Chapter 184: Wearing a Hairpin of Flowers, a Lifetime of Happiness

Because Ji Xianxian got married, her household registration moved to her husband's family, so she is no longer an urban resident; without special circumstances there is no chance of returning to the city.

After Yuan Qingqing learned the news, she couldn't tell whether she was happy or feeling schadenfreude.

She now rents a dilapidated house with her husband in a fishing village, wind seeping in from all sides, and the home is empty and barren.

Although the weather on Sea Island is not cold, the wind and rain blow, and typhoons arrive without warning; she is busy making a living, constantly on the move.

One person earns the work points, two people spend them.

Outwardly she says she does it of her own volition, clinging to the principle that a woman follows her husband, whether he is a rooster or a dog.

Since she chose Lin Zhendong, she will not look back.

Even if he shows his true colors after marriage, flirting and the like, the person he loves most is still her, right?

Why be jealous and hateful toward Ji Xianxian?

Because from others' mouths she gradually hears idle gossip.

It turns out her husband not only confessed to her, but also to all the other female Educated Youth, including Ji Xianxian!

If Ji Xianxian had told her earlier, perhaps she wouldn't keep making mistake after mistake!

It's all Ji Xianxian's fault; how can she live so poorly while Ji Xianxian lives well?

Now hearing that Ji Xianxian is to marry a man over ten years older, a simple blacksmith, the dark side in her heart surges uncontrollably.

How nice, Ji Xianxian also didn't marry well!

Later, she wants to see how the other party, lofty and superior, will treat her with the same benevolent tone…

"Xianxian sis, happy wedding."

As a good sister she came to give her away and also have a nice meal—no problem.

"Hmm, thank you."

Ji Xianxian lifted her eyelids, glanced at Yuan Qingqing whose eyes glittered with schadenfreude, and felt an inexplicable blockage in her chest.

The smile on her face hardened as the other's pupils darted around.

"I tell you, Xianxian sis, even though my brother‑in‑law is a blacksmith, he's really generous to you, buying many good things for you."

Yuan Qingqing never usually speaks; before she was defended by Ji Xianxian, but today she opened her mouth to mock Ji Xianxian, while the other female Educated Youth quietly watched Yuan Qingqing cause trouble.

"Indeed, it's still better than your Lin Zhendong."

Ji Xianxian forced a smile without feeling it, for the first time not giving Yuan Qingqing, her little sidekick, a friendly expression.

"Yes, stronger than my Zhendong; otherwise, Xianxian sis, you have good taste—when my Zhendong confessed to you, you saw his worth, didn't choose him, and left him for me…"

Yuan Qingqing said those words with a smile, but there was no mirth in her eyes; the atmosphere between them was tense.

"Alright, alright, don't miss the auspicious time; you good sisters can catch up another day."

Qingqing, come over and lift the box; when the groom arrives to fetch the bride, we need to help Ji Xianxian move the dowry, otherwise how can we have the face to join the banquet?

A female Educated Youth made the final decision, giving the two no chance to fall out, and directly assigned Yuan Qingqing to work.

Implication: if you don't want to join the banquet, you can now break off with Ji Xianxian, and not go with them to the wedding procession.

How could Yuan Qingqing agree? She hasn't had any meat for months and hopes today's banquet will improve her diet!

"Here."

Fine, for now she still won't break off with Ji Xianxian; she still hopes to reap benefits from her.

Ji Xianxian relaxed her clenched fist and, gratefully looking at the female Educated Youth who helped speak, said, "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Today is your joyous day; set aside all grudges, everyone wishes you well."

The female Educated Youth smiled and continued helping Ji Xianxian comb her hair.

The silent female Educated Youth beside her handed over several red flowers, which the group had specially exchanged from an elder's home.

Wearing a hairpin of flowers, a lifetime of happiness.

On the island, when a young woman gets married, she always wears a flower hairpin.

"Thank you, everyone."

Ji Xianxian choked up, saying she never expected to see people's true hearts when she got married.

Close friends may not truly wish her happiness.

Even acquaintances she barely interacts with sincerely brought her a hairpin, blessing her with lifelong happiness.

"Don't cry; a bride crying looks bad."

"Exactly, keep smiling."

"You look good when you smile."

At that moment, most of the female Educated Youth expressed goodwill.

Only Yuan Qingqing muttered in her heart, "A hairpin can bring happiness?"

"It must be a liar."

"I don't believe it!"

"Wooo—"

The wedding‑procession ferry departed at a different time from the ferry that Shen Man and her husband took off the island.

Therefore Shen Man and her husband didn't know that the upcoming banquet would spark a ridiculous, laugh‑and‑cry fiasco.

Zhou Yan today specially trimmed his beard, donned his finest clothes, and with a spirited demeanor, came to marry the girl he loves.

Six bicycles, each with a big red flower on the front, made a flamboyant display.

Seeing the bridal procession, others courteously gave way, letting the wedding bicycles go first.

This isn't a local custom; it's an unspoken concession born of rigid tradition.

Even for funerals, they yield to weddings.

Shen Man cautiously followed the man into the cabin, but this time, instead of entering directly as before, she was escorted by him to a corner on the second‑deck where a parasol was set up, and they sat down.

The gentle sea breeze lightly brushed over Shen Man's tender cheeks, mischievously lifting a few strands of her glossy black hair.

"This place, can we really sit here?"

Shen Man asked somewhat uncertainly, her eyes revealing a hint of doubt and worry.

I've taken the passenger ship many times, but this is the first time I'm sitting on a deck chair.

However, the man smiled and nodded, indicating affirmation, and naturally reached out to help his wife tidy the hair messed up by the sea breeze, while gently explaining in a soft voice.

Of course, as the weather is gradually getting hotter, the cabin will inevitably become stuffy.

By comparison, it's much cooler here, and one can also enjoy the sea view, making it far more comfortable than staying inside.

Hearing the man say that, Shen Man felt a warm current rise in her heart, and she involuntarily nodded along with him.

Mm, indeed quite comfortable, and you really thought things through.

Jiang Ye's gaze swept past his own wife, seeing an old acquaintance waving at him, so he opened his lunch box, revealing the fresh-cut fruit inside, and gave a reminder.

Madam Jiang, please relax; I'll be right back.

Understood.

At this moment, Shen Man completely set her mind at ease, began to fully enjoy the coolness and comfort brought by the sea breeze, and her gaze became intoxicated by the breathtaking sea view before her.

A few seabirds soared above the sky, gliding over the sea area, flying toward the unknown distance.

On the vast, rolling sea surface, occasional fishing boats could be seen.

Having been nurturing the pregnancy in the family quarters, upon suddenly seeing the boundless sea, the heaviness in her chest vanished instantly.

In its place came a feeling of refreshment and an immense anticipation for future life.