A hundred flavors of life

Chapter 1322 Wanting to be a rising star among Chinese wives! (Please subscribe!)
The Zhao family's old house was built when Tie Tou's parents were still alive, more than 20 years ago. Although it is a brick and wood structure, it looks much dilapidated compared to the house they lived in in Japan.

Hua Shier Chao Lili smiled and said:

"Is this house habitable? If we don't like it, we'll go to a guesthouse. Later, we'll find a construction team to demolish the old house and build a villa!"

Fan Jinshuo rolled her eyes at Hua Shier:
"I've lived in bungalows before, you know. It's not as precious as you make it out to be. We'll stay here tonight!"

After she finished speaking, she took off her coat and handed it to Hua Shier, then rolled up her sleeves and started working, cleaning inside and out.

The news of Tie Tou's return to the village spread among the villagers who had met him before, and many people came to see the Mercedes-Benz parked in front of the Zhao family's house.

Some of the older women, like family, came into the courtyard to greet Hua Shier:
"Tie Tou, you've struck it rich! That car outside must be worth at least tens of thousands!"

Hua Shier chuckled: "More or less!"

A young man who recognized the car shouted from the gate, "Auntie, that's a Mercedes-Benz W14, it's worth almost two million!"

The price startled the aunt who had asked the question earlier, and the other women were speechless. Nearly two million for a car? That's incredibly rich!

At this moment, Lili put down her work, brought out stools from the house and invited the aunties to sit down. She also brought out two plates of melon seeds, peanuts and candy.

Returning home in glory is a joyous occasion in the countryside, and the neighbors in the village will definitely visit each other. These melon seeds, peanuts, and candies were all bought by Lili in the provincial capital in advance and brought back by her.

The older women smiled broadly at the hospitality they received.

"Tie Tou, this must be your wife, right? She's really beautiful, like a big star!"

Hua Shier chuckled inwardly. In the real world, Fan Xiaopang would be a big star, even more stunning than a generation of female stars in China, and once a template for plastic surgery. How could she not be handsome?

But while thinking this in his heart, he humbly said:

"My girlfriend is alright looking, but I'm face-blind and can't tell the difference between beauty and ugliness. She was the one who pursued me. I always thought she was just average-looking, but I was mainly attracted to her because she's a nice person."

Versailles' words immediately drew a burst of laughter.

Fan Xiaopang glared at Hua Shier with annoyance, thinking to himself, "I'm not chasing you, I'm taking care of you."

She then took a plate of melon seeds and peanuts, carried it to the courtyard gate, and said warmly, "Come, come, uncles, brothers, aunts, sisters, have some candy!"

Fan Xiaopang's smile was captivating, and the men, young and old, were too embarrassed to look at her for long. Each of them grabbed a handful, but no one dared to take more than that.

After all the onlookers had been arrested, Fan Xiaopang called out:

"I'm sorry I didn't treat you well today since Tietou and I came back. Tomorrow we'll have a feast in the yard. It's not for any other reason than that Tietou has been gone for so long and I miss everyone. We want to get together for a meal and have some fun. Neighbors, please come and join us if you have time!"

Many people exclaimed, "Iron Head's wife is so generous! We'll definitely be there tomorrow!"

Hua Shier watched as Lili greeted the villagers, comparing her to the energetic landlady he had met in Shinjuku. He thought to himself that this girl was truly capable both in the living room and the kitchen, showing signs of being a virtuous wife and mother.

Lili smiled and said a few words, then went back to work. Seeing how efficiently she worked, the older women all praised Hua Shier for finding a good wife.

As they were talking, Tie Tou's childhood friends and the little brothers he had played with since childhood all arrived. After greeting each other warmly, they immediately started helping with the work, sweeping the yard, tidying up things, and changing the water in the water tank, just like they were doing chores for their own family.

Hua Shier took out several packs of Zhonghua cigarettes from his luggage, broke them open, and started handing them out. One pack was given to each person. Even the old women who came to watch the fun each received a pack to take back to their husbands.

Hua Shier knew quite a bit about what was going on in this village. He wasn't as eccentric as those in the 'Siheyuan World,' but the phenomenon of 'envy' was still present. These cigarettes, peanut candies, and the like were nothing to him, but distributing them could avoid a lot of trouble and earn him a good reputation.

Of course, if all these neighbors were like those beasts in the courtyard house, or like Brother Coat's neighbors, hehe, then Hua Twelve would have another way to deal with it.

While I was talking to my neighbors, an elderly couple suddenly squeezed in and excitedly asked me as soon as they saw me:

"Tie Tou, did you see Xiu Xiu over there?"

This elderly couple are Xiuxiu's parents.

"Uncle, Aunt, I didn't go there. I missed the ship back then. I thought that since I was out here, I should make something of myself. So I gritted my teeth and went south. Now I've made something of myself!"

Seeing that the old man and woman were a little anxious, he continued:

"But don't worry, I've already contacted Xiuxiu. She's married to a Japanese man and changed her name to Eguchi Yuko!"

The old man and woman were momentarily stunned:
"What? Xiuxiu married a Japanese soldier and even changed her name? What a troublesome guy!"

The old man's face darkened, while the old woman blushed slightly and held Hua Shier's hand:
"Tie Tou, it's Xiu Xiu who has wronged you!"

Xiuxiu's parents have two children, and Xiuxiu has a younger brother who has just started elementary school. The family is struggling to make ends meet.

Before Xiuxiu went to Japan, her family relied on Tietou for support. After Xiuxiu left, Hua Shier, remembering what happened in the grove, would often buy things and send them over.

It could be said that the elderly couple had long regarded Tietou as their future son-in-law, and when they heard that their daughter had changed her mind, they felt sorry for Tietou.

Hua Shier smiled indifferently:
"Uncle, Aunt, what are you saying? Nowadays, everyone talks about freedom of love. It's good that Xiuxiu wants to pursue her own happiness. Besides, I've found a girlfriend now, so let's not talk about this anymore!"

Upon hearing this, the elderly couple looked at Fan Xiaopang, who was working, and felt even worse. He was much better than their daughter. He looked like a big star and worked efficiently. Judging from his work style, he was a good at managing a household, unlike their daughter, who couldn't even do housework properly.

Then I think about my daughter marrying a foreign man, and the thought makes me feel disgusted. Even if I reluctantly accept it, I don't know if I can get along with them.

If Hua Shier knew what they were thinking, she would definitely tell them that they were overthinking things and that they would never see their son-in-law again in their lifetime.

Xiuxiu's father asked, "Tietou, didn't you let Xiuxiu call home? That way your aunt wouldn't keep worrying about you."

Hua Shier slapped his forehead:
"I forgot to tell you two, Xiuxiu is also going back to China. Her flight is tomorrow. She'll arrive in Jichun this morning and be home tonight. You two can just wait to enjoy Xiuxiu's good fortune!"

The elderly couple were relieved, both surprised and delighted. They quickly took their leave, as they were too ashamed to stay at Tie Tou's place any longer.

In the evening, after finishing their work, Hua Shier ordered a table full of dishes from a small restaurant in the village to treat his childhood friends who had come to help.

At the dinner table, the brothers reminisced about the past, and one of them, Chunsheng, was filled with righteous indignation:

"Sister Xiuxiu is so heartless! Brother Tietou treated her so well, but she changed her mind as soon as she left. Isn't she just like that Pan Jinlian?"

One sentence made Fan Xiaopang laugh uncontrollably. Hua Shier gave Chunsheng a tap on the head and scolded him with a laugh:
"You little brat, do you even know how to talk? So you're calling me Wu Dalang?"

Chunsheng realized he had said the wrong thing and chuckled, "Brother, you know I'm not very well-educated, so this is the only famous one I could think of. Why don't you tell me a couple more?"

Everyone chuckled.

Another childhood friend named Jianshe said, "If you ask me, it's right that Brother Tietou didn't get together with Sister Xiuxiu. Otherwise, where would he find such a good sister-in-law? I think she's a hundred times better than Sister Xiuxiu!"

Fan Xiaopang laughed and raised his glass: "Although I'm not as good as you say, my wife likes to hear that, brother. Come on, let's have a toast."

The meal lasted until very late. After cleaning up the mess and locking all the doors, Hua Shier lit the kang (a heated brick bed), and the two of them lay in bed chatting.

Fan Xiaopang suddenly said:
"Oh right, I heard from some of my aunties today that there's a market in town tomorrow. I've never been to a market in Northeast China before. Could you take me there tomorrow?"

Hua Shier didn't think much of it and smiled as he agreed:
"Sure, there's not much to see anyway. If you want to go, I'll take you there. Just don't be disappointed!"

A sly glint flashed in Fan Xiaopang's eyes. He chuckled and clung to Hua Shier's arm, saying, "I definitely won't be disappointed."

Hua Shier thought that Fan Xiaopang had said he wanted to go to the market, so he should at least get up early to go to the morning market. But the girl slept until 9:30 and was shocked when she saw the time. She even complained to him for not waking her up.

Hua Shier was speechless: "You were sleeping like a little pig, I couldn't bear to wake you!" Fan Xiaopang punched Hua Shier twice: "You're the pig, it's all your fault!"

"Alright, alright, it's my fault. The food is all cooked and keeping it warm in the pot. Hurry up and eat a bite so we can go to town!"

Fan Xiaopang washed his face and brushed his teeth. When he came back, he saw white steamed buns and a large plate of braised pork on the table. He picked them up and started eating, finding them increasingly delicious.

When the two of them finished getting ready and were about to leave, before they could even get into the car, Xiuxiu's parents, who had come yesterday, showed up again.

"Tie Tou, Xiu Xiu just called from Ji Chun. She said she's not feeling well and can't walk. Her money was also stolen, and she's stuck in Ji Chun and can't get back. Could you use your car to pick her up?"

Before Hua Shier could speak, Lili said:
"Uncle, Auntie, what bad timing! Tie Tou and I have some urgent business to attend to in town. You'd better ask someone else!"

As he spoke, he pulled Hua Shier into the car.

The elderly couple were rebuffed by the other woman, and too embarrassed to say anything more. They stomped their feet and went to think of other solutions.

Hua Shier drove towards the town, smiling as he said:
"You were jealous just now? There's no way Xiuxiu and I can be together."

Before he could finish speaking, Fan Xiaopang rolled his eyes and interrupted:
"If I were jealous of you, I'd be dying of jealousy! I really have something important to do!"

The town has only two long streets. The market is at the end of one of the long streets, and there is a Buddhist temple nearby, so the market is also called the temple fair.

When the car arrived in town, just as Hua Shier was about to drive towards the market, Fan Xiaopang called out:

"Stop the car! Stop the car! Drive it up onto the curb!"

Although Hua Shier didn't know what she wanted to do, he still turned the steering wheel and brought the car to a steady stop.

"get off!"

Fan Xiaopang told Hua Shier to get off the bus, then pulled him into a building.

Hua Shier looked up and the three large characters "Civil Affairs Bureau" immediately came into view: "What is this?"

Fan Xiaopang chuckled: "You'll find out in a minute!"

Hua Shier was pulled to the marriage registration window by Fan Xiaopang, where they took out their ID cards and the household registration booklet they had found in the Zhao family's old house while cleaning the house yesterday.

"Comrade, let's register!"

He then took out a package of wedding candies from his coat pocket: "These are wedding candies from Yikoulian. Please don't find them offensive!"

Hua Shier slapped his forehead. Thinking back to yesterday when this woman invited the neighbors over for a feast, and looking at the situation now, he realized that this woman had planned this all along, and he had been tricked.

The staff accepted the wedding candy and were incredibly efficient. They took photos of the couple first, then stamped the seal twice.

"Zhao Tie and Fan Lili, congratulations! Wishing you a happy marriage and a long and happy life together!"

Fan Xiaopang thanked him repeatedly, accepted the two red certificates, and was so happy that his face was practically beaming. As he left, he kept muttering to himself:

"Now we've finally beaten that little brat Akina to the punch!"

Hua Shier was both annoyed and amused: "Big sister, didn't you ever think about what you would do if I refused?"

Fan Xiaopang raised his chin, revealing his snow-white swan neck, and said arrogantly:

"How could I not have thought of that? If you don't agree to register our marriage, I'll hang myself in your old house tonight. I'll be a member of the Zhao family in life and in death. And when you're cuddling that Japanese girl at night, I'll come out every day to scare you."

Hua Shier was speechless. This tigress might actually do it!

Fan Xiaopang dragged Hua Shier to the big restaurant in town, found the master chef to sit at their table, paid the deposit, and then dragged Hua Shier to the market to buy a lot of household items, such as new bedding, pots and pans, and wedding decorations.

Back in the village in the afternoon, Fan Xiaopang got busy, putting up "double happiness" characters in the house to create a festive atmosphere. He even took out a red cheongsam and changed into it, and got Hua Shier a new suit and put on little red flowers.

Hua Shier is hilarious. Damn, how long have they been planning this? They even prepared their formal attire for their return to China.

After finishing up, Fan Xiaopang took a break and winked at Hua Shier:

"I've already discussed it with Akina. I'll register our marriage in China, and my husband's name will be Zhao Tie. Akina will register our marriage in Tokyo, and her husband's name will be Hua Shier. Isn't that amazing? You're getting a great deal!"

Hua Shier glanced at Fan Xiaopang:
"You're overthinking it. Maintaining this kind of relationship with Akina is fine, but marriage is out of the question. No Japanese daughter-in-law will ever enter the Zhao family!"

Fan Xiaopang was taken aback when he heard this, but seeing how serious he was, he didn't dare to try to persuade him any further.

Just as the two were about to continue their work of decorating the new house, their childhood friends, who knew that Hua Shier was having a banquet tonight, came over early to help. But when they saw the "double happiness" characters pasted inside and outside the house, they immediately asked what was going on.

Fan Xiaopang pulled out his red marriage certificate, his eyes crinkling into slits with laughter: "I registered my marriage with Tietou today!"

Everyone quickly offered their congratulations, and then helped decorate the new house. They even hung a few colorful ribbons around the house, which were so tacky that Hua Shier didn't know what to say.

That evening, the Zhao family's courtyard was packed with people, and several tables were set up outside the courtyard. The neighbors had chipped in to make up the number of tables they needed.

If not everyone in the village came, at least half of them did. Knowing it was a happy occasion, they all wanted to give gifts on the spot.

Fan Lili smiled and waved her hand:

“I didn’t tell everyone yesterday because I was afraid of this. Tie Tou has made something of himself and is earning money now. We are sincerely treating our fellow villagers to a meal. If everyone enjoys the meal today and says a few auspicious words, that will be the best gift for Tie Tou and me. Anyone who tries to pay for it is slapping us in the face!”

As soon as these words were spoken, someone shouted, "The bride is so generous!"

Everyone present was full of good wishes, and auspicious words kept pouring out. As soon as Hua Shier shouted "Let the feast begin!" his childhood friends at the door started setting off firecrackers.

The crackling sound of firecrackers filled the air, creating a festive atmosphere.

Just then, a hand-operated tractor passed by the door, carrying Xiuxiu's parents and Xiuxiu and her daughter, who had been brought back from the provincial capital.

Some of the people at the banquet had sharp eyes and recognized Xiuxiu at a glance:

"Isn't that Xiuxiu? How come she looks so old? She even has gray hair!"

"Who knows? Didn't she say she married a Japanese soldier? How come she doesn't seem to be doing well at all!"

Amidst the chatter, Xiuxiu's family finally saw the "double happiness" character pasted on the Zhao family's gate and realized that Tietou was getting married today.

Xiuxiu's parents sighed and turned away, while Xiuxiu herself couldn't stop the tears from falling. Through her teary eyes, her vision blurred, and she seemed to see a person in a red cheongsam next to Zhao Tie, who looked like her younger self.
The next day, Hua Shier heard that Xiuxiu hadn't stayed at home for a day, saying that she had fallen ill that night and been taken to the hospital.

Xiuxiu's condition was not completely cured in Japan, but only stabilized. Hua Shier guessed that Xiuxiu might have lost money yesterday and then caught a chill while riding the tractor back to the village, which caused the illness to relapse.

A few days later, rumors started circulating in the village that Xiuxiu had contracted a sexually transmitted disease. Even the town's police station had come to inquire about it. Who knows what they would say if Xiuxiu came back from her medical treatment?

Hua Shier would wander around the village during the day, and sometimes at night he would take Fan Xiaopang back to Tokyo. It was then that Fan Xiaopang realized how amazing her husband was, and exclaimed:
"I'm going to take this!"

That day, in Akina's apartment, Akina suddenly took out a passport and handed it to Hua Shier. When Hua Shier opened it, he found that it was a Hong Kong passport.

Akina said resentfully, "Lili said you won't marry a Japanese woman. I'm a Hong Konger now, but after 1997 I'll be Chinese. I want to be a Chinese daughter-in-law. I don't know if that's possible."

　Thanks to 08a, Little Tiger of the Demon Realm, and Immortal Chu Ritian for their generous donations. Thank you to all the brothers who voted with monthly tickets and recommendation tickets. Thank you very much.

　　(End of this chapter)