That afternoon, Shao Qingfeng took half a day off to go with Lin Hongying to register their marriage.  

Lin Hongying didn’t mention the little incident with Cui Yan to Shao Qingfeng.  

The marriage registration process turned out to be much simpler than expected. The two of them brought their marriage application and introductory letters from their respective workplaces to the civil affairs bureau.  

In those days, marriage registration didn’t even include a photo session. What they received was a certificate that looked more like an award.  

Shao Qingfeng stuffed the marriage certificate into a kraft paper file, then took Lin Hongying to the department store.  

Lin Hongying was still wearing the oversized men’s military coat. Though the padded jacket was roomy and warm, the open front made it easy for cold wind to seep in.  

Shao Qingfeng led her to the high-end goods section, his eyes scanning the options before settling on a more fitted women’s padded coat.  

The color was a plain Rhine blue, with a stylish cut. Lin Hongying took a liking to it at first glance.  

She asked the sales clerk, “Comrade, how much is this coat?”  

Perhaps because Shao Qingfeng was with her today, the clerk’s attitude was unusually polite. “This is a trendy style inspired by Soviet fashion. The filling is pure cotton, and the outer fabric is sturdy synthetic fiber that repels water. It also comes with a mink fur collar. The material is top quality—this coat will last thirty years without losing its shape.”  

“It costs fifty yuan, comrade. This is a high-end garment, so no fabric coupons are needed. Do you have enough money with you?”  

The steep price made Lin Hongying gasp. A single coat cost nearly a month’s wages.  

At this time, only industrial cities like those in the Northeast could sustain such high consumption.  

Lin Hongying ran her fingers over the smooth mink fur—it was undeniably luxurious, but also undeniably expensive. Reluctantly, she put the coat back, thinking she could exchange some resentment points for one after her system leveled up.  

With regret, she returned the coat.  

But Shao Qingfeng paid for it without hesitation and asked for it to be wrapped.  

The sales clerk’s heart fluttered at the sight of Shao Qingfeng’s handsome face, and his effortless spending only deepened her admiration.  

But then she glanced at Lin Hongying standing beside him, and her heart sank like autumn leaves swept away by the wind. Why are all the handsome ones already married these days?

Shao Qingfeng then picked out two pairs of shoes for Lin Hongying—one for winter, one for summer—along with several pairs of socks, a pair of gloves, and three types of fabric, each enough to make one to three outfits.  

Just the coupons alone took up a thick stack.  

After all, Lin Hongying had arrived at the military base with only two or three shabby outfits—practically empty-handed. She needed all the daily essentials.  

Shao Qingfeng didn’t even blink as he paid, his movements smoother than swiping a credit card. This greatly impressed Lin Hongying.  

Though theirs was an arranged marriage neither had wanted, his attitude was proper. He made sure to prepare everything necessary—more thoroughly than most ordinary marriages.  

Shao Qingfeng then took her to another high-end counter to pick out a women’s wristwatch. Lin Hongying, overwhelmed, politely declined. “Let’s skip this one.”  

A wristwatch was a “major item.” At this rate, he’d spend several hundred yuan in a single day.  

Shao Qingfeng said generously, “Grandpa gave us a thousand yuan for the wedding. Don’t worry about it.”  

“Having a watch will make things easier when you start working.”  

“Let’s also get you a bicycle—you’ll need it for getting around. A radio would normally be on the list too, but I already have one from last year…” He casually added, “Do you know how to use a sewing machine?”  

So he was aiming for the “Three Turns and One Sound” today—the traditional four big marital purchases (bicycle, wristwatch, sewing machine, and radio).  

Lin Hongying shook her head firmly. “I don’t know how to use a sewing machine. The radio you have is fine, and I’ll buy my own watch after I start working.”  

Considering that a wristwatch and bicycle were indeed necessities, Shao Qingfeng bought those two for her.  

In this era, bicycles and wristwatches were symbols of status and prestige. The moment Lin Hongying put on the watch, she noticed how people’s gazes toward her changed.  

The once-scornful and critical looks were now filled with envy.  

No wonder wristwatches were status symbols.  

After purchasing the two major items, Shao Qingfeng also bought a new quilt before finally stopping his shopping spree.  

“Alright, that’s enough for today. Here’s some money—buy whatever else you need yourself.”  

“I’ve asked around, and the state farm will be hiring next week. Your residency has already been transferred, so you can take the exam directly. Do you need me to get you some study materials?”  

Lin Hongying shook her head. “I’ve already taken the first round of recruitment. The results should be out in a few days.”  

“You’ve already taken it?” Shao Qingfeng frowned.  

Lin Hongying added, “I applied for a technical position.”  

Shao Qingfeng was taken aback. A technical position? Though surprised, he didn’t press further.

Lin Hongying continued, “No need for books. My grandfather’s friend is a renowned agricultural expert who studied abroad years ago. I’ve read his manuscripts, notes, and books, so the exam shouldn’t be a problem.”  

Shao Qingfeng didn’t doubt her words. From what he knew, Lin Hongying’s grandfather had once been a wealthy landowner. During the war, when the fighting reached their region, Old Man Lin not only saved Shao’s grandfather but also generously sold off ancestral property to fund the troops.  

Later, after the land reforms, the Lin family retreated to the countryside, living under the radar while farming and studying.  

Lin Hongying’s father had mysteriously disappeared for two years—officially, he was sent for labor reform. But when the military investigated his records, they hit a “Top Secret” classification, something even Shao Qingfeng wasn’t authorized to know.  

“Top Secret” was the highest level of national confidentiality. By the time the investigation reached that point, the military was stumped.  

Shao Qingfeng’s marriage application had been delayed for over a month because of his father-in-law’s background. It was only after thorough verification that it was finally approved.  

It seemed the Lin family wasn’t as bad as he’d assumed.  

Shao Qingfeng said solemnly, “Our situation is a bit unusual. You’re marrying far from home, and we likely won’t be able to invite your family to the wedding banquet. I know this isn’t fair to you…”  

He paused, then added, “But I have ten days of marriage leave for visiting family. After the New Year, we can go see them.”  

Lin Hongying nodded.  

At the high-end food counter, Shao Qingfeng picked out ten pounds of wedding candy—crispy sweets, milk candies, fruit drops, and maltose—grabbing a handful of each and handing the bag to Lin Hongying to snack on freely.  

Lin Hongying had long outgrown her candy-loving years, but this body was severely sugar-deprived, and the craving was undeniable. The intense desire made her cave in, and she popped a milk candy into her mouth.  

The creamy sweetness melted on her tongue, its rich aroma utterly captivating. By the time the bus reached their destination, she was still happily munching on candies.  

…

The Shao Family Household

The Shao family knew that Lin Lan had gone to Heilongjiang to visit her son, and the topic came up during their weekend family dinner.  

The fireplace crackled warmly, the radio softly broadcasting the weather forecast, while the housekeeper sliced fruit nearby.  

The old master poured himself a glass of specially supplied liquor and deliberately asked his daughter-in-law, “How’s that Lin girl doing? Last time, Xiao He took the kids over and scared her half to death. You didn’t pull anything like that, did you?”  

Shao Qingfeng’s aunt, Shao Binghe, protested, “Dad, what are you implying? I was just concerned about Xiao Feng’s future!”  

Lin Lan said nothing, her mind drifting back to Lin Hongying.  

On the surface, the girl seemed easygoing and polite, but beneath that, she was unyielding and fiercely independent. No one could push her around.  

She was curious about how Shao Qinghe had supposedly “bullied” Lin Hongying.  

Remembering the purpose of his daughter-in-law’s trip, the old master asked, “Has the girl settled on a job?”  

Lin Lan replied coolly, “Yes. She’s decided to work at the state farm.”  

Shao Binghe nearly choked on her soup and immediately stood up. “What? The farm?”  

The old master looked up in surprise. “Was that your arrangement?”  

He frowned. “Why the farm? It’s too harsh.”  

Lin Lan shook her head. “It wasn’t my decision. She chose it herself. If anything, I overstepped.”  

Shao Binghe exclaimed in disbelief, “The farm? What’s she going to do there? This is just asking for ridicule!”  

Ever since her last encounter with Lin Hongying, she’d been thoroughly unimpressed.  

Shao Qingfeng’s cousins, who had accompanied the old master to Heilongjiang last time, exchanged glances, both seeing the same surprise in each other’s eyes.  

Liu Chen couldn’t help but speak up for his cousin. “Grandpa, Qingfeng doesn’t seem to like Lin Hongying much. The country advocates free love now, after all.”  

If he weren’t already married and slightly older, wouldn’t this marriage arrangement have possibly fallen on him instead? The thought alone made Liu Chen sympathize with his cousin’s predicament.  

Liu Zhen stretched her hands wide apart for emphasis. “Last time, I saw Qingfeng sitting this far away from her.”  

“One’s studied abroad, the other’s a farm girl… The gap in their thinking must be huge.”  

The old master set down his bowl, his smile vanishing. “We must never forget our roots.”  

“Back then, Old Man Lin personally carried me to a cellar to hide me. Even with the enemy’s bayonet at his throat, he didn’t betray me. If not for him, this old man would either be farming in the fields or buried in them. And now you dare look down on his granddaughter?”  

“What’s wrong with the farm? The farm is a good place to toughen someone up.”