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After Bai Qingyuan left, Old Wu began to probe the young girl. Bai Jianing, feeling shy, nodded in response. “Grandpa Wu, my dad hasn’t agreed yet. He mentioned that he should understand Weiguo’s family situation first. When the time comes, please speak well of Weiguo.”
Bai Jianing respectfully pleaded with Wu Changyong to convince her father. She understood her father’s concerns, but she believed Zhang Weiguo was an outstanding young man. She feared her father’s skepticism, so she entrusted the task to Wu Changyong, who knew her father well.
Old Wu chuckled, “My girl, consider the match made between us. Watch closely. I’ll handle that old man of yours. You just take care of Weiguo. He’ll be your man in the future.”
Old Wu’s straightforward manner caught Bai Jianing off guard. blushing, she hurriedly left the tent.
Bai Qingyuan returned excitedly. “Old Wu, we must commend Zhang Weiguo for his invention. It’s incredibly useful. I’ve already arranged for it to be made, using sponges inside. How did this young man come up with such an idea? It’s brilliant.”
Old Wu patted his old comrade’s shoulder, “Qingyuan, commending Weiguo is necessary, but there’s another matter we must discuss seriously – the marriage between Weiguo and your daughter. I’ve been officially entrusted to act as their matchmaker. Can you trust the words of this matchmaker?”
Bai Qingyuan looked back at his old friend with seriousness, “Old Wu, you know my daughter is my precious gem. I can’t take her marriage lightly. Regarding Weiguo’s family background, I believe you’re well aware. Talk to me honestly about it. While this young man appears decent and has good prospects, I’m concerned about his family. If they are problematic, my daughter will suffer.”
Wu Changyong handed Bai Qingyuan a cup of honey water. “Bai, have a sip. Let me tell you about the time I was sent to labor reform. You’ll understand the temperament of Weiguo’s family members.”
As they sipped honey water, Wu Changyong slowly recounted his past to Bai Qingyuan, immersing him in old memories.
Bai Qingyuan, moved by his friend’s story, expressed his envy. He reminisced about their past and how things might have been different. He agreed to the marriage proposal but highlighted the need to consult his wife. While he could decide many things, when it came to his daughter’s lifelong decision, he felt it was essential to discuss with his wife to avoid incessant nagging.
Wu Changyong slyly grinned, “Qingyuan, you’re worried about your wife’s nagging, right? Don’t fret. Although my sister-in-law lacks education, she has a good heart. If she disagrees, I’ll personally persuade her. You handle your wife, and I’ll handle mine. Tomorrow, I’ll inform them that you agree. When Weiguo recovers and returns to school, let Jianing bring him to visit your home. With Weiguo’s credentials as a military academy scholar and his military achievements, the future is bright. You’ll be pleased to have such a son-in-law.”
Now Wu Changyong regretted not having a suitable-aged daughter to offer, Bai Qingyuan ended with such a good opportunity, as he would have readily accepted it.
The next morning, Old Wu shared the good news with Zhang Lan and the others. Zhang Weiguo was overjoyed, his smile almost splitting the wound he was nursing.
“Little uncle, as happy as you are, remember to recover properly. You should meet your future mother-in-law sooner. Oh, and I have something for you. Here, wear this jade pendant as a talisman. I don’t know if soldiers are allowed to wear such things, but hidden under your uniform, no one will notice,” Wang Qian said as she placed the sheep-fat jade pendant around Zhang Weiguo’s neck.
Although Zhang Weiguo wasn’t familiar with such things, he recognized its quality. “Qianqian, where did you get this? It looks expensive.”
Wang Qian smiled mischievously, “Hehe, little uncle, I found it. Believe me, it’s valuable. Take care of it. It might be worth a lot in the future. You could probably buy a house with it. Don’t lose it.”
Even though it was hard to part with the last jade pendant, she gave it away. If needed for future treatment, she would have to find another one.
After packing up for their return the next day, they bought gifts and shared a meal with Old Wu. They prepared the meal themselves in Zhang Weiguo’s room, creating a simple and heartwarming atmosphere.
“Niece, your cooking is still the best. I’ve missed the taste of our family meals,” Old Wu remarked, reminiscing about the meals at the Wang household that he still savored.
Thinking back to the delicious meals at the Wang household, Wu Changyong couldn’t forget them. Even at home, he felt the food lacked the flavor he had enjoyed at the Wangs’.
Wang Qian cheerfully told Old Wu, “Grandpa Wu, if you ever want to enjoy those meals again, come to our house. Next year, I’ll be attending university, and I’ll cook for you. Just let us know what you crave, and we’ll send it to you.”
“That sounds great, Qianqian. We have a deal. When the time comes, I’ll have you come over to our house to cook. I’ll have a taste of your cooking,” Wu Changyong boldly invited Wang Qian to cook at his place, unfazed by the fact that she was still a minor.
“Uncle Wu, if you have time in the future, come and visit us. We have a pig slaughter every year, but it’s not the same without you. I’d love to send you some pork, but it might spoil by the time it arrives. When you’re craving it, come over with Uncle Zuo and the others. Let’s have a lively gathering,” Wang Zhenhe reminisced about the past and the lively family gatherings they used to have.
“Oh, nephew, I’d love to visit, but I’m swamped right now. When I have time, I’ll definitely bring the old gang over. I’m even thinking of staying at your place in my old age. I’ll bring my wife and freeload off you all. It’ll be like living in paradise, with someone to take care of us,” Old Wu expressed his desire to visit and enjoy a comfortable stay.
Zhang Weiguo, lying in his hospital bed, chimed in, “Uncle Wu, you don’t know yet, but Qianqian has built a big house in our area, keeping it for your visit. Each family will have their own room. Jianing, when will you come to see our house? You won’t regret it.” He extended the invitation to Bai Jianing, who was feeding him.
“I’ll visit when you’re better. I’m curious to see the house Qianqian built, especially by the seaside. It should be exciting. I envy you for having fresh seafood anytime,” Bai Jianing expressed her interest, intrigued by the idea of visiting the seaside house.
Old Wu, teasing her, vividly described the seafood he enjoyed, making Bai Jianing’s eyes light up with excitement and her mouth water with anticipation.
“Once you visit, you’ll realize how delicious it is. Your future mother-in-law is an incredible cook, especially with seafood. When Weiguo is better, go and enjoy. Don’t worry about household matters; your dad has agreed, and your mom shouldn’t have a reason to disagree,” Old Wu reassured Bai Jianing.
After the meal, Wu Changyong instructed Zhang Lan and the others to wait in the hospital room the next day. He arranged for a car to take them to the station. During this time, Zhang Lan made sure to explain things properly to his brother, emphasizing the importance of following the nurse’s and doctor’s instructions and not being reckless.
“Xiao Bai, when you have time, go and visit with Weiguo. Also, don’t forget to send some of the honey and royal jelly we prepared for you and Weiguo back home to your elderly family members.”
Bai Jianing had a delightful time with Zhang Lan and his family during this period. She found their company comforting and felt a strong connection, perhaps what her mother meant by destiny.
“Sister, if you ever have time, come to the capital city. I work at the military hospital there. Weiguo knows the address. I’ll take you for Peking duck,” Zhang Lan suggested, extending an invitation for a future visit.
After bidding farewell, their car arrived. Wang Qian waved goodbye to Bai Jianing and Zhang Weiguo, reminding them about sending letters.
Zhang Weiguo finally understood why his brother-in-law mentioned Wang Qian’s love for money. Even at the last moment, she didn’t forget about the reply. “Don’t worry, I’ll send a telegram as soon as there’s news. I’ll also let your grandmother know that everything is fine here, so she doesn’t worry.”
Wang Zhenhe and Zhang Lan decided that since they were already out, they should visit Zuo Xiangqian and Lin Xi. Given the opportunity to leave, Wang Zhenhe was concerned about Zuo Xiangqian’s health and wanted to send a batch of winter fruits as a gesture, and of course purchase some local fruits from there, hoping to make a profit around the Lunar New Year.
After arriving in Guangzhou, Wang Zhenhe took the mother and daughter to visit Lin Xi, who was busy shipping goods at the market. Lin Xi was surprised to see Zhang Lan visiting her at that moment.
Seeing the stylish and vibrant Lin Xi in front of him, Zhang Lan felt genuinely happy for her. “Sister, do you still recognize me?”
Busy with her work, Lin Xi looked up and was astonished to see Zhang Lan and his family. Despite not having met for several years, Lin Xi thought Zhang Lan hadn’t changed much; he seemed ageless and even younger than herself. She jokingly said, “Sister-in-law? It’s really you! How did you come here without informing me beforehand? I could have gone to the station to pick you up.”