Chapter 154

Shazhu, having imagined Jia Dongxu's cause of death, wondered whether he was heartbroken over the ill‑fated Jia's destiny, wary of Yi Zhonghai's cruelty, or simply excited about tomorrow's wedding—one of life's four great joys.

Breakdown: they gave translation already: "Shazhu, who had imagined Jia Dongxu's cause of death over and over". Actually they gave: "Shazhu, who had imagined Jia Dongxu's cause of death". Then rest: "He didn't know whether it was the anguish over the short-lived Jia's fate, or being wary of Yi Zhonghai's ruthlessness, or perhaps because tomorrow he would marry a wife, thinking of one of life's four great joys, he became excited."

We need to keep meaning.

Let's produce: "Shazhu, who had imagined Jia Dongxu's cause of death, didn't know whether it was the heartache over the short-lived Jia's fate, or being wary of Yi Zhonghai's ruthlessness, or perhaps because tomorrow he would marry a wife, thinking of one of life's four great joys, he became excited."

the heartache over Jia's ill‑fated destiny

Now output: 【1】 Shazhu, who had imagined Jia Dongxu's cause of death, didn't know whether it was the heartache over the short-lived Jia's fate, or being wary of Yi Zhonghai's ruthlessness, or perhaps because tomorrow he would marry a wife, thinking of one of life's four great joys, he became excited.

He didn't sleep all night.

Yet he was unusually spirited.

Six thirty.

Shazhu got up early, washed up and changed clothes. After finishing, he took a mirror and examined himself from

"Shazhu got up early, washed up, changed clothes, after finishing all that, he also took a mirror and examined himself from head to toe; his feet were black leather shoes, his legs black trousers, a dusk-gray Zhongshan jacket, on the left chest position, he thoughtfully inserted a pen cap, altogether a proper cadre image."

Let's produce: "Shazhu rose early, washed up, changed clothes, after finishing all that he also took a mirror and examined himself from head to toe; his feet were black leather shoes, his legs black trousers, a dusk-gray Zhongshan jacket, on the left chest he thoughtfully inserted a pen cap, altogether a proper cadre image."

【24】

Marry a man, marry a man, and you'll have clothes and food.

【26】

Shazhu understood this as well.

【31】

"Today there are just two things: first, to marry a wife, turning Yu Li from fiancée into wife, legally establishing the fact of being a woman of the He family, thus cutting off some unrealistic notions of Yan Jiecheng. Second, to secure his position at the Yagangchang cafeteria; after marrying, he needs income to support Yu Li and He Yushui."

Yu Li

【35】

income

Now produce line: "Today there are just two things: first, to marry a wife, turning Yu Li from fiancée into wife, legally establishing the fact of being a woman of the He family, thus cutting off some unrealistic notions of Yan Jiecheng; second, to secure his position at the Yagangchang cafeteria—after marrying, he needs income to support Yu Li and He Yushui."

Check punctuation: keep meaning.

【41】

Seven thirty

【43】

On such a joyous day, arguing with Jia Zhangshi in the street, losing face, also spoiled Shazhu's happiness for the day; Shazhu pretended not to have seen it, but as he left he aimed his buttocks straight at Jia Zhangshi.

【45】

A faintly sounding yet somewhat foul-smelling fart exacted revenge for Shazhu against Jia Zhangshi's white-eye glare.

【47】

Jia Zhangshi's nose was crooked, she glared at Shazhu fiercely.

【49】

Shazhu deliberately laughed loudly as he left; the neighbors in the courtyard vaguely heard him mocking Jia Zhangshi's weight of 250 catties.

【51】

Has become so sharp-tongued.

【53】

No wonder Jia Zhangshi came looking for trouble with Shazhu early this morning; last night it was Shazhu who started the whole affair of Laoqianpo being weighed.

【55】

Debts have an owner.

【57】

That's right.

【61】

"Yan Fugui, as the matchmaker for Shazhu's wedding, worried that Shazhu couldn't hold his temper and would argue with Jia Zhangshi, so he hastily put on his clothes and came out of the house; seeing that Shazhu paid no heed to Jia Zhangshi, his heart settled. When Shazhu pushed his bicycle to the Yan family gate, he gave Shazhu a few words of advice."

"Zhuzi, on such a joyous day, you shouldn't quarrel with others; no matter how great the anger, you must bear it."

【63】

"You're a bit early, huh?" Yan Fugui mistakenly thought Shazhu was eager to get married, but he had misunderstood Shazhu's early morning departure; "It's only just past seven, the welcoming ceremony is at eight, just wait a moment."

【70】

It seems: Yan Fugui says: "You this a bit early?" Mistakenly thinking Shazhu is eager to marry, Yan Fugui truly misunderstood Shazhu's early departure meaning: "It's only past seven; the welcoming is at eight, just wait a bit."

Thus translation: "\"You're a bit early, aren't you? \" Yan Fugui, mistakenly thinking Shazhu was eager to marry, truly misunderstood his early departure: \"It's only past seven; the welcoming is at eight, just wait a bit. \""

"San Daye, I'm not going to Yu Li's home; I'm going to secure work. Previously only I and Yushui were at home; after marrying Yu Li, there will be an extra mouth to feed, so I need to secure the meal allowance first."

【72】

"I know."

【75】

…… -> "……" (ellipsis). Keep as is.

Yagangchang gate

【77】

People coming and going were all doubtful, thinking that this great person could actually mobilize Deputy Factory Director Li's grandeur, personally coming to the gate to greet.

【79】

The hypocrite could initially keep his composure, but when he saw Shazhu riding his bicycle in from outside, and saw Deputy Factory Director Li personally going up to greet him—first a warm handshake, then introducing him to the puzzled people at the gate, and personally bringing Shazhu to the Personnel Department to complete the relevant hiring procedures—his whole being fell into a state of intense anxiety.

【82】

books

【84】

The biggest factor was that, under Jia Dongxu's questioning, Yi Zhonghai felt a sense of crisis, so he wanted to scheme against Shazhu, using Shazhu to help Qin Huairu.

【86】

The hypocrite originally wanted to find time this morning to mention Shazhu to several leaders of Yagangchang, then use Shazhu's job situation to manipulate him.

【88】

Before the related plan could be carried out, the plan lost its original function.

【90】

This connection.

【92】

Regarding this.

【94】

"Jia Dongxu, turn this part properly."

【96】

His eyes narrowed.

【98】

It was deliberate.

It was still unintentional.

【102】

Names: Jia Dongxu, Yi Zhonghai.

Could it be that last night, when I was seeking the truth from Shazhu, Yi Zhonghai overheard the answer and used it as an excuse to reprimand me?

Names: Shazhu, Yi Zhonghai.

…… (ellipsis) No names.

【106】

Ershitang

【109】

No specific names.

An old acquaintance of Shazhu mistakenly thought there was another reception duty today, and that Shazhu had come to help prepare the reception meal.

Names: Shazhu.

【113】

No names.

The reception meals at Yagangchang have always been specifically handled by Shazhu.

【115】

Being a chef.

No names.

【119】

No names.

If you cook well, you're a grandpa; if you cook poorly, you're a grandson.

No names.

【123】

Names: Shazhu, Yagangchang, Ershitang.

As Shazhu left, five years passed.

Names: Shazhu.

【127】

Names: Yagangchang.

Having tasted Shazhu's delicious dishes, eating anyone else's food is like chewing on peonies—nothing tastes right.

Names: Shazhu.

【131】

Names: Shazhu.

It's just two words.

No names.

【135】

No names.

When the cook is unhappy, the diners are unhappy too.

No names.

【139】

Names: Shazhu.

"Master He, you've finally shown up." The head chef of Ershitang, from afar, stretched out his hand to Shazhu, came up close, and poured out his grievances: "These five years, Ershitang has been talked about as impossible to manage; Master He, your return would be good, your return would be good."

【141】

The reception meal was poorly done.

No names.

【145】

No names.

Shazhu's return truly rescued him from fire and water.

Names: Shazhu.

【148】

Liu Lan

【151】

Names: He Yuzhu, Liu Lan.

"How can that be."

No names.

【155】

No names.

"Say a few less words." Deputy Factory Director Li walked up to Shazhu, pointed at him, and said to the helpers and workers in the cafeteria: "Let me introduce you—this is He Yuzhu, He Shifu. Starting today, He Shifu will be the cafeteria team leader of our Ershitang."

【157】

Given Shazhu's various reasons, Deputy Factory Director Li took a compromise and promoted Shazhu to cafeteria team leader.

Names: Deputy Factory Director Li, Shazhu.

【161】

No names.

Not meddling in politics.

No names.

【165】

No names.

Mainly because he had nothing in his hands.

No names.

【169】

Names: Shazhu.

"Papapa."

No names.

【173】

No names.

No

No names.

【177】

Names: Shazhu.

Having Shazhu, such a skilled chef, presiding over the second canteen is the greatest honor for everyone there.

Names: Shazhu, Ershitang.

【181】

Names: He Yuzhu, Ershitang.

Master Liu, you've overstepped; we should advance together and serve all the workers of the rolling steel mill.

Names: Liu Lan, Yagangchang.

【185】

Names: He Yuzhu.

After Deputy Factory Director Li left, Old Liu acted as the introducer, presenting each person from the second canteen to Shazhu one by one. The earlier ones were fine, but when he introduced a few acquaintances, Shazhu's mood suddenly became unsettled.

【187】

In the previous life.

No names.

【191】

Names: Shazhu.

The first one.

No names.

【195】

Names: Liu Lan.

Shazhu knows Liu Lan well; she is the only person in the canteen who doesn't take him seriously, backed by Deputy Factory Director Li, and she has an ambiguous relationship with him.

Names: Shazhu, Liu Lan, Deputy Factory Director Li.

Facing Xu Daming's swaggering show of force, Shazhu used Liu Lan to give Deputy Factory Director Li an opportunity to carry out a 'borrow a knife to kill' scheme, eliminating Xu Daming.

According to Lao Liu's introduction, Liu Lan had only just entered the factory a few days ago.

She had not yet broken through that layer of relationship with Deputy Factory Director Li.

She was also a miserable wretch.

Her husband lay paralyzed in bed, there were two children to support, and her mother-in-law did whatever small work she could to supplement the household; if it were Jia Zhangshi instead, she'd probably just eat and loaf around, constantly keeping an eye on her daughter-in-law all day.

Shazhu nodded at Liu Lan.

Lao Liu began to introduce Shazhu to a second acquaintance.

Pangzi

In the previous life, they could be considered enemies.

Yan Jiecheng opened a restaurant. In those days when everyone vied to become a ten-thousand-yuan household, Shazhu asked for two thousand yuan a month. At that time, Yan Jiecheng's wife, Yu Li, readily agreed to Shazhu's terms. After the restaurant became successful, they used Pangzi to replace Shazhu. Because Shazhu had left himself a loophole, Pangzi was eventually kicked out.

Having lived two lives.

【210】

is the note: "Shazhu had no grud

People seek higher ground, while water flows downhill.

"People go uphill, water flows downhill." Keep as is.

【213】

The fat guy wanted to earn more money to let his wife and kids live better, which is understandable. Shazhu understood, but also blamed Shazhu for not teaching him his signature dish; otherwise the fat guy wouldn't have been kicked out.

Let's produce: The fat guy wanted to earn more money so his wife and kids could live better, which is understandable. Shazhu understood, but also resented Shazhu for not teaching him his signature dish; otherwise the fat guy wouldn't have been kicked out.

【218】

"The third acquaintance." Could be "The third familiar person." We'll translate: The third acquaintance.

Ma Hua

"It's Thus: Thus: Thus: Thus: Mahua." Use Thus: Thus: Thus: Thus: Mahua from glossary.

【222】

"In his previous life, he was Shazhu's disciple." Use Shazhu.

Ma Hua and the fat guy are opposites: one is straightforward, the other is smooth‑talking.

"Thus: Thus: Thus: Thus: Mahua and the fat guy are two extremes: one is honest, the other is slick." Use Thus: Thus: Thus: Thus: Mahua, fat guy.

【227】

"Shazhu was driven out by Yan Jiecheng, left with no money to support the livestock in the courtyard, forced to borrow from Ma Hua, who lent it without hesitation. Afterwards Ma Hua blamed Shazhu, urging him to curb his bad temper. Shazhu heard him but kept clashing with the boss—the type who would get the boss fired every few days. The courtyard folk used to mock Yan Jiecheng, but after learning he had turned his eatery into a hot‑pot restaurant, Shazhu no longer had the means to ridicule him."

【234】

Let's produce: Shazhu was kicked out by Yan Jiecheng, having no money to support the livestock in the Siheyuan, left with no choice, he borrowed money from Thus: Thus: Thus: Thus: Mahua; Thus: Thus: Thus: Thus: Mahua lent it without hesitation, but later he turned around and criticized Shazhu, telling Shazhu to fix his bad temper. Shazhu heard him but continued to pick fights with bosses, the type who gets fired every few days. In the Siheyuan, people mocked Yan Jiecheng, but later learned he had turned his restaurant into a hot pot place, and Shazhu no longer had the capital to mock him.

We need to ensure we used glossary names: Shazhu, Yan Jiecheng, Thus: Thus: Thus: Thus: Mahua, Siheyuan.

Truly, he's got some fate.

【236】

Shazhu entered the second canteen, followed by the fat guy, Liu Lan, and Ma Hua—the three who had love‑hate histories with him in his past life.

Use Ershitang from glossary, Shazhu, Thus: Thus: Thus: Thus: Mahua, Liu Lan (already in glossary), fat guy.

【242】

"At this time, entering the Ershitang." Could be "At this moment, they entered the Ershitang." We'll translate: At this time, they entered the Ershitang.

That's also a sign of talent.

"This also counts as having ability." We'll translate: This also counts as having skill.

【246】

"They are all kitchen helpers, i. e., commonly called odd-job workers, doing cleaning, washing vegetables, etc.; this is Liu Lan and their livelihood; as for chopping vegetables, sorry, the canteen has dedicated vegetable cutters." Use Liu Lan.

Shazhu nodded to each person, acknowledging their welcome; when Old Liu asked what to cook for lunch, Shazhu openly shared his difficulties.

"Shazhu nodded at each person, responding to everyone's welcome; faced with Old Liu's suggestion about what to cook for lunch, Shazhu directly told everyone his difficulties." Use Shazhu.

【250】

"Old Liu, today you arrange things yourself; I have some matters at home, major life events, sorry, see you later." Use Old Liu? Not in glossary; we can translate as "Master Liu". Keep as "Master Liu". Not a name.

He left the canteen.

"Leaving the canteen." We'll translate: Leaving the canteen.

【254】

"Specifically went to Deputy Factory Director Li to ask for a half-day leave." Use Deputy Factory Director Li from glossary.

When Deputy Factory Director Li heard that Shazhu was getting married today, he insisted on giving him a present, shoving a thick stack of tickets into his hands.

"Upon hearing that Shazhu was getting married today, Deputy Factory Director Li insisted on giving something, shoving a big handful of tickets at Shazhu." Use Shazhu, Deputy Factory Director Li.

【258】

"Shazhu didn't examine them closely." Use Shazhu.

He walked out of Deputy Factory Director Li's office, laughing.

"Smiling, he left Deputy Factory Director Li's office." Use Deputy Factory Director Li.

……

Ellipsis. We'll output as "……" maybe keep as is. Should we translate? It's just ellipsis. We'll output "……".

【264】

"Siheyuan." Use glossary.

Yan Fugui spotted Shazhu.

"Yan Fugui saw Shazhu." Use Yan Fugui, Shazhu.

【268】

"His heart finally settled." Could be "His mind finally eased." We'll translate: His heart finally settled.

He pulled Shazhu aside and gave him a long list of instructions—what to bring to Yu Li's house, and not to arrive empty‑handed.

【270】

Back then in the city, wedding or funeral gifts were usually just a few jiao; giving one or two yuan was seen as lavish, otherwise people would give things like a washbasin or chamber pot.

"At that time in the city, for weddings, funerals, and marriages, the gift money was usually just a few mao; giving one or two yuan was already considered generous, otherwise they'd just give you a washbasin, chamber pot, etc." We'll translate.

【274】

"During holidays and visits to relatives, they'd send some fine noodles, a few steamed buns, some amounts of brown sugar and meat, etc.; if conditions were good, they'd also add some baijiu." We'll translate.

To outsiders, lugging around big and small packages looks acceptable.

"To outsiders, the big and small packages look fine on the face." We'll translate: To outsiders, the big and small packages look presentable.

【278】

"There's nothing to be done." We'll translate: There's nothing to be done.

It's merely for appearances.

"It's just for show." We'll translate: It's just for show.

【282】

"You think that after giving these things to them, you have no further relation." We'll translate: You think that after giving these things to them, you have no further relation.

Nonsense.

"Bullshit." We'll translate: Bullshit.

【286】

"The things you give to his family are passed on unchanged to another family, which then sends its own things back to you; overall, it goes around the relatives in a circle and ends up where it started." We'll translate: The things you give to his family are passed on unchanged to another family, which then sends its own things back to you; overall, it goes around the relatives in a circle and ends up where it started.

Getting a wife isn't included here.

"Marriage is not included in this." We'll translate: Marriage is not included in this.

【290】

"After all, this is your first time stepping into your mother-in-law's house." We'll translate: After all, this is your first time stepping into your mother-in-law's house.

If you give this to your mother‑in‑law's family, they'll return the favor; you can't let the in‑laws go hungry just because you're getting married.

"The things you give to your mother-in-law's family will be returned in kind; you can't let your in-laws go hungry just because you're marrying." We'll translate: The things you give to your mother-in-law's family will be returned in kind; you can't let your in-laws go hungry just because you're marrying.

【294】

"Not everyone is as shameless as Jia Zhangshi." Use Jia Zhangshi from glossary.

Shazhu's courtyard home is worse off than the Jia family's, and many are in that situation—even Yan Fugui's household lives worse than the Jia family.

"Shazhu's Siheyuan has worse living conditions than the Jia family's, and there are many like that; even Yan Fugui's front-yard household lives worse than the Jia family's." Use Shazhu, Siheyuan, Jia Family, Yan Fugui.

【298】

"Jia Dongxu supports four people, and also receives occasional help from Yi Zhonghai." Use Jia Dongxu, Yi Zhonghai.

Yan Fugui's household has far more people than the Jia family's—three sons and one daughter, all adults—so food and drink must be carefully planned.

"Yan Fugui's household has many more people than the Jia family's—three sons and one daughter, all adults, so food and drink must be calculated." Use Yan Fugui, Jia Family.

【302】

"Because he has principles, Shazhu is willing to associate with Yan Fugui, and he even entrusted Yan Fugui with arranging his wedding; Yan Fugui was also happy to help Shazhu with the arrangements, pulling Shazhu along and nagging him until 9:10, before letting Shazhu go to Yu Li's house." Use Shazhu, Yan Fugui, Yu Li's house (translate). Not in glossary.

Shazhu rode his bicycle, adorned with a big red flower, looking like a modern luxury motorcade.

"Shazhu rode his bicycle, with a big red flower attached to it, giving it the air of a modern luxury motorcade." Use Shazhu.

【305】

"Xu Daming, as Shazhu's close brother, could not miss Shazhu's wedding day; he served as the artillery operator for the firecrackers, teaming up with Liu Guangtian, the second son of Liu Haizhong, to form Shazhu's wedding firecracker squad."

【310】

Thus line translation: Xu Daming, as Shazhu's close brother, could not miss Shazhu's wedding day; he served as the artillery operator for the firecrackers, teaming up with Liu Guangtian, the second son of Liu Haizhong, to form Shazhu's wedding firecracker squad.

Xu Daming is the squad leader and driver, tasked with riding the bicycle while carrying Liu Guangtian. Liu Guangtian is the gunner and firecracker lighter, sitting behind the bicycle to set off the firecrackers. He holds the kick‑stick; the cigarette in his hand lights the fuse, and the kick‑stick explodes in mid‑air with a popping sound.

【314】

We need to use Xu Daming, Liu Guangtian, Liu Haizhong.

All the way.

"All along the way." We'll translate: All along the way.

【318】

"It attracted countless children to cheer and jump with joy." We'll translate: It attracted countless children to cheer and jump with joy.

9:30.

"9:30." We'll translate: 9:30.

【322】

"Arrived at Yu Li's home." We'll translate: Arrived at Yu Li's home.

In front of the courtyard gate.

"At the gate." We'll translate: At the gate.

【326】

"Already waiting for someone." We'll translate: Already waiting for someone.

Seeing Shazhu arrive at the door, they immediately shouted.

"Upon seeing Shazhu arrive at the door, they immediately shouted." Use Shazhu.

【330】

"\"The new son-in-law has come, the new son-in-law has arrived at the door. \"" We'll translate: "The new son-in-law has come, the new son-in-law has arrived at the door."

With a clatter.

"A clatter." We'll translate: A clatter.

【334】

"A big gang of kids ran out from the courtyard, in no time surrounding Shazhu in a tight circle." We'll translate: A big gang of kids ran out from the courtyard, in no time surrounding Shazhu in a tight circle.

This is called children circling, symbolizing many children and blessings; in some places they also tuck red dates and lotus seeds under the bride and groom's pillows and mattresses to wish for early noble offspring.

"This is called children encircling, symbolizing many offspring and blessings; in some places they also stuff red dates and lotus seeds under the bride and groom's pillows and mattresses, symbolizing early birth of noble children." We'll translate.

【338】

"Just a bunch of kids." We'll translate: Just a bunch of kids.

A handful of sugar settles the matter.

"A handful of candy solved the problem." We'll translate: A handful of candy solved the problem.

【342】

The crackling of firecrackers.

"The crackling of firecrackers." We'll translate: The crackling of firecrackers.

It sounded behind Shazhu and them.

It is a blessing of happiness.

The only downside was Yu Li's mother; after seeing Shazhu off with her daughter on his bicycle, her heart suddenly sank, and before long her eyes were full of tears.

……

Ten o'clock sharp.

Shazhu and Yu Li arrived at the Civil Affairs Bureau.

When Shazhu asked Deputy Factory Director Li for leave today, the marriage certificates had already been issued, and Yu Li's family had also prepared her certificate.

Both parties had their certificates and the leader's signature, so there was no need to go to the Siheyuan, nor for the so-called steward to sign.

The hypocrite's scheming.

Once again, it amounted to nothing.

The two hurried to the Civil Affairs Bureau, planning to first obtain their marriage certificate.

They obtained the certificate.

Both sides were relieved—Shazhu was relieved, and Yu Li was relieved as well.

With the certificates in hand, getting the license was still quite convenient; Shazhu also knew how to behave, handing the staff a handful of wedding candy and a box of wedding cigarettes, and before long the two certificates proving they were husband and wife were duly processed.

At that time, the marriage certificate required no joint photo of the couple; it merely listed the two names and each party's home address, with a designated person writing the marriage date at the bottom and stamping it with an official seal.

It was a fairly large sheet of paper.

At the entrance of the Civil Affairs Bureau.

Yu Li clutched a marriage certificate that resembled an award, her heart bursting with excitement.

She had thought her mood would be calm, but the moment she clutched the marriage certificate and walked out of the Civil Affairs Bureau, she felt as if enveloped by the atmosphere, her whole body tingling with boundless excitement; a small marriage certificate left her unable to contain herself.

She felt resentful.

Shazhu had been away for five years, and the gossips said Yu Li was a jinx to men.

All kinds of cold remarks.

For example, Jia Zhangshi.

At this moment, Yu Li wished she could fly back to the Siheyuan, and in front of everyone there, display her marriage certificate and her beloved Shazhu before the crowd, to tell everyone she was not a jinx! Nor was she someone who brought bad luck to men!

Yu Li felt the same.

Shazhu was no different.

After entering the Civil Affairs Bureau, Shazhu's earlier composure vanished, replaced by a creeping horror; this feeling peaked when the staff picked up the seal to stamp their marriage certificate.

To put it without exaggeration, at that moment Shazhu's heart felt like it was about to leap out of his chest.

And strangely, the instant the seal came down on their marriage certificate, Shazhu's heart inexplicably calmed; his fear vanished, the shock of terror disappeared, and in its place rose the joy of his own marriage.

He didn't even know how he had left the hall or exited the Civil Affairs Bureau, until Yu Li's shout rang out; Shazhu's soul, which had flown to the ninth heaven, returned to his body, and he stared at Yu Li like a wooden puppet.

"Head of the household, take me home!"

Shazhu's heart.

In ecstasy.

The three words 'head of the household' struck him like a heavy hammer, leaving him unable to express his emotions.

He wanted to hug her.

But he also felt a little embarrassed.

Huh?

Shazhu stared straight at Yu Li.

"Silly."

Yu Li gave Shazhu a sideways glance; his goofy, dazed expression made her chuckle a bit.

In his mind.

He recalled the things Yu Li's mother had told him the previous night.

"Marry a chicken, follow the chicken; marry a dog, follow the dog.' Having become someone's wife, she should temper her nature, honoring her parents-in-law above and caring for her children below."

Fortunately, Shazhu's parents were not present.

The act of honoring her parents-in-law had nothing to do with Yu Li; she only needed to look after Shazhu and He Yushui, and bear children for Shazhu.

As for the people in the Siheyuan,

Yu Li's mother used this phrase to describe them.

It's exactly 'shallow water brings many turtles'.

Shazhu was also the head cook at the Yagangchang factory cafeteria, so some people in the Siheyuan naturally set their sights on him—that's just human nature.

Yu Li's mother urged Yu Li to look after Shazhu's household well, reminding Shazhu not to make mistakes and to stay true to himself.

Yu Li chuckled; all those beasts who wanted to suck her man's blood, and all those hypocrites who wanted to support her man in his old age, were told to step aside.

They really thought Yu Li was as pliable as clay.

"Hehehe."

Shazhu scratched his head.

Fortunately there was no mirror, or else Shazhu would have realized Yu Li wasn't wrong.

He really looked like a fool.

Looking at Yu Li.

"Yu Li, you're really good."

"Silly."

"Let's go home." Yu Li looked at Shazhu, "Let's go home so I can let you have your fill."

"Yu Li, there's something I need to tell you: the wedding feast."

Shazhu was also afraid that people would make Huairu feel bad.

After all, marriage is a lifelong major affair.

I didn't expect that.

Huairu understood him especially well.

"Not holding a wedding is fine too; now the higher-ups advocate thrift, and besides, it's this kind of situation. Those people in the Siheyuan—you know them—there are over twenty households. If we held a wedding, we'd need a lot of stuff. If someone with ill intentions secretly reported us, neither you nor I would have anything good to eat. It's safer to just give the neighbors some wedding candy; that's enough of a gesture. With so many households in the Siheyuan, inviting some and not others would easily cause quarrels, and inviting everyone would be too costly. So it's best not to hold a wedding."

Huairu was very reasonable and wasn't upset that the wedding wasn't held.

On one hand, it was due to restrictive conditions.

Last night, the things Shazhu gave to Huairu's parents—her parents kept a little, and the bulk was divided among Huairu's relatives and neighbors, who each got a bit.

Their Siheyuan is the opposite of Shazhu's; there are many good people there.

Unlike Shazhu's Siheyuan, which has many scoundrels.

On the other hand, Huairu also saw through certain people; there aren't many good people in the Siheyuan, so there's no need to spend money to invite trouble. Those people, even after eating your food, wouldn't say a single good word about you.

Just handing out some wedding candy already gives them face.

Having a banquet.

Nonsense.

"I'm not afraid of wronging you, am I?"

"If you really are afraid of wronging me, then treat me well—don't make me sad, don't make me upset, don't provoke my anger. If you do these, I won't feel wronged."

Huairu's gaze was especially sincere.

Shazhu's heart thumped thump-thump as it leapt.

The atmosphere had arrived.

No matter what, I had to express my excited feelings.

Too bad.

There were too many people around.

Shazhu still suppressed the urge to hug Huairu.

He felt his pocket, found the tickets Deputy Factory Director Li had given him, and shoved them all into Huairu's hand.

Looking at the tickets and money in her hand, Huairu's head buzzed, as if being struck repeatedly by a small hammer.

Shazhu's move.

She suddenly couldn't quite understand.

What is this for?

"You."

"Everything in the house is your responsibility; from now on, in our home, you have the final say. You tell me what to do, I'll do it; you tell me not to do something, I won't do it."

"Pfft," Huairu laughed; the man who had become her husband, his behavior and actions gave her a hint of happiness.

A man is just a man.

She laughed while stuffing these things into her own pocket.

"You... I don't know what to say about you." Huairu noticed Shazhu still standing there, and without thinking she added emphasis: "Why are you still standing? Let's go home—we can't stand here all day as a couple."

"Huairu, you really look good."

"No matter how good I look, we still have to go home."

"Let's go home." Shazhu rode on the bicycle, all the way turning into a nagging mother, constantly reminding Huairu: "Huairu, hold on tight, I'll ride slowly."

Huairu, sitting behind Shazhu on the bicycle, wrapped her arms around his sturdy waist and involuntarily pressed her head against his solid back.

Feeling Shazhu's unique manly aura.

Huairu couldn't help but become infatuated.

Perhaps because their emotions had run high, the two somehow steered the conversation onto the topic of children.

"You definitely know Jia Zhangshi, right? Do you know what name Jia Zhangshi gave to the child in Qin Huairu's belly? Clod! It's hilarious."

"The head of the household."

"Hmm."

"Now that we have a child, what do you want them to be called?"

Hexiao

In Shazhu's mind, the name Hexiao involuntarily surfaced.

In his previous life.

This was his son's name.

"Let's call him Hexiao?"

Without even thinking, he blurted out the two characters Hexiao.

"Huh?"

Huairu's counter-question.

This made Shazhu silently curse himself, resenting himself a bit—really, his brain was scrambled; the name Hexiao couldn't be said now, and shouldn't be said.

He is naturally Shazhu's He surname, and Xiao comes from Lou Xiaoe's Xiao.

Lou Xiaoe is currently Xu Daming's partner, and Shazhu's wife is still Huairu.

Thanks to a flash of inspiration.

Shazhu hurried to explain.

"He is the He from He Yuzhu's He, Xiao is the Xiao from 'big-small', Ba is the Ba from 'domineering', Hexiao Ba—what do you think?"

"Not really?"

Then you think of a name.

I didn't let you think?

How about He Jianshe?

What if it's a daughter?

If it's a daughter, this name really needs to be thought over carefully, He Lili—do you think it's good?

He Lili, why don't you call yourself Lily He?

Then you think.

I can't be bothered to think; I just want to sit like this on the back of your bike and keep riding.