Chapter 52: Purchasing Wedding Supplies

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Worried that they might not find good items, Xiao Qingru’s mother decided to join them. Since they were driving, adding one more person wasn’t a problem.

When it comes to buying furniture, having an elder’s input is essential. After all, neither Xu Muzhou nor Xiao Qingru had experience in this area, and sometimes listening to advice from someone older can help avoid mistakes.

In a way, having an elder to rely on is a form of happiness.

As Song Yuan was heading back to the family housing area, she ran into them and learned that Xiao Qingru and Xu Muzhou had already registered their marriage. Feeling a bit out of the loop, she tagged along to the city, offering to help choose the bride’s outfit.

Although they would wear military uniforms for the wedding ceremony and not need new clothes, everyday clothing is still necessary. Since the family could afford it, buying two new outfits for the bride and groom was reasonable.

After a while, Song Yuan finally absorbed the fact that her best friend was now married.

“You two moved so fast! I hadn’t heard a word of this. If I hadn’t come back today, I wouldn’t have known.”

“It was a last minute decision. Otherwise, we would have told you for sure.”

Song Yuan smiled, “Good timing for me to come back today then. Maybe we’re just on the same wavelength?”

Xiao Qingru smiled back, “You could say that.”

Song Yuan cleared her throat, glancing at Xu Muzhou, who was driving. “Comrade Xu, you’d better treat Qingru well, or her brother Huai will have a word with you.”

“Of course!” Xu Muzhou responded cheerfully. He had gone to great lengths to marry his true love there was no way he wouldn’t cherish her. As long as he was alive, he would never let her feel wronged.

Xiao’s mother, recalling her daughter’s mention of Song Yuan having someone she liked, couldn’t help but act like many elders do.

“When will you bring your partner home? We could help you evaluate him, and if he’s suitable, you can settle down. Having someone to care for you would put your parents at ease.”

“I can take care of myself. Adding another person might just complicate things.”

Xiao’s mother gave her a look. “If we help you check, there’ll be no mistake.”

“That’s not certain. Some people can really put on an act nice on the surface, different underneath. You can never be too careful.”

“…”

Song Yuan continued, unruffled, “Besides, I’m busy teaching every day. Where would I find time to date?”

“Teaching and dating don’t conflict. Married couples can still manage their own things.”

“Once you’re married, you have to care for the family, so it’s different.”

Seeing her mother about to offer more advice, Xiao Qingru quickly intervened. “Mom, let marriage happen naturally. Dad says Comrade Song is a progressive youth, and there are plenty of men interested in her. Let her take her time to choose.”

“That’s true. Marriage isn’t a game, you need to choose a good person. Character is a must.”

“You’re right. I’ll remember that,” Song Yuan replied, relieved. She didn’t know who she would marry in the future, but for now, she only wanted to marry someone she truly liked. If that didn’t happen, she would stay single.

Thinking of Qin Bei’s recent distance made her feel a pang of bitterness. She hadn’t visited his family to borrow the kitchen lately, and he hadn’t come looking for her either. Though they lived close, the connection between them had been severed.

Taking a deep breath, she thought, It’s just a man. If he wants to draw a line, I’ll respect that. I have my pride too, I won’t go chasing after anyone.

Xiao Qingru glanced subtly at Song Yuan, realizing that things with Qin Bei hadn’t improved. She sighed quietly, hoping her friend’s situation would eventually clear up.

Xu Muzhou glanced at Xiao Qingru, sensing she seemed momentarily down.

“Eyes on the road,” she said.

“Got it.”

Seeing her mood lift again, Xu Muzhou felt reassured. It seemed Song Yuan was the reason for her brief sadness. He knew his wife and Song Yuan had been close friends since childhood, with Song often standing up for her. He appreciated Song Yuan’s loyalty. If she ever needed help, Xu Muzhou would do anything in his power to support her.

The drive went quickly, and they reached the city in 30 to 40 minutes.

They first stopped at a general store, where, using their marriage certificate, they purchased daily essentials like an iron pot, a coal stove, bowls and chopsticks, ladles, basins, and a kettle.

Furniture wise, they bought items with a total of 36 legs, costing about 300 yuan in total.

Large items would be delivered, while they took smaller items with them. Next on the list was clothing.

When it came to his bride, Xu Muzhou was generous. He bought Xiao Qingru two outfits and two pairs of shoes. One set was a shirt and long pants, and the other was a sundress perfect for the warm weather. He also bought her a pair of leather shoes and a pair of canvas shoes.

Everything required ration tickets in those days, so even with a marriage discount, it was still quite a splurge.

While not one to seek small savings, Xiao’s mother was happy to see her son in law’s generosity toward her daughter. She nodded approvingly, a man should be magnanimous. Frugality is fine, but stinginess makes life hard. If he didn’t splurge a little on their wedding, he’d be even less likely to in the future.

“Xiao Xu, don’t just buy for Qingru, pick a few things for yourself too.”

Xu Muzhou smiled and declined. “I usually wear my uniform, so no need to spend extra.”

Xiao Qingru added, “At least get one set, you can wear it occasionally.”

“Whatever my wife says.”

They all laughed, thinking he’d be easygoing with his wife in charge.

Men’s clothing didn’t offer many choices, so Xu Muzhou selected a white shirt and black pants. Tall and fit, he looked good in anything, and Xiao Qingru could already picture how well he would wear them.

Afterward, Xiao’s mother took out her fabric tickets and bought six feet of cotton fabric her annual allotment as a small gift for her daughter.

“Mom, you’re giving me fabric, but I can’t sew.”

“Then learn to,” her mother whispered, “and keep it at home. When the time comes, you can use it for small clothes.”

Blushing, Xiao Qingru nodded hastily.

Her mother chuckled, young girls are shy over the smallest things.

After finishing their purchases, Xu Muzhou suggested they eat at a state owned restaurant.

“Mom and Comrade Song have worked hard today. Cooking at home is too much trouble. Let’s eat out and buy some steamed buns to take back for Dad and the others.”

Xiao’s mother quickly agreed, “I wouldn’t mind taking a break either!”

Song Yuan had no objections, dinner’s dinner, after all, and she didn’t want to spoil the cheerful mood.

After loading their purchases, Xu Muzhou drove them to a nearby state run restaurant.