The golden age began in 1977

Chapter 130 Wedding Night (A Special Night, Seeking Monthly Tickets)

When Qian Jin got home from get off work in the evening, he was greeted by a wave of heat as soon as he lifted the blue cotton curtain.

Wei Qinghuan has returned and is busy working while wearing an apron.

She was chopping vegetables with her back to Qian Jin. The room was warm, and she was only wearing a sweater, so her slender yet voluptuous figure was revealed to Qian Jin.

Qian Jin was secretly excited.

Tomorrow night!

We're having meat tomorrow night!

We're having meat tonight too. The pork belly on the cutting board is glistening with oil, its marbled fat and lean meat resembling a carefully baked multi-layered cake.

Huang Chui, who was squatting by the stove, didn't bother to greet him. He turned his head to look at him and then continued to lick his lips frantically.

The mongrel dog, its fur the color of autumn rice, had already smelled the aroma of meat, and its tail swept across the cement ground with a rustling sound.

"Off work? Then I'm about to start cooking." Wei Qinghuan turned her head and smiled sweetly, then immediately shook the peanut oil into the iron pot.

With a sizzling sound, blue smoke rose from the pot.

Wei Qinghuan tiptoed to reach the bamboo winnowing basket on top of the cabinet. As she tiptoed and stretched out her arm, the fabric of her body instantly tightened into a graceful bowstring.

A pleasing line runs from the back of the neck to the heels, and the sweater on the chest is pushed up to reveal a lush, budding flower.

As the seasonings were added to the pot, Huang Chui's nose twitched, and drool almost dripped from his mouth.

"Uncle, I'm hungry!" Little Tangyuan peeked out from the door frame, her pigtails adorned with a faded red ribbon.

The chubby little girl looked even fatter, wearing her beloved cotton hat and a blue-printed cotton-padded jacket.

Wei Xiongtu scooped up his daughter, his stubble brushing against her and making her giggle: "Smells good, doesn't it? Your aunt's skill used to attract all the dogs in the village when she lived there."

Qian Jin rolled up his sleeves to help: "What are we having for dinner tonight?"

Wei Qinghuan said, "I'll make you some rice with minced meat sauce. I got off work early today, so I bought some meat and steamed some rice. I'll cook you a nice meal today."

"Go and rest. You don't need to do anything. When I have free time, why would I need you to come to the kitchen? A gentleman keeps his distance from the kitchen."

Qian Jin left with a smile.

Wei Xiongtu turned around and said, "Xiao Qing, are you going to make minced meat sauce? Then put in lots of chili peppers. We're happy today, so we should eat more. Spicy food can whet the appetite."

Wei Qinghuan looked at Qian Jin, who was about to say that he could also eat spicy food, but the female teacher reminded him, "I'll make you five-spice food, eating spicy food will hurt your stomach."

She habitually tucked her hair behind her ear, the cinnabar mole behind her ear was illuminated by the light, but began to flicker as steam filled the air, and her eyes became moist.

With a sizzling sound, the spicy aroma began to rampage across the balcony.

Wei Qinghuan opened the window that wasn't covered with plastic sheeting, and the cooking fumes were quickly carried away by the northwest wind.

After the minced meat sauce was cooked and plated, she lifted the lid, revealing a rich aroma of rice mixed with a subtle fragrance.

Qian went inside and found that green beans had been mixed into the rice.

The white and green berries mixed together look good and taste delicious.

"Dinner is served!" The female teacher rolled up her sleeves and brought two enamel basins to the table.

The spiced minced meat glistened with a dark brown sheen, with peanuts and melon seeds peeking out from among the minced meat.

The spicy dish was drizzled with a layer of bright red oil, and the crispy fried peanuts sank to the bottom, like pearls hidden in a coral reef.

Wei Xiongtu sniffed and leaned closer, laughing, "Still the same old taste."

When his students took the college entrance examination, he was much more relaxed and cheerful, a stark contrast to his previous gloomy mood.

Each person has their own bowl of rice. Today, the four little ones were dragged back to eat by their mother, so there were fewer people in the room.

But with Zhang Aijun being such a big eater, he ate quite a lot.

After taking a bite of rice mixed with minced meat sauce, Wei Xiongtu gasped for breath from the spiciness: "Xiao Qing, do you have any interesting stories to share while proctoring the exam?"

Wei Qinghuan laughed and said, "There really is..."

Just as he was about to speak, Little Tangyuan started bouncing around on the edge of the table: "I want the red ones! The red ones have more oil!"

"It's very spicy," Qian Jin said.

Little Tangyuan said firmly, "I'm not afraid."

Wei Xiongtu picked up a piece of spicy meat sauce, rinsed it three times in cold water before daring to feed it to her, but she still wanted to eat spicy food even after eating it.

Because spicy food contains a lot of oil.

Qian Jin was full of admiration.

This little girl is really going all out for food.

Then he became worried.

We must raise this chubby girl well in the future, otherwise she might be tricked away with a few pieces of meat when she grows up.

Tangyuan is already showing signs of beauty at such a young age. Considering her father's good looks and the old saying that nephews resemble their uncles and nieces resemble their aunts, she will surely have a good appearance and figure in the future.

The tail of the yellow hammer swept across the coal stove, sending up a few sparks.

Qian Jin quickly called out to it.

Huang Chui thought he was being played, so he stood up, supported himself on his two hind legs, and waved his two front paws to pounce on Qian Jin.

It lunged straight for his crotch.

Qian Jin, who was pouncing on the scene, had no male color on his face.

Wei Qinghuan watched this scene with a grin.

I have a house I can live in with peace of mind, an older brother who loves my cooking, a little friend, a pet, and someone I love.

This is her greatest desire for a home.

Wei Qinghuan scooped a spoonful of winter melon soup and poured it into the little girl's celadon bowl; the milky white liquid swayed with oil droplets.

The little dumpling scooped up a spoonful and gestured, "Let me blow on it to cool it down."

With a flick of the spoon, the soup spilled onto Huangchui's nose, scalding it. Huangchui quickly shook its head and sneezed, and now it dared not approach.

"What were you trying to say?" Qian Jin asked, shoveling a mouthful of rice into his mouth.

Wei Qinghuan said, "There was a guy in our exam room who put a copy of Mao Zedong's Selected Works under his butt and said, 'Sit firmly on the Red God Book, and you won't be confused when answering questions.'"

"This is allowed? You can even bring books in?" Qian Jin was shocked.

Wei Qinghuan said, "Other books won't do, but we proctors won't dare to stop this one."

Listening to the adults, Little Tangyuan also grabbed a book, placed it on a small stool, and sat down, shouting, "Sit still, you won't be confused while eating."

Qian Jin scooped a spoonful of non-spicy minced meat sauce into Wei Qinghuan's bowl and said, "We heard something quite interesting on our way home from get off work today."

"I don't know which school's exam room it was, but I guess the proctor had a heavy accent. He shouted 'Pay attention to discipline,' but the students in the back row heard it as 'Pay attention to the crucian carp,' and raised their hands to ask, 'How can I pay attention if I don't have any crucian carp?'"

Wei Xiongtu looked up and said, "I heard that the exam room at Wudangshan Road Primary School in the Chengbei District is too small and not big enough, so they made the students sit at one end of each desk to take the exam?"

Qian Jin's eyes were opened wide.

That's fucking amazing!
Wei Qinghuan then told them the most interesting story: a father and son took the exam at the same time and were assigned to the same exam room.

As a result, the father, due to nervousness, wrote down the wrong exam admission ticket number, actually writing down his son's number instead.

"The teacher was in a difficult position. Everything else was fine, but the name and examination number could not be altered."

"Guess what? His son stood up and said, 'How about I have my dad write my name with my exam number, and I write my dad's name with his exam number? Anyway, we're a family, and in the end, the meat will still rot in our own pot...'"

As she spoke, Wei Qinghuan couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Qian Jin laughed along.

Zhang Aijun scraped the last piece of spicy minced meat clean, revealing the red character "忠" (loyalty) at the bottom of the enamel basin.

Little Tangyuan was already nodding sleepily, her oily little face rubbing against her aunt's chest as she prepared to go to sleep.

Qian Jin handed her to his brother-in-law: "Good baby, you should sleep with Daddy."

The chubby girl immediately snapped out of it and shook her head: "No!"

"No, it has to be like this from now on. If you sleep with Dad, your uncle will give you ten candies tomorrow!" Qian Jin threatened and bribed.

The chubby girl considered it carefully and bargained with him: "Ten won't do, I want nine! Daddy said nine is the best!"

Qian Jin said, "Deal!"

Wei Xiongtu gave a wry smile.

This girl really got a great price.

He was about to leave, holding his daughter in his arms.

Qian Jin patted his shoulder affectionately: "Brother-in-law, you know, Xiao Qing and I are going to get our marriage certificate tomorrow."

“Yes, I know,” Wei Xiongtu said.

Qian Jin became even more affectionate: "Then we'll be a couple."

"Of course," Wei Xiongtu said subconsciously, then added with an "Oh," "You're planning to change rooms?"

Wei Qinghuan poked Qian Jin's back with her finger from behind.

How can you say such things so openly!
Although this is the most urgent and important thing after marriage, we can't discuss it like this, can we?

She whispered from behind, "Hey, can you stop doing this? It's so embarrassing!"

Qian Jin said matter-of-factly, "That's right, brother-in-law, how could you bring up such a topic like this? You're shameless!"

Wei Xiongtu remained silent.

Qian Jin handed him an envelope: "What I want to say is inside. This matter needs to be communicated through letters."

Wei Xiongtu left with the envelope.

Wei Qinghuan laughed out loud: "What did the letter say? Did it say how we should switch rooms?"

Qian Jin said, "No, I told him that after we get married tomorrow, we won't stay at home for the time being, but will go on our honeymoon."

Chinese society these days is quite progressive in some ways, such as honeymoons.

Nowadays, newlyweds also go on honeymoons, which is usually referred to as "post-wedding trip".

Many well-off working couples would go to Hainan Island to bask in the sun during the winter and to Northeast China to escape the summer heat.

Those with average means might visit the capital or Shanghai to see the country's political and financial center.

Those who are not well-off will naturally not travel.

The concept of a honeymoon had already entered China in the early years of the Republic of China. Wei Qinghuan was quite surprised after understanding his meaning:
"Huh? Where are you taking me on a trip? But I haven't asked the school for leave yet, and we haven't prepared anything."

Qian Jin said, "It's not about traveling to other places. There will be plenty of opportunities to travel in the future. I'll find a car and take you on a road trip."

"Tomorrow I'll take you to a guesthouse, then you'll see."

Wei Qinghuan misunderstood his meaning, and her cheeks flushed instantly. She rolled up her sleeves and quickly changed the subject by saying she was washing dishes.

But she didn't refuse.

After all, once married, they are legally married, and there are certain things they should naturally do.

Given the current accommodation conditions, a guesthouse is truly the only option.

She was somewhat prepared for this.

The accommodation conditions are so bad now. Some newlyweds have two or three rooms in their homes, but they end up crammed with ten or more people. In such cases, the young couple sometimes have no choice but to go to a guesthouse.

Qian Jin didn't explain; he really enjoyed seeing the female teacher's shy and timid demeanor.

A girl is most beautiful when she lowers her head gently, like a water lily shyly trembling in the cool breeze.

As Wei Qinghuan was clearing away the dishes to leave, he stopped her and quickly said, "You're going to wash the dishes in this freezing weather? What if you catch a cold?"

The female teacher smiled sweetly.

She really knows how to care for people.

Qian went in and mixed hot water with cold water: "Hmm, warm water will be fine for washing pots and dishes, it definitely won't freeze."

Wei Qinghuan crossed her arms and looked at him.

Qian Jin glanced at him a couple more times: "Just kidding. You cook and I'll wash the dishes. I'm not a chauvinist at all."

“A friend’s younger brother mailed some dried fruit from the border region. This time it included almonds, figs, dried apricots, and a big bag of raisins. You can share it with your colleagues later.”

Upon hearing that there was dried fruit to eat, and that it was a very large almond, the female teacher beamed with joy.

Qian Jin shoved Zhang Aijun: "Why are you staring at me with those big eyes? Do you think you're cute?"

"With eyes as big and bright as yours, how can you be so oblivious? Go wash the dishes!"

Zhang Aijun: Me?
The 22nd is the last day of the college entrance examination.

Many people's fates are decided on this day.

After finishing the last exam in the afternoon, Qian Jin wrote a leave request and left early, then rode his bicycle to the People's Night School to wait for Wei Qinghuan.

Candidates of different ages emerged, some full of vigor, some with furrowed brows, and many more filled with anxiety.

Wei Qinghuan carefully collected the exam papers, sealed them, filed them, and sent them away. Then she quickly went to find Qian Jin: "Wow, why are you carrying such a big bag?"

Instead of his usual shoulder bag, Qian Jin had a large bag on each side of his bicycle handlebars.

He didn't explain. After Wei Qinghuan sat on the back seat, he rode his old-fashioned bicycle to the Civil Affairs Bureau.

The district's Civil Affairs Bureau is a large compound with several small brick buildings inside, and there are slogans on both sides of the main entrance.

On one hand, early marriage and childbirth can lead to lifelong regrets, while late marriage and childbirth can bring lasting happiness.

One side advocates for planned childbirth.

Qian Jin, his breath steaming in the air, stopped the security guard wearing a red armband: "Excuse me, comrade, which building do we go to to process marriage certificates?"

The gatekeeper nodded and pointed to the notice on the wall with his frostbitten red nose.

Seven or eight notices of varying ages were pasted on the mottled lime wall, the top one, made of red paper, read:

Marriage registration services will resume immediately, and all marriage certificates previously issued by various work units must be re-registered…

Qian Jin asked in confusion, "What? We haven't registered our marriage yet. This is the first time we've come to register."

The security guard pointed to a building in the middle: "Then you can go in and line up."

Qian Jin led Wei Qinghuan inside. The hall smelled of sulfur from the coal stove, and several couples were waiting on the long benches.

It turns out that many government agencies lost their functions over the past decade, and the Civil Affairs Bureau was one of them.

Previously, when the work unit was no longer in operation, people in some places no longer had marriage certificates. Instead, they would get a marriage certificate issued by their work unit or the neighborhood committee. In rural areas, the certificate was issued by the commune.

This year, the Haibin City Civil Affairs Bureau resumed its functions and began to legally register past marriages.

As soon as they entered, a middle-aged man in work clothes was holding up a yellowed piece of paper and shouting to the staff: "We got married in 1968 as part of a revolutionary marriage, and the military representative put our handprints on it!"

Some people are asking, "What's the final date for the replacement? We've been waiting since noon."

Qian Jin's expression changed slightly.

Oh no, I can't register today?
Fortunately, the registration for first marriage and the renewal of documents are handled at different counters.

First marriage registration is quick because as long as you have a certificate from your employer or neighborhood committee and all the required documents are complete, you can usually get a marriage certificate on the spot.

Some people's supporting documents do not meet the standards, which will take time for the collective review, and it may take several days or even one or two weeks to get the certificate.

Changing marriage certificates is more troublesome. They only have a marriage certificate, and different units and places issue different marriage certificates, which requires an additional collective review process, making the process even slower.

Qian Jin and his companion went to get a number, and less than half an hour later, a clerk poked his head out from behind a green wooden window and called out, "Number 115."

The service counter has glass, but it is now broken, with cracks spreading like a spider web, making the new marriage certificates displayed below appear blurry.

"Letter of introduction from your employer, certificate from the local street office, household registration booklet, and photos." The clerk tapped the chipped enamel mug, revealing a thick layer of tea stains at the bottom.

Wei Qinghuan unbuttoned her cotton-padded jacket and took out a sealed plastic bag from the pocket of her inner shirt. Her information was carefully kept inside.

With all the documents complete, the staff quickly reviewed them and nodded: "The man is 25 years old and the woman is 24 years old. Okay, they meet the criteria for late marriage. You can get your marriage certificate today."

After checking the documents and finding them correct, he opened a drawer, took out an enamel badge that read "Family Planning Promoter," and pinned it to his chest.
"We are now advocating a four-year interval between births for couples. You should consider the country's Four Modernizations..."

Qian Jin pondered, "Then I'll be 30 when I give birth?"

The staff member said, "This is the national directive. If you get married this year and have a baby next year, does anyone think they'll shoot the child?"

Qian Jin chuckled awkwardly, "That's true."

They took out two marriage certificates.

They look like two small certificates of merit; the left one contains a quote from a leader, while the right one contains the standard contents of a marriage certificate.

They signed, and the staff attached their photos and slammed the stamp on.

The counter trembled slightly.

Wei Qinghuan turned her head to look at Qian Jin.

This will be the most important person to her from now on.

The marriage policy is quite good now. When the clerk handed them their marriage certificate, she also pulled out a paper packet from under the counter; inside were fruit candies.
"According to the policy, each household can have eight grains."

The fruit candy has become damp and sticky.

Wei Qinghuan peeled open a coin and put it in her mouth. Her fingertips were covered in melted syrup, and she gently sucked on it.

The staff member looked at her pretty face and then at Qian Jin's nonchalant way of sucking on the candy, and felt quite uncomfortable.

He regretted it a bit.

They shouldn't have released the marriage certificate so readily; they should have held the kid back for a couple of days.

He quickly lost interest in the matter, as an argument broke out at the document exchange counter next to him.

A man in a military officer's overcoat slammed his certificate on the table and shouted, "Are you deliberately blocking me? Get your leader out here!"

"Do you even know who my dad is? He was transferred, not dismissed. Our marriage certificate was approved by the government at the time, so how could there be a problem with the paperwork?"

Qian Jin pulled Wei Qinghuan away and rode his bicycle straight to the Yintan Park Guesthouse.

As the bicycles entered Kunlun Mountain Road, European-style villas began to appear in their field of vision.

Wei Qinghuan asked, somewhat puzzled, "How did you get here? Which guesthouse are you going to?"

Qian Jin turned from the highway onto the cobblestone road, and the bicycle bell jingled loudly from the bumpy ride.

He said, "Have you been to the Silver Beach Park Guesthouse?"

Wei Qinghuan looked at the villa by the roadside without saying a word; her hand, clutching Qian Jin's clothes, was slightly sweaty.

Just as they passed by a villa, a gilded bronze plaque hung under the dark green porch, inscribed with "Former Site of the Belgian Consulate".

Qian Jin saw it too, and suddenly burst into laughter.

Wei Qinghuan asked in confusion, "I didn't say anything, why are you laughing?"

Qian Jin suppressed a laugh and said, "I remembered a joke. See if you can understand what it means."

"Stay away from that man..."

Wei Qinghuan was completely confused.

She couldn't understand how this could be considered a joke.

She quickly forgot about the joke; her bicycle stopped in front of a villa with a sign that read:

Yintan Park Guesthouse.

Wei Qinghuan got out of the car and stood in front of the cast iron carved gate.

It was already evening, and the sunset cast the shadow of the openwork iris pattern on the gate obliquely onto the ground.

In the courtyard, two sycamore trees have shed their yellow leaves, and their gnarled branches weave openwork shadows on the ochre wall. Dried succulents hang from their branches, like solidified brown bells.

She tentatively touched the grooves on the porch pillar with her fingertips; hidden among the curled acanthus leaf patterns on the Corinthian capital were a few grass seeds carried by gray sparrows.

The mosaic floor tiles extend from your feet, passing through the courtyard and leading to the main entrance of the villa.

Unlike the windows of the houses she usually saw, the windows of this villa had a diamond pattern in ochre and milky white, clean, brand new, and high-end.

Qian Jin parked his car at the entrance not so she could admire the villa's exterior, but because guards on duty stopped them:

"Comrades, what brings you here?"

Qian Jin said, "We want to check in."

"Please show me your letter of introduction." The guard immediately stepped forward and saluted.

Qian Jin took out a letter stamped with the seal of the Municipal Supply and Marketing Cooperative from his inner pocket.

After the guard checked it repeatedly, he returned it to him and gestured for him to park the bicycle in the outdoor shed, where only people could go in.

At the lobby reception, Qian Jin exchanged his letter of introduction for a brass key and asked, "How much is the room rate for one night?"

The pretty waitress smiled and said, "Comrade, you don't need to pay. Room 401 is a reserved room allocated to your unit."

Qian Jin asked, "What if it costs money?"

The waiter said, "Two yuan a night."

Compared to the style of a villa, the price is not expensive at all. But money alone can't buy you a place to live there!

Wei Qinghuan was oblivious to the conversations around her; she was stunned by the unimaginable luxury.

The female teacher looked up at the Baroque dome, where the terracotta mosaic of the Virgin Mary was spotless, with many red flags hanging above it, as if the Virgin Mary was praying devoutly to the red flags.

"This way, please." The waiter, carrying a brass key, walked ahead, his corduroy shoes stepping across the mosaic floor tiles as he led the two upstairs.

The villa has no elevator, just like a traditional detached villa. Its lobby has two slide-like staircases connecting to the upper floor.

Qian Jin took two steps, then came back and nudged the dazed Wei Qinghuan with his elbow.

As they went upstairs, Wei Qinghuan couldn't help but hold his hand.

The mosaic floor tiles on the stairs are made of marble, and even shoes with almost worn-down soles are a bit slippery when walking on them.

Upon reaching the fourth floor, the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows are made of pieces of diamond-shaped glass, thus the twilight is cut into diamond-shaped patches of light.

The waiter opened room 401, left the key, and left.

It was a very large room inside.

The setting sun was streaming in through the arched French windows, casting long shadows of the carved bedposts onto the teak floor.

The floor was covered with a thick carpet, which made walking barefoot on it much more comfortable than wearing shoes.

Wei Qinghuan closed the tall, heavy oak door and couldn't help but ask, "You mean this is the guesthouse you mentioned?"

Qian Jin said, "Yes, this is the place."

Wei Qinghuan hesitated, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped.

Qian Jin asked, "What's wrong?"

Wei Qinghuan asked timidly, "Are the benefits at your supply and marketing cooperative really that good?"

Qian Jin threw down his bag and hugged her, saying, "It's because I've treated you so well!"

"Tonight is your wedding night, I can't let you spend it in room 204 or 205, can I?"

Wei Qinghuan felt a little dazed as she stepped on the soft, spongy floor. She said, "Actually, as long as I'm with you, as a family, it's all the same."

Qian Jin asked, "Are they really almost the same?"

The female teacher fell silent.

She went to draw the curtains, but as soon as she touched the huge velvet curtains, fine dust fell out from the gaps in the velvet fabric.

The sea breeze blew in through the gaps, stirring up dust that danced in the sunset glow.

The velvet tassels brushed against her shoulders, tickling her like a spring breeze brushing against wheat awns.

Qian Jin embraced her slender waist from behind, intending to advance to second base in a reasonable manner, but since they hadn't even broken through first base yet, advancing directly to second base would not be in accordance with procedure.

Moreover, the current environment is not suitable for getting to base.

Wei Qinghuan leaned against him and looked southwest through the floor-to-ceiling window.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The sun is gradually sinking below the horizon.

The seawater, once tinged with the wine color of the sunset, returned to its true peacock blue, and the fishing boats returning to port drifted away into the night.

The fine sand of Silver Beach is turning the last rays of the setting sun into fragments of gold.

On the mudflats after the tide receded, several beachcombers hurriedly bent down and stood up, then bent down again.

Further away, lanterns lit up the rocks, signaling the start of the night fishing season.

Wei Qinghuan felt guilty about this:

"Isn't this too extravagant?"

Qian Jin said, "Not extravagant."

"Fine, I'll tell you the truth. This house used to belong to my family. It was built under the supervision of your father-in-law's grandfather."

Wei Qinghuan turned around and stared at him blankly.

Eyes wide open, mouth agape.

Qian Jin didn't stand on ceremony and immediately took out a mint and gave her one, while also giving himself two.

The refreshing scent of mint hits you right in the head.

Qian Jin put his arm around Wei Qinghuan and sat down on the large sofa, saying, "Are you wondering why I can stay in a guesthouse of this level?"

"Now you understand, right? This used to be our family's ancestral home, our family property. When I got married, I brought my wife back to take a look, and the organization was quite understanding and allowed it."

Wei Qinghuan stroked the sofa, then the Russian nameplate on the fireplace beside it; her fingertips brushed over it, finding not a speck of dust.

"This must be where the experts from the Soviet Union lived when they were providing industrial aid to our city, right?"

Qian Jin said, "I don't know, it shouldn't be. It's just that Soviet Russian equipment was used when the house was built."

Wei Qinghuan was curious about everything, like a little kitten tiptoeing to look around and touch things.

Qian Jin turned on the brass faucet.

Wei Qinghuan squeezed next to him and looked on curiously: "Why are there two water taps together?"

Qian Jin guessed: "One should dispense cold water, and the other hot water."

He turned the gilded handle, and sure enough, it was so.

Wei Qinghuan was shocked: "Isn't this too extravagant? Hot water is piped into the room? We don't need to fetch water anymore?"

Qian Jin explained, "No, didn't you see the thermos? The thermos is for filling with water."

"This must be water from the heating hot water pipes. This faucet is connected to a branch pipe of the heating system."

"You've never seen anything like this before? My father-in-law is a renowned scholar and educator."

Logically speaking, Wei Qinghuan should have had a good life when she was a child.

The female teacher shook her head: "Never seen him. What kind of famous scholar or educator is your father-in-law? He's just a middle school principal."

“My family was quite well-off when I was a child. I remember when I was in early childhood education class, we even had a nanny. But when I was in my teens, everything went wrong and my family’s financial situation became worse.”

She stroked the enamel bathtub beside her and sighed softly, "Even when my family was well-off, I never had access to things like this."

“I’ve never even seen it in movies; I’ve only seen these bourgeois pleasure products in some banned books.”

The bathtub faucet is carved in the shape of a swan's curved neck.

She tentatively turned on the hot water valve, and the brass pipes emitted a hollow resonance sound before warm water quickly gushed out.

The water reflected the remaining angel reliefs on the roof. She looked up and saw that the faces of the little angels had been chiseled off, and slogans of the times had been added around them. It was somewhat incongruous, but it was appropriate for the occasion.

In fact, the fact that this guesthouse can be so luxurious is also due to the large sums of money involved.

Unfortunately, he had never stayed in a five-star hotel in his previous life, only seen them in short videos, so he couldn't compare them in person.

sunset.

It was completely dark outside, with only the lights of boats drifting on the sea and the fishing lights of night fishermen.

As the tide recedes, it begins to rise again, and the sea outside the window gradually becomes very close. Opening the balcony door, one can hear the occasional cries of seagulls accompanied by the sound of the continuous, undulating waves that drift into the room.

The cast iron tables and chairs on the balcony were cold and covered with salt frost; this is one of the disadvantages of living by the sea.

Qian Jin tried it out, but the weather wasn't suitable for staying on the balcony at night, so he went back and made two cups of coffee with hot water.

Wei Qinghuan came over and put her arm around his bent back, looking at him curiously: "It smells so good."

"Colombian coffee," Qian Jin said seriously, holding up a Nestlé milk instant coffee.

When serving coffee cups, Wei Qinghuan noticed that the saucers on the cups were printed with the words "1972 Canton Fair Commemoration" in red.

Smelling the sweet aroma of coffee, she said, "You really can get your hands on anything."

Qian Jin said, "Entering the Ghost Market is a golden opportunity; wealth can double in value."

Wei Qinghuan was somewhat worried: "Is this speculation and profiteering?"

Qian Jin said, "We're not here to make a profit, so what kind of speculation is this?"

"Besides, I only prepared some supplies in advance for the wedding. These were also provided by my work unit. Our unit has very good benefits and provides material support for cadres' weddings."

He took out dried fruit and paired it with honey-glazed fried dough sticks.

The wedding night is the sweetest thing in this day and age.

Wei Qinghuan sat down and laughed, "You've been in the countryside for so many years, how come you're still so good at this bourgeois stuff?"

But after reflecting on it, she wondered how she could be so fond of bourgeois ideas.

broken.

The revolutionary will was not firm enough!

Qian Jin said, "It's ingrained in my bones."

"Come on, let's have an evening coffee together and look at the sea view at night in 1977."

Wei Qing laughed: "Drinking coffee at night isn't a good choice; the book says it keeps you awake..."

Upon hearing this, Qian Jin's smile quickly spread, while the female teacher's smile gradually faded.

The sound of waves could be faintly heard through the window.

The tide rose slowly in the night, beginning to engulf the beach.

More lights appeared on the distant sea, indicating that fishing boats were likely working during the night fishing season.

Wei Qinghuan took a sip of fragrant coffee and then ate a bite of sweet honey-glazed pastry.

At this moment, she felt that there was no greater enjoyment in life than this.

The room fell silent for a moment.

Qian Jin watched her intently as he drank his coffee.

Wei Qinghuan felt hot all over and quickly changed the subject: "I'll tell you something funny, but don't laugh."

"Actually, this is only the second time I've had coffee. I had it once before when I was sent to the countryside and it was ordered by the educated youth for the New Year. I thought it tasted burnt and not good. Later I found out that the educated youth in Shanghai used burnt soybeans to grind and pass it off as coffee, and added saccharin..."

She laughed first.

Qian Jin also wanted to talk about going to the countryside, but he had never actually been to the countryside.

He did have experience living in the countryside during his childhood, but compared to the 1970s, his rural life in the 1990s was like living in a honey pot.

So he remained silent and looked at Wei Qinghuan.

Wei Qinghuan said weakly, "Say something, stop looking, I'm scared."

Qian Jin had nothing to say. He saw a radio in the room and turned it on to listen.

It's a pity there's no TV, otherwise it would be better to watch TV.

"Now for the weather forecast: Tonight through tomorrow, sunny turning cloudy..."

The radio showed the weather forecast as soon as it was turned on.

He switched to a different radio station, where the announcer delivered the college entrance exam announcement in a clear and articulate voice.
"According to statistics, the number of applicants for the national college entrance examination this year reached 5.7 million, accounting for 0.71% of our 800 million compatriots..."

Wei Qinghuan looked around the room and sighed, "If only students could prepare for the college entrance exam in a place like this, they could score much higher."

Qian Jin said, "That's unrealistic. But if we let them come and take a look, and tell them that they can live in such rooms after they get into university, I think they will be greatly motivated and will indeed score much higher."

Wei Qinghuan shook her head: "Living here is not realistic."

Qian Jin said, "It will become a reality."

We need to find a way to get this asset back later. He's rich enough now that the reform and opening up has started, so he should be able to buy it.

Although this is state-owned property, it fundamentally belongs to his family. He still has the land deed, so he can buy it back as long as he pays a high price.

I switched to two different channels, both of which were broadcasting news about the college entrance examination. The last channel even showed information about the college entrance examination in their province for the past two days.

Qian Jin asked, "Isn't our province the last to hold the college entrance exam? Has the college entrance exam for all provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions across the country finished today?"

Wei Qinghuan chewed on an almond and shook her head: "The three northeastern provinces are later. Heilongjiang should start its exam the day after tomorrow and end the day after that."

Qian Jin glanced at the half-eaten dried fruit and honey-glazed pastries and said, "Eat less, there's still dinner to come."

Wei Qinghuan asked blankly, "You brought food? But where's the kitchen here?"

Qian Jin laughed and said, "No, other guesthouses provide dinner, but this place actually provides three meals a day."

Wei Qinghuan clicked her tongue in amazement: "The conditions are so good! When I used to stay in guesthouses, I had to pay for breakfast myself and get a ticket."

Dinner at the Silver Beach Park Guesthouse was quite lavish, a seafood feast characteristic of this coastal city:

The steamed blue crab shells gleamed with a pearly sheen, the braised prawns were drizzled with a red wine-colored sauce, and the creamy baked scallops had their creamy white sauce dripping down the shell's texture and onto a large plate decorated with blue and white porcelain patterns.

In addition, each person was served a porcelain bowl of sea cucumber and millet porridge.

The waiter also took out a bottle of wine from the food cart.

Upon seeing this, not only Wei Qinghuan but also Qian Jin exclaimed, "Your dinner here is really good."

The waiter smiled and said, "It's because your room is so nice."

“A leader from your unit, surnamed Yang, called us today specifically to say that you are a newlywed couple and asked us to prepare something nice for you two tonight.”

Qian Jin immediately understood: after the big boss booked the room, Yang Shengzhang had come to ask for even better terms for him.

What could he say?
loyalty!

Loyalty is a must!

Now he finally understands why Kaka's crew of idiots are so willing to fight to the death for him.

If it were wartime and foreign enemies were invading, Yang Shengzhan would be willing to carry a satchel charge and blow up a bunker at their command.

Qian Jin also prepared wine, intending it to be used as a toast for the couple.

Now there's no need to bring it out; the leaders have prepared dry white wine for us, produced by Changyu Winery.

Brand name goods.

The Sanwu brand clock on the table opposite the bed struck eight, and moonlight climbed onto the curtains of the four-poster bed.

Qian Jin was in a flustered state, but also felt somewhat embarrassed: "Shall we take a shower and go to bed?"

"I'll go wash up first, so the bathroom will be warmer. I'll prepare hot water for you later."

When Wei Qinghuan was alone with him, she wasn't as poised and confident as she was in public; she was always shy.

Knowing what was about to happen, she became even more shy and whispered, "Mmm."

Qian Jin quickly took a shower.

Take a bath?

No need to soak.

The longer it soaks, the hotter it gets.

He came out wearing thermal underwear that he used as pajamas and said, "I asked Brother Qiao to bring you two nightgowns from Shanghai. They're made of pure cotton, comfortable and warm."

"I brought a new outfit over today. You can change into it later so you don't catch a cold."

Wei Qinghuan walked in slowly and reluctantly.

Qian Jin adjusted the water temperature for her: "Be careful when you put in the hot water, don't get burned."

He tested the water temperature with his palm; it was about right.

Wei Qinghuan peeked inside and asked in surprise, "Why are there still flower petals? No wonder it smelled so good inside."

Dried flower petals were sprinkled into the water tank.

Qian Jin said, "I guess it was at the behest of our leader. The guesthouse knew we were newlyweds, so they specially prepared this for you ladies. I poured it all for you."

This is naturally impossible.

It was prepared by him.

The fragrance of the warm water did not come from the flower petals, but from the essential oils he added.

Tonight will surely leave an extremely deep impression on Wei Qinghuan for the rest of her life. He will create the best experience for Wei Qinghuan given the available resources.

Women love this outfit.

Wei Qinghuan sat on the edge of the bathtub and sighed softly, "I was surprised when I first saw this villa, and I've been surprised again and again since I came in."

"But this is the most surprising moment. I never knew life could be like this."

Qian Jin hugged her and kissed her, saying, "It'll be warmer to put on your pajamas right after you dry off."

The pajamas hung behind the door; they were a normal, festive bright red cotton nightgown, emphasizing softness and thickness.

This is made of milk fleece quilted cotton, with a layer of fine fleece inside, which is very soft to the touch.

It has three thick layers, providing a very strong sense of envelopment; in this day and age, it could be used as a cotton mattress.

"This box contains shampoo. I just used it, and it works great for washing my hair. That's why people say this guesthouse is so high-class." Qian Jin finished preparing the items and went out.

He also left the bath towels from the towel rack for me.

It seems the guesthouse didn't plan to allow people to take baths in the winter; they only provided towels.

So Qian Jin just went into the mall and bought two bath towels, soap, and shampoo, making sure everything was ready.

Wei Qinghuan sat on the bathtub, biting her lip. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror and saw her face flushed, like a frost-bitten Fuji apple on the market.

The room was warm and humid, and the moisture on the door gradually condensed into streams that meandered down onto the floor tiles that had been re-laid in the 1950s and 60s.

Wei Qinghuan stared blankly at the cotton pajamas and other unfamiliar objects. Her fingertips unconsciously traced a blurry heart shape on the frosted glass, which she then hurriedly wiped away.

This time, the bath lasted an unusually long time.

She didn't know how to face her husband, and also wanted to soak a little longer.

It was truly wonderful and comfortable.

Qian Jin didn't rush her because he was also quite nervous. He had practiced his family's traditional craft many times, but he had no practical experience. He would have to rely on the experience left in his DNA by his Homo sapiens ancestors to perform well.

Until the bathtub overflowed with water.

Wei Qinghuan knew she couldn't run away any longer. She mentally prepared herself, took a deep breath, and stood up barefoot on the diamond-patterned non-slip mat. Water droplets rolled down her smooth skin onto the mosaic tiles.

After drying herself off, she wanted to put on her thermal underwear, but seeing the patches on it, she realized it didn't match the room's environment and atmosphere, so she followed Qian Jin's advice and wore only a nightgown.

It was indeed warm and comfortable.

It's much more comfortable than wearing clothes.

She opened the door a crack, and light leaked in, so she quickly said, "Hey, turn off the light."

“Say ‘Husband, please turn off the lights.’” Qian Jin laughed.

Wei Qinghuan was already mentally prepared and smiled, "Husband, please turn off the lights."

The lights go out.

Wei Qinghuan, wrapped in a cotton skirt, pushed open the door, and the damp, cold air rushed in. When she came out, Qian Jin hugged her from behind.

Moonlight streamed in through the stained glass windows, casting a dreamy blue and orange hue across the floor.

Her husband's damp, fragrant hair cascaded over his shoulders, and Wei Qinghuan could sense a slightly intoxicating aroma brewing in the air.

It has the aroma of both coffee and wine.

She felt a tremor run through her body and whispered, "No, no, husband, not here, we need to go to bed."

Qian Jin said, "Don't rush, we're the ones who need to drink the nuptial wine, otherwise wouldn't the wine our leader sent be wasted?"

Wei Qinghuan took the wine glass, her fingertips trembling violently.

When crossing arms, she leans forward, the neckline of her nightgown rippling, her fair collarbone nestled deep in the wine glass.

The sound of waves seeped in through the cracks in the window.

Wei Qinghuan felt a chill on her shoulder, which then warmed up.

A splash of wine landed in her collarbone area. She gently patted the shoulder resting in front of her face and whispered, "How come you're so good at everything?"

Qian Jin said on her shoulder, "That's how we capitalists' descendants are."

"Let's go," Wei Qinghuan whispered, pulling her pajamas tighter around her, her voice mostly absorbed by the fabric.

Qian Jin picked her up in his arms.

The effort put into moving boxes and sacks of goods at the port these days is truly real.

Wei Qinghuan hurriedly said, "The curtains aren't drawn yet..."

The dark red velvet curtains were fully open, and moonlight streamed through the carved iron railings of the terrace, like a vast, flowing white veil, onto the bed, cascading from her rounded shoulders to her toes.

As white as silver frost.

(End of this chapter)