Grandpa Xu, his heart overflowing with joy, rose with his glass of tea, though he slyly topped it with a splash of something stronger for himself. “This year,” he declared, his voice thick with emotion, “is the happiest year for this old man. We’ve seen so much change. Our Xu Ying has truly come into her own, not only lifting our family but also showing the entire village a path to prosperity. This girl is truly capable. Our Xu ancestors would surely rejoice to know of her accomplishments inthe heaven . And then there’s our third child. This boy has finally grown up.”
As he spoke of Xu Laosan, tears welled in Grandpa Xu’s eyes. “This boy was always the smartest among you brothers, yet his cleverness often led him astray. My third daughter-in-law, you have been wronged these past years. But you, with your unwavering care for the third child, have been willing to stay with him. Anyone else would have left long ago. The third daughter-in-law is a good one, do you hear me? You must cherish her!”
Third Aunt Xu, completely taken aback by Grandpa Xu’s sudden praise, blushed. Her husband had indeed become a good man, especially now. He’d made money this time and had given it all to her.
“Dad, Jianshe has been very good to me…” Third Aunt Xu began, but Xu Jianshe quickly stood up, a look of profound guilt etched on his face as he met his father’s gaze.
“Dad, I understand. Don’t worry, I will definitely make money to support my family in the future, and it will never be the same as before.” Uncle Xu’s sincerity was evident. Before, he’d believed his life was destined for a muddled, hopeless end. But following Yingying, he had learned so much, truly understanding what it meant to be a man. A man’s most precious treasures were his children and his wife, especially a good child and a good wife. He regretted his past, but he was fortunate his wife hadn’t given up on him.
Grandpa Xu nodded repeatedly, his face beaming. As long as his children were sensible and striving for a good life, he was content.
“Mom and Dad, in the new year I wish you longevity as long as the Southern Mountains and blessings as good as the East Sea,” offered one child, followed by another, “Mom and Dad, I wish you…”
Amidst the joyful crackle of firecrackers and the gleeful shouts of children, the New Year officially began.
This year, Xujia Village had prospered, and Father Xu, in a grand gesture, had hired a projectionist to screen a movie in the village. Xu Ying, having never seen a film of that era, was quite curious about it . So, at her mother’s invitation, she grabbed a small stool and joined the bustling crowd heading towards the village’s ground.
The projectionist had already set up his equipment. He greeted Father Xu with a warm smile; everyone knew Xujia Village was flourishing. Not only had they established ties with the county’s textile factory, but they also had a connection with the food factory. Now, nearly everyone in Xujia Village was employed by these two factories. The scale was impressive, and many outsiders yearned for jobs there, drawn by the low academic requirements, a stark contrast to the strict demands of larger factories. Xujia Village was now a sought-after place, with families from afar hoping their daughters or sons would marry someone from there.
“Brother Xu, we can start now,” the projectionist said, offering Father Xu a cigarette. “This is Brother Xu’s daughter, she’s really pretty. I heard that this girl works in both the textile factory and the food factory! You’re truly capable at such a young age! Girl, come and sit here and see clearly.” The projectionist, wanting to be hospitable, offered Xu Ying the best viewing spot.
Xu Ying smiled, about to accept, when her eyes caught a glimpse of Huo Chen at the edge of the crowd. A sudden surge of happiness made her wave to the projectionist. “Thank you, uncle, but no, I’ll just stand here and watch for a while and then go back.” With that, she cast a secret, lovesick glance at Huo Chen, gave him a quick wink, and slipped away, unseen by her father.
Huo Chen saw her approaching and a faint smile touched his lips. “Why aren’t you watching the movie ?”
Could Xu Ying admit she missed him? Absolutely not. So, with a proud tilt of her head, she declared, “What’s wrong? I don’t want to see it anymore! Why are you standing so far away? Can you even see it from here ?” She stood on tiptoes, but the screen was still out of view.
Huo Chen chuckled at her childish antics. “As long as I can see you.”
Xu Ying’s eyes widened and fluttered. She glanced around, saw no one was paying attention to them , and playfully poked Huo Chen’s chest. “Hey, you’ve gotten thick-skinned since you’ve been out.” After saying it, she instantly regretted it, her face flushing crimson, grateful for the darkness of the night that concealed her blush.
“Don’t move!” Huo Chen’s voice was firm, his words spilling out. “I plan to come to your house after the Chinese New Year to explain our relationship to your parents. If you want, we can get engaged first. If you don’t want to wait, that’s fine. If you want to get married, it’s up to you!” He looked at Xu Ying nervously. He saw how remarkable Xu Ying was, while he was just a rough man, relying on speculation. The thought of being with Xu Ying filled him with a profound sense of inferiority.
Xu Ying lifted her head, her gaze locking with Huo Chen’s. Their eyes intertwined, an invisible force binding them tightly.
“Otherwise, forget it…” Huo Chen began, his resolve faltering.
But Xu Ying’s big eyes suddenly flashed, a hint of crimson staining her cheeks, and she nodded directly. ” okay.”
Huo Chen’s frantic heart finally settled. A beautiful curve graced the corners of his mouth. As long as she was willing, he would never disappoint her.
Mindful of Xu Ying’s reputation, Huo Chen soon rose and headed home after their conversation. He had rushed to their meeting on New Year’s Eve, without a moment’s rest, bringing fireworks and the money he’d earned. He was utterly exhausted.
Xu Ying waved him goodbye, then turned back, ready to watch the movie.
To her surprise, Xu Qingqing happened to witness the entire exchange. Walking up to Xu Ying, she sneered, “Xu Ying, your taste isn’t very good. Xu Jingjing found a factory director’s secretary, but you actually found a wolf cub as your partner .”
“Who are you calling a wolf cub? Xu Qingqing, please keep your mouth clean!” Xu Ying’s pretty face contorted with anger. She couldn’t bear to hear anyone speak ill of Huo Chen, especially someone she disliked.
Xu Qingqing was startled by the sudden fury from her but remained unconvinced. “What’s wrong? Am I wrong? He is a wolf cub. He’s vicious, has a weird temper, and follows a wolf every day. He looks so fierce and beats people. Be careful, he might beat you to death in the future!” Xu Qingqing cursed, feeling a smug satisfaction. Xu Ying was so foolish. With her conditions, she could find a cadre partner in the county, yet she’d fallen for Huo Chen. As long as she could find a match in the county, she’d be better than Xu Ying. Xu Jingjing found a secretary; she wouldn’t be far behind. Besides Secretary Yang, there was also Secretary Zhang!
“Xu Qingqing, what are you doing? Are you bullying my daughter?” Mother Xu, her sharp eyes spotting the confrontation, rushed over, shielding Xu Ying like a protective hen.
Xu Qingqing was still a little afraid of Mother Xu. Though the latter had mellowed, her formidable past reputation lingered. An idea sparked in Xu Qingqing’s mind as she recalled Huo Chen, and she lowered her head pitifully.