Xie Shengyu had long given up on romance, pouring all his energy into raising Xie Guiyun. Xie Guiyun was a determined girl who entered a second-tier university and later married a filial husband. Only after his daughter’s wedding did Xie Shengyu find love again, marrying a divorced migrant worker. His life passed quietly.
If the woman were still Wang Xiaoya, Zhu Yanyi would have found a way to break off the engagement.
“She’s from Houhai Village, named Luo Ying. She’s a very hardworking girl. I’ve met her; she’s three years younger than your uncle. They are a good match,” Xie Xinlian said, unaware of Zhu Yanyi’s thoughts.
Hearing “Houhai Village” startled Zhu Yanyi, but she relaxed when she realized it wasn’t Wang Xiaoya. “Then I’ll go help at Grandpa’s house tomorrow.”
“You really should help,” Xie Xinlian laughed. “When your second aunt arrives, you and your sister must host her.”
This was a local custom. When a couple engaged, unmarried young women from the younger generation hosted the guests. At the wedding, unmarried girls welcomed the bride, and peers hosted the celebration. Similarly, unmarried boys from the groom’s side hosted guests at the bride’s home. This “child hosting” symbolized the couple’s unity and harmony in marriage.
“Okay,” Zhu Yanyi nodded. “It’s a good thing. Why didn’t you send a telegram? I’m glad I came back at the right time.” She thought if she hadn’t returned just in time, she might never have known about Grandpa’s engagement.
“The engagement isn’t a big event. The wedding is at year-end, so even if you weren’t here, your sister could handle the hosting. At the wedding, you two sisters can welcome the bride together. This is just a formality. We aren’t really making you do all the work,” Xie Xinlian smiled. “But we do need help tomorrow. Your second uncle brought back lots of wild vegetables. We plan to make shepherd’s purse and meat shaomai. It’s the main delicacy.”
Banquet dishes weren’t as fancy as in later years, focusing mainly on chicken, duck, fish, and meat. Pastries were usually traditional wedding cakes. Wealthy families also made shaomai. With economic reforms, some Western pastries appeared, like carved cakes. They resembled later cakes but used egg whites instead of pure milk for decorations, with simpler designs. Still, they were a trendy wedding feature.
“Did Grandpa order carved cakes?” Zhu Yanyi asked curiously.
“Yes, ordered from the food factory. Your godfather said they’ll be made early tomorrow morning for fresh lunch,” Xie Xinlian replied, feeling relieved that her brother was getting married.
Zhu Yanyi smiled. “Then I’ll go join the fun tomorrow.” Her tone was particularly cheerful.
Xie Xinlian remembered Zheng Xiangju’s request. “By the way, Aunt Xiangju has a friend who is seriously ill. She wants you to see her. Is that okay?”
Zhu Yanyi tilted her head, thinking for a moment, then agreed immediately. “Sure. I have my medical license now. If someone from our village introduces an outsider, I can treat them. No need to worry about trouble.”