In the fiery red era of the heavens, refrigerators are refreshed daily.

Chapter 199, Section 198: The Progress of the Relationship. The Second Brother's Thoughts. A Heart-to-Heart Talk Between Brothers. Pressure and Encouragement.

Yang Guangming did take the information revealed by Section Chief Lang to heart, but he did not rush to his second brother, Yang Guangyao, to verify or inquire about it.

He understood his second brother's personality; he was steady but also a bit strong-willed, especially when it came to matters of the heart. Since his second brother had chosen not to tell the family for the time being, he must have his reasons.

Perhaps they wanted to wait until the relationship was more stable, or perhaps they didn't want their families to worry too soon. Since Section Chief Lang said that the two of them were compatible and got along well, then that was the best outcome.

As brothers, we should just watch and support from the sidelines. When our second brother feels the time is right, or when he needs someone to advise him and make a decision, he will naturally speak up.

The days flowed by in this orderly fashion, like the quietly flowing Suzhou River, calm on the surface but with its own surging rhythm beneath.

Yang Guangyao still rides his old Forever bicycle every day, taking his mother to and from get off work, leaving early and returning late.

He became increasingly adept at his work in the accounting group, and the group leader, Wang, praised him several times in front of Lang Tianrui for his meticulousness, willingness to study, and promising talent.

The tacit understanding and affection between him and Yue Xinlei, amidst the busy and tedious digital work, was like a gardenia quietly blooming. Though not ostentatious, it exuded a sweet fragrance that soothed the soul and enriched the monotonous time.

Occasionally, after get off work, the two would walk side by side for a while, through the tree-lined avenue in the factory area, until they parted ways at a certain intersection, each with a hint of lingering affection in their eyes.

Yang Guangming continued to work diligently in the finance department, and his steady and down-to-earth style earned him increasing appreciation from his superiors and respect from his colleagues.

He still goes back to the Shikumen every week to stay for a day or two, to feel the warmth of home and to keep an eye on his second brother's condition.

He did notice that his second brother seemed to be going out more often on his days off. Although the time was short, the subtle brightness in his eyes and the smile that occasionally appeared on his lips when he was lost in thought could not be hidden from those close to him.

Sometimes, his mother, Zhang Xiuying, would mutter to herself, "Yaoyao seems to have been quite busy lately. He often goes out for walks on his days off, and his complexion is even better than before." Yang Guangming would just smile and not say anything more.

Friday arrived in the blink of an eye. The weather in May already had the feel of early summer.

Shortly after starting work in the afternoon, Yang Guangming went to the factory committee office building to deliver a document. On his way back, he ran into his second brother, Yang Guangyao, in the corridor.

Yang Guangyao seemed to have just come from the labor and personnel department, with a thoughtful expression on his face. When he saw his younger brother, his eyes lit up, as if he had found his pillar of support, and he quickly came to greet him.

"Mingming, I just happened to run into you."

Yang Guangyao's voice was lower than usual, carrying a hint of seriousness and a slight dryness, "Are you free tonight? I'd like to have dinner at your place. I've already told my mom I won't be going home for dinner; I'll eat at your place first and then go back."

His eyes held a questioning look, and even a hint of secret expectation.

Yang Guangming's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately guessed seven or eight parts of it.

The fact that my second brother specifically sought me out, and his hesitant manner, suggests that he most likely wants to discuss that "important matter."

He remained expressionless, simply nodding and saying in his usual tone, "Sure, I don't have anything planned for tonight. Just head over after get off work. I might leave a little early to get ready."

He deliberately made his tone sound relaxed and natural to avoid putting pressure on his second brother.

"Okay, sure." Yang Guangyao seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, but also as if the string had been stretched even tighter. He raised his hand and patted his younger brother's arm hard, the force conveying a silent entrustment. "Well... see you after get off work."

After saying that, he turned and left in a hurry, his back straight, yet seemingly carrying an invisible weight.

As Yang Guangming watched his second brother disappear around the corner of the corridor, he began to ponder. It seemed that tonight's dinner was going to be more than just a simple meal.

As soon as the afternoon bell rang, Yang Guangming didn't linger and left the factory area a little earlier than usual.

On a bright early summer evening, a gentle breeze, carrying a touch of coolness and the fresh scent of sycamore leaves from the roadside, dispelled the dullness of a busy day in the factory area.

He needed to go back early to make some preparations. The two brothers would drink and chat that evening, so the food couldn't be too sloppy, and the environment had to be kept clean and tidy.

He walked back to Room 203 in Building 3, opened the door, and found his own little world to be quiet and tidy.

The walls were snow-white, the cement floor was spotless, and the rosewood bed and huanghuali wardrobe stood silently in the bright and clean room.

He took a deep breath, and a sense of peace welled up within him.

Yang Guangming put down his briefcase, washed his hands, and began to make arrangements.

There are still a few bottles of wine left at home, which were given to us by Deputy Factory Director Zhao Guodong and Section Chief Lang of the Labor and Wages Department when they came to renovate the factory.

He took most of the good wine back to his father in the Shikumen, keeping only a few bottles of Fenjiu and Xifengjiu for social occasions.

He took out a bottle of Fenjiu liquor and placed it on the Eight Immortals table. The clear liquor rippled slightly in the glass bottle.

Then, with a slight thought, his consciousness sank into that magical "refrigerator" space.

Soon, several kinds of cooked food wrapped in thick oil paper appeared on the table—

A whole drunken chicken with golden-yellow skin and a rich aroma of wine and spices;

A box of braised duck gizzards with a rich, dark brown color, clear texture after being sliced ​​thinly, and a very chewy texture;
There was also a large, heavy piece of braised beef, with firm meat and a fragrant aroma.

After thinking for a moment, he took out a few more golden-yellow, flaky meat mooncakes and placed them on a plate.

He glanced at the small vegetable basket at home, where there was a bunch of red amaranth he had bought from the corner vegetable shop that morning. It was tender and fresh, with glossy purplish-red leaves, perfect for stir-frying as a vegetable.

Steam another pot of white rice, and serve it with these four dishes. With meat and vegetables, and both hot and cold options, this is considered a fairly sumptuous meal in this day and age.

Yang Guangming put on his apron and started working.

Chop the drunken chicken into even small pieces and arrange them neatly on a plate; also plate the braised duck gizzards and braised beef separately.

The rice was rinsed and placed on the coal stove by the door to start steaming.

Only amaranth is left. We'll have to wait for my second brother to arrive before stir-frying it, lest it discolor and release water if left too long.

With everything prepared, he looked out the window at the sky. The afterglow of the setting sun gradually turned into a magnificent orange-red, giving the buildings across the street a dazzling golden edge.

The corridor began to echo with the footsteps and voices of neighbors returning home from get off work, the ringing of bicycle bells, and the clattering of spatulas and the sizzling of stir-frying from each kitchen. All these sounds intertwined, creating a unique symphony of life characteristic of the tenement building.

Not long after, a familiar but slightly hurried sound of footsteps came.

"Mingming, I'm here." It was the voice of my second brother, Yang Guangyao.

The second brother walked in, still wearing the same slightly worn blue youth suit, but it had obviously been carefully ironed, with straight creases and his hair neatly combed, a smile on his face.

But the trace of sorrow in his eyes, which he couldn't hide, was very obvious to Yang Guangming.

The second brother was also carrying a net bag containing a handful of green apricots.

"Second Brother, come in quickly." Yang Guangming stepped aside and noticed the green apricots in his hand. "We're brothers, you're here, why bring anything?"

"I happened to come across some for sale on the way, and they looked quite fresh, so I bought some for you to try."

Sunlight streamed into the room, and his gaze habitually swept around. "Your place is so much cleaner and more comfortable. It's so comfortable living alone, and it's always so tidy." His tone held a hint of envy, but also a touch of relief.

"It's just a small place, what's there to be uncomfortable about? It's just nice to have some peace and quiet," Yang Guangming said with a smile, taking the green apricot and placing it on the table. "Sit down, the dishes are almost ready, just some greens left, they'll be done as soon as they're in the pot. Have some water first." He picked up the thermos and poured a glass of water for his second brother.

"Need me a hand?" Yang Guangyao said, his gaze already drifting towards the small kitchen in the next room. He also leaned towards it subconsciously, eager to find something to do to relieve his inner worries.

"No need, just stir-fry some vegetables, it'll be quick. Sit down and rest for a bit, you must be tired after sitting in the office all day." Yang Guangming pressed him down into a chair next to the octagonal table.

Yang Guangyao didn't really intend to help. He sat in the chair with his hands on his knees, looking somewhat preoccupied.

He picked up his teacup, took a sip of water, and then turned his gaze to the window, looking at the gradually bustling family compound below.

Several children were chasing and playing in the open space, their shouts faintly audible; women carrying shopping baskets hurried by; the air was filled with the mixed aromas of families preparing dinner: the scent of scallions and ginger frying in a pan, the rich aroma of stewed meat, and the pungent smell of chili peppers being stir-fried by someone...

The familiar, everyday atmosphere seemed to ease his troubled mind a little.

Just then, Zhou Dayong from across the street also came home from get off work. He greeted his neighbors in a loud voice, and as soon as he saw Yang Guangyao, he immediately laughed and said, "Guangyao's here? Looking for your brother to have dinner?"

"Hey, Brother Zhou, you're off work?" Yang Guangyao quickly turned around and replied with a smile, "Yeah, I came over for a free meal." He tried to make his tone sound relaxed and natural.

"It's good for the two brothers to get together! Guangming's cooking is excellent! Last time I smelled that aroma, I was so tempted!" Zhou Dayong waved with a smile and opened his door to go inside.

Chen Zhiqing, the technician from next door, was also pushing his bicycle back, a canvas bag hanging on the handlebars. When he saw Yang Guangyao, he shyly pushed up his glasses and nodded in greeting: "Comrade Guangyao."

"Technician Chen." Yang Guangyao nodded in return. Chen Zhiqing was a man of few words; after greeting him, he bowed and went inside.

These brief neighborly greetings, like a small interlude, allowed Yang Guangyao to relax a little.

Sunshine was shining in the small, partitioned kitchen as he started cooking over a kerosene stove. He crushed garlic cloves and added them to the pan, where the hot oil immediately released an enticing, caramelized aroma.

Pour in the drained red amaranth and stir-fry quickly. The leaves soften rapidly upon contact with the hot oil, releasing a beautiful purplish-red juice.

Sprinkle with salt, stir-fry a few more times, and a refreshing stir-fried amaranth with garlic is ready to serve, with bright colors and a fragrant garlic aroma.

He just rummaged through the cupboard and found four more eggs, which will come in handy today.

He poured the beaten eggs into the pan, sizzled them, and quickly scrambled them into golden, fluffy scrambled eggs with scallions.

Yang Guangming brought two plates of hot dishes to the table, and the rice was also steaming hot and fragrant.

The table was soon laden with dishes: glistening, wine-scented drunken chicken; dark brown, tempting braised duck gizzards; reddish-brown, evenly sliced ​​braised beef; bright green stir-fried amaranth sprinkled with minced garlic and savory red sauce; golden, tender, and fragrant scrambled eggs with scallions; and in the center, a bowl of steaming white rice.

The dishes were delicious and visually appealing, making the meal seem exceptionally plentiful.

"Wow! This is so lavish!" Yang Guangyao exclaimed, looking at the table. His eyes lit up. "You're living too well! This is even better than Chinese New Year! Drunken chicken, braised beef... and scrambled eggs! This is too extravagant!"

"Well, it's been a long time since we brothers have sat down and had a proper meal together." Yang Guangming smiled, opened the Fenjiu bottle, took out two white porcelain wine cups, and poured a full cup for each of them. "Usually when I'm alone, I just make some noodles or fried rice to tide me over. Come on, Second Brother, we're happy today, let's have a drink."

The crisp aroma of the wine immediately mingled with the fragrance of the dishes, filling the small room and creating a warm yet slightly formal atmosphere.

The two brothers sat down facing each other. Yang Guangming raised his glass, a gentle smile on his face: "Come on, second brother, let's have a drink. To... well, to a better life."

"For better days!" Yang Guangyao also raised his glass, his voice rising slightly, as if trying to dispel something with the help of the alcohol.

The two wine glasses clinked lightly, producing a crisp sound, and the two men each took a sip.

The spicy and mellow liquor slid down my throat, bringing a warm, burning sensation that instantly cleared my mind and invigorated me.

"Eat your food, eat your food, try it and see how it tastes." Yang Guangming urged, first putting the largest piece of drunken chicken leg on his second brother's plate.

Yang Guangyao didn't stand on ceremony, picking up a piece of drunken chicken and chewing it slowly. The chicken was extremely tender, with a rich but not overpowering aroma of wine and just the right amount of salty and savory seasoning, leaving a lingering aftertaste.

"Mmm! This drunken chicken tastes just right! It's much better than what you get at state-run restaurants! The meat is so tender!" he exclaimed sincerely, clearly feeling much more relaxed thanks to the delicious food.

"It's a recipe my friend came up with himself, a kind of secret recipe," Yang Guangming explained casually, then put a thick slice of braised beef on his plate. "Try this too, it's also homemade by my friend, it's quite flavorful."

The braised beef is perfectly salty and savory, with a firm yet tender texture that becomes more fragrant the more you chew it, carrying the complex aroma of the braising sauce.

Braised duck gizzards are crisp, tender, and chewy, making them an excellent accompaniment to drinks.

Stir-fried amaranth is refreshing and helps to cut through the greasiness, with a unique sweetness.

Scrambled eggs with scallions are tender, smooth, and fragrant—a familiar home-style flavor etched in my memory.

The two brothers ate their meal with great satisfaction, and Yang Guangyao temporarily put his worries behind him.

After a few drinks, feeling warm all over, he slowly started talking.

We started by chatting about trivial matters at the factory: which workshop had produced a production pacesetter who won the rotating red flag; which two veteran workers had argued heatedly over a technical parameter and almost came to blows; how the labor and personnel department was busy with quarterly accounting and working overtime every day; and if there were any new developments in the factory lately...

When Yang Guangyao talked about his work, his eyes lit up, and the worries in his heart seemed to lessen.

He became increasingly familiar with the rules and regulations, grade standards, various subsidies and deductions for payroll calculation. Team Leader Wang praised him several times, saying that he was meticulous, quick to learn, and had an extremely low error rate.

He could even pinpoint which workshop's work hour records were always wrong and which type of subsidy was most prone to miscalculation. These subtle improvements and small recognitions at work helped him regain his confidence and sense of value.

Yang Guangming listened quietly, nodding occasionally, and occasionally adding wine and food to his second brother's plate, acting as the best listener. He could feel his second brother's appreciation and dedication to his job.

About half of the dishes on the table were gone, and almost a third of the bottle of wine was drunk.

A noticeable blush rose on Yang Yao's face, and he gradually became more talkative. His previous worries and hesitations slowly dissipated in the relaxed and trusting atmosphere created by the alcohol and his younger brother. He ate until his nose was sweating, and then simply unbuttoned the top button of his youth suit.

Yang Guangyao put down his chopsticks, picked up his wine glass, and took another sip. As if he had made a great decision, he looked at Yang Guangming, his voice lower and more solemn than before, even carrying a hint of recklessness:
“Mingming, there’s something…it’s been weighing on my mind for days, and I’m really bottling it up. I want to talk to you about it, and you can help me make a decision.”

Yang Guangming put down his chopsticks, looked at him calmly and attentively, and leaned forward slightly, adopting a posture of listening attentively: "Yes, Second Brother, go ahead, I'm listening. What can't we brothers say to each other?"

Yang Guangyao took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, as if trying to calm his racing heart.

He paused for a few seconds, his gaze fixed on the swirling liquid in his glass, before finally mustering the courage to speak, his voice a little dry: "I...I'm in a relationship."

After saying that, he immediately looked up at his younger brother, his eyes filled with a mixture of shyness, nervousness, and a longing for recognition, as if trying to catch a look of surprise or teasing on his face.

However, Yang Guangming's expression was unusually calm, only his eyes held a warm smile that seemed to indicate he already knew. He nodded and said in a gentle tone, "Yes, I've heard about it." He didn't want his second brother to feel like he was being kept in the dark, so he chose to tell him the truth.

Now it was Yang Guangyao's turn to be surprised. His eyes widened slightly, and the blush on his face seemed to fade a little: "You...you heard about it? From whom? Section Chief Lang?" He immediately thought of the most likely source.

"Hmm." Yang Guangming poured him some wine, his tone casual. "A few days ago, I ran into Section Chief Lang in the cafeteria. He mentioned to me that he saw you two getting along quite well in the accounting group, a handsome man and a beautiful woman, and he was happy for you."

He deliberately omitted Section Chief Lang's analysis of Secretary Yue's family situation, saying that now was not the time to say those things.

Yang Guangyao suddenly realized, and a grateful yet somewhat embarrassed expression appeared on his face: "So it was Section Chief Lang... Speaking of which, I really have to thank Section Chief Lang for the fact that Xinlei and I have become so close."

If he hadn't assigned me to the accounting group and specifically asked Xinlei to mentor me, creating so many opportunities for us to interact... teaching me the business step by step, spending every day together... it probably wouldn't have been this fast."

His tone was sincere, filled with heartfelt gratitude towards Lang Tianrui.

Yang Guangming understood that while Lang Tianrui was pleased to see a young couple fall in love through his arrangement, he was also primarily looking to repay him.

"Section Chief Lang is a warm-hearted person, and it seems your fate has brought you together." Yang Guangming smiled and followed up the conversation, asking, "How's it going? How far have things progressed? Comrade Yue Xinlei is indeed a good girl, with strong professional skills and a generous and cheerful personality."

He encouraged his second brother to talk more and let him release his emotions.

Hearing his younger brother praise Yue Xinlei, Yang Guangyao's smile widened, tinged with a sense of pride and sweetness.
"Yes, Xinlei...she's really great. Not only is she meticulous and hardworking, but she's also very knowledgeable and insightful, unlike some women who only care about trivial family matters. She's also very considerate and patient with me..."

As if he had finally found an outlet to confide in, he opened up and began to talk at length about how the two of them usually got along.

When we work overtime together to check data until late at night, we'll tacitly bring each other a snack or a few candies, which are especially sweet when we're hungry.
During a break, we chatted about the books and movies we'd recently read and discovered that we both enjoyed reading things with depth, so we always found common ground.

Yue Xinlei received a new blue-black ink, and she would naturally refill Yang Guangyao's nearly empty fountain pen.
Yang Guangyao would occasionally bring glutinous rice dumplings or scallion pancakes made by his mother, Zhang Xiuying, from home, and he would always make a point of sharing some with Yue Xinlei. Seeing her eyes crinkle with delight as she ate, he felt as sweet as if he had drunk honey...

Those trivial and ordinary interactions, yet full of sweet understanding, came out of his mouth with a slightly shy tone, carrying a glow of being immersed in happiness, making the listeners smile.

Yang Guangming listened patiently, nodding occasionally and agreeing with phrases like "That's good" and "Comrade Xinlei really put her heart into it." He was also happy for his second brother. He could clearly feel the sincere and natural emotions flowing through his brother's description.

However, as he spoke, Yang Guangyao's tone gradually lowered, and the gloom that had just dissipated between his brows gathered again, replaced by a lingering layer of worry and tension. He twirled the wine glass in his hand, but no longer brought it to his lips.

“But… Mingming,” his voice was a little hoarse, as if he had encountered a great problem, “next… we have to get past the parents. Xinlei formally mentioned to me a couple of days ago that she wants to find some time to take me to meet her parents.”

He seemed to have used up all his strength to say the words "meet our parents," and looked at his younger brother with trepidation, hoping to find a sliver of recognition or comfort from him, or perhaps, a bit of courage.

Yang Guangming didn't respond immediately, but waited quietly for him to continue, giving him time to organize his thoughts.

Yang Guangyao took a deep breath, as if gathering his courage to reveal the biggest, most suffocating secret:
“It wasn’t until a few days ago that Xinlei told me… that her father is Yue Xingguo, the deputy secretary of our factory.”

When he uttered the name, his voice unconsciously lowered, as if the name itself carried an air of authority that made him afraid to mention it loudly.

After he finished speaking, he stared intently at his younger brother's reaction, his eyes filled with unease, like someone awaiting judgment.

Yang Guangming appropriately showed a hint of surprise. Although he already knew from Lang Tianrui, he had to make a normal reaction at this moment: "Deputy Secretary Yue? This... I really didn't expect it."

He frowned slightly, and his tone naturally became serious. "This is indeed... quite a lot of pressure. Secretary Yue is a high-ranking leader in the factory."

He had to acknowledge this fact in order for his second brother to feel that they had a basis for empathy and for him to pour out all his frustrations and pressures.

"It's more than just 'not small'!" Yang Guangyao seemed to have finally found an outlet, his tone becoming excited, even a little anxious. "It's absolutely huge! When I first heard it, my mind went completely blank! Secretary Yue! He's such a high-ranking leader in the factory! He often gives reports on the podium, and I have to look up to see him... I... I'm just a temporary worker..."

He ran his fingers through his neatly combed hair, making it a little messy, and said with a hint of frustration, "To be honest, Mingming, my first reaction was... I was stunned, and then I wanted to back down. I felt I wasn't good enough for Xinlei, and I couldn't believe that Secretary Yue would be interested in me. The gap... was too big, like being separated by the Huangpu River!"

He gestured with his hands, his face filled with helplessness and inferiority.

Yang Guangming deeply understands the immense pressure his second brother is under.

In the current climate of valuing family background and official employment, the gap between the daughter of a factory leader and a temporary worker from an ordinary working-class family is indeed insurmountable for most people.

The second brother's reaction was perfectly normal.

"Then... what did Comrade Yue Xinlei say? Is she aware of your concerns?" he asked, steer the conversation to the key point.

Mentioning his girlfriend, Yang Guangyao's eyes softened, yet also hardened, as if he drew strength from her.

“Xinlei...she noticed, and she has been encouraging me.”

She said she didn't care about these external things, saying that this is a new society that values ​​freedom of marriage and values ​​a good person. She said... even if..."

He paused, his voice lower but clearer, "Even if her family doesn't agree right now, she won't give up. She said... if it really doesn't work out, she'll come with me to get the marriage certificate first..."

At this point, his voice lowered, tinged with a touch of emotion at his girlfriend's resolute attitude, but more so with guilt and unease. "But if that happens, her parents will definitely be very sad and angry, and it will be difficult for both families to save face, and it will be hard for them to get along in the future."

Xinlei chose to tell me about her family situation because she didn't want to hide it from me and wanted to face it openly and honestly with me.

She told me to get ready so she could take me to meet her family. She said her dad wasn't an unreasonable person.

This is something we have to face; there's no escaping it.

He sighed deeply, downed the rest of the wine in his glass in one gulp. The spicy taste made him furrow his brow, but it also seemed to give him a bit of courage to face reality.

Yang Guangming nodded, his opinion of Yue Xinlei rising even higher. This girl was indeed very opinionated, courageous, and handled things with tact, not just blindly acting recklessly.

Her attitude was undoubtedly the biggest support and source of confidence for her second brother at this moment.

"Comrade Yue Xinlei is indeed very opinionated, which is rare. It's rare that she's so considerate of you and willing to share the burden with you," Yang Guangming affirmed, his tone filled with admiration. "Second Brother, since she's so determined to face this with you, you can't give up first. Otherwise, how can you live up to her good intentions?"

"I understand the truth..."

Yang Guangyao gave a wry smile, pressing his fingers hard against his temples, "But I just don't feel confident, I'm feeling very uneasy."

I didn't dare tell my family, afraid that if... if it didn't work out in the end, my parents would be disappointed and would be anxious and upset.

The only person I can think of to discuss this with is you. I can only come to you to talk and hear your ideas.

You have broader experience than I do, and working alongside leaders, you see things more clearly than I do.

He cast an expectant look at his younger brother, as if his brother were his source of reassurance.

Yang Guangming picked up the bottle and refilled both of their glasses. The clear liquor poured into the glasses with a soft gurgling sound.

"Second brother."

He spoke in a calm tone, his voice not loud, but with a convincing power: "First of all, I think this is a good thing, a great thing."

Comrade Yue Xinlei is a girl who is one in a million. The two of you are in love and sincere with each other. This is the most important foundation and is stronger than anything else.

I truly believe in you all.

He first offered clear affirmation and support, which was exactly what his second brother needed at that moment.

Hearing his younger brother's resolute affirmation, Yang Guangyao's tense expression relaxed slightly, and his taut shoulders slumped a little.

"As for Secretary Yue's side."

Yang Guangming continued, speaking calmly, "I think you first need to adjust your mindset."

Don't think of yourself as inferior just because you're a temporary worker, or as less dignified in front of her family. That will only make you feel constrained and looked down upon.

But don't try too hard to please or flatter. A pretentious act won't last; it will only make you seem insincere and lacking in confidence.

He paused, looking at his second brother who was listening attentively and seemingly deep in thought, and then continued:

"You show your truest self—you are conscientious and responsible at work, willing to learn and work hard, honest and down-to-earth, and genuinely good to Xinlei."

Let Secretary Yue see your strengths and potential, and your future possibilities.

Sometimes, when elders look at young people, they value character and ambition more.

"If this matter is successful, everyone will be happy, and it will be a great joy for our family."

Yang Guangming laid it all out, "Even if... to put it another way, it doesn't work out in the end due to some practical reasons, as long as you both sincerely tried your best, there's nothing to regret."

When it comes to fate, you can't force it.

But now that Xinlei is so determined and willing to fight for it with you, you should of course show the courage and responsibility of a man, stand with her, and face it together.

You can't back down now; that would truly be letting her down.

His words were clear and logical, analyzing reality while offering encouragement and support. Like a steady force, they slowly soothed and calmed Yang Guangyao's anxiety and unease.

"Meeting the parents is a hurdle that you have to overcome sooner or later."

"It's better to meet sooner rather than later. Dragging it out will only make you overthink and cause unnecessary trouble," Yang Guangming analyzed.

"Secretary Yue is a leader who has weathered many storms. I heard that he is pragmatic in his judgment of people and things, and values ​​character, ability and responsibility more."

Perhaps he wouldn't care too much about those superficial, temporary things.

As long as your words, actions, interpersonal skills, and your plans for the future make him feel that you are a reliable, responsible, and trustworthy person.

I feel reassured entrusting Xinlei to you; other issues, such as her work status, are secondary problems that can be resolved gradually.

Yang Guangming said confidently, "If the meeting goes smoothly and we get Secretary Yue's approval, that would be the best."

From now on, let things take their natural course, and everything will fall into place naturally.

If, after the meeting, Secretary Yue does indeed have concerns and raises some practical issues, it doesn't mean there's absolutely no hope.

As long as you and Xinlei are of one mind, willing to persevere together, find solutions together, and overcome difficulties together, there will always be room for maneuver.

Time will prove many things, and your efforts and work performance can change many perspectives.

After saying this, Yang Guangyao remained silent for a long time, staring at his reflection in the wine glass, his fingers unconsciously tracing the grain of the wood on the table, digesting his younger brother's suggestion.

The room fell silent for a moment, with only the faint sounds of the neighbor cooking outside the window and the indistinct broadcast from afar.

After a long while, he exhaled heavily, as if to expel all the hesitation and pent-up feelings in his chest.

His tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed, and the hesitation in his eyes was replaced by a gradually clearing and firm light.

"Mingming, you're right!"

He suddenly raised his head, his voice regaining its strength, even carrying a hint of enlightened exhilaration, "I was overthinking things, I scared myself first, and got stuck in a rut!"

If Xinlei, a woman, has such courage and determination, then I, a grown man, must not back down!
Let's meet! Whether it's good or bad, we'll only know after we face it!

"At worst, I'll just get a few criticisms from Secretary Yue. Can that be any harder than digging through frozen ground and harvesting crops in Northeast China?"

He picked up his wine glass, as if to give himself a pep talk, "For Xinlei, I have to give it my all!"

Seeing his second brother regain his confidence and even display the tenacity and pioneering spirit he had honed in the Great Northern Wilderness, Yang Guangming smiled with satisfaction: "That's right! Show that same drive you had when you were pioneering in the Northeast, and there's no obstacle you can't overcome. Secretary Yue is only human, not a tiger. He's not going to eat you up, is he?"

The two brothers exchanged a smile and clinked their glasses again. This time, the sound of their glasses clinking was exceptionally crisp and loud.

The atmosphere relaxed again.

As if a huge weight had been lifted from Yang Guangyao's heart, his appetite returned. He picked up his chopsticks and took a few more slices of braised beef, eating them heartily as if to replenish his energy and prepare for the challenge ahead.

Yang Guangming felt that it was better to say some things in advance so that his second brother could be fully prepared.

In some situations, as the woman, Yue Xinlei might not be able to directly and clearly explain things to her second brother. The information that Section Chief Lang revealed that day is particularly important at this moment.

He hesitated for a moment, poked at the food on the plate with his chopsticks, and said casually, "Second Brother, there's something I heard Section Chief Lang mention casually a couple of days ago. I don't know if it's accurate or if the details are different, but I think you should know so you can be aware of it and think about it in advance."

"What is it?" Seeing that his expression was slightly serious, Yang Guangyao also put down his chopsticks and became serious.

"It's about... some specific details about Secretary Yue's family."

Yang Guangming carefully chose his words, trying to be as tactful as possible, "Section Chief Lang said that Secretary Yue only has one daughter, Yue Xinlei, and he has cherished her since she was little, raising her with the utmost care."

Although he didn't explicitly say that he definitely wanted a son-in-law to live with his wife's family, he implied that he particularly hoped his daughter could live with her parents after marriage, or live very close by, so that she could take care of them in their old age and see them off when they passed away.

Secretary Yue only has one child, so it's...understandable that he would have such thoughts.

After he finished speaking, he carefully observed his second brother's expression, waiting for his reaction.

After hearing this, Yang Guangyao was visibly stunned, a look of surprise flashing across his face. Clearly, this news was completely new to him.

He blinked, processing the information.

But to Yang Guangming's surprise, there was no awkwardness, resistance, or offense on his face as expected. Instead, it was as if he had suddenly grasped a clear thread in the midst of a jumble of clues, revealing a look of "I see" realization. Then, his expression even became a little... relaxed.
"This..." Yang Guangyao scratched his head, his tone becoming calmer, even with a hint of relief, "I thought it was something serious. This... to be honest, I don't mind." He said it very frankly.

Now it was Yang Guangming's turn to be a little surprised. He asked to confirm, "You don't mind? In the future, you might have to live at your mother-in-law's house for a long time, or mainly stay there. There might be gossip outside, saying that you are... um..." He didn't say the words "marrying into the wife's family," but the meaning was clear.

Yang Guangyao smiled, a smile that carried a sense of composure and pragmatism born of experience, as well as a clear understanding of reality:
“Mingming, in the years I’ve been working in the countryside, I haven’t learned much else, but I’ve certainly become much thicker-skinned and have a better understanding of what real life is and what’s most important.”

Let others say what they want. You're the one living your life; only you know whether you're comfortable or not. Can gossip feed you?

He paused, his expression turning serious, and his analysis became quite logical and reasoned:
“There are three of us brothers, and our parents are getting older. Our house is just a small shikumen house. Even if you include the small room that my eldest brother was allocated, how big is it in total? We definitely won't have enough room in the future.”

We can't all be crammed together, making the new bride suffer too.

Secretary Yue's family only has one child, Xinlei, so their house is definitely more spacious. It's only natural for the elderly to want to live closer to their daughter so they can take care of each other. If we put ourselves in their shoes, we can understand.

Nowadays, everyone talks about gender equality, and both sets of parents should be filial to each other.

I don't think it's a big deal. As long as Xinlei is well, her parents are happy, and the family is harmonious, it doesn't matter where they live. It's not the old society anymore; why bother with those empty titles?

Hearing his second brother's insightful, open-minded, pragmatic, and reasonable words, Yang Guangming felt completely at ease and began to look at his second brother with new respect.

The years of being a sent-down youth, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and certain ingrained ideas, did indeed make my second brother much more mature. He saw things more clearly and focused more on real life and emotions, rather than being bound by worldly constraints.

This undoubtedly removed one of the biggest potential obstacles in the relationship.

"Second Brother, it's great that you think this way!" Yang Guangming said sincerely, his tone filled with admiration. "The biggest, and probably the most difficult, concern on our side has been resolved. If you can understand this, things will go much more smoothly. Next, it depends on how you communicate with Secretary Yue. The key is to show your sincerity and sense of responsibility."

With the biggest knot in my heart untied, the gloom on my face vanished under the bright sunshine, and my mood brightened considerably, as if I had unloaded the heaviest burden.

He took the initiative to pick up the wine bottle and poured some more wine for his brother and himself.

“By the way, Second Brother.” Yang Guangming thought of some specific issues, “When are you planning to meet your parents? Do you plan to tell them about it? What are you going to wear? What gifts are you going to bring? You need to think about these things in advance.”

Yang Guangyao shook his head, clearly indicating that he hadn't carefully planned these details yet.

"The time hasn't been set yet. Xinlei said it depends on my preparation. I'll tell her when I feel ready, and she'll make the arrangements."

I don't want to tell my family now, it's still far from certain, I'm afraid that if it doesn't work out, my parents will worry unnecessarily, and I'm also afraid they... might have other ideas." He was referring to the traditional views that his parents might have.

"As for clothes..." He looked down at himself, "This will do. It's not brand new, but it's clean and tidy. It's my best outfit. A gift for visiting..."

He frowned; this was what troubled him most. "I haven't figured it out yet, I'm really worried about it. I can't go empty-handed."

But a family like Secretary Yue's can't offer anything decent, and I really can't afford anything too fancy...

He rubbed his hands, looking troubled. Of his meager temporary job wages, after giving some to his mother to help with household expenses, he had very little left for himself.

Seeing this, Yang Guangming immediately said, "Meeting the parents is a big deal, and first impressions are very important. Dressing appropriately is basic courtesy and also shows respect for elders."

Your outfit is fine for work, but when you meet Secretary Yue… perhaps you could dress more formally and smartly.”

Before his second brother could object, he proceeded to make arrangements in an unquestionable tone: "I've made plans with some friends to go shopping at the malls on Huaihai Road the day after tomorrow, Sunday, to buy some summer clothes."

Come with me, I'll pick out some new clothes for you—a shirt, trousers, and dress shoes. You need to look your best; clothes make the man, and a smarter appearance makes you more confident, right?

Upon hearing this, Yang Guangyao quickly waved his hand, his face turning red: "No need, no need! Mingming, I've already benefited too much from you!"

You helped me find a job and have always been generous to me, so how could I possibly ask you to spend money on new clothes for me again!

This outfit is perfect! Just wash it, iron it, and it'll look the same!

He actually has a strong sense of pride and is unwilling to accept his younger brother's gifts repeatedly.

"Why are you being so polite with me!"

Yang Guangming spoke firmly, but deliberately downplayed it, saying, "I have prepared both cloth coupons and clothing coupons; I have all the necessary ration coupons."

I was planning to buy some summer clothes for everyone in the family. For Mom and Dad, for Zhuangzhuang, and for you.

If you don't go, I'll just buy whatever I want, and the size and style might not even be right.

Why don't you come along? You can pick one you like and give me your opinion.

He incorporated the matter of buying clothes for his second brother into the plan to furnish the whole family, which greatly reduced his second brother's psychological burden.

Looking into his younger brother's sincere and persistent eyes, Yang Guangyao knew that he genuinely wanted to help him. Considering that he was going to meet someone like Secretary Yue, a crisp new outfit would indeed boost his confidence and make him look presentable, so as not to appear timid at first glance.

He hesitated for a moment, looking at his faded collar, and finally nodded gratefully with a touch of embarrassment: "Well... alright. I've troubled you again. Here's the cloth coupon and the money..."

“Between brothers, let’s not talk about these things. When you’re better off, you can treat me to drinks.” Yang Guangming interrupted him with a smile, not letting him continue. “Then it’s settled. I’ll go home on Saturday night, and we can go out together on Sunday morning.”

Having resolved the clothing issue, Yang Guangming then moved on to the more pressing matter of the gift for his second brother: "As for the gift for Secretary Yue's house..."

He hesitated for a moment, quickly going through the contents of the "refrigerator" in his mind. "I'll figure out how to prepare this. I'll make sure it's presentable and presentable."

You don't need to worry about it; just take it when the time comes.

For Yang Guangming, who has plenty of space in his refrigerator, preparing a few rare, high-quality, and just-right gifts is not a difficult task.

Yang Guangyao now obeys his younger brother's every word, and he no longer has to worry about the most troublesome issue of gifts. He is relieved and filled with gratitude, nodding repeatedly.
"Okay, okay, Mingming, I'll listen to you. It's true... As your older brother, I can't help you with anything, and I always have to rely on you when something happens, it's really..." His tone was filled with guilt and deep emotion.

"Alright, we're brothers, no need for formalities. Finding happiness, starting a family, and building a career is more important than anything else." Yang Guangming raised his glass. "Come on, enough said, best wishes for a successful meeting with your parents!"

"Great! I appreciate your kind words!" Yang Guangyao happily raised his glass, his voice loud and clear, filled with renewed hope and fighting spirit.

The two brothers drank the remaining wine in their cups in one gulp, looked at each other and smiled, everything understood without words.

The sky outside the window was already completely dark, with a few stars dotting the inky blue expanse.

The windows of the family quarters were lit with warm lights, and the faint sounds of radios, bowls and chopsticks, and family members talking could be heard, creating the most peaceful atmosphere of the night.

The food on the table had gone cold, and the wine was almost gone. The two brothers chatted for a while longer, then Yang Guangyao glanced at the old-fashioned horseshoe-shaped watch on the table. It was almost nine o'clock, so he got up to say goodbye.

Yang Guangming saw him to the door, watching him walk down the stairs with light but steady steps and disappear around the corner. He silently wished his second brother could successfully pass the test of meeting the parents and seize this hard-won opportunity.

(End of this chapter)