Chapter 98: The Strength of He Yushui's Natal Family

He Yushui brought Zhuang Yan to Li Qiang's home in the backyard; Yu Li and He Yuzhu had already come out to look several times, finally they got the two they were waiting for.

He Yushui said to Zhuang Yan, "Zhuang Yan, this is my eldest brother Li Bin, eldest sister-in-law Yang Fen, second brother Li Qiang, second sister-in-law Zhou Rong, my older brother He Yuzhu, sister-in-law Yu Li, these two are my nephews Li Tao and He Xiao." He Yushui introduced the family members to Zhuang Yan.

Zhuang Yan said politely, "Hello, everyone, I'm Zhuang Yan, you can call me Xiao Zhuang."

Li Qiang hearing the name Zhuang Yan suddenly recalled a military-themed TV drama he watched before time-traveling, the male lead was also named Zhuang Yan, everyone called him Xiao Zhuang, and he was a deep-feeling kind of person.

Li Bin said with a smile, "Let's go inside, don't stand outside."

After everyone entered the house, He Yuzhu went straight to the kitchen; today was his younger sister bringing her boyfriend home, as the eldest brother-in-law he definitely needed to show his skills.

He Yuzhu moved quickly; before noon he had prepared two full tables of dishes.

"Not bad, Zhuzi, you're fast enough," Li Bin said smiling as he looked at the two big tables of dishes.

He Yuzhu said a bit embarrassed, "Actually, these dishes were mostly prepared by my second brother Li Tao this morning, so that's why it was so quick."

Li Qiang also said, "Xiao Zhuang, let's eat and chat; today you should try Zhuzi's cooking."

Zhuang Yan said, "I've long heard from He Yushui that Brother Li Qiang is a cook with excellent skill; today I finally get to taste it." I'm not sure if it's sincere or flattery, but He Yuzhu felt very pleased hearing it.

He Yuzhu, hearing Zhuang Yan's words, became even more enthusiastic: "Come, Xiao Zhuang, let's have a good drink together, us brothers."

Zhuang Yan said, "I can't hold my liquor; I'm afraid I'll not keep up with several older brothers." Indeed his alcohol tolerance was low; he had just started working not long ago, previously always in school, no chance to drink.

Li Bin said smiling, "We're family, drink as much as you can; Xiao Tao, pour wine for Uncle Zhuang." He Yuzhu had prepared two tables of dishes, men at one table, women at another; originally Yu Li said one table was enough, but He Yuzhu insisted on two tables, meaning the men's table is for drinking and smoking, while Zhou Rong, now pregnant, shouldn't sit with them. Actually Li Qiang understood He Yuzhu's meaning: he just wanted to convey that He Yushui's natal family is not weak. Moreover, we still have a great nephew in the army; if anyone dares to make He Yushui suffer, don't blame us for bullying you with numbers.

Zhuang Yan said politely, "I'll pour myself." He could feel the strong pressure from three uncles and three nephews; although the eldest nephew wasn't present, it's said he's about the same age as He Yushui, they grew up together from childhood; though they are cousins, they treat each other like siblings; if He Yushui were wronged, that fellow would likely run straight back from the army.

Li Bin said smiling, "Xiao Zhuang, you don't need to be polite; today you are the guest. They are all juniors; pouring wine is their main task today."

Li Qiang wanted to take the opportunity while everyone was sober to ask: "Xiao Zhuang, before you drink, I want to ask when you and He Yushui plan to marry?" He wanted to settle the matter early; he hadn't brought it up earlier because He Yuzhu had been busy in the kitchen, and since He Yuzhu is He Yushui's brother, it would be awkward to say it in front of him.

Zhuang Yan said, "Today I came to acknowledge the door; if you have no objections, I'll come to propose next Sunday. It's not far from October 1st; we want to marry on the nation's birthday, which has commemorative significance."

He Yuzhu said, "Your marriage is up to you; we have no elders left here. We three brothers, the eldest Li Bin is the oldest, and family matters have always been decided by him."

Zhuang Yan said, "Alright, since you agree, I'll go back and have my parents prepare; I'll come to propose on Sunday."

Li Qiang said smiling, "We only have He Yushui as our sister; after discussing with my eldest brother, we will buy three transfers one sound for her side, we want He Yushui to marry splendidly. Zhuzi, this matter wasn't discussed with you; please don't mind. We just fear you might disagree; I know your personality too well."

He Yuzhu said, "Second brother, just follow your lead; when the time comes, our three families will share the cost. We just need the tickets; you know you're on good terms with Li Huaide, so getting a few tickets from him shouldn't be a problem."

Li Qiang said smiling, "Don't worry about the tickets; I've already prepared them." He produced the tickets for three transfers one sound. He is the Section Chief of the Security Section; in the factory he also holds some authority, usually has some ticket allocations, so getting a few tickets is nothing to him.

Zhuang Yan said, "No, three transfers one sound should be prepared by the groom's side; how could you prepare it?" Upon hearing Li Qiang say that, Zhuang Yan immediately disagreed. "It's a joke—if the bride's family had to provide three transfers one sound for the wedding, where would I put my face? Relatives and friends would look down on us later. Besides, my family background isn't bad either; although obtaining the tickets for three transfers one sound is somewhat difficult, even if I had to buy them on the black market, I couldn't let the bride's family bear the whole burden."

Li Bin said, "Alright, stop arguing with us; this is our dowry for our sister. We only hope that in the future you will treat each other with respect and live harmoniously."

He Yuzhu said loudly, "Okay, it's settled; let's drink."

Zhuang Yan said, "Thank you, brothers. I know I can't argue with you; now isn't the time for debate, and I don't really understand these matters anyway. I'll go back and tell my parents, then see what they say."

Li Qiang said, "Remember when I just returned from conversion, He Yushui and Le Le were about the same age; in the blink of an eye, over ten years have passed, and that little girl has grown up and is about to marry."

He Yuzhu said with red eyes, "Big brother, second brother, I toast you with this cup. If it weren't for you, I and He Yushui might not be what we are today. I married Yu Li thanks to your arrangements; now you're also arranging He Yushui's marriage. I'm not good with words, but I'm not stupid; I won't say pleasant things, but I keep them in my heart."

Li Bin said, "Today is a good day; let's not talk about the past; from now on, let's just live our lives well."

Li Qiang said holding his wine cup, "Big brother is right; we won't say anything; it's all in the wine."

He Yuzhu repeated, "It's all in the wine."