Mo Junhua’s leg had already healed, and he strode with a lively vigor, utterly concealing the limp he had just a few days ago, all thanks to Lan Tian’s dicinal plaster. Dressed in his brand-new military uniform, with a stern expression, he headed to Grandma Sun’s house to fetch the bride. The wedding band played their instrunts, followed by a group of laughing and frolicking youths.
Entering the courtyard, Mo Junhua’s eyes only saw the petite figure approaching him gracefully, a flash of astonishnt in his eyes; the rest of the world faded away.
The child had grown up to be attractive, sothing he knew since her younger days, his gaze always following her movents. Back then, he hadn’t co to his senses, never considering this aspect, only wanting to keep her close by, no matter under what guise.
Over the years, the child beca more stunningly beautiful. As she grew older, her thoughts beca more complex, disliking him calling her "child." In reality, Mo Junhua still liked this term very much, but sadly, Lan Tian did not.
The two were now married. Would it be okay to call her "child" in private, ensuring that no one else hears it? Perhaps she wouldn’t be so averse to it? Mo Junhua’s eyes darkened in thought; in front of others, he would use her na, but privately, he would call her "child." This was decided.
Mo Yuanle brought Lan Tian to Mo Junhua’s side, overco with emotions—having the chance to give his daughter away in marriage in this lifeti left him with no regrets.
Lan Tian stopped, suddenly turned back and ran to hug Mo Yunle, her eyes welling with tears. After a brief embrace, she let go and went to hug Zhao Li behind her, and lastly clung tightly to Grandma Sun. Not wanting the three of them to see her emotional state, she kept her head down and walked away with Mo Junhua, leaving the onlookers to believe she was just shy, and they cheered along.
Mo Junhua pursed his lips and tightened his grip on the small hand in his, bending over to show his respects to Grandma Sun and the others, expressing his gratitude for their willingness to let Lan Tian marry him.
Outside, Shitou, Tie Jun, and Hei Gouzi watched as the bride and groom exited, lighting firecrackers with a ’crackle and pop,’ the wedding band struck up again, and the sounds of gongs, drums, and firecrackers filled the air.
On Mo Junhua’s side, Chuntao and the brothers Jun Guo watched from the gate. Seeing Mo Junhua and Lan Tian approaching, they lit firecrackers to welco the newlyweds. The auspicious ti coincided perfectly with their arrival at the Mo Family.
The officiator of the wedding rites was the Third Uncle, who led them through the rituals—one bow to heaven and earth, another to the parents. Sitting on the dais were Grandma Sun and her husband Mo Yuanle, along with the couple Wang Guiyu, making up the five elders present. The bride and groom bowed to each other, and afterwards they were escorted into the bridal chamber.
The bridal chamber was Mo Junhua’s room, which had been redecorated, transforming its appearance. The room now housed many new things, including a brand-new red lacquer wardrobe against the wall, a desk and chair nearby, a bookcase, and next to it, a sewing machine.
The bed was covered with a bright red quilt, embroidered with a large ’double happiness’ character, and red ’double happiness’ stickers adorned the headboard windows. Beside the bed was a dressing table topped with a radio. Behind the door was a basin stand decorated with the character for happiness, a red thermos, and a red bucket embossed with the sa auspicious character below.
Seated silently on the bed, the couple exchanged looks while the courtyard erupted with the noise of firecrackers, congratulatory voices, and laughter. As the newlyweds entered their chamber, Chunlai, Jun Guo, Chuntao, and Chunhua, the siblings, invited friends, family, and villagers to join the wedding banquet.
The room was quiet. After a while, Mo Junhua asked Lan Tian, "Are you hungry?"
"Hungry," Lan Tian nodded.
Early in the morning, Grandma Sun and Zhao Li had pulled her aside to put on makeup, fussing over her all morning, causing her to skip breakfast. Once done, Lan Tian could barely believe her reflection; her face was coated with a thick layer of powder, paler than a ghost, and two round spots of blush adorned her cheeks. Whenever she opened her eyes, powder would flake off.
Lan Tian held her breath, afraid to dislodge the powder on her face with even a breath. She feared she’d look like a female ghost escaped from hell if she went out with this makeup.
To everyone’s surprise, Grandma Sun nodded approvingly while observing, seemingly content with the makeup she had applied.
Lan Tian quickly washed it off in silence and shooed them out so she could do her own makeup. Once ready, she could only sit and wait, unable to eat anything except for a few sips of water.
"I’ll go get so pastries, I’ll be right back," Mo Junhua said as he stood up and went outside, casually closing the door behind him. As the wedding feast outside began, people ate and drank, none paying attention to this side. He went to the kitchen, grabbed stacks of Songmi Cake, osmanthus cake, red jujube cake, and brought back a pot of sweet rice wine.
"Did you eat? If not, have so," Lan Tian said, nibbling on the pastries and sipping the sweet wine, glancing at Mo Junhua who sat watching her eat. She casually asked, which was really just a passing remark, imdiately regretting it afterward as it seed as though she was overly concerned about him.
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