"Every night when we get home, we read," said Ding Anmin. She shared a place with Xia Xingchen, and they studied together happily. "Moreover, Mr. Qi has already left, so I think the chances are getting bigger and bigger. My sister-in-law also said that opportunities are for those who are prepared. How can we not prepare?"

"That’s awesome," Yi Roujing praised with a thumbs-up.

On January 24th, the Huang Family of five arrived early at the Dingping Production Team. Since winter had set in, Mrs. Huang and her husband had come to Huaixi County with the intention of having tea with their granddaughter-in-law.

The Huang Qianyi family didn’t come because they couldn’t. Huang Qianyi was too busy, especially at year’s end. Fortunately, they’d planned a few banquets in Jing City again when the time comes. They had met during National Day, so even though they couldn’t make it this time, it was understandable. Of course, even though they didn’t come, they sent a generous gift with the two elders.

Mrs. Huang was in great health and helped occasionally while Li Hongying busied herself. She handled light tasks, like handing out chopsticks or peeling garlic.

But by evening, when villagers came to offer congratulations, Mrs. Huang happily helped with the hosting. She chatted with everyone and showed no airs, making the villagers say that Ding Anmin was marrying into a good family — with such loving elders, the younger generation’s lives wouldn’t be bad.

Eight tables were set up, each with a brazier added beside it due to the cold weather. Given the number of tables, it had to be organized outdoors. With the braziers, eating and drinking were extremely comfortable.

Li Hongying prepared a sumptuous meal, with more meat than vegetables and enough seasoning. There was also warming yellow wine and rice wine, all heated, making Dingping Production Team particularly lively today. Those drinking at the wedding banquet drank and chatted cheerfully, snacking on sunflower seeds and peanuts. Good dishes were divided among each table to be taken home and shared with family, ensuring everyone enjoyed a feast.

Huang Xiaobao dressed particularly smartly today in a brand-new military green wool coat, a red turtleneck sweater inside, paired with black pants, and new high-top fur shoes. He seemed a few centimeters taller.

Ding Anmin looked stunning today, with a fair face like a peeled egg. Her curved willow-leaf eyebrows were charming, and she wore bright red lipstick, looking full of life.

Her outfit was also very festive — a bright red wool coat, the couple’s version with Huang Xiaobao, only in different colors. Inside, she wore a turtleneck sweater with black wool trousers, red fur shoes on her feet. Who wouldn’t praise her?

The Huang Family of five departed after dinner. Huang Qianren drove them personally. He still had to pick up the bride early the next morning, so they needed to rest early to be energetic.

On January 25th, Huang Xiaobao and several young men rode bicycles to fetch the bride. There were six brand-new 28-gauge bicycles, with big red flowers on the handlebars. The spirited young men pedaling made it clear they were going to pick up a bride.

Today, the Ding Family’s courtyard was bustling. The Dingping Production Team helped block the door, as it wouldn’t be easy for the team’s girls to be married off. Of course, everyone did it for fun and added to the festive atmosphere.

Huang Xiaobao showcased some talents and sang under everyone’s urging. The bride-fetching young men enthusiastically handed out candies and popcorn, delighting the children who pushed them inside.

Today, Ding Anmin wore different clothes from yesterday. A red cotton coat, with a new style and a hat. The hat was bordered, and the coat embroidered with goose-yellow flowers, beautifully complemented by thick, dark braids.

She wore a pair of green cotton pants, paired with embroidered cotton shoes, keeping her warm and cheerful, matched with Huang Xiaobao’s military green outfit.

As the bride, Ding Anmin’s outfit was always the highlight. When the newlyweds appeared at the state-operated restaurant, Ding Anmin’s look changed again — a red long skirt, without a coat or cotton-padded jacket. Upon closer inspection, the long skirt was quilted with a high-necked sweater underneath, keeping her warm with thick black leggings.

Many attendees asked Ding Anmin about the beautiful quilted long skirt, each woman wanting to own one for herself.

This dress was designed by Yi Roujing, albeit in her rough sketch. She thought it would be warm and pretty, but it was made because of Ding Anmin’s skillful hands.

Ding Anmin succeeded and made one for Yi Roujing and Xia Xingchen too, but they didn’t wear theirs today as it was the bride’s special day.

Yi Roujing, being pregnant, was just happy to have eaten enough. Meanwhile, Ding Weihuo and Li Hongying were busy entertaining guests and hardly ate. Once the guests left, the family sat down to taste the food.

Returning home, without Ding Anmin, Yi Roujing and Xia Xingchen felt a little unused to it. Starting today, Xia Xingchen would have a room to herself.

Today’s banquet saw the entire Dai Family attending. Apart from the Feng Family and Yi Family, closely connected to the Ding Family, and the groom’s Huang Family knowing the truth, others just discovered that the Dai Family’s eldest daughter-in-law was Li Hongying’s biological sister.

Three days after the wedding, January 27th, Ding Anmin and Huang Xiaobao came to Bright Alley with gifts, including Feng Lishu who was specially invited by Ding Anguo. This showed how much they valued their future daughter-in-law.

The Huang Family prepared many return gifts, with food, drinks, and items. Ding Weihuo held two bottles of Maotai in delight, happily opening one for everyone to try that noon.

Ding Anmin looked well and exchanged even more affectionate glances with Huang Xiaobao than before, while Li Hongying joyously filled Huang Xiaobao’s plate, telling him to eat more.

Though Ding Anmin was accustomed, she still hummed in mock displeasure and received a glance from Li Hongying, which quieted her. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Through personal effort, Huang Xiaobao was promoted before the wedding, though Ding Anmin only learned this afterward — a surprise gift from Ding Anguo, letting the couple share in joy as a wedding present.

Today, at the return visit, Huang Xiaobao shared this good news with the Ding Family, earning an extra drink from Ding Weihuo and warmer treatment from Li Hongying.

"We have to leave for Jing City this afternoon. Mom has prepared some food for you to take back and eat on the road," Li Hongying said after lunch, showing the large bundle and net bag she prepared.

"Thank you, Mom. Your cooking is the best," Huang Xiaobao said sweetly, making Li Hongying smile more.

"Sister-in-law, look at our mom, all giddy from his sweet talk. She’s never like this with me," Ding Anmin teased her new husband near Yi Roujing, and the Ding Family laughed joyfully, overhearing the comment.