Discussing marriage

Tian Runye tugged at Zhao Dongchuan's sleeve, feeling a little anxious.

Although it was her father's letter that made her confirm her feelings for Zhao Dongchuan.

But as soon as she thought about taking Zhao Dongchuan to meet her parents later, she couldn't help but feel shy.

"It's alright, your dad has been thinking about me as his son-in-law for more than just a day or two... Let's go!"

Zhao Dongchuan playfully tapped Tian Runye's nose with his finger, saying with a chuckle.

"You... what are you doing...?"

Tian Runye looked at Zhao Dongchuan shyly.

"Hahahaha..."

"Let's go!"

Zhao Dongchuan burst out laughing, then took Tian Runye's hand and entered the courtyard.

At this moment, Runyes Mother was sitting in the courtyard, stitching shoe soles one by one. Seeing Tian Runye return, she happily stood up. Then, she saw Zhao Dongchuan following behind and paused for a moment.

"Oh, Xiao Zhao, you're here!"

"You must have had a tiring journey... Runye, hurry up and go inside to pour some tea for Xiao Zhao..."

Runyes Mother immediately reacted, her face beaming with joy, and she greeted him. At this moment, she was even more concerned about Zhao Dongchuan, so much so that Tian Runye didn't react for a while.

Tian Futang, hearing the commotion, also hurried out.

He said excitedly, "Oh, Xiao Zhao, Runye, you're here!"

"Come in, come in quickly!"

"Dad!"

"Uncle Tian!"

Zhao Dongchuan couldn't call him 'Dad' right now, but calling him 'Secretary Tian' would be too formal, so he opted for 'Uncle Tian'.

Tian Futang naturally understood the change in address, and his heart immediately blossomed with joy.

Zhao Dongchuan carried the large and small bags into the house.

"Oh, why did you buy so many things...?" Tian Futang looked at the numerous bags and packages, saying polite words, but his heart was very happy.

He wasn't particularly fond of these items, but from this act, he saw Zhao Dongchuan's sincerity and his regard for Runye, and he couldn't help but feel even more satisfied with Zhao Dongchuan as his son-in-law.

There's no helping it, people are just such worldly and complex creatures.

Sometimes whether others want it is their business; whether you give it is a matter of your attitude.

The few of them took off their shoes and sat around the table on the kang... Runyes Mother came over with a large fruit plate, smiling, and said, "Come, Xiao Zhao, have some peanuts, melon seeds, and candy..."

"Auntie, you're too kind!"

Zhao Dongchuan took the cup of tea Runye poured for him and said with a chuckle.

Afterward, the few of them chatted idly, with Tian Futang and his wife smiling happily throughout.

Only Runye was a little shy. As for Zhao Dongchuan, he was drinking tea and eating peanuts and melon seeds, feeling utterly at ease.

As they chatted, Tian Futang suddenly blurted out, "When do you two plan to get married?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere instantly quieted down.

Tian Runye became even shyer, and she softly called out, "Dad..."

Runyes Mother also tugged at Tian Futang's sleeve, signaling him to calm down and not scare the young man.

Besides, no matter how much they liked him, the woman's side shouldn't be the one to bring up marriage, as it would make it seem like Runye was unwanted and desperate to get married.

Tian Futang didn't care about all that. Zhao Dongchuan was a talented man, working in Huangyuan City and earning a government salary, cultured and capable. Countless families coveted him. If they didn't finalize this matter soon, what if someone else snatched him up?

He knew that many families in the village had considered this, but Zhao Dongchuan had rejected them all.

If he hadn't been suppressing things openly and secretly, some people might have had ulterior motives, tried to 'make a done deal' or 'jumped into the Yellow River and couldn't wash themselves clean!'

It wasn't as if such things hadn't happened before.

In the surrounding ten li and eight villages, he had heard many people talk about certain female educated youths who were either trapped or, for the sake of food, had no choice but to compromise and marry locally... There were male educated youths too, but fewer of them.

"Uncle Tian, to be honest with you, I also came this time to discuss this matter with you. In my opinion, of course, the sooner the better..."

Zhao Dongchuan put down the enamel cup in his hand and said seriously.

"Mhm, mhm... Good, good, good. We're family, so I won't say anything else. Runye is also old enough, and it really shouldn't be delayed any longer... Not to mention other people's children are already several years old... Even Shaoan is almost a... father..."

Realizing he had said the wrong thing, Tian Futang's voice gradually weakened.

Runyes Mother could only give an awkward smile.

Zhao Dongchuan and Tian Runye didn't mind; Sun Shaoan was already in the past, and they just smiled and nodded.

"That's right, I haven't had a chance to mention this to my parents yet. Isn't the New Year approaching? I'm thinking, should I take Runye back to Beijing first, let my parents meet Runye, and also discuss how to arrange the wedding?"

"This..."

Tian Futang hesitated a bit. His daughter going to such a distant place, unfamiliar with the people and surroundings... Although he trusted Zhao Dongchuan, he was still a little uneasy.

"Runye, what do you think?" Tian Futang asked Tian Runye.

"I... I'll listen to Dongchuan..."

Runye replied, her face flushing.

Seeing his daughter like this, Tian Futang knew he had worried for nothing, so he said, "Alright, then you two go... After you arrive, remember to call the Commune to inform me..."

Zhao Dongchuan nodded.

The few of them then discussed the approximate wedding date and the wedding venue.

Hearing Zhao Dongchuan say he planned to have one ceremony in Beijing and another in Shuangshui Village, Tian Futang secretly nodded. This son-in-law was truly good; not only was he wealthy, but he was also generous... Soon, dusk gradually fell. Runyes Mother was already preparing dinner. It was her future son-in-law's first visit, so she couldn't be negligent... Runyes Mother decided to make meat dumplings for dinner... and also catch one of the chickens raised in the yard to stew chicken soup... Zhao Dongchuan greeted Tian Futang, then led Tian Runye to his own cave dwelling.

By this time, another period had passed since their last visit, and the courtyard was naturally filled with withered branches and fallen leaves... Zhao Dongchuan opened the inner room door, took an enamel basin from beside the stove, and prepared to fetch water to wipe down the inner room.

Meanwhile, Tian Runye had already picked up a broom, ready to sweep the courtyard.

One swept the floor, the other wiped the inner room, and they cooperated very smoothly.

Runye quickly cleaned the courtyard, then entered the inner room, snatched the rag from Zhao Dongchuan's hand, and said with a smile, "Dongchuan, let me do it! You don't need to do this work; from now on, all the housework will be mine..."

Zhao Dongchuan was suddenly overcome with emotion. Oh, he finally had someone to dote on him!

He opened his arms and slowly embraced Runye.

Smelling the fragrance from her hair at the nape of her neck, he said happily, "Runye, you're so good!"

Tian Runye stiffened at first, then slowly relaxed.

She also slowly hugged Zhao Dongchuan back, smiling shyly, and said, "Isn't this what I should be doing...?"

Zhao Dongchuan felt the warmth in his arms and couldn't help but hold her even tighter.

The two of them embraced like this, appearing so beautiful under the setting sun.