Tian Family Happy

Zhao Dongchuan and Tian Runye quickly arrived at the Second Department Store in Yuanxi County.

Jin Guangming was currently attending to customers in the store, and when he saw the two of them enter, he was clearly taken aback.

He hadn't expected Zhao Dongchuan and Tian Runye to come to the department store together, chatting and laughing, to buy things.

A hint of doubt arose in his heart, seeing the way they were... Jin Guangming's heart stirred, and he felt as if he might have learned something... This was big news!

Immediately, he asked his colleague to help attend to the customers he was serving and walked over to the counter in front of the two, saying with a cheerful smile, "Oh, Comrade Zhao, Runye... you've come! What distinguished guests you are. What would you like to buy? I'll get it for you..."

He didn't immediately inquire about the situation; instead, he helped them with their purchases.

Some items were in high demand, and having an acquaintance in the supply and marketing cooperative meant one could get them first.

"Guangming Ge, long time no see, how have you been lately..."

Zhao Dongchuan pulled out a pack of Daqianmen cigarettes, offered one to Jin Guangming, and asked with a cheerful smile.

"Me? I'm just like this. Comrade Zhao, brother, I'll be frank with you, although our sales clerk job is better than those who toil in the dirt in the village, the salary isn't high, and there's limited room for development... Can't compare to you and Runye, ah..."

As he spoke, he glanced at Runye and said with a cheerful smile, "Runye, you might not know, but your Shaoping brother did a great deed... I even benefited from it..."

He then recounted how Sun Shaoping had saved Director Hou's daughter, Hou Yuying, some time ago.

Zhao Dongchuan already knew, but Tian Runye probably didn't.

"And some time ago, a female classmate of his was caught red-handed stealing things from the store, but Shaoping interceded with Director Hou, and she was released..."

Jin Guangming suddenly lowered his voice and said mysteriously.

"Oh, that happened too?"

Tian Runye wasn't surprised to hear that Shaoping had saved someone, but that he had also interceded for a female classmate... She didn't know about these things, and it was understandable since Shaoan and He Xiulian got married, she had been preoccupied and naturally spent less time with Shaoping.

The few of them chatted briefly, then began to shop.

Zhao Dongchuan bought quite a lot of things at once.

Malt extract and lychee cans in a net bag, and also fruit—fruit was a rare commodity in those days.

It was perfect for a gift! He also bought some candy.

He specifically bought a carton of cigarettes for Second Uncle Tian Fujun and some vanishing cream for Second Aunt Xu Aiyun.

"Are there any particular customs for visiting and giving gifts?" Zhao Dongchuan asked Tian Runye while picking up items.

"Uh, there aren't that many customs. If you ask me, you don't need to buy such expensive things. Our Second Uncle and Second Aunt aren't outsiders; buying some candy and canned goods would be fine. The malt extract and fruit are a bit expensive... And that carton of cigarettes..."

Tian Runye calculated the prices of these items and pulled Zhao Dongchuan aside, whispering.

Oh, this Tian Runye is really good; she's not even married yet and is already helping him save money.

Zhao Dongchuan's heart was filled with joy.

She didn't know that Zhao Dongchuan was not short on money; his "huge funds" were practically gathering dust.

"It's fine, the first visit should be grand. It also helps you save face and lets your Second Uncle and Second Aunt know that you haven't chosen the wrong person.

Besides, I'm a cadre now, and my salary isn't low, plus I get some writing fees from magazines..."

Hearing Zhao Dongchuan say this, Tian Runye felt as sweet as if she had eaten honey.

What she cared about wasn't whether Zhao Dongchuan had money, but that he was considering her.

She herself was an elementary school teacher, and her monthly salary was not small. She usually gave some to her parents, subsidized Shaoping a little, and saved most of the rest herself.

Seeing the two whispering, Jin Guangming became even more certain of his guess.

He said with a cheerful smile, "Comrade Zhao, buying so many things this time... Is it your first visit?"

Zhao Dongchuan no longer played coy; instead, he decided to be honest and straightforward. Anyway, this matter couldn't be kept secret for long; everyone would know sooner or later... It would also prepare some people so they wouldn't be embarrassed later... "Yes, Guangming Ge, I'm sure you've noticed, and I won't hide it from you... Runye and I are dating now... It's my first time going to her Second Uncle's house, so it counts as a first visit, naturally, it has to be a grand one..."

Zhao Dongchuan took Tian Runye's small hand and said with a slight smile.

Tian Runye, seeing Zhao Dongchuan being so direct and having her hand held, was also a bit shy, but she was ultimately a generous person. Although her face was slightly flushed, she had already adjusted her mindset.

She also said with a cheerful smile, "Guangming Ge! When we have the wedding banquet, you must come and have a few drinks!!"

"Hahaha, definitely, definitely!"

Jin Guangming was also very happy; he absolutely had to attend this banquet... Zhao Dongchuan rode his bicycle, with large and small bags hanging from the handlebars, and Tian Runye also carried large and small bags.

The county town was very small at this time, and before long, they arrived at the County Revolutionary Committee compound.

Zhao Dongchuan had been there several times, so he wasn't unfamiliar and skillfully made his way to Tian Fujun's courtyard.

After parking the bicycle, Zhao Dongchuan and Runye walked into the courtyard, carrying their bags.

"Runye's back!"

"Oh, Comrade Zhao is here too!"

Xu Guoqiang was currently lying in the courtyard sunbathing. Seeing the two arrive, he quickly got up and greeted them.

"Grandpa!"

"Grandpa!"

Zhao Dongchuan also called out with Tian Runye.

"Eh! Good, good, good!"

Xu Guoqiang saw the two arrive together and knew that their relationship had progressed. He was very happy at the moment.

In the past, he would certainly have hoped that Tian Runye could be with Li Xiangqian, which would help Tian Fujun alleviate the pressure of his work in the Revolutionary Committee.

However, what Zhao Dongchuan had said earlier was verified some time ago: the "Gang of Four" had fallen, and the future situation would be more favorable for practical people like Tian Fujun; economic development was the key.

These words were not idle talk; he and Tian Fujun sometimes discussed this matter privately over drinks in the evenings, believing that the future held great promise.

This was the benefit of foresight, which could point out a clear path to people on a grand scale.

Because of this, Xu Guoqiang admired this "Comrade Zhao" more and more!

This was a "good son-in-law"! He was talented, had vision, was humble, and had good character, far superior to that Li Xiangqian.

Although Tian Runye was not his biological granddaughter, she was part of their family, a member of the Tian family.

This was a great joyous occasion for the Tian family; Tian Runye was truly charming to have found such a "golden son-in-law"!

Thinking of this, his smile became even brighter.

Although he was an old leader in the county, after his retirement, there were many things he could no longer help with.

Even though Li Dengyun was an old subordinate he had promoted, his words no longer held sway with Li Dengyun, and he couldn't help Tian Fujun much.