Chapter 61: A Wedding Gift

After seeing her in laws off, Xiao Qingru and Xu Muzhou stopped by the Grain Bureau.

They used all their ration coupons to buy 100 pounds of grain, half refined grains and half coarse grains. While 100 pounds might sound like a lot, for two people, it would only last about a month. Snacks weren’t common, so they relied on three meals a day at home. Plus, Xu Muzhou’s rigorous physical training demanded a large amount of food, and Xiao Qingru also needed her strength for dancing. In reality, 100 pounds wouldn’t last long.

Seeing Xiao Qingru quiet, Xu Muzhou assumed she was worried about their future.

“Don’t worry,” he said, “I’ll figure out a way to get more food in a few days.”

During these times, sourcing food from other places was risky and expensive. Xiao Qingru quickly reassured him, “No need to take that risk. We still have plenty, and next month’s rations will come soon.”

Xu Muzhou’s monthly ration was about 50 pounds, and Xiao Qingru’s was 30, half of which was coarse grain. Xu Muzhou also received more subsidies than she did, with two extra pounds of meat each month. Her daily vegetable allowance was around 0.5 yuan, while his was 3 yuan.

In short, being a pilot meant enviable allowances. With essentials like salt, oil, and condiments stocked, they headed back home.

After dropping things off at their apartment, Xu Muzhou returned the borrowed car, and Xiao Qingru went to visit her friend Song Yuan.

“You didn’t go to the city? I thought you two would see a movie or stroll in the park after sending off the family.”

“I’ve practically memorized all the movies showing right now,” Xiao Qingru replied. “I’ll wait for something new.”

She placed a small packet of wedding candies on the table, about a pound’s worth. “Take these back to school.”

“Only you treat me so well,” Song Yuan said, retrieving a dictionary from her desk drawer. “Here’s my wedding gift for you.”

Xiao Qingru looked surprised and couldn’t help but laugh. “Are you telling me I should read more?”

“Your home is full of books,” Song Yuan said, “so I thought a dictionary would be practical. Plus, your future kids can use it!”

“Thanks on behalf of them,” Xiao Qingru replied, grinning, “a family heirloom for sure.”

“A book for the family legacy! Looks like your awareness has improved, Comrade Xiao.”

Xiao Qingru laughed, “Guess it’s your influence, Teacher Song.”

Song’s mother came in with a bowl of brown sugar and eggs. “Yuan’s stomach always hurts during her cycle. Dorm life is rough, so I made her some sweet egg soup. Qingru, have a bowl too.”

She placed the dish on the desk, but Xiao Qingru felt shy about eating it. “Auntie, I really have to go. I’ll visit properly next time.”

Song’s mother pulled her back. “It’s just a bowl of sweet eggs, hardly going to make us poor! If you keep acting this way, I’ll have feelings about it!”

She eased Xiao Qingru into a chair, saying, “You look thinner recently, are you overworking yourself dancing? This’ll give you a good boost.”

Song Yuan chimed in, “If you don’t eat, I can’t accept gifts from you anymore.”

“Exactly,” her mother added, laughing. “Yuan mentioned you even brought her meat buns at the Frontline Production Team.”

Song’s mother beamed; her family didn’t need to rely on meat buns, but Qingru’s gesture was heartwarming. She saw her daughter’s friends as her own and enjoyed sharing food, feeling that this strengthened their bond.

Under the gentle insistence of mother and daughter, Xiao Qingru ate the sweet eggs, feeling grateful. She mentally noted to bring a treat for Auntie Song next time.

“Look at Qingru,” Song’s mother said, “already married! Yuan, when are you going to find someone?”

Song Yuan shot a pleading look at Xiao Qingru, who turned away, unwilling to intervene in this family matter.

Song Yuan glared, “Are you seriously abandoning me now?”

Her mother gently scolded her, “Why look at Qingru? Even if there’s advice, you’d still have to actually meet someone!”

“Once I find the right person, I’ll get out there,” Song Yuan said quickly.

“But if you don’t meet people, how will you know if they’re right?”

“Why waste time if they aren’t suitable?” Song Yuan shrugged.

Song’s mother could only sigh, “Your father and I found a potential match for you a young man in his twenties who works at the supply and marketing cooperative. He’s well settled with his sisters married off. You’ll meet him before heading back to school tomorrow.”

Song Yuan’s hand froze mid scoop. Her mother expected resistance, but she simply replied, “Sure, I’ll meet him.”

Her mother was elated, “Great, I’ll call him right away.”

After she left the room, Xiao Qingru looked at Song Yuan with concern. “But what about Comrade Qin?”

“It’s over between us.” Song Yuan forced a smile. “He was willing to accept attention from the Shanghai girl but couldn’t accept mine. That shows where his heart lies.”

“Maybe he didn’t want to burden you…”

“Whatever his reasons, he chose a different path, and that’s that.”

If Qin Bei had been an ordinary man, Xiao Qingru might have encouraged her friend to follow her heart. But given Qin Bei’s complicated background, abandoning everything for uncertain love seemed impossible.

Song Yuan managed a weak smile. “Going on a matchmaker date isn’t the worst. Who says only love marriages are happy?”

Sometimes people stumbled through life anyway. Better not to push it, she thought, it was the best choice for everyone involved.

“No matter what you choose, I’ll support you,” Xiao Qingru said.

“Thanks.” Song Yuan hugged her. She’d bottled up her feelings for Qin Bei and only shared them with Xiao Qingru, who’d been a tremendous support.

After a moment, Song Yuan collected herself. “Sooner or later, marriage will come. Why not choose someone my family approves of?”

Having survived her own romantic missteps, Xiao Qingru found Song Yuan’s situation more complicated.

“Always put yourself first. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t force it. They say women can hold up half the sky there’s a lot we can achieve.”

“Exactly. If life were just about finding a husband, it’d be pretty dull.”

“I believe you’ll meet someone who truly understands you.”

“I hope so too,” Song Yuan replied. “Life’s easier when you share the same outlook.”

As the two friends continued chatting, they didn’t notice Song’s mother had briefly returned, listening from the doorway. After a moment, she quietly stepped away.