The False Heiress In The 1980s

14. Wedding Banquet Preparations and Surprises

It was early afternoon by the time Lin Yuqi and Zhang Wei returned from the civil affairs office, marriage certificate in hand. With the excitement of the wedding banquet just a day away, the Xia family home buzzed with energy.

Mother Xia wasted no time, introducing Aunt Li and Aunt Zhao, two well-known village aunties who had volunteered to help with the cooking for the banquet.

Lin Yuqi quickly took charge in the kitchen.

"Let's start with the whole wheat flour buns," she explained, guiding the aunties as they worked together to mix the flour.

She suggested using a blend of cheaper wheat flour with white flour to stretch the dough, making it perfect for a large gathering without breaking the budget.

As they prepared the dough, Lin Yuqi turned her attention to a large pot on the stove where she planned to simmer pork bone soup for the banquet.

"This will cook slowly all night to bring out the best flavors," she said, reaching for seasonings.

She carefully added ginger, star anise, Sichuan peppercorns, and scallions, stirring the pot as the fragrant aroma began to rise.

Aunt Li, watching Lin Yuqi's liberal use of spices, raised her eyebrows. "My, Yuqi, you're using so much seasoning! Are you sure you want to put in that much?"

Lin Yuqi smiled, unfazed. "It's a special occasion, Aunt Li. The banquet deserves the best flavors we can give it."

Aunt Zhao, who couldn't resist taking a whiff of the soup, inhaled deeply and gave a small nod of approval. "Well, it does smell wonderful. I can't wait to taste it myself!"

Meanwhile, outside the house, Zhang Wei was busy setting up tables and chairs in the Xia family's courtyard. They had borrowed the furniture from neighbors, who were more than happy to help out.

Zhang Wei, a familiar face in the area, had strong ties to the community, especially since he ran a pork slaughter business and provided affordable meat to the villagers.

Today, his usual stoic expression softened as he worked, ensuring the tables and chairs were perfectly arranged for the next day's event.

Xia Tian, eager to be part of the preparations, darted back and forth between the kitchen and the courtyard.

He brought in ingredients, fetched water, and did whatever was needed with boundless enthusiasm. His excitement for the banquet was evident in the way he rushed to assist everyone, his face beaming with pride.

As they worked, a cart pulled up to the courtyard, delivering the sewing machine and Phoenix-brand bicycle that Zhang Wei and Lin Yuqi had purchased earlier in town.

Word of the delivery quickly spread through the village, and within moments, curious villagers gathered outside the Xia family home, eager to see the luxurious new items.

"Is that a Phoenix-brand bicycle?" one of the villagers gasped, her eyes wide with admiration.

A neighbor next to her nodded, her voice filled with envy. "And a new sewing machine, too! This son-in-law of the Xia family must be very wealthy."

A few mothers, seeing the lavish gifts, whispered to each other with a hint of regret. "If only my daughter had married someone like Zhang Wei. Look at the benefits the Xia family is enjoying!"

The villagers, especially the children, crowded around the shiny black bicycle, marveling at the fine craftsmanship.

The bicycle's sleek frame gleamed under the afternoon sunlight, and a practical basket at the front added to its appeal.

"This makes the Xia family the third family in the village to own a bicycle," an elderly villager commented, nodding approvingly. "Only the village head's son and the Li family have one. This is quite something!"

The sewing machine, with its polished black surface and sturdy pedal, was equally admired. Its classic design hinted at years of reliable use ahead, and the villagers murmured among themselves, impressed by the thoughtfulness of Zhang Wei's gifts.

Overhearing the villagers' remarks, Mother Xia felt a surge of pride, but she also looked slightly uncomfortable. She turned to Lin Yuqi with a hesitant expression.

"Yuqi, these things were bought for you. We couldn't possibly keep them here."

Lin Yuqi shook her head, placing a gentle hand on Mother Xia's arm. "Mother, please, I'd like the bicycle and sewing machine to stay here with you. Father Xia and Xia Tian can use the bike for work and errands, and I know the sewing machine will be helpful for household tasks."

Mother Xia looked torn, touched by Lin Yuqi's generosity. Just then, Zhang Wei joined the conversation, nodding in agreement with Lin Yuqi's decision. "Mother Xia, please accept these items. It's our way of showing our respect and gratitude to the family."

Seeing his steady support, Lin Yuqi glanced up at Zhang Wei with wide, grateful eyes. Her expression, so innocent and genuine, reminded Zhang Wei of a little roe deer, and he felt a flicker of warmth in his chest.

His gaze softened as he looked back at her, his usual stoicism giving way to a gentler expression.

Mother Xia, noticing their exchange, felt reassured that her daughter's future with Zhang Wei would be a happy one, filled with warmth and care.

Unaware of her mother's musings, Lin Yuqi's thoughts drifted to the delicious dishes they would enjoy at the banquet. The aroma of the simmering pork bone soup filled the courtyard, and even the villagers passing by couldn't help but smile in anticipation of the upcoming feast.

Later that evening, as the house grew quiet, Lin Yuqi retreated to her room, her mind buzzing with thoughts.

She entered her space to check her supplies, curious if it might contain items similar to the ones they had bought in town.

She was delighted to discover a bicycle and a sewing machine—both identical to the ones she had purchased. With a sense of relief, she realized that she could have her own set when she moved to Zhang Wei's house, avoiding any questions from the villagers.

Her thoughts then wandered to the events of the day, and a soft blush crept up her cheeks as she thought of her new husband. She was a married woman now!

The rapid pace of the past few days still felt surreal, and a mixture of excitement and nervousness fluttered in her chest.

Her mind drifted back to dinner earlier that night, recalling how Zhang Wei had presented Mother and Father Xia with an additional 2,000 yuan as a betrothal gift for her.

Though they had initially tried to refuse, Zhang Wei's calm insistence, combined with Lin Yuqi's suggestion that they invest it in Xia Tian's education, had convinced them.

"Use it to help Xia Tian attend school," Lin Yuqi had said, smiling gently at her younger brother. "An education will open up more career paths for him."

Moved by their kindness, Mother and Father Xia had gratefully accepted, their eyes brimming with appreciation and warmth as they thanked Zhang Wei and Lin Yuqi for their generosity.

Now, lying in bed, Lin Yuqi found it hard to fall asleep. Her heart raced with thoughts of the wedding banquet tomorrow and the start of her new life with Zhang Wei.

Taking a deep breath, she said a quiet prayer, asking for a happy and fulfilling marriage.

And as she closed her eyes, she added a lighthearted thought with a smirk: If not, there's always divorce! (╯°□°）╯