Courtyard House: Starting with a 28-inch motorcycle

This kind of thing, at best, means he has poor interpersonal relationships; at worst, it means he has lost the support of the people. He himself would rather avoid it than risk it. So the shift change was decided.

Since then, Chen Xueru has hardly made any public appearances after starting work, only occasionally glancing at the store to make a brief appearance.

this day.

She nestled in her room, the stove burning brightly, cracking sunflower seeds, the tune of Huangmei Opera drifting from the radio, languidly passing the days as soft as velvet.

Suddenly, her stomach churned violently. She sat up abruptly, gagged a few times, but nothing came out.

Hearing the noise, Chen's mother quickly pushed open the door and came in: "What's wrong? Is the food not to your liking today?"

Ever since the incident with Hou Kui, she always felt a bit guilty towards Chen Xueru, and she always flattered and protected her. At the dinner table, she was extremely obedient to her, wishing she could cook up the stars in the sky for her.

"It's nothing, I just feel a little nauseous. I guess my appetite hasn't been very good lately," Chen Xueru waved her hand dismissively.

But Chen's mother's eyes narrowed, and her heart skipped a beat—this state looked exactly like that of a woman who was pregnant.

"Xueru, did you get your period last month?"

"It seems... they haven't arrived yet. They might be late."

As soon as she finished speaking, a flash of inspiration struck Chen Xueru—her heart skipped a beat: Could it be... that she's pregnant?

Before and after the New Year, she and He Yuzhu had several intimate encounters. In order to get pregnant, she almost went all out, and her whole body became so soft that she lost her shape, like a steamed glutinous rice ball.

The thought crossed her mind, and she jumped up, quickly putting on her coat: "I'm going out for a bit."

"I'll go with you!" Chen's mother said urgently.

"No need. You can't ride a bike, and you'll just be a burden if I take you along. I'll just go check it out and be right back."

After saying that, he left the house, his back view clean and crisp.

The moment the door closed, Chen's mother stood there, letting out a soft sigh. How could she not see through it all? She just never imagined that this day would actually fall on her own daughter's head.

Instead of going to the nearest hospital, Chen Xueru rode her bicycle a long way to register, queue up, and quietly wait for her number to be called.

Time passed slowly, and finally it was her turn.

The moment she received the test results, her fingertips trembled slightly—the black and white words read: six weeks pregnant.

It felt like a warm current had struck her heart, and joy surged up like a tide, almost overwhelming her.

She suppressed her excitement, hurriedly asked a few questions about the doctor's instructions, and turned to rush home. It was a pity she couldn't go to He Yuzhu yet, otherwise she really wanted to rush into his arms and shout this wonderful news to him.

It doesn't matter. So what if we can't get married? This first child must be born to her, Chen Xueru.

Pushing open the door, Chen's mother was already waiting in the living room. Seeing her return, she immediately greeted her: "How did it go? Did you find out?"

Chen Xueru was silent for a moment before finally speaking: "I'm pregnant, about six weeks along."

Six weeks ago, on the very day He Yuzhu returned, the two reunited and couldn't contain their emotions. The timing was perfect.

"Who is that man? We have to go and find him! He's not even married yet and he's already caused this kind of trouble. What are people supposed to say about this?" Chen's mother was so anxious that she kept slapping her thigh, her face turning pale.

To outsiders, it's already difficult for Chen Xueru to make public appearances after her second marriage; if she were to become pregnant out of wedlock, her reputation would be completely ruined.

"Mom, don't worry about this, I'll handle it."

After saying that, she went straight back to her room, leaving Chen's mother standing there stunned.

Of course, she wouldn't use the child to force He Yuzhu to marry her. Hou Kui wouldn't come back, so her hopes for him were over. But this child was different—he was her only hope for the rest of her life, and she would protect him with her life.

A moment later, she took out a wad of cash and handed it to Chen's mother: "Take this, go back to the countryside and buy that empty house next door. We'll move back in for a while in five months."

Her maternal grandmother's old house was still in the countryside, not far from Beijing, only an hour's bike ride away. Although the city was nice, there were too many eyes and gossips. When her pregnancy became noticeable, around seven or eight months, she quietly returned to her hometown and gave birth to the child safely.

There's no need to worry about the household registration issue—with a little money, there's always a way. No matter how ruthless He Yuzhu is, he can't just watch his own son become an unregistered resident.

Chen's mother wanted to persuade her further, but Chen Xueru's gaze was firm and her steps steady. She had already made her plans and wouldn't make a single mistake.

She was determined to give birth to this child. And she would definitely raise it well.

Before she knew it, the day of her wedding arrived. Lou Xiao'e still had half a year left before graduating from high school, but that mattered to her no longer.

She simply asked her teacher for two days off, giving a straightforward reason: "I'm getting married."

The teacher was stunned. This girl wasn't old enough yet, her grades were good, and her writing was elegant and spirited. Even if she couldn't go to university, she could still pursue a career in literature. Why would she drop out so early? The teacher was full of doubts and didn't believe it at all.

Without a word, Lou Xiao'e pulled out her household registration booklet and a handwritten certificate from the street office director. With the written agreement right in front of her, the teacher had no choice but to believe her. He sighed with mixed emotions and finally managed to squeeze out a blessing.

Before getting their marriage certificate, she gave every student in the class a piece of wedding candy, not one was left out. The classroom immediately quieted down, and several boys who secretly admired her silently lowered their heads to unwrap the candies, their hearts more bitter than the candies themselves.

After he asked for leave, He Yuzhu was already waiting at the school gate, straddling his bicycle with a beaming smile.

He's been incredibly lucky lately. On one hand, he received the wonderful news of Chen Xueru's pregnancy, and on the other hand, he's finally going to marry Lou Xiao'e, the woman he's always dreamed of. What's even more reassuring is that, although Chen Xueru has a strong personality, she didn't force him to confront her, only saying calmly, "Just come visit me and the baby often."

He Yuzhu readily agreed to this small matter, patting his chest and promising, "There will be plenty of milk powder! I'll bring back imported milk powder in every trip I make, I'll make sure she doesn't lose out."

As they walked out of the Civil Affairs Bureau after receiving their marriage certificate, He Yuzhu pulled Lou Xiao'e into his arms, his heart pounding. From now on, their relationship was legitimate. He no longer needed her to play the flute to save face; they had plenty of ways to make ends meet.

"Xiao'e, let's go straight to the restaurant. My dad, your mom, and the guests are all waiting at Fengzeyuan."

Lou Xiao'e nodded and obediently sat in the back seat, leaning against his back, as they were driven to the banquet venue.

Fengzeyuan Restaurant has a secluded large private room that can fit two tables and seat thirty people comfortably. Originally reserved by the manager for distinguished guests, it has been almost idle since the public-private partnership was established, and has only been used six or seven times in recent years.

Today, the house finally became lively.

He Yuzhu pushed open the door and entered, greeted by a room full of laughter. Li Huaide, Factory Director Yang, Wang Shushu, Bai Danyu, Li Yuanguo... more than twenty acquaintances had come, along with four relatives from the Lou family, and two other relatives from both families, filling both tables to capacity.

He Yuzhu deliberately avoided inviting anyone from the courtyard house. Old Wang did receive an invitation, but knowing it would be awkward, he politely declined.

The dishes for this wedding banquet were prepared by He Yuzhu's master, Li Yuanguo. Although his skills were slightly inferior to his apprentice's, he was still a renowned Sichuan chef in Beijing. The dishes consisted of ten meat dishes and ten vegetable dishes, piled high on large platters, aiming for perfection, and more than enough for fifteen people to eat to their heart's content.

These days, frugality is valued, and weddings shouldn't be extravagant. Setting up only two tables like this already crosses the line. If someone reports it, you'll definitely get a scolding.

Fortunately, the Ministry of Foreign Trade was there as a shield, and besides, He Yuzhu and the Lou family had both contributed to the country. It was the first time the two young people had started a family, so having a meal together wasn't a big deal. Even if word got out, the higher-ups would just turn a blind eye and let it go.

"Dad, Mother-in-law, today Xiao'e and I are officially husband and wife. This glass is for you both."

In private, you can call her "Mom," but in public, you have to be more respectful and call her "Mother-in-law" is more appropriate.

He and Lou Xiao'e raised their glasses together, toasting their parents and then going around to toast each of the guests. The moment their glasses clinked, the atmosphere instantly ignited.

After that, people kept coming to offer toasts. He Yuzhu accepted them all without hesitation. With his iron body, if he really didn't want to get drunk, who could possibly get him drunk? At most, he'd have to go to the restroom a couple of times, and his face wouldn't even change color.

Many people took turns praising He Daqing and Lou's mother for being lucky, saying that the two children were a match made in heaven, a handsome man and a beautiful woman. Lou Xiao'e's ears turned red as she listened, and she lowered her head and pursed her lips, not daring to look up.

The banquet continued until after 2 p.m.

From today onwards, Lou Xiao'e will no longer be a daughter who can come and go as she pleases in the Lou family. She will be moving to a courtyard house and living under the same roof as He Yuzhu.

Before parting, Lou's mother pulled the two aside and instructed them, "Zhuzi, Xiao'e is in your care from now on. If she throws a tantrum, don't indulge her; just tell me, and I'll handle her!"

"Mom, don't worry," He Yuzhu replied with a smile. "I like her just the way she is, a little silly, and easy to please. We get along very well."

This was half true and half false, but the barely concealed smugness was obvious to anyone with discerning eyes.

Lou Xiao'e's cheeks flushed slightly. Upon hearing He Yuzhu's words, the memory of being coaxed into playing the flute by him in private popped into her mind. Her fingertips tightened, and she secretly gripped his hand, giving him a slight glare—Don't talk nonsense.

Mrs. Lou chuckled and said, "Alright, I won't say anything more. I'm leaving in a few days, so you two should take good care of yourselves here..."

She had already obtained her travel permit; if it weren't for wanting to witness her daughter's wedding, she would have flown to Hong Kong Island long ago.

"Mom, don't worry, I'll definitely live a good life with Zhuzi."

Lou Xiao'e lowered her voice slightly. She had just gotten married, but her mother was about to leave for the capital. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.

He Yuzhu immediately replied, "Mom, don't worry. As soon as Xiao'e graduates, I'll ask someone to find her a job that's close to home and easy. If she really doesn't want to work, that's fine too. Our family isn't short of money."

"Then I'd have to go to work!" Lou Xiao'e immediately retorted, "Labor is the most glorious thing!"

She learned a lot of skills at school, and she was not willing to be an idle person.

"Just don't cause trouble for your son." Lou's mother patted her daughter's hand. "I trust your son, but once you enter this courtyard, you need to be more careful—you're only seventeen, and you won't be able to handle all those complicated people and situations."

"Mom, the things you said you'd prepare for us last time, have they all been changed by now? We'll see them when we get back," He Yuzhu asked with a smile.