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

The next morning, the station announcements came over the loudspeaker in a clear and articulate voice.

On the platform, Yang Xiangmei's eyes were slightly red, and she held back her tears as she repeatedly gave Yang Guangming instructions:

"Be careful on the road. I put a few apples in the middle of my bag so I can eat them when I'm thirsty or hungry."

Once you get home, remember to call Director Huo's office as soon as possible, so your second sister can rest assured..."

Her voice was choked with emotion, and she swallowed the rest of her words, only gripping her brother's arm tightly.

Luo Xingbang stood beside her, his face bearing his characteristic, simple and honest smile. In his hands, he held an old net bag as if it were a treasure, containing several hard-boiled eggs and two oily, golden-brown flatbreads.

“Brother Guangming, these are for you to eat on your journey.” He practically shoved the net bag into Yang Guangming’s hands. “My mother got up early this morning to knead the dough and fry the oil for you. They’re still warm.”

Yang Guangming accepted this weighty gift, the rope of the net bag tightening in his palm, conveying a slightly warm temperature.

"Thank you, Brother Xingbang, and please thank Auntie for me too. You should go back now, don't see me off, you have to go to work," he said repeatedly.

Director Huo also arrived at the platform. He patted Yang Guangming on the shoulder and said in a loud and concerned voice, "Guangming, go back and give my regards to your parents. Tell them to put their minds at ease. Don't worry about Xiangmei here. With me here, I guarantee no one will dare to mistreat her. I will take good care of her in both her work and her life."

"Director Huo, it's too much trouble for you to get up so early to see me off!" Yang Guangming said.

"Let's not stand on ceremony." Director Huo waved his hand, appearing generous and sincere. "Be careful on the road and keep an eye on your belongings. If you have the chance to come to Northeast China again, don't be shy, just come to my house and stay! I'll have your aunt make you some sauerkraut dumplings!"

Reluctantly bidding farewell to the three, Yang Guangming, carrying a simple old travel bag, boarded the green train with the dense crowd.

The carriage was filled with the smell of tobacco and sweat, a familiar scent of his journey.

"Woo——"

The ship's horn blared repeatedly, as if urging those who were leaving to hurry on.

The train gave a few heavy sighs, then with a clatter, it slowly started moving.

Yang Guangming hurriedly leaned most of his body out of the car window and waved his arms vigorously.

On the platform, the three figures were waving to him, gradually shrinking and blurring as the train moved.

That small, quiet county town in Northeast China gradually receded from view until it finally disappeared from sight.

Yang Guangming withdrew his gaze, his heart filled with a myriad of emotions, as profound and complex as the vast black earth outside the car window.

He spent a day in Harbin to handle the payment collection matters assigned by the factory.

Things went surprisingly smoothly. The other party was extremely cooperative, and the payment was settled quickly and efficiently, with almost no excuses or difficulties encountered.

After finishing his business, he didn't stop for a moment and immediately went to the train station to buy a train ticket.

He was already eager to return home.

He didn't bring much with him this time. Besides his old military satchel that had been with him for many years, there were only the local specialties from Northeast China that Luo Xingbang and Director Huo insisted on giving him.

A small bag of high-quality black fungus with a dark color and plump shape, a bag of hazel mushrooms with a unique and rich aroma, and two pieces of dried venison wrapped tightly in thick oil paper, which looked quite substantial.

These are not just local specialties, but also the most simple and profound sentiments of the people on that land.

He didn't inform his family of the specific return date or train number. He didn't have much stuff, which was easy to carry, and he didn't want to trouble them to come and pick him up.

In the afternoon, the train slowly pulled into the familiar Shanghai Station with a long whistle.

Instantly, the humid and warm air unique to southern cities rushed in, a complex aroma mixed with coal smoke and the faint scent of gardenias, quite different from the dry and crisp autumn winds of the Northeast.

The platform was bustling with noise, a cacophony of dialects and slang.

Yang Guangming, carrying his luggage, slowly moved out of the station with the huge flow of people.

The afterglow of the setting sun bathed the skyscrapers and plane trees of this metropolis in a magnificent golden hue. Trams clattered by, bicycles flowed like a surging tide, and everywhere was filled with people hurrying along yet brimming with vitality.

All of this stands in stark contrast to the almost stagnant tranquility and emptiness of the small northeastern town.

He stood in the station square, took a deep breath of the familiar city air mixed with various scents, and a sense of true homecoming finally settled in. All the fatigue of the journey seemed to be washed away at this moment.

Without lingering, he went straight to the bus stop and squeezed onto a bus heading home.

The carriage was just as crowded, but listening to the familiar soft Wu dialect around him and watching the bustling street scenes rushing past the window, he felt a strange sense of warmth.

It's Sunday, so everyone in the family should be home.

Pushing open that familiar, slightly faded shiku door, the aroma of food hadn't yet wafted out; it seemed dinner hadn't been prepared yet.

"Dad, Mom, eldest brother and sister-in-law, I'm back!" Yang Guangming shouted loudly, his voice carrying a hint of relief that came from returning to his own territory.

"Oh my! Mingming is back!" Mother Zhang Xiuying was the first to peek out.

She immediately put down the vegetables she was picking and hurried over, her face instantly filled with a surprised and loving smile. "Why did you come back so suddenly? You didn't even call ahead to tell me! Have you eaten? Were you hungry on the way? Mom will make you a bowl of noodles to tide you over."

Father Yang Yongkang also strolled out from the inner room, holding a half-read newspaper in his hand, with a gentle smile on his face: "You're back. Was the journey smooth?" He habitually asked some common but caring questions.

Hearing the commotion, the eldest brother, Yang Guanghui, and his sister-in-law, Li Guihua, also came out of the pavilion with their little nephew, Zhuangzhuang.

"Uncle! Uncle's back!" Four-year-old Zhuangzhuang rushed over like a little cannonball, excitedly hugging Yang Guangming's leg, tilting his little face up with bright, sparkling eyes.

"Oh, Zhuangzhuang, you seem to have grown quite a bit taller again." Yang Guangming smiled and bent down to affectionately pat his nephew's fluffy little head.

Then, he handed the net bag containing local specialties that he had been carrying to his mother. "Mom, this is some local specialties I brought back from Northeast China. There are some black fungus and hazel mushrooms, as well as two pieces of dried venison. I heard they are quite nutritious."

Zhang Xiuying took the items, glanced at them briefly, and casually placed them on the octagonal table next to her. At that moment, her attention was entirely on her son.

She held Yang Guangming's hand, looking him up and down carefully, as if trying to find evidence that he had lost some weight while he was away from home:
"You've lost weight, you definitely've lost weight! Are you getting used to the food in Northeast China? It's all very strong-smelling, isn't it? How's everything going? Is it going smoothly? Most importantly, what about Xiangmei? Is she doing alright over there all by herself? Has she been mistreated?"

A series of questions came flooding out like a burst dam, revealing a deep and unyielding concern and anxiety.

"Mom, don't worry, ask slowly, one thing at a time. I'm back safe and sound now." Yang Guangming smiled, gently patted his mother's hand to soothe her, and walked into the small hall with his family, sitting down around the old wooden table.

Sister-in-law Li Guihua quickly turned around to pour a glass of warm water and handed it to Yang Guangming.

Yang Guangming took the cup, took a big gulp to moisten his throat, which was a little dry from the long journey, and then began to recount the entire experience of his trip to Northeast China in a slow and unhurried manner.

He began by recounting his visit to Director Huo, how Director Huo was unexpectedly enthusiastic, and how he proactively and swiftly helped solve the most critical job-related issues.
He talked about how he took Director Huo's handwritten note and went to various departments to handle the complicated procedures for household registration transfer and grain ration, and how he received real and enthusiastic help from Secretary Sun and Captain Wang of Kaoshantun in the process.
She recounted how she accompanied Luo Xingbang to his home, met his parents, and meticulously described the Luo family's circumstances, economic conditions, character, and way of dealing with people, as well as the thoughtful arrangements and utmost sincerity they showed in the marriage.

He spoke very carefully, striving for objectivity and comprehensiveness, in a calm and steady tone.

While fully acknowledging the strengths of the Luo family—their wealthy background, their sensible parents, and Luo Xingbang's honesty and reliability—it also subtly mentioned some areas it observed that might require future attention and adjustment.

For example, Luo's mother has a straightforward and outspoken personality, and may sometimes speak quite directly; Luo's father is a leader at his workplace, and may be quite opinionated and authoritative at home, etc.

He didn't want to only report good news and give his family unrealistic expectations. He hoped they could have a more comprehensive and rational prediction of his second sister's future life.

Everyone in the family listened intently, their expressions constantly changing as he spoke.

When they heard that Director Huo had helped them so selflessly and easily, solving the most difficult problem that they had thought was hopeless, everyone was both surprised and delighted. Their faces were filled with disbelief, and they kept saying that Xiangmei had met a benefactor and that God had opened his eyes!

Hearing that all the procedures had been completed smoothly, Yang Xiangmei not only had a place to stay, but also a safe and secure place to live in the county hospital dormitory. With everything arranged properly, everyone visibly breathed a sigh of relief, and their tense nerves relaxed.

Hearing that Luo's parents were indeed a reasonable and sincere family who valued the marriage so much and had made such thoughtful and dignified arrangements, their smiles grew deeper and deeper, and their initial worries were replaced by immense relief.

"That's wonderful! That's really wonderful! Amitabha!"

Zhang Xiuying was so excited that her eyes welled up with tears. She couldn't help but wipe her eyes with her apron. "Xiangmei has suffered so much for so many years, but finally her luck has turned around!"

Having this job, a permanent position at the hospital with a secure job, and working under such a wonderful person as Director Huo, is truly... truly a great thing we never dared to dream of before!

She clasped her hands together, bowed to the air, and said in a choked voice, "Thank God, our ancestors have done a great service! Director Huo is truly a great benefactor to our Yang family! We will never forget his kindness in this lifetime!"

"Yes, this job came at the perfect time, it's so crucial, it's like a godsend!"

Yang Yongkang's face was filled with immense relief and a relaxed smile, and even his wrinkles seemed to have lessened a bit. "In this way, even if Xiangmei marries into the family, she will have a strong backbone. She will be marrying in with a salary and an urban household registration. Even if the Luo family wants to control her, they won't be able to do so so easily. We can feel much more at ease now."

"The Luo family does sound like a respectable and honest family, not the kind of family that is difficult and mean."

Yang Guanghui nodded in agreement. As the eldest son, his analysis was more rational. "Xingbang is a good person, according to Guangming and Yaoyao."

My parents are both sensible people, and they are both government officials. The family is small, with no complicated relatives.

"Xiangmei, as long as you stand on your own two feet and know how to handle things, your life shouldn't be bad. Maybe even better than when you were with us."

"The distance is indeed a bit far."

Li Guihua, the eldest sister-in-law, chimed in, her tone comforting, "With so many mountains and rivers between us, it won't be easy to see each other again in the future."

But looking at it now, this is the best possible outcome. It's like finding a way out of a seemingly hopeless situation.

It's a hundred or a thousand times better than leaving her alone in that rural area, suffering without any hope of a better future.

In the future, transportation will definitely become more and more convenient, trains will run faster and faster, and we'll always be able to see each other when we want to.

Who knows, Xingbang and Xiangmei might come back to visit us with their children someday!

As she spoke, she smiled and patted her son Zhuangzhuang's head.

Everyone chimed in, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.

Although I still feel a deep sense of reluctance and a lingering worry about Yang Xiangmei's marriage to a man in Northeast China, which means they will be separated by mountains and rivers, at this moment, I feel more happy and fortunate for her. I feel immense relief that she has finally broken free from the shackles of fate and embarked on a new path full of hope.

The road ahead, though its beginnings were full of twists and turns, has finally shown signs of unprecedented smoothness and brightness after many twists and turns.

Zhang Xiuying asked many more questions, and Yang Guangming patiently answered them one by one.

After clarifying all the details, Zhang Xiuying finally felt relieved.

Yang Yongkang looked at his youngest son, "You really worked hard this time, Mingming. You traveled such a long way, to an unfamiliar place, and you were able to handle such a complicated and difficult matter so well and perfectly. I think you are better than me."

Yang Guangming smiled, his tone calm and composed: "Dad, don't say that. This is what I should do. My second sister is also my own sister. Now that she's better, we can all rest assured. If you had gone in person, you would have handled it better than I could."

The major matters concerning my second sister's marriage and future have been largely discussed and the basic framework has been set.

The atmosphere at home became exceptionally relaxed and pleasant. The heavy weight that had been pressing on the hearts of the whole family was finally lifted, and even the air seemed to become much lighter.

Only then did Zhang Xiuying have the mind to carefully examine the local specialties from Northeast China that her son had brought back.

She picked up the bag of hazel mushrooms, brought it to her nose and smelled it, her face showing surprise: "Hey, these mushrooms smell really strong, they're good stuff! I'll soak a small handful in warm water tonight and stir-fry them with eggs tomorrow morning so you can have a taste."

This venison… Guangming, how do you cook venison? Mom has never seen this before and doesn't know how to prepare it without wasting it.

Yang Guangming took the two pieces of venison wrapped tightly in oil paper, weighed them in his hand, and said, "I heard that stewing them is quite good, and they seem to be very nourishing for the blood and qi. As for the specific recipe, I can ask my colleagues at the factory who have been to Northeast China, or check if it's written in a book."

"Okay, okay, then let's not make it tomorrow. We'll do it after we've found out everything, and make a proper meal." Zhang Xiuying happily repackaged the food, took it into the kitchen, and carefully put it away, as if it were a treasure.

At the dinner table, the conversation naturally revolved around his experiences in Northeast China and Yang Xiangmei's upcoming wedding.

Although the food is simple, the atmosphere is very warm.

"Oh, right." When Xiangmei's marriage was mentioned, Zhang Xiuying seemed to be suddenly reminded, and her gaze suddenly turned to her youngest son, her eyes filled with even more fervent anticipation.

“Mingming, now that Xiangmei’s matter is finally settled, the biggest weight on my heart has been lifted off my shoulders.”

Next, there's only one extremely important thing left: you.

Zhang Xiuying started her routine nagging about marriage again: "You're over twenty, have you found someone yet? There are so many young girls in the factory, and plenty in hospitals and schools, but not one of them is to your liking?"

"I secretly met that nurse from the district central hospital that Aunt Wang from the next alley mentioned last time. She's quite decent-looking and seems quiet and gentle..."

Yang Guangming had long anticipated that his mother's anger would soon turn to him, and he was fully prepared for it.

He calmly put down his chopsticks, picked up the towel next to him to wipe his mouth, then sat up straight with a gentle and earnest smile on his face.

His gaze slowly swept over each family member at the table: "Mom, Dad, eldest brother, sister-in-law, perfect timing, I also have something I'd like to formally discuss with you all today."

Seeing his unusually serious demeanor, the whole family subconsciously stopped eating and all eyes turned to him.

"I... actually already have a boyfriend." Yang Guangming said clearly and steadily, meeting the questioning gazes of his family. His voice was not loud, but it was enough for everyone to hear clearly.

"what?"

Zhang Xiuying froze for a moment, as if she hadn't heard clearly or couldn't believe her ears. Then, her face lit up with barely suppressed joy, and her voice rose eight octaves, "Really? You silly child! How could you keep such a big thing a secret so tightly! Not a single word leaked out!"
Whose daughter is she? How old is she? What company does she work for? What kind of person is she? Is she good-tempered? What does her family do? Are her parents doing well?

Her questions came at me like a sudden storm, each one revealing urgency and concern.

Yang Yongkang also opened his mouth slightly in surprise, but quickly regained his composure. However, his eyes were full of inquiry and questioning as he looked at his youngest son.

Yang Guangming smiled and made a gesture to his mother to calm down, indicating that she should not be impatient: "Mom, don't rush, ask one question at a time, listen to me slowly, I will tell you everything."

He carefully considered his words before introducing Lin Jianyue's situation in a natural tone, with a hint of gentleness that was barely perceptible.

"Her name is Lin Jianyue, she's half a year younger than me, and she works in the labor and personnel department of Dongfang Machinery Factory. She's a very nice person, very quiet, sensible, well-educated, and has a particularly gentle personality. She's very tactful in her interactions with others." He chose the most accurate and positive words possible to describe her.

"Dongfang Machinery Factory? The same factory as your dad's! The labor and personnel department is a really good department! They manage the payroll files for everyone in the factory!"

Zhang Xiuying's eyes immediately lit up, as if she had discovered a treasure, her joy overflowing. "Then... what about your family? What do your parents do for a living?" This was one of the questions she cared about most.

"Her home..."

Yang Guangming paused for a moment, then decided to be honest. This concerned the future relationship between the two families, and there was no point in hiding or embellishing it. "Her father is a high-ranking officer in the military, and her mother is also a former cadre who is now in poor health and semi-retired at home."

He has two older brothers and one older sister. His sister is a military doctor, his eldest brother is a regimental-level officer, and his second brother just enlisted after being sent to the countryside. He tried to use simple language to avoid putting pressure on his family.

The moment those words were spoken, the dinner table fell silent.

The joy on Zhang Xiuying's face froze for a moment, a hint of barely perceptible worry and unease flashing across her face.

Another future in-laws from a prominent cadre family!
My family is just an ordinary working-class family, living in a shikumen house. The difference in family background... isn't it a bit too big? Is this... even possible?

Zhang Xiuying's heart immediately began to pound; the pure joy she had felt earlier was now covered by a layer of cold, realistic worry.

Yang Yongkang's smoking motions slowed noticeably, his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly as if he were deep in thought, and his expression became somewhat serious.

Social status has always been a real obstacle to marriage in any era.

Yang Guanghui and Li Guihua exchanged a quick glance, both seeing the surprise in each other's eyes, but neither spoke immediately, waiting for Yang Guangming to explain further.

Yang Guangming clearly saw his family's reaction and understood their concerns.

He continued speaking in a calm and steady tone, trying to dispel his family's concerns: "I have known Jian Yue for three years. We were introduced by my good friend Xie Feiyang and his girlfriend Feng Xianghong."

Xie Feiyang's girlfriend, Feng Xianghong, is good friends with Jian Yue, so good that they live together.

Jian Yue and I have been corresponding, so we know each other quite well. We feel that our personalities, thoughts, and views on many things are quite compatible, and we can talk to each other.

Her family...

He paused slightly, choosing his words carefully, "From what I understand and from what Xie Feiyang and his family have said, they are a fairly open-minded family. While they certainly care about their children's marriages, they value the other person's character, ability, and ambition more. They don't have the old-fashioned notion of being overly concerned with social status or family background."

He tried to phrase his words in a way that was both tactful and affirmative, explaining the objectively existing gaps while attempting to convey a positive and optimistic message.

“High-ranking military officers…” Zhang Xiuying murmured, repeating the word that seemed distant and awe-inspiring to her. Her fingers unconsciously gripped the corner of her apron tightly, rubbing it. “Those… those families must have such high standards… would they… even look at our family?”

Her joy was now overshadowed by a thick layer of realistic anxieties.

The thought that she couldn't possibly be good enough for him clung to her heart like a vine. She worried that her son would be wronged, and that the marriage would face many difficulties.

"mom."

Yang Guangming spoke calmly, his voice carrying a reassuring strength. He looked at his mother, his eyes clear and firm, "Jian Yue herself is not the kind of girl who values ​​family background or is arrogant."

She is very simple and kind. She values ​​me as a person, my abilities, and my sincerity towards her.

Moreover, Dad, Mom, my older brother and sister-in-law, I feel that my current job, my level and abilities, although they can't compare to her family's background, are respectable for my age, and not bad at all.

I earn my living honestly and uprightly, and my future looks promising.

I believe I am worthy of her, and I am confident I can make her happy.

His words were full of confidence, which was not arrogance, but rather stemmed from a clear understanding and affirmation of his own value.

His confidence and composure greatly inspired his family members present.

Yang Yongkang nodded slowly and spoke first, his voice steady and powerful, carrying the decisiveness of the head of the family: "Mingming is right. Our family is of ordinary means, a working-class family, but Mingming has made us proud!"
A twenty-year-old section-level cadre was a key talent being groomed by the factory. He had even received awards from the city, and his combined salary and bonuses were much higher than mine, an old man.

He earned his position through his own abilities! He's worthy of any girl, as long as she's good enough! We don't need to belittle ourselves!

He had extraordinary confidence and pride in his youngest son. His words were less of an analysis and more of a message to encourage and reassure the whole family, especially his wife.

“Dad’s right! That’s exactly how it makes sense!” Yang Guanghui immediately chimed in, his tone certain. “Mingming is so qualified, a section chief at such a young age, valued by his superiors, and has good relationships with his colleagues. His future is limitless. So what if he’s from a high-ranking family? When choosing a son-in-law, people look at the individual’s abilities and potential, not their family background. Maybe the high-ranking family values ​​Mingming’s youth, talent, and hard work even more!” He tried to analyze the situation from a positive perspective.

"Exactly! I think so too!"

Li Guihua quickly chimed in, her tone enthusiastic, "We're both good-looking, tall, have respectable jobs, are capable, have good tempers, and are impeccable in our interactions with others! I think that leader's family might be even more satisfied! This is a perfect match, a match made in heaven!"

Although her words contained a somewhat exaggerated element of comfort, they did indeed ease the atmosphere considerably.

The support and affirmation from her family dispelled Zhang Xiuying's doubts like a warm current. The worry on her face gradually faded, replaced by a new, more grounded and proud joy. Her smile returned, even more radiant than before.

"Yes, yes, yes! Look at me! I'm getting senile! I didn't quite get it right!"

You're only focused on how high their standards are, forgetting how outstanding ours is! Gold shines wherever it is! Even our factory manager values ​​him so highly!
"Good, good! This girl is good! And she has good taste! What's her name... Lin Jianyue? It's a nice name!"

She was overjoyed, as if she could already see her future daughter-in-law. "When? When will you bring her home so Mom can see her? Mom will cook her delicious food! Braised pork! Stir-fried shrimp!"

She couldn't wait to meet her future daughter-in-law and get to know her better.

"Mom, don't worry."

Yang Guangming was amused by his mother's eagerness and quickly explained, "Although Jian Yue and I have been together for a while and have both realized our feelings for each other, neither of our families knows yet. I think this matter needs to be handled with proper etiquette and procedures."

"I need to first formally visit her parents, express my feelings in person, and obtain their consent before I formally bring her to visit you and Dad at home. This will appear more respectful and show consideration for her family."

“Yes, yes! That’s how it should be! That’s how it should be!” Zhang Xiuying nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, deeply agreeing. “We can’t be lacking in etiquette; we can’t let them think we don’t know the rules. So… when do you plan to visit them? Do you have a plan in mind?” she asked eagerly.

"I'll go to work tomorrow, first catch up on the backlog of work in the department, and then meet with Jian Yue to discuss when it will be convenient for her parents to come so we can arrange a formal visit as soon as possible," Yang Guangming said calmly, already having a plan in mind.

"Good, good! We should hurry!"

Zhang Xiuying beamed with joy, radiating a new glow. She immediately began to worry about another important issue: "The first visit is extremely important, so we need to prepare some decent and presentable gifts!"
We absolutely cannot be impolite; we must give Mingming a proper welcome and leave a good impression on our future in-laws!

She suddenly remembered what her son had brought back. "Venom! Yes! Venom is good! It's rare to find in Shanghai! And those wood ear mushrooms and mushrooms, they're all good mountain products, take them all!"

Let me think about it some more... Let me see if there's anything else at home... It would be best to get a couple more bottles of good wine and a carton of good cigarettes...

Old man, you'd better go check tomorrow to see if you have enough cigarette and alcohol coupons..."

She immediately fell into a new round of even happier thoughts, constantly calculating the gift list.

Yang Yongkang shook his head helplessly as he watched his wife suddenly become energetic and lively again, but his eyes were full of smiles and expectations.

His youngest son's marriage was settled, and it sounded like the girl and her family were so outstanding. He was just as happy as his wife, but he expressed it more subtly and reservedly.

After dinner, Yang Guangming helped his sister-in-law clear the dishes and wipe the table before returning to his own cubicle.

The journey and the intense focus he had put on his story upon returning home had left him feeling quite tired. The room, though small and simple, was spotless and everything was familiar to him, radiating a reassuring atmosphere.

But lying on the wooden bed he had slept on for many years, he couldn't fall asleep for a while.

He finally revealed his relationship with Lin Jianyue to his family tonight, and successfully received their unwavering support and blessings.

The next and most important step is to face Lin Jianyue's parents.

Although he had learned from Xie Feiyang and Feng Xianghong that Lin's parents were relatively open-minded and cultured elders, he still couldn't help feeling a little nervous about formally visiting them as their daughter's fiancé.

Lin Jianyue's father, Lin Weihao, was an old revolutionary who had experienced the baptism of war and emerged from the hail of bullets. His vision was undoubtedly sharp, and his understanding of people and things was certainly insightful and profound.

Although her mother, Gao Jingyi, sounds gentle and kind, she will definitely consider things carefully and consult with many people for the sake of her youngest daughter's lifelong happiness.

But he has confidence in himself!

Thinking of Lin Jianyue's clear and calm eyes, her gentle and reserved smile, and the occasional playfulness and intelligence revealed in her letters, Yang Guangming's heart was filled with tenderness and determination.

He believed that as long as he treated others sincerely and demonstrated sufficient sincerity and ability, he would definitely be able to gain the approval and blessings of Lin's parents.

He is sincere towards their daughter, and he has the ability to give her a stable, happy, and hopeful future.

The next day, Yang Ming woke up early, feeling refreshed.

His mother, Zhang Xiuying, had already prepared breakfast—rice porridge, pickles, and even fried him a golden-brown sunny-side-up egg. After breakfast, he rode his bicycle, full of energy, to work.

The finance department did indeed have a backlog of documents and reports that required the department head's signature, but none of them were particularly urgent or difficult to handle.

He spent the morning efficiently handling the matter, and then listened to briefings from several colleagues in the department, quickly regaining a grasp of the department's situation.

In the afternoon, he went to Zhao Guodong's office and gave a detailed report on the results of his trip to Northeast China, especially the progress in collecting payments and the positive cooperation from the other party.

Zhao Guodong had always admired his work efficiency and ability. After listening to the report, he encouraged him and told him to take a good rest and adjust his state before returning to work.

He then inquired about the handling of Yang Guangming's family affairs, and was equally pleased with the outcome.

After finishing his workday, he rode his bicycle, not going straight home, but heading directly towards Ruikangli, where Lin Jianyue and Feng Xianghong lived.

As dusk fell, the setting sun cast its slanting rays. The mingled aromas of families preparing dinner wafted through the alleyways of Ruikang Lane.

Yang Guangming knocked on that familiar door, and Lin Jianyue was the one who opened it.

She seemed to have just gotten home from get off work, still wearing the dark blue work clothes from the machinery factory's labor and personnel department.

When she saw Yang Guangming standing outside the door, her eyes lit up, revealing an undisguised surprise.

"You...you just got back?" She stepped aside to let Yang Guangming in.

"I arrived home yesterday evening." Yang Guangming smiled as he walked into the familiar living room, placing the things he was carrying on the table. "I brought some local specialties from Northeast China to visit you and Xiang Hong."

Hearing the noise, Feng Xianghong, wearing an apron, peeked out from the kitchen. Seeing the bright sunlight and the pile of gifts on the table, she immediately understood and a knowing smile appeared on her face:

"Oh! It's Guangming! And he brought so many things! You're too kind! Jianyue, quick, quickly pour Guangming a cup of tea! Use the Longjing tea I bought last time!"

She greeted him enthusiastically and loudly, giving Lin Jianyue a wink.

Lin Jianyue quickly turned around to get the teacup and tea leaves, her movements slightly hurried.

"Sister Xiang Hong, don't bother, no need to make tea. I'll just sit for a bit and then leave," Yang Guangming said.

"How can that be! You have to eat before you leave! I just bought a very fresh sea bass and I'm about to steam it!" Feng Xianghong warmly urged her to stay, her tone leaving no room for refusal.

"I really can't today, thank you Sister Xiang Hong, my family is waiting for me to come home for dinner." Yang Guangming politely declined, then turned his gaze to Lin Jianyue, who was carefully carrying a teacup as she approached. "Jianyue, there's something I'd like to discuss with you." His tone became slightly more formal.

Lin Jianyue's heart skipped a beat. She nodded and said softly, "Yes. Let's sit down and talk." She gently placed the teacup on the table in front of Yang Guangming.

The two sat down at the table.

Yang Guangming briefly explained the final results of this trip to Northeast China.

Hearing that Yang Xiangmei's job had been finalized, the wedding was set for December, and that the other party's family was very thoughtful and attentive, Lin Jianyue was genuinely happy.

Her clear eyes sparkled with sincerity: "That's wonderful, I'm so happy for your second sister. Now you and your family can rest assured." She said softly, her tone filled with gentle comfort.

Yang Guangming looked at Lin Jianyue and felt a warmth in his heart.

He paused, his tone becoming more formal and serious, his gaze fixed intently on Lin Jianyue's face. "Jianyue, there's one more thing. I went home yesterday and formally told my parents, older brother, and sister-in-law about our relationship."

Lin Jianyue's heart skipped a beat, as if it had been gently bumped by something. Her fingers unconsciously tightened around the hem of her work clothes, and a blush quickly spread across her cheeks, even turning her earlobes a lovely pink.

She lowered her head slightly and asked in a soft voice, almost inaudibly: "...What did my uncle and aunt say?" Asking this question seemed to have taken all her courage.

“They are all very happy and supportive.” Yang Guangming’s tone was certain, with a reassuring strength. “My mom is especially happy and is eager to meet you. She asked me when I can bring you home for dinner.”

Lin Jianyue secretly breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a sweet warmth welling up inside her, as if a honey pot had been overturned. At the same time, she felt incredibly shy, lowering her head even further as she stared at her fingers, her voice soft and sweet: "Oh...that's good..."

Looking at her shy and charming appearance, Yang Guangming felt even more affection for her.

He leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and became more serious, "So I think it's time for us to formally tell your aunt and uncle."

I'd like to find a suitable time to formally visit them, express my sincerity and intentions in person, and try to gain their approval. What do you think?

Yang Guangming finally revealed the most important purpose of his visit.

The moment has finally arrived.

Lin Jianyue raised her head and met his honest and expectant gaze. Those eyes, which always carried a gentle smile, were now filled with solemnity and determination.

After more than three years of getting along, countless carefully crafted letters, and the tacit understanding and deep affection built up during brief encounters in parks, cinemas, and libraries, she had already completely decided in her heart that he was the one for her.

She had been looking forward to this day for a long time, hoping to be able to openly introduce him to her family and hoping that their relationship would be blessed by everyone.

But when that day actually came, especially when she had to face her parents, who were open-minded but had high expectations, she couldn't help but feel nervous and uneasy.

But her feelings and trust in him outweighed everything else.

Lin Jianyue looked at her reflection in the bright sunlight and nodded firmly. Her voice was soft but exceptionally clear: "Okay. I... I'll tell them when I get back. And... I'll let you know the time as soon as possible."

She felt her cheeks burning, but her heart was filled with unwavering courage.

"Okay." Yang Guangming's heart was completely at ease with her promise, and his smile fully relaxed. "I'll wait for your news. Don't worry, everything will be fine." He gently comforted Lin Jianyue, as if he were comforting himself.

With the important matters settled, Yang Guangming felt that the purpose of his trip had been successfully achieved, so he did not linger any longer.

He exchanged a few more polite words with Feng Xianghong, and then got up to take his leave.

Lin Jianyue and Feng Xianghong escorted him to the entrance of the alley.

Lin Jianyue watched Yang Guangming push his bicycle and disappear around the corner of the alley. Her heart was filled with wonderful expectations for the future. At the same time, the nervousness of facing her parents also emerged more realistically and concretely.

Feng Xianghong grinned and put his arm around her shoulder, saying as they walked back, "Oh dear, we're finally going to see the real Buddha!"
Don't worry, see the moon!

Guangming has the talent and ability to handle anything. He's so young and already a section chief—his future is bright! He has a good temper and is sincere. Your aunt and uncle have such good taste; they'll definitely be satisfied at first glance! You can rest assured!

Lin Jianyue nodded, grateful for her friend's comfort, but her heart was still pounding.

She had already begun to unconsciously plan how, once she got home, she could find the most suitable moment and the most natural yet solemn tone to speak to her parents. (End of Chapter)