"Cheng Tao, why are you introducing me to a blind date? We're not close, so why are you suddenly so kind?"
Cheng Tao was stunned, her mind racing.
Zhao Lifang had never questioned this before. Why was she asking today?
"Lifang, did someone say something to you?"
"No, I'm just curious."
Cheng Tao suddenly smiled, "It's precisely because we're not close that I want to marry you off as soon as possible."
"Then let me ask you, is Wen Jiahao a good person?"
Cheng Tao retorted, "Even Mom and Dad think he's good. Why are you still suspicious? Besides, you're already pregnant with his child. It's too late to say you won't marry him now."
Zhao Lifang's smile vanished. That was true.
But her unease grew.
"I heard Wen Jiahao likes men."
Cheng Tao's face changed drastically, her fists clenching.
"Where did you hear that? That's absolutely impossible!"
"How do you know it's impossible?" Zhao Lifang looked at her suspiciously.
Cheng Tao chuckled, "Because if he liked men, it's highly unlikely you'd be able to get pregnant."
Zhao Lifang pouted, "Liking men doesn't mean it's impossible."
"But if he likes men, why would he be interested in you?"
Zhao Lifang ignored her. She hoped it was just a rumor.
Because she knew herself that it was too late to back out now.
...
Cheng You's wedding date was set for May.
On this day, the sun shone brightly, and a gentle breeze blew, neither too cold nor too hot. It was just right.
Although Cheng You was getting married, the liveliest place was Uncle Li's house.
She got up early to dress and adorn herself, putting on her red wedding dress and styling her hair up.
Sun Xiaowan did her makeup, a simple base and some lipstick.
"Your skin is so enviable. Makeup is practically unnecessary!"
Cheng You laughed, "Once I'm done with this busy period, I'll make you some cold cream."
Sun Xiaowan finally smiled in satisfaction, "You promised, don't forget."
Duan Liping brought over the jewelry. Cheng You hadn't had her ears pierced, so she couldn't wear earrings.
She was afraid of pain and refused to get them done no matter what.
Sun Xiaowan was furious, thinking she was wasting such beautiful ears.
How could a woman give up beauty for fear of pain?
She put on golden bracelets on both wrists, and with the necklace, she exuded an air of nobility.
Duan Liping sighed, "I used to think gold jewelry looked old-fashioned. Now, it looks quite nice."
It really depended on the person.
Soon, a clamor erupted outside: "The bride is here to be picked up!"
Duan Liping quickly said, "The veil! Xiaowan, quickly get the veil!"
Sun Xiaowan hurried over with the veil and covered Cheng You's head.
"Wen Yu, come carry your sister."
Cheng Wen Yu quickly walked over and crouched in front of Cheng You.
He was now taller than Cheng You, and carrying her was easy.
Cheng You leaned on Cheng Wen Yu's back, touching his strong, firm shoulders. Her nose suddenly felt a sting.
This younger brother had grown up without her realizing it.
"Sister, if Qi Chengyan bullies you, you must tell me."
He might not be able to beat him now, but that didn't mean he wouldn't be able to in the future.
Cheng You chuckled, "Okay, I'll wait for you to back me up!"
Her vision was blocked by the red cloth. When Cheng Wen Yu set her down, he saw Qi Chengyan extending his hand towards her.
Even at this moment, Cheng Wen Yu didn't forget to issue a threat: "Brother Yan, you can't bully my sister in the future, or I won't let you off."
Qi Chengyan patted his shoulder, his voice deep, "Leave protecting your sister to me."
Cheng Wen Yu grumbled, "That won't do. Men can't be trusted."
Song Jingtang laughed heartily, "Aren't you a man too!"
Cheng Wen Yu: "It's different anyway!"
Cheng You placed her hand in his palm, which was enveloped by his broad hand as he slowly led her outside.
Qi Chengyan scooped her up and placed her on the back of a bicycle.
"Hold onto me, don't be afraid."
Cheng You hugged his strong waist and felt the bicycle slowly moving away.
As they rode, people along the sides threw candy.
Many people chased after the candy, shouting blessings.
After receiving so much candy from them, a few words were in order.
Cheng Tao was consumed by jealousy. When she got married, there was no such excitement. She had just moved to a new place to live.
Unlike Cheng You, the candy thrown out alone must have cost a lot of money.
Seeing that the bride and groom had left, Song Jingtang said, "Everyone, let's move on to the feast!"
Qi Chengyan and Cheng You were willing to spend money. The wedding banquet today was a lavish spread of meat and fish, more abundant than during the Spring Festival.
Many people in the village didn't want to miss it. After this meal, they didn't know when they would eat so well again.
Cheng Tao's eyes reddened as she looked at the dishes at the wedding banquet.
This was the first time she couldn't eat meat. httpδ:/m.kuAisugg.nět
Her and Song Yulian's faces were as somber as if they were attending a funeral.
Sun Xiaowan came over with a wine bottle, smiling, "Uncle and Auntie, please eat and drink well. Come, let me refill your glasses. Hey Cheng Tao, why do you look so pale? Is the food not to your liking?"
Cheng Tao gave a pale smile, "No, I'm just feeling a bit unwell."
Sun Xiaowan smiled with her eyes curving, "Is it your body that's uncomfortable, or your heart? Tsk tsk, don't be so petty. Cheng You should thank you. If you hadn't taken in that trash, she wouldn't have found someone better."
Cheng Tao's face grew even uglier. Just as she was about to lose her temper, Cheng Tianhua stopped her with a look.
No matter how much Cheng Tianhua disliked Cheng You, he cared about his reputation.
Appearances had to be maintained.
Cheng Tao had no choice but to endure.
Sun Xiaowan didn't continue to mock her but returned to her seat to eat.
Duan Liping pulled her hand, "Your temperament will get you into trouble sooner or later."
She easily offended people.
Sun Xiaowan snorted, "There are plenty of people I dislike. Do I have to treat them all like this? I told you to study, and you felt a headache after five minutes. But if I tell you to scold someone, you can do it day and night without getting tired."
Sun Xiaowan giggled, "But this is just how I am, I can't help it!"
Duan Liping shook her head and stopped talking about her.
"I'm going to get something to take to Cheng You."
She had gotten up very early to do her makeup and hadn't had time to eat anything.
"Go ahead, I'll save some meat for you."
Duan Liping carried the food into the house and found that Cheng You was already eating.
She smiled, "I worried for nothing. How could that educated youth Qi let you go hungry?"
Cheng You said, "It's just that I can't go out to eat."
"I've got some meat for you, try it. This banquet is quite well done."
Cheng You nodded, "Indeed, they specifically invited chefs from the state-run restaurant."
The chefs were reluctant to come at first, mainly because the distance was too far.
Only when the wages were high enough did they agree.
"Then you eat. I'll head out now."
"Okay, hurry up and eat, get your money's worth!"
Duan Liping couldn't help but laugh. How could a bride say something like that?