lizi, Let’s Go Home

What followed was a vigorous and exhilarating set of military boxing moves, where Qi Shaoqiang showcased everything he had learned during his years in the army.

Before delivering the beating, he tore a rag stained with chicken droppings from the window and stuffed it into Erlaizi’s mouth. No matter how much pain he was in, Erlaizi could only writhe slightly and let out muffled groans.

Looking at the man lying on the ground like a lifeless dog, Qi Shaoqiang’s eyes were fierce. Without mercy, he raised his foot and crushed down on Erlaizi’s crotch.

‘If you don’t want to be a man, then you don’t deserve to have this man’s thing!’

Erlaizi’s mother was pacing near the gate and saw no one around. She hurried to check the chicken coop, muttering, “It’s the middle of the night, could it be a yellow fox stealing my chickens?”

After confirming the chickens were all accounted for, she noticed it had started to rain. She quickly ran to gather the dried vegetables she had left out, bringing them into the kitchen.

She had been so busy the past few days that many chores had piled up and been forgotten.

When she finally entered the house after tidying up, she found her son sprawled on the ground with a sack over his head, barely breathing. Letting out a piercing scream, she cried, “Son!”

The hens in the yard clucked in fright, but before they could flee, a large hand grabbed one by the throat, ending its life in the nest.

—

After parting ways with Qi Shaoqiang, Jiang Li had fallen into a deep sleep. Though she had gone to bed late, she slept soundly and dreamlessly, waking up early and feeling refreshed and full of energy.

Qin Xiaoting arrived early in the morning, taking charge of combing Jiang Li’s hair and dressing her up. Sitting in front of the mirror, Jiang Li let Qin Xiaoting do as she pleased.

After applying some powder and lipstick, Qin Xiaoting took a step back and admired her handiwork. “This face is a masterpiece, no matter how you dress it up, it always shines. Our Lizi is as beautiful as a fairy. Qi Shaoqiang really hit the jackpot.”

Li Chunlan, standing beside her, nodded in agreement. The Jiang Li reflected in the mirror looked like a delicate flower blooming by the water, her rosy lips and clear, watery eyes exuding grace. Every smile or slight frown radiated charm.

Jiang Li wore the red plaid blouse she had bought at the department store, striking a balance between elegance and festivity. The calf-length skirt perfectly accentuated her waistline, its hem swaying lightly with each movement. Her black leather shoes added a refined touch.

Jiang Li styled her own hair that day, tying her voluminous curls into a bun at the back of her head with a red ribbon. Loose strands framed her face, adding a hint of charm and elegance. She had set her hair with a headband the night before, and after sleeping on it, it fell into natural, soft curls.

“Lizi, how did you style your hair? Teach me!” Qin Xiaoting exclaimed.

“It’s simple. I’ll show you,” Jiang Li replied. Her heart had been racing all morning, so she welcomed the distraction.

Using the same technique, she styled Qin Xiaoting’s and Li Chunlan’s hair. “It might not hold for too long since it wasn’t tied up overnight, but it’ll still look nice for a while.”

“Lizi, how are you so clever? You can come up with such beautiful hairstyles, and it’s a new one every day. What’s going on in that brilliant head of yours?” Qin Xiaoting teased.

“If you like it, I’ll teach you. I know lots of different styles!” Jiang Li laughed.

In her previous life, Jiang Li loved experimenting with these things. She spent hours watching online tutorials and practicing on her own hair. When she got bored, she even braided her ragdoll cat’s and Samoyed’s fur, adorning them with colorful ribbons. The two pets would then prance around the house, looking adorable.

While Jiang Li’s side was filled with laughter and joy as she prepared for her wedding, the atmosphere at Jiang Hongmei’s house was starkly different, gloomy and silent.  

Jiang Hongmei, once surrounded by her village friends, found herself abandoned. With the scandal hanging over her, everyone was eager to avoid any association with her.

Wang Juhua was furious and refused to attend. Jiang Changyi, too ashamed to show his face, hid in the house and avoided everyone, leaving only Old Mrs. Zhou paralyzed on the bed.

The small woodshed was in disarray. Jiang Hongmei still wore the faded red dress she had donned for her ill-fated blind date. The dress, washed one too many times, hung limply on her, and her haggard appearance made her look even more pitiful.

—

“It looks like the bride’s party is here! What a grand spectacle!”  

Qin Xiaoting peeked her head out and looked outside. Laughter filled the air as children ran about, bicycle bells jingled, and cheerful voices rang out.

Through a crack in the window, Jiang Li saw Qi Shaoqiang riding his bicycle toward her. Today, he was dressed sharply in a neat Zhongshan suit with a large red flower pinned to his chest. His naturally handsome features elevated even the simplest attire.

“Look at that lineup one, two, three… eight bicycles in total!” Qin Xiaoting exclaimed.

“They’ve brought gifts too! Let me see a bicycle, a watch, a radio, everything! My goodness, they’re so generous!”  

“Captain Qi works as an official in the city. Of course, he can afford all this,” someone chimed in.

“Jiang Li is truly fortunate. She’s the best-off bride in the area!”    

But not everyone was content. Some couldn’t resist making snide comments.  

“Sure, the betrothal gifts are impressive, but the bride’s family is penniless. No matter how much they receive, it’ll end up back with the groom’s family. Just moving money from one pocket to another!”  

“That’s not necessarily true. Jiang Li is part of the Jiang family. Since her uncle raised her, his family will surely get a cut of the dowry,” countered another.

“Jiang Changyi hit the jackpot. His niece’s dowry alone could marry off his son to three wives!”

—

The lively scene outside continued as Liu Lixin and a few others from Qi Shaoqiang’s party handed out fruit candies, melon seeds, and dried peanuts. The tempting aroma made even the onlookers watching the excitement swallow hungrily.

Inside, Li Chunlan and a couple of others symbolically blocked the door. However, it didn’t take long for a group of robust young men, led by Liu Lixin, to charge in.

Qin Xiaoting spotted Liu Lixin and greeted him with a playful smile. “Comrade Liu Lixin, fancy seeing you again.”

Liu Lixin, caught off guard, blushed deeply. His fair complexion betrayed his embarrassment, prompting others to tease him mercilessly.  

“Why are you blushing? It’s Brother Qi who’s getting married, not you!”

“Shut up! Eat your melon seeds and peanuts instead of running your mouths!”  

Li Chunlan was also blocking the door, but the rush of people knocked her off balance. She would have fallen if someone hadn’t steadied her. Startled, she patted her chest and looked up to see a young man with a dark complexion, thick eyebrows, a square face, and a high nose bridge. His bright white teeth flashed as he grinned, “Comrade, are you alright?”

“I’m fine!” Li Chunlan managed, her face flushed.

“Sorry about that. Be careful next time,” the young man said. Turning to the others, he warned, “Stop pushing! Be mindful not to knock over the ladies!”

Despite his warning, the crowd was too eager to catch a glimpse of the bride to pay attention. Seeing this, the young man, Tang Huaimin, positioned himself protectively in front of Li Chunlan.  

Pressing his strong arms against the wall to create a small safe space, he avoided touching even the hem of her dress. Li Chunlan, seeing his tensed jaw and the rise and fall of his Adam’s apple, found her cheeks growing warmer.

—

Up front, the gathered crowd gasped in awe at the bride’s beauty.

“This bride is stunning! You won’t find anyone prettier in the entire country,” someone murmured.

Jiang Li, sitting gracefully on the edge of the bed, handled the teasing with poise and composure.

At that moment, Qi Shaoqiang was pushed forward by the crowd. His gaze burned as he extended a hand toward her. “Lizi, let’s go home.”

Jiang Li nodded shyly, her face softening with emotion. As she stepped toward him, Qi Shaoqiang swept her into his strong arms. Startled, she let out a small cry of surprise.

With steady steps, Qi Shaoqiang carried her outside. The crowd erupted into cheers and laughter, their joyous voices ringing out as the couple made their way forward.