"How could it be unnecessary? You are with , and there’s not even a decent betrothal gift? How can that be?"
"Will you listen to ?"
Lu Tiezhu nodded vigorously.
"Then just buy so essentials: a thermos, two washbasins, towels, candles, and don’t buy clothes. Buy more cloth; we need to make sheets and quilt covers when we get ho."
Lu Tiezhu held onto Du Fengying and took out a handkerchief bundle from his pocket, handing it to her.
"Wife, this is all the money we have at ho. It’s all yours now, and here are all my tickets; buy whatever you want."
Du Fengying held the handkerchief bundle, still warm from Lu Tiezhu’s touch, and her heart was filled with mixed emotions. She felt sure that she would be happy for the rest of her life.
The two reached the building and went straight to the second floor, taking out all the cloth tickets to buy fabric. It was enough for quilt covers and sheets and could even make a set of clothes for Lu Tiezhu.
Then they went to the first floor. Luckily Jiang Xinyu had given them industrial tickets, so they bought a thermos, two washbasins, two towels, and also a mantel clock. Du Fengying was used to seeing it, and without it, it felt quite stifling, so she bought it.
Candles, matches, toilet paper, and with three pounds of sugar tickets, they bought fruit candy to distribute to the villagers when they returned.
"Wife, buy so pastries." Back then, his forr wife loved pastries.
Du Fengying shook her head, "No need, I don’t like them. It’s not because I’m saving money; I really don’t like them. They’re not as good as what Xinyu makes."
They left the building; it was almost eleven o’clock.
"Wife, let’s go eat."
"Let’s take these things ho first." They had to go to a restaurant since there was nothing at ho.
Old Yang was selecting people; they were all from the city and recomnded by his subordinates. Their character should not be a problem.
Han Xiangjun had already arranged things. He sat listening on the side; the room was no longer cold, so he had patience.
Five people ca, and Old Yang ultimately chose a fifty-year-old single woman. Her husband and child had passed during the disaster years, and she lived in the city, not starving but not well-fed either.
Old Yang mainly noticed her hands; though they were rough, her nails were particularly clean.
This was a tip from Jiang Xinyu—to find soone tidy and efficient.
Since selection was complete, the remaining four were not happy but had no choice as they weren’t chosen.
"Go ho and pack your things; co here by two o’clock."
Zhang Qiu’e nodded, "I won’t be late." She had lucked into such a good opportunity—fifteen yuan a month, food and lodging provided—how could she be late?
There wasn’t much to pack at ho, but she had to make sure doors and windows were closed well as she might not return for a long ti. She planned to work for several years so she would have money in her hands, ensuring a less difficult old age.
"Let’s go. We can have lunch now." Old Yang called to Han Xiangjun, who was sitting by the stove.
"What good food can there be?"
"Just sothing casual; later, we have to go to the grain station. I noticed we’re running low on rice and flour."
"Alright, can you get good stuff?"
"Fine grains and oil shouldn’t be a problem; no need for at. Let’s buy so eggs too. We have a busy afternoon ahead."
Han Xiangjun relaxed after completing his arrangents, willing to accompany Old Yang in prepping.
They reached the restaurant and saw Lu Tiezhu and his wife having lunch.
"Old Yang, Han, you two co over and sit."
"Master Lu, did you get everything sorted?"
"Yes, we’ll be going to the grain station this afternoon to buy fine grains. Even though it’s not a big celebration, we must treat you to a al."
Han Xiangjun nodded with a smile. He had prepared twenty yuan for them, as Du Fengying had cared for his son for two years. This expense was justified.
Each had two stead buns and a bowl of at soup noodles.
After the four finished eating, they separated to prepare their tasks.
Old Yang and Han Xiangjun visited the supply and marketing cooperative, buying five pounds of eggs and five pounds of pork.
Old Yang threw his keys to a bored-looking Han Xiangjun, "Co and check out the grain station with ; later you can drive back."
"Sure, in this small city, what good things can there be?"
At two o’clock, Old Yang loaded up a hundred pounds of rice and a hundred pounds of white flour, then went ho to pick up Zhang Qiu’e.
Then they picked up Lu Tiezhu and his wife.
Their purchases filled the back, plus there were three people seated.
Zhang Qiu’e knew she would feel car sick, so she hadn’t eaten lunch and endured it, but her face was pale.
It was near five o’clock when they finally entered the village.
Once off the vehicle, Zhang Qiu’e crouched on the ground, dry heaving in discomfort. Having not eaten, she couldn’t vomit anything.
"Sister Zhang, are you alright?"
"I’m okay, just car sick; it will pass soon."
Wei Kaiyun erged, glancing at Old Yang. The three busied themselves moving the grains and eggs and at into the storeroom.
Lu Tiezhu and Du Fengying transferred their purchases into Du Fengying’s room, placing the fine grains and at directly into the main room.
They had fewer at tickets and went later, so they only bought lean at.
But Du Fengying knew Jiang Xinyu liked lean at, so she bought three pounds ho.
She hurriedly cooked; it was already dark now, and the school-goers should be returning soon.
For dinner, there was rice, sauerkraut vermicelli, and water-boiled at slices, but Du Fengying wasn’t skilled at making that, so she prepared the ingredients and waited for Jiang Xinyu to co back to cook.
Lu Tiezhu wore a constant smile, sitting by, feeding the fire.
Upon Jiang Xinyu’s group’s return, the won joined in cooking.
Guodong rushed in, "Master Lu, your bedding has been delivered to the dormitory. Shuanzi helped set it up."
Lu Tiezhu giggled foolishly. He couldn’t wait to finish dinner and take his wife ho.
Wei Kaiyun, Old Yang, and Han Xiangjun decided that the cash gift would be twenty yuan each, contributing from both sides.
Such a gift was quite substantial. Shang Zhenkun chose to join them since Du Fengying had looked after them for two years and was highly satisfactory.
With so many people, they added egg custard, sour and spicy potato strips, and cabbage tofu stew.
The al took place in the main room, with two tables pushed together, everyone squeezing to sit.
Each person shared a congratulatory ssage; Lu Tiezhu felt even without a banquet, he received many blessings.
Before dining, they gifted money, originally rejected by the couple but eventually accepted, as it was a joyful occasion and heartfelt intention.
They drank a bit of liquor today, each having a small glass, sipping and toasting the newlyweds. Lu Tiezhu was all smiles; everyone could see his happiness and satisfaction with Du Fengying.
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