On October 14th, an auspicious day, Anmin and Xia Xingchen took a day off and went early to the Puwan Production Team. Today, they were Hu Ailing’s guests. Although Yi Roujing wanted to join the festivities, she was pregnant and wasn’t suitable to go, so she could only wait for lunch to begin.

The Lou Family had the wedding feast at the state-run restaurant in Huaixi County, taking over the entire venue with forty tables. Six tables were for the bride’s guests, and the rest were for the groom’s guests.

Qin Suyun was a sensible person. After interacting with the Hu Family, she knew they were the kind who liked small advantages, but weren’t inherently bad people. She thought of holding the feast for both sides together to support Hu Ailing. She was very satisfied with her daughter-in-law, thinking no one would underestimate her.

As for the groom’s family, only a small portion were relatives, with the rest being colleagues. After all, Lou Chongshang was the county magistrate, and many came to congratulate him. Lou Wenjian was also from the Public Security Bureau, and almost everyone from the bureau attended.

When Yi Roujing, Xu Ancheng, and Ding Anguo arrived, the Lou family of four, along with the bride and groom’s guests, were at the entrance of the restaurant welcoming guests to the feast.

Hu Ailing wore a long red dress with black high heels, and Lou Wenjian was in a green police uniform, looking very compatible. At the entrance, guests coming to the feast congratulated them as a perfect match, and the bride and groom’s guests enthusiastically led everyone to their seats. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Anmin personally led Yi Roujing and the other two to sit inside, at a table near the wall just below the main table. They were seated with Mr. Chen’s family and the Huang Family, who were old acquaintances, and they started chatting as soon as they sat down.

"It’s been three months, right?" Mei Qianyao looked at Yi Roujing’s belly with a loving smile on her face.

"Yes, just three months," Yi Roujing replied with a smile.

"Next time, we’ll be drinking at Xiaobao and Anmin’s wedding," Mr. Chen said to Huang Qianren. "And you know, after Xiaobao started dating, he’s been much more spirited."

"Yes, he even threw away those floral shirts. His father and I talked to him several times, but he wouldn’t listen. Anmin said something once, and the next day he got a haircut and bought normal clothes," Wan Baohua said with a smile, not at all embarrassed by exposing her son’s past.

Huang Xiaobao was part of the bride’s guests today, welcoming guests and taking care of Ding Anmin in a way. With her son not seated, Wan Baohua didn’t hold back from sharing Xiaobao’s silly past, and praising Anmin.

Lou Wenjian and Hu Ailing’s wedding feast was exceptionally grand. County Magistrate Lou personally went on stage to speak, and the wedding was certified by the county party secretary, after which the meal began.

Yi Roujing didn’t expect that while dining, a neatly dressed, cheerful woman came over to give her a toast.

It was Hu Ailing’s mother, who was particularly happy today. Yet she controlled herself not to lose composure. The six tables for the bride’s side were also lively, though somewhat reserved, with the atmosphere mainly carried by Mrs. Hu. She did quite well, at least giving Yi Roujing the impression that there had been a dramatic change.

Back in Dingping Production Team days, Yi Roujing had seen Mrs. Hu and felt she was no different from village women, using tactics like thigh-slapping and disheveled hair. But now, she seemed to have gained a bit of composure.

"Roujing, Auntie toasts to you. Our Ailing was lucky to meet a good person like you," Mrs. Hu said emotionally, downing her drink in one go.

Yi Roujing, surprised by her straightforwardness, stood up quickly and drank a glass of water in place of wine.

"Ailing told me everything. I never dreamed my daughter would have such fortune, all thanks to you. The wife of your Dingping Production Team captain is also a wonderful person, whom I have already thanked. Roujing, Auntie truly thanks you. Please, sit down, eat, you’re carrying two lives now. I’ll be heading off." Mrs. Hu came and went quickly, but her words left a deep impression.

After Lou Wenjian and Hu Ailing’s wedding feast ended, the temperature in Huaixi County dropped significantly. Yi Roujing started wearing sweaters, and her belly was also showing, making many of her previous clothes no longer fit. Anmin, skilled in making clothes, made several maternity outfits for Yi Roujing. Li Hongying began knitting sweaters and making cotton-padded jackets suitable for pregnant women.

On a day in late October, Yi Roujing received a call from Dai Zhenhua at the staff hospital of the food factory. Their family would be coming to Huaixi County for the New Year this year, but she would accompany Li Honghua to come earlier, to help her recuperate her leg. After all, it’s too cold in the north, and the southern winter is more comfortable with hot springs that can improve circulation.

Knowing this news, Yi Roujing was thrilled and asked for the specific date, learning they would arrive around New Year’s Day.

After hanging up, Yi Roujing called Xu Zongyin in Jing City, mainly to find Mr. Chu. Mr. Chu, an expert in Chinese medicine and acupuncture, had unique insights into alleviating and maintaining leg injury aftereffects. After consulting with him, Mr. Chu promised to mail her one of his formulas for foot baths, and Yi Roujing was immensely grateful.

With Dai Zhenhua’s confirmation, Yi Roujing was delighted for the entire day. As soon as she got home, she eagerly shared the good news with Li Hongying.

"Mom, I have something to tell you, but you need to sit and stay calm first." Yi Roujing personally helped Li Hongying to the living room to sit down. Ding Weihuo, noticing Yi Roujing’s cheerfulness, came over as well.

"What’s the matter, Roujing? Is it related to your mom?" Ding Weihuo asked curiously.

"Mom, do you remember Dai Zhenhua?"

As soon as Yi Roujing mentioned the name, Li Hongying’s mind was flooded with images of her elder sister Li Honghua, her face softening. "I remember, why? Is that child coming to Huaixi County again?"

Yi Roujing nodded, "Mom, Dai Zhenhua is Aunt’s daughter."

"What!" Ding Weihuo exclaimed, incredulous. "You, you, you mean your mom’s elder sister?"

Li Hongying was stunned, her mind blank, with no reaction. It was Ding Weihuo, excitedly shaking her hand, that brought her back to reality.

"Hongying, Hongying, did you hear, did you hear? Your elder sister has been found, and she’s coming to Huaixi County." Ding Weihuo spoke, tears welling up in his eyes.

The guilt and longing Li Hongying felt for her elder sister Li Honghua might not have been known to others, but as someone who had shared a pillow, Ding Weihuo was all too aware. Often in the middle of the night, she cried and apologized, recalling her sister, lamenting with tears on her pillow.

"Is it really, really, truly your elder sister?" Li Hongying asked in disbelief.

Yi Roujing nodded, "It’s true, Mom. I’m sorry. Actually, when I first met Dai Zhenhua, I had my suspicions, so I personally asked her. After receiving a definite answer, she asked me not to tell you."

"Why?" Ding Weihuo pursued.