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

Yang Guangming gathered his jumbled thoughts and turned to step onto the wooden staircase leading to the second-floor front building.

Just as I reached the slightly dimly lit triangular area at the corner of the stairs, I heard a series of light and slightly hurried footsteps from above.

He subconsciously looked up and saw He Caiyun, who lived on the third floor, carrying a white enamel basin downstairs. The basin seemed to contain some used water, which was swaying slightly. It looked like she was going to the public sink downstairs to empty it.

The two met unexpectedly in this cramped space.

"Guangming is back." He Caiyun greeted him proactively, her voice low, carrying an almost deliberate calmness, and even revealing a hint of barely perceptible caution.

"Sister-in-law He." Yang Guangming nodded, stepped aside and pressed himself against the stair railing, making room for her to pass first.

The staircase is narrow, allowing only one person to pass at a time, so extra caution is needed when passing each other.

As they passed each other, the distance between them closed, and Yang Guangming subconsciously glanced at her. That one glance stirred something within him. He Caiyun before him had changed drastically; she was almost unrecognizable compared to a few months ago.

She was wearing a slightly worn, dark blue blouse, the color of which had faded to grayish or even white after washing. There was a patch on each of her elbows, the patch being a slightly darker color but with exceptionally fine and neat stitches, almost unnoticeable unless you looked closely.

Her hair was no longer combed so neatly and meticulously as before; it was simply tied into a loose bun at the back of her head, with a few stray hairs hanging freely down her neck.

Her face was completely bare, her skin looked somewhat sallow and thin, and she had faint dark circles under her eyes, giving off a deliberately plain vibe.

This was like a completely different soul from the He Caiyun he remembered, who, even when simply lighting a stove or emptying a spittoon at the front door, would always strive to keep her hair gleaming, her clothes crisp and neat, and speak and walk with an air of triumph.

He's sister-in-law, who always cared a lot about her image and was proud of her elder brother from her maternal family, and whose words often unconsciously revealed a sense of superiority, was now wearing clothes with obvious patches, which was quite unusual and gave off an unusual vibe.

Yang Guangming harbored this doubt in his heart, but he did not show it on his face. He maintained his calm and composed expression, simply nodding slightly to He Caiyun before continuing upstairs.

The old staircase creaked once more, accompanied by his steady footsteps, until he stopped in front of his own door and pushed open the familiar front door.

Mother Zhang Xiuying and sister-in-law Li Guihua were sitting at the table, chatting idly as they skillfully peeled bright green edamame beans in the afternoon sunlight streaming through the window.

"Mom, sister-in-law," Yang Guangming greeted them, his voice relaxed with the relief of returning home.

He pulled over a stool, sat down at the table, and picked up a few edamame beans to help peel them.

“Mingming is back.” Zhang Xiuying looked up at her son, her eyes full of love, her hands still peeling beans, her fingertips stained with the green of the bean pods. “Weihong is home? Sigh, that child has really had a tough time, enduring so many years alone in the countryside, and finally she’s made it through.” Her words were filled with the concern and emotion unique to an elder.

"Yes, I took her home. After she finished meeting with us old classmates today, she'll probably have to start preparing for university registration," Yang Guangming replied, tossing the shelled beans into his bowl.

Li Guihua's tone was full of envy and admiration as she said, "Worker-peasant-soldier college students, how glorious! One in a hundred! After graduation, they'll become state cadres, with secure jobs and guaranteed food rations. They'll never have to go back to those remote mountain villages to suffer again. The Chen family is truly blessed!"

Her words also represented the views of most people in the Shikumen neighborhood on this matter.

After chatting for a bit about Chen Weihong's university education, Yang Guangming remembered He Caiyun, whom he had met at the corner of the stairs earlier, and casually asked about his doubts:
"Mom, sister-in-law, I just ran into Sister He on the stairs. She seems to have changed a lot. She seems to be very low-key. Her clothes are all patched up, and she speaks much more gently than before."

He carefully chose his words, avoiding directly saying "down on his luck" or "humble".

Upon hearing this, Li Guihua immediately became interested and seemed to have opened a floodgate of words.

She placed the edamame beans in her hand into the bowl, making a slight clinking sound. She leaned closer to the sunlight, lowered her voice, and spoke with a mixture of excitement at sharing a secret and a touch of melancholy at the unpredictability of life:

"You clearly don't know yet, do you? No wonder, you've been busy with your own wedding lately and haven't been around. Something terrible has happened to He Caiyun's family! A complete catastrophe!"

"Something happened?" Yang Guangming raised an eyebrow, a vague guess forming in his mind. "Her older brother, who's a cadre in the district?" He remembered that he was He Caiyun's biggest asset and topic of conversation.

"Yes! It's that powerful brother who's her backer!"

Li Guihua nodded vigorously, her voice even lower, as if afraid of being overheard through the walls. "It happened two months ago. I heard the problem was quite serious. We ordinary folks don't know the specifics, whether it was an economic issue or a policy error. Anyway... he's been sentenced! His life is over!"

She finished speaking with an unwavering certainty.

Zhang Xiuying sighed and picked up the conversation, her tone carrying a sense of worldly wisdom and understanding:
"That's right. People can climb fast and fall hard. Her older brother used to be so successful, always being chauffeured around in a car, with so many people fawning over him. But now... sigh, it's like watching him rise to great heights and then fall down."

She shook her head and continued with her work.

Li Guihua continued to recount the story vividly, striving to recreate the details of the time: "When her older brother had the accident, He Caiyun was so frightened that she almost lost her soul. For several days in a row, her face was pale, as if she had lost her soul."

She was terrified of being implicated and affecting her and Zhao Tiemin's work, so she quickly severed ties with her family. I heard she even wrote statements at the factory and the neighborhood committee, affixing her fingerprints to them, expressing her firm commitment to cutting all ties.

She paused, then added, "You didn't see it, but during that time, she was so careful around everyone. All that swagger she used to have was gone, like a punctured balloon. She's as low-key as can be now."

Li Guihua pointed upwards to He Caiyun's three-story attic, as if she could see through the ceiling to the inside. "All those slightly brighter, better-made clothes from before, like Dacron shirts and serge pants, are all put away and stored away at the bottom of the trunk. I dare not wear them."

Now she only wears the oldest, most inconspicuous, and drab clothes, and she even makes a point of finding old, patched clothes that she couldn't bear to throw away, as if she's afraid others will think she's living a good life.

She no longer spoke with the arrogance and gesturing of before; she greeted people with a smile before even speaking, very amiable, even a little... ingratiating. She searched for the right words.

"besides."

As if recalling some important evidence, Li Guihua added, "She even went to see Mrs. Feng to formally apologize. She said that she was young and ignorant before, and spoke without thinking, and had offended her in any way. She asked Mrs. Feng to be magnanimous and not to hold it against her. I heard that she even brought some fruit with her, and her attitude was extremely sincere."

Zhang Xiuying interjected, her tone gentler: "You know how Mrs. Feng is, she's very soft-hearted, nostalgic, and kind to everyone."

Seeing He Caiyun's pitiful state now, and remembering that she had only relied on her family's influence in the past, and had not done anything heinous herself, the unpleasantness between neighbors in the past was forgotten and no longer held a grudge.

The relationship between the two families has improved considerably, and they can now exchange a few words normally when they meet.

With a hint of surprise, as if she had discovered a new continent, Li Guihua said, "Ever since He Caiyun changed her temperament and stopped causing trouble, the five households in our Shikumen (stone gate) have become more harmonious than before. There are fewer arguments and quarrels, and everyone greets each other politely." She seemed to think that this was the only benefit brought about by the He family's turmoil.

Yang Guangming listened silently, understanding the situation perfectly.

It turned out to be the case.

When your backer falls, naturally your support will scatter like a fallen tree, and everyone will push you down when your wall collapses.

He Caiyun and her husband Zhao Tiemin initially benefited from the influence of her maternal elder brother. One of them secured an enviable formal job, while the other was transferred from the workshop to the relatively relaxed yet prestigious security department.

Being able to avoid being implicated, keep their current jobs, and not suffer the same fate as others is already a stroke of luck amidst misfortune, and is probably the result of their active efforts to "draw a clear line".

The current low profile and humility are merely survival wisdom based on pragmatism, an instinct for self-protection in turbulent times.

Yang Guangming felt no sympathy whatsoever for the downfall of He Caiyun's elder brother.

He always felt that those who rose to power through scheming, or perhaps even some underhanded means, had unstable foundations and would inevitably run into trouble sooner or later; it was only a matter of time.

The fact that He Caiyun and her husband were able to get through this ordeal safely, and that they only need to keep a low profile and were not brought back to their original state, is indeed a stroke of luck for them.

The myriad aspects of life within these Shikumen houses, their ups and downs, are merely tiny microcosms of the torrent of time.

"So, you see, a person has to be down-to-earth, taking one step at a time, and not be arrogant. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?" Zhang Xiuying concluded the discussion with this simple yet profound philosophy of life.

She casually gathered a small pile of shelled edamame beans together and poured them into a bowl next to her, making a rustling sound.

The conversation quickly shifted from the ups and downs of the neighbor's life to Yang Guangming's most important and realistic life event.

The edamame beans in the bowl gradually piled up, and the light from outside the window became softer.

“Mingming, Wei Hong is back, you’d better hurry up with your business, the deadline is fast approaching.”

Zhang Xiuying looked at her son, her eyes filled with anticipation and a hint of barely perceptible tension, as if she wanted to ensure that every step would go perfectly. "The wedding date is set for October 6th, a Sunday. Your father specially went to see Mr. Wang in the neighborhood who knows about the almanac to choose an auspicious day, saying it's suitable for everything. There's only about a month left, so we need to start preparing everything. We can't afford to be caught off guard at the last minute."

Li Guihua smiled and echoed, her tone enthusiastic: "Yes, Guangming, does the bride have any other requests? Dowry, clothes, bedding—we must make sure Jianyuefeng is married off in a grand and respectable manner, so that the leader's daughter doesn't feel neglected." As the eldest sister-in-law, she felt it was her responsibility to help with the arrangements.

"Sister-in-law, don't worry. Jianyue and her family are reasonable people. They don't have any special requirements. They will follow our local customs and keep things simple and elegant. They don't care about any fancy formalities."

Yang Guangming replied confidently, "My dorm room is all set up and furnished. The furniture is all there, simple but complete. It's just some odds and ends, like pots and pans, thermos flasks, and washbasins, which I'll have to buy gradually over my days off."

"That's good, that's good. Jianyue is truly committed to living with you, we can't let her suffer any injustice."

A relieved smile appeared on Zhang Xiuying's face as she began to plan the details. "The bedding... Mom and your sister-in-law have already started making it. Two brand-new cotton quilts, the cotton is top-quality new cotton that we asked someone to buy, and the covers are made of the most fashionable and beautiful fabrics. One quilt will have a dragon and phoenix design, and the other will have a hundred children design. We'll also prepare a few pairs of mandarin duck pillows, and the pillowcases will all be embroidered with big red 'double happiness' characters..."

She knew it all by heart, as if she had rehearsed it countless times in her mind.

The mother, son, mother-in-law, and daughter-in-law discussed the various details of the wedding for a while, from the types of candies and melon seeds to serve the guests, to the color of the curtains in the new house, and the arrangements for the wedding procession on the day.

As dusk settled outside the window, the afterglow of the setting sun painted the western sky orange-red. The alleyway began to fill with the aroma of dinner from each household, mingled with the sizzling sounds of stir-frying and shouts of children calling them home for dinner.

On this night, in this small Shikumen house, some people are overjoyed at the turning point in their lives and the beginning of a new chapter; some are forced to conceal their talents and live a low-key life due to the ruthlessness of the times and the collapse of their support; and some are full of anticipation for their children's upcoming new life, busy and happy.

Human life is a tapestry woven with joys and sorrows; this is generally true of it.

……

Time flies by in the midst of busyness and anticipation, like sand slipping through our fingers, and most of it is lost without us even realizing it.

In the blink of an eye, the summer heat has completely faded, autumn is in full swing, and the sky over Shanghai has become increasingly high and blue, with wispy clouds drifting by, giving it a sense of spaciousness.

The leaves of the sycamore trees along the roadside are beginning to turn yellow, and occasionally a few leaves that have fallen early from the branches twirl down.

As the calendar pages turned, the day finally came up—October 6th, Sunday—a day that Yang Guangming had specially marked and silently recited in his heart.

Early in the morning, before the sky was fully bright and only the first hint of dawn appeared in the east, the Shikumen (stone gate) was already bustling with activity, filled with people.

Yang Guangming was dressed in a brand-new, crisp, dark blue Zhongshan suit, with his top button fastened meticulously. A large red flower made of red silk was pinned to his chest. He looked energetic, his eyes brimming with barely suppressed joy, and even the corners of his mouth were raised more than usual.

Yang Yongkang and Zhang Xiuying also changed into clothes that they only wore on holidays or important occasions. The clothes were crisp and brightly colored, and their faces were full of smiles, their wrinkles seemingly brimming with joy.

The two older brothers and their wives were busy running around, preparing tea and greeting relatives and neighbors who had come early to help.

The wedding procession has already gathered at the entrance of the alley.

Besides Yang Guangming, the groom, there were also Chu Dahu and Yan Jun, who were specially invited to help out and act as "bodyguards," as well as Xie Feiyang, who represented his friends.

Chu Dahu was still as muscular as ever, wearing a brand-new sailor shirt with a slightly worn military uniform over it, laughing heartily with a booming voice; Yan Jun was dressed in a clean and crisp white shirt with gray khaki pants, his hair neatly combed, looking exceptionally energetic and refreshed; Xie Feiyang also had a perfectly appropriate smile on his face, but upon closer inspection, a trace of lingering loneliness and melancholy seemed to be hidden deep in his eyes, but he concealed it well, trying his best to blend into the festive atmosphere and not want to spoil his brother's fun.

The vehicle used for the wedding procession was a grass-green canvas-covered jeep, which Yang Guangming borrowed through his connections with Leader He. It was both respectable and stylish, and avoided any gossip that might arise from using factory vehicles.

If the military region weren't so far away, he would have preferred to pick up his bride by bicycle, as it would have been more low-key and more in line with current practices.

The jeep came to a steady stop at the entrance of the alley, attracting the attention and discussion of many neighbors and early risers. The children excitedly circled around the vehicle.

"The third son of the Yang family is getting married today! Look at the spectacle!"

"Look at this car, it's really impressive! And it's a Jeep!"

"The bride is the daughter of a military commander; I've heard she's both beautiful and virtuous!"

"Guangming is such a promising young man, achieving success in both his career and love life! He's found such a wonderful partner!"

"I heard the bride brought quite a dowry, including a watch and a bicycle..."

Amidst the envious, blessing, and curious chatter of the crowd, Yang Guangming and his wedding brothers clapped hands one by one, and then got into the jeep in turn.

The car engine roared steadily as it started, and amidst the cheers and farewells of the crowd, it drove out of the narrow alley and steadily headed towards the military compound.

The journey was relatively smooth. Although it was Sunday morning, the streets of Shanghai at that time were mainly filled with bicycles, and there were not many cars. It was far less congested than it would be in later years.

Chu Dahu and Yan Jun excitedly looked out the window at the street scene, pointing to the newly painted slogans or newly opened shops along the roadside. They would occasionally joke with Yang Guangming, teasing him that he was about to "lose his freedom" and enter the "besieged city".

Yang Guangming just smiled good-naturedly, letting them tease him.

Xie Feiyang mostly remained silent, gazing at the fleeting street scenes outside the window, occasionally offering a smile or a brief reply.

Yang Guangming understood Xie Feiyang's feelings. In the end, there was no turning back for Feng Xianghong's family, and the two had broken up.

Watching his friend about to enter the hall of marriage and be united with his beloved, Xie Feiyang must be filled with mixed feelings and emotions.

Yang Guangming could only take advantage of Chu Dahu and the others' inattention to pat him hard on the shoulder and give him an understanding and comforting look, everything was understood without words.

Xie Feiyang responded with a forced, bitter smile and nodded slightly.

The car drove into the heavily guarded military compound, with armed guards standing at the entrance, and stopped in front of Lin Jianyue's solemn red brick building.

Lin Weihao and Gao Jingyi were already waiting at home, and some of Lin's relatives and friends had gathered inside and outside the house, creating a festive atmosphere.

To Yang Guangming's surprise, the wedding procession went exceptionally smoothly, without any of the "difficulties" or "tests" he had imagined.

The Lin family's relatives and friends were all very kind and considerate. According to custom, they simply let the bride eat a few jujube-filled glutinous rice balls, which symbolized sweetness and family reunion, and said some blessings such as "growing old together" and "having a son soon." The atmosphere was warm and harmonious.

Lin Jianyue is breathtakingly beautiful today, as if she embodies the brilliance of autumn.

She was wearing a brand-new, well-tailored women's military uniform, which accentuated her slender figure, slim waist, and beautiful face, like a blooming rose.

Her hair was carefully combed and styled into an elegant bun at the back of her head, adorned with a few delicate red silk flowers. Her face was lightly powdered, with willow-leaf eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, and a touch of rouge on her lips. She carried the shyness and blushing happiness unique to a bride, and her eyes were full of tenderness and affection.

Her gaze toward Yang Guangming was bright and full of trust, certain that he was her only reliance and refuge in this life.

"Dad, Mom, I will take good care of Jianyue and treat her well for the rest of my life." Yang Guangming solemnly promised Lin Weihao and Gao Jingyi, his gaze firm and sincere.

Lin Weihao was dressed in a crisp military uniform. Although he was not wearing collar insignia or cap badges, he still looked dignified and upright.

He nodded, his gaze scrutinizing, yet carrying a heavy sense of entrustment: "Guangming, after Jianyue, is in your hands. You young people must respect and love each other, help each other, progress together, and contribute to the construction of our country." His words bore the unique mark of the current era. Gao Jingyi's eyes were slightly red, clearly holding back tears.

She held her daughter's hand, then looked at the young man who was about to become her son-in-law. All her words turned into a repeated admonition: "Take good care of yourselves... Come home often..." Her voice was choked with emotion.

After a simple ceremony and farewell, Yang Guangming took Lin Jianyue's hand. Her palms were slightly cool and damp with sweat, revealing her nervousness.

Surrounded by relatives and friends and showered with blessings, they went downstairs and got into the jeep that was waiting downstairs.

After bidding a reluctant farewell to Lin's parents, the wedding procession slowly started up again, drove away from the quiet and solemn military compound, and merged into the traffic on the street.

As planned, the wedding procession did not drive directly back to the dormitory building of the Hongxing Factory family compound, but instead went first to the small auditorium of the Hongxing State-owned Cotton Mill, which was usually used for meetings and study.

Here, a simple yet solemn wedding ceremony with contemporary characteristics will be held.

The small auditorium has already been decorated, appearing simple yet solemn.

On the front wall is a huge red paper cutout of the character for "happiness," and above it hangs a portrait of the leader and the five-star red flag.

The factory's main leaders, including factory director Zhao Guodong, as well as some close colleagues, Yang Guangming's parents, brothers and sisters-in-law, some of the Lin family's relatives and friends who could attend, and friends and classmates such as Chu Dahu, Yan Jun, and Chen Weihong, were all waiting here.

People chatted in hushed tones, their faces beaming with smiles, and the entire auditorium was filled with a formal yet festive atmosphere.

The wedding ceremony officially began at 10:00 AM sharp. It was presided over by factory director Zhao Guodong, which undoubtedly added considerable significance to the wedding.

Zhao Guodong went on stage first, took out two marriage certificates with red characters printed on them, and solemnly read out the contents of the marriage certificate, stating that Comrade Yang Guangming and Comrade Lin Jianyue voluntarily married and that the marriage complied with the provisions of the Marriage Law.

Then, he delivered a brief but enthusiastic speech.

He praised Yang Guangming's outstanding performance and enterprising spirit at the factory, affirmed his achievements at work, and wished the newlyweds a happy marriage and a long and happy life together. He hoped that in the future, they would learn from each other, encourage each other, make progress together, and strive to build a new socialist China.

His speech was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

There are no complicated procedures, and no noisy games.

Amidst the solemn strains of "The East Is Red," Yang Guangming and Lin Jianyue stood side by side, first bowing to the portrait of the leader directly in front of them to express their respect and loyalty; then bowing to their parents sitting in the front row to express their gratitude for their upbringing; finally, the couple faced each other and solemnly bowed to one another.

The entire ceremony was simple and solemn, filled with the political atmosphere and collectivist spirit unique to this era, yet to some extent, it endowed marriage with a sacred sense of mission.

Looking at Lin Jianyue beside him, whose cheeks were flushed, eyelashes were slightly lowered, and who was trying her best to maintain her dignity despite her shyness, Yang Guangming felt an unprecedented sense of responsibility.

In this special era, and in a special way, he is about to officially marry this gentle and beautiful woman who shares his heart, with the witness of the law and his relatives and friends, and begin a brand new journey in life.

Memories and emotions from his past and present lives intertwined at this moment, stirring his emotions.

The ceremony ended just after 11 a.m.

The guests greeted each other and walked together to a restaurant not far from the factory.

Yang Guangming booked four tables for his wedding banquet here, with a similar scale to that of his second brother Yang Guangyao's wedding. The dishes were plentiful and affordable, including chicken, fish, and meat, but the budget was strictly controlled to avoid extravagance and waste, which is in line with the current trend of thrift.

In the hotel lobby, four round tables were set up, covered with white tablecloths, and bowls, chopsticks, and wine glasses were neatly arranged.

The braised pork belly is glossy and tender, so tempting; the steamed fish is whole and fragrant; the four-happiness meatballs are large and plump, symbolizing good fortune; the poached chicken has yellow skin and white meat, and is served with a delicious dipping sauce; the shiitake mushrooms and bok choy are refreshing and not greasy; and the three-delicacy soup is steaming hot and rich in ingredients…

One after another, hearty dishes and home-style dishes were served, their aromas filling the air and tempting everyone's mouths.

Following the instructions, everyone took their seats, raised their glasses in toasts, and the atmosphere was warm and harmonious as glasses clinked together.

Yang Guangming and Lin Jianyue toasted each table, expressing their gratitude to the leaders, relatives, and friends for their presence.

Lin Jianyue was simply drinking tea instead of wine, but in this setting, she was still blushed bright red by everyone's blessings and good-natured jokes, like a ripe apple, shy and radiant.

Yang Guangming remained calm and composed. Encouraged by Chu Dahu and the others, he drank quite a few glasses of baijiu, his face beaming with a hearty smile, yet his eyes remained clear.

The wedding banquet lasted for more than two hours, and the guests and hosts enjoyed themselves immensely.

Around 2 p.m., most of the relatives and friends, especially the elders and leaders, began to say goodbye.

Yang Guangming and Lin Jianyue stood at the restaurant entrance, shaking hands with each of them to say goodbye and thanking them for their patronage.

After seeing off most of the guests, what remained were a group of young classmates and friends, including Chu Dahu, Yan Jun, Chen Weihong, and Xie Feiyang. They surrounded the newlyweds, chatting and laughing, as they walked towards their carefully decorated new home in the family compound.

The traditional "teasing the newlyweds" ritual, reserved for young people, is about to begin.

The small room was now packed with young people, filled with laughter and chatter, creating a more relaxed and casual atmosphere than before.

The wedding night pranks have begun.

However, the wedding night pranks of this era were kept in a very measured way, focusing on liveliness and blessings. At most, the newlyweds would talk about their love story, sing a revolutionary song together, or eat an apple tied with a red thread. They had a little fun, but there was absolutely no vulgarity involved.

"Guangming, tell me quickly, how did you manage to win over Comrade Lin? What secret weapon did you use?" Chu Dahu, with his loudest voice, egged them on, drawing a chorus of agreement.

Yan Jun also laughed and added fuel to the fire: "Yes, yes, yes, confess and you'll be treated leniently, resist and you'll be punished severely! You must confess honestly! Did you write the love letter because of your excellent writing skills?"

Chen Weihong smiled, watching the spectacle from the sidelines, her eyes filled with blessings for her friend. Xie Feiyang also temporarily put aside his own worries and smiled as he looked at the newlyweds.

Yang Guangming casually put his arm around Lin Jianyue's shoulder, feeling her body stiffen for a moment and then relax. He responded with a smile, his voice loud and clear:
"We share the same ideals and have a revolutionary friendship. We got to know and appreciate each other through our shared studies and work, and it all came together naturally! There were no secret weapons involved!"

He cleverly used the most "correct" way of saying it at the moment.

Lin Jianyue lowered her head even further in embarrassment, secretly pinching Yang Guangming's back with her fingers. The pinch wasn't strong, but it drew an even louder, well-intentioned chuckle from everyone.

Then everyone jokingly made them sing "On the Golden Mountain of Beijing," a song that almost everyone knows these days.

Yang Guangming and Lin Jianyue exchanged a glance, their voices blending perfectly, and their singing was clear and melodious. Yang Guangming's voice was steady, while Lin Jianyue's voice was crisp, winning them a round of applause.

Finally, amidst everyone's cheers, the two were asked to work together to bite down on the apple that was suspended in mid-air by a red string.

The two faced each other, cautiously approaching. The apple swayed with the movement of the string, and inevitably their cheeks touched. The warm touch made Lin Jianyue's ears turn bright red, as if smeared with rouge. She almost snatched a small piece of apple, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

For Yang Guangming, whose soul has experienced the information explosion era and seen all kinds of big scenes, these are naturally a piece of cake. He can handle them with ease and even turn the tables on his friends.

But for Lin Jianyue, who is shy and reserved, this was an extremely embarrassing and unprecedented experience.

She kept her head slightly lowered the whole time, her face burning, her heart racing, her palms sweating, but her heart was as sweet as if she had drunk honey, enveloped by an immense and unprecedented sense of happiness.

This feeling of being sincerely blessed by everyone, surrounded by her beloved, and becoming the center of attention was a kind of liveliness and joy that she had never experienced in her quiet life before.

Happy times always pass quickly. The sky outside the window gradually darkened, and the afterglow of the setting sun dyed the sky a magnificent purplish-red.

Chu Dahu and the others checked the time; their watches were already pointing to 5:30 PM. Knowing that the bride was shy and that they might really run away if they continued teasing her, they reluctantly prepared to take their leave.

"Alright, alright, a moment of bliss on the wedding night is worth a thousand pieces of gold. Let's not get in the way of this!" Chu Dahu said in a gruff voice, making a joke that was a bit "bold" for that era. He patted Yang Guangming's shoulder hard and winked. "Guangming, treat your wife well! Try to make us uncles soon!"

Yan Jun smiled and said sincerely, "Guangming, Jianyue, I wish you a long and happy marriage, and may you be forever united in heart!"

Chen Weihong held Lin Jianyue's hand and said softly, "Jianyue, congratulations! I sincerely wish you both a lifetime of happiness." Her eyes held envy, but even more so, sincere blessings.

Xie Feiyang stepped forward, looking at the happy couple before him. He tried to suppress the bitterness in his heart and sincerely offered his blessings: "Guangming, Jianyue, I wish you... a long and happy life together, and all the best." His words were simple, but they contained a thousand words.

After seeing their friends off at the door, Yang Guangming and Lin Jianyue stood at the top of the stairs, watching them chat and laugh as they went downstairs, their figures disappearing around the corner of the stairwell, their footsteps and laughter gradually fading away.

The room, which had been bustling and noisy all day, suddenly fell silent, with only the faint sounds of daily life from the family compound coming from outside the window.

The two returned to the house and gently closed the door, as if completely shutting out the noise from the outside world.

They exchanged a glance and laughed simultaneously, a warm and subtle tranquility filled the air, tinged with a hint of tension and anticipation. The red paper-cut "double happiness" character stood out vividly under the lamplight.

"Are you tired? You've been standing all day." Yang Guangming looked at Lin Jianyue's face, which was still flushed but showed signs of fatigue, and asked softly, his tone full of concern.

"It's alright." Lin Jianyue shook her head, her voice as soft as a feather.

She looked around the small but thoughtfully decorated and festive home. Red "double happiness" characters were pasted on the windows, a red "double happiness" quilt was laid on the bed, and a thermos and teacup with red double happiness symbols were placed on the table...

From today onwards, this will be her future home, the place where she and the man beside her will live together.

A strange mix of feelings—a sense of belonging, shyness, and a vague unease about the future—was spreading through her heart.

Yang Guangming put the tables and chairs back in their places after his friends had made a mess of the room, and tidied up the scattered candy wrappers and sunflower seed shells. Lin Jianyue also rolled up her sleeves, wanting to help tidy up.

"Don't move. You must be exhausted after a long day. Sit down and rest for a while." Yang Guangming stopped her, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I'll go get some hot water. Let's just wash our faces and relax."

He took the brand-new enamel basin with the double happiness symbol printed on it to the public water room at the end of the corridor, and brought it back half a basin of warm water.

The two of them used the water in the basin to wash themselves quickly with new towels. The warm water washed away the fatigue, excitement, and slight smell of smoke and alcohol from the day, leaving them feeling much refreshed.

Just then, the familiar sounds of neighbors chatting and laughing, along with a gentle knock, came from outside the door.

Zhou Dayong, Chen Gong, and several other close neighbors came over with roasted pumpkin seeds, peanuts, or a few fruit candies, saying they wanted to "see the bride," say a few auspicious words, and share in the joy.

Sunshine opened the door with a smile, and Lin Jianyue quickly composed herself, taking out the wedding candies and "Daqianmen" cigarettes she had prepared to entertain everyone.

The neighbors exchanged auspicious wishes such as "May you have a son soon," "May the couple live in harmony," and "May you have a healthy baby boy next year." After a while, seeing that it was getting late, they tactfully took their leave, leaving the newlyweds with their precious private space and time.

After seeing his neighbor off again, Yang Guangming walked to the door and this time gently but firmly bolted it. With a click, the inside and outside seemed to become two different worlds.

The room fell completely silent once again.

The room was bathed in soft, warm orange light from the ceiling bulbs, casting a warm, hazy glow over everything.

Outside the window, the lights in the family compound flickered on like scattered stars. In the distance, the faint sound of broadcasting and the last laughter of children could be heard, making the room feel even more tranquil and peaceful, like a secluded little haven belonging only to the two of them.

After a quick dinner, the two sat down in the inner room by the heavy rosewood bed, which was soft and smelled of new quilts and sunshine.

There was a moment of silence, and no one knew what to say.

The atmosphere became somewhat ambiguous and tense, and even their breathing could be clearly heard.

Lin Jianyue's fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes, her heart pounding wildly, as if a deer was trapped inside her chest.

Although she had already decided in her heart that the person beside her was the partner she would entrust her life to, and although they had already obtained their marriage certificate and held a ceremony, when the legendary wedding night arrived, facing the intimacy that was about to begin alone, the shyness, trepidation, confusion, and fear of the unknown inevitably surged up, leaving her at a loss.

Yang Guangming looked at her lowered profile, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly like butterfly wings, casting soft shadows under her eyelids. Her skin under the light was as delicate as jade, gleaming with a pearly luster.

A complex emotion, a mixture of deep affection, heavy responsibility, and primal male impulse, surged within Yang Guangming's heart.

He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.

He reached out, his warm, dry palm gently covering Lin Jianyue's somewhat cold fingers.

Lin Jianyue's body trembled slightly, as if struck by a mild electric current, but she did not break free. Instead, she lowered her head even further, and even her fair neck was tinged with a faint pink.

“Jianyue.” Yang Guangming’s voice was deep and gentle, carrying a deliberately slowed, reassuring power, as if afraid of disturbing her. “Don’t be nervous…we’re already husband and wife.” He tried to ease her anxiety with his words.

He raised his other hand and gently brushed away a stray strand of soft hair from her forehead, his fingertips inadvertently touching her smooth temple.

Encouraged by the gentle touch, Lin Jianyue finally mustered the courage to raise her head and meet his deep and focused gaze.

His gaze held undisguised sincerity, fervent emotion, and a promise and appreciation that made her feel incredibly secure.

The tension in her heart seemed to melt away somewhat under that firm yet gentle gaze, like snow under the spring sun.

She gave a soft "hmm," her voice barely audible, but her tense body relaxed slightly.

Yang Guangming got up, walked to his desk, and dimmed the bright desk lamp, leaving only a small lamp with a red lampshade on the bedside table, emitting a hazy and ambiguous glow, as if draping the room in a thin veil.

A red quilt was spread out, its embroidered mandarin ducks playing in the water appearing and disappearing in the dim light, full of suggestive meaning.

Her clothes were loosened, revealing her clumsiness and awkwardness at first; even the buttons seemed to become disobedient.

Lin Jianyue kept her eyes tightly closed, her long eyelashes trembling, her body shaking slightly, like a frightened fawn exposed to the hunter's gaze, fragile and helpless.

Yang Guangming's movements were extremely gentle, full of boundless patience and tenderness, as if he were handling a rare treasure, afraid that the slightest roughness would harm her.

He kept whispering her name, "Jianyue, Jianyue..." His warm breath brushed against her sensitive ear and neck, and he uttered some incoherent, comforting, and affectionate words, trying to distract her and relax her mind.

Gradually, under his gentle and patient guidance, Lin Jianyue's tense body relaxed little by little. Although she was still shy, she began to try to respond to his touch tentatively and awkwardly, like a beginner swimmer cautiously testing the temperature and depth of the water.

Unfamiliar touches, intertwined rapid breaths, the initial pain causing momentary stiffness and a soft gasp, and the indescribable intimate connection and soul-stirring feeling that followed...

All of this engulfed the two like a surging tide, drawing them into a realm that their instincts craved.

On this special and meaningful night, in this small room that holds their boundless hopes and dreams for the future, they truly belonged to each other completely, their bodies and souls intertwined at this moment.

The moonlight outside the window had quietly crept up the window frame, its clear light like water, silently spilling into the room and blending with the hazy red light from the bedside, creating a tranquil and beautiful scene.

The wind has stopped, the trees are still, and all is quiet.

The world seemed to consist only of their intertwined breaths and the clear, drum-like thumping of their hearts, together whispering the most private and profound secrets of life. (End of Chapter)