Qin Jingru's Second Entry into the City

Third Master Yan Bugui brought over a large crucian carp.

Although it wasn't as big as the carp Lin Zhen had received before, it was enough to surprise him.

Yan Bugui, the stingiest person in the entire courtyard, was actually giving something away.

It had been over six years since Lin Zhen transmigrated, and this was the first time he had received a gift outside of weddings and funerals.

The fish wasn't large, but it made Lin Zhen change his perception of Old Yan.

"Hahaha, Third Master, how much did you catch? You're even giving us one?"

"Oh, not much, just enough for the New Year. It's cold in winter, so the fish are easy to catch."

"Alright, I'll accept it. Now that you mention it, I feel like going fishing next week too."

"Heh heh, you didn't want to go when I asked, and I've already caught all the fish."

Lin Zhen asked curiously, "How much did you actually catch? You look so happy."

"Haha, it's enough, anyway. I won't chat anymore, I need to hurry and help Third Mistress tidy up."

Just as Lin Zhen took the fish, Jia Zhangshi returned from outside.

Seeing Yan Bugui giving Lin Zhen a fish, she rolled her eyes and mumbled, "Only one fish for over ten pounds? He's acting like he found gold!"

Although her voice was soft, Lin Zhen heard her clearly.

It turned out Third Master had returned long ago, having caught about ten pounds of fish and shrimp combined.

Mainly, no one went fishing by the lake in winter, so he and his son took advantage of the opportunity.

However, Lin Zhen didn't care whether he was given a lot or a little; his family wasn't lacking a few fish.

It was already rare for the stingy Yan Bugui to deliver something to his door.

He wasn't someone who was greedy or calculating. If he wanted to eat fish, he could buy it or go fishing by the lake.

He would never resent Third Master for being stingy because of Jia Zhangshi's mumbled words.

"Wife, I'll take you all fishing next week too!"

Lou Xiao'e smiled, "With just one bicycle, can you take all five of us?"

"Ha, that's easy. I'll go apply for bicycle coupons tomorrow, and we'll each ride one."

Lou Xiao'e worried slightly, "Several families in our courtyard don't have bicycles, like First Elder, the Jia family, and Silly Zhu. If we buy two at once, won't it be too conspicuous?"

"What are you afraid of? Silly Zhu and First Elder can afford them but don't buy them. Jia Dongxu has no opportunity to ride even if he wanted to now. We're exchanging them legitimately with coupons, so don't worry. You'll be working at the sub-district office next year, and you'll definitely need a bike."

Lou Xiao'e thought for a moment, "Then you ride the newly bought one, and I'll ride the old one. That way, people won't gossip."

"Haha, alright, you're just too cautious."

As they were chatting, Lin Guo and Lin Jia ran back from outside.

"Dad, Mom, Aunt Qin is here."

A figure flashed, and Qin Jingru arrived at the courtyard.

Yesterday, her parents had visited but couldn't find out Xu Damao's background, and instead, they left feeling extremely embarrassed.

After returning home, Qin Jingru insisted on going to the city.

"If I follow Damao, I'll earn dozens of yuan a month, and he often goes to the countryside to show movies and earn extra money. It's much better than earning a few work points in the production team. Don't stop me, I'm going to the city!"

"Jingru, we want you to go to the city too, but we're afraid you'll end up like your sister, marrying a man like that and having a mother-in-law like that. If your sister hadn't made the wrong choice back then, she wouldn't be living such a hard life."

"Damao isn't Jia Dongxu at all, he dotes on me! Besides, Dad and Mom are in the countryside, they won't control me at all."

"But once you go, it's for a lifetime. You need to think carefully; once the arrow is shot, there's no turning back."

"Aiya! Don't worry, I'm not a child anymore. Hurry up and pack your things. As soon as Damao and I get our marriage certificate, I'll bring him back to show the villagers whose man is better, yours or mine!"

The next day, Qin Jingru, filled with anticipation for city life, boarded the long-distance bus to the city.

She arrived at the courtyard before 3 PM.

"Oh! Qin Jingru is here, are you here to get your marriage certificate with Xu Damao?"

Qin Jingru smiled, "Lin Zhen, you're so accurate. We're going to the Civil Affairs Bureau first thing tomorrow morning!"

"Then where will you stay tonight?"

"Stay... stay... Ha, I have a place to stay anyway!"

Xu Damao was in the room, cracking peanuts and melon seeds while listening to the radio.

When he saw Qin Jingru at the door, he thought he was hallucinating.

He jumped up with joy.

"Jingru? Is it really you?"

Qin Jingru said proudly, "Yes, aren't you welcome?"

Xu Damao said with a fawning smile, "I welcome you even in my dreams, hehehehe, am I secure now?"

"Yes, my parents said I should get married here. Marry me."

"Okay! It's not even 5 o'clock yet, let's go right away."

"Today is Sunday, the Civil Affairs Bureau isn't open, what's the rush? We can go tomorrow morning."

Xu Damao slapped his forehead, "Heh, I forgot it's Sunday. How about this, they're showing a movie at the factory tonight, I'll take you."

"Then where will I stay tonight?"

"Stay at your place, this is your home now!"

Qin Jingru said coyly, "But we haven't registered our marriage yet, don't let Silly Zhu report us."

Xu Damao said indignantly, "That bastard, don't you worry about him. I'll get Second Elder to issue a certificate first, I'm not afraid of him."

Qin Jingru said happily, "Okay! Then I'll feel relieved!"

The two of them chatted and laughed, not mentioning anything about the Jia family.

Qin Huairu was inside coaxing Huai Hua to sleep.

Bang Geng and Xiao Dang ran back in a hurry.

Jia Zhangshi frowned, "Oh dear, my little darling, slow down so you don't hurt yourself."

Bang Geng panted, "Mom, my aunt is here!"

"What? When did she arrive?"

"She's been here a while. Lin Guo told me. She's in the backyard chatting happily with Xu Damao right now!"

Jia Zhangshi clapped her hands in anger, "See? They don't consider you family at all!"

Qin Huairu was also annoyed, her brow furrowed, "If Xu Damao marries your aunt in the future, he'll be your uncle-in-law. Don't call him Xu Damao anymore."

Bang Geng nodded, "Yeah, Auntie brought a lot of things too, like peanuts, sweet potatoes, and stuff."

Jia Dongxu said, "Go take a look. If they don't acknowledge our family connection, we won't give them a wedding gift!"

Qin Huairu nodded, put on her clothes, and went out.

When she got to the backyard, she saw Xu Damao and Qin Jingru sitting by the door, cracking melon seeds and chatting merrily.

"When did you get here?" Qin Huairu asked coldly.

"A little while ago," Qin Jingru replied coldly as well.

"Why didn't you come to my place to see me?"

"You kicked me out, so I have no face to go back. My parents were also kicked out yesterday."

"Whether they were kicked out or not, we're sisters. Are you trying to cut ties?"

Qin Jingru pouted and took out a bag of unpeeled peanuts, "Uncle asked me to bring this to you. I won't go to your place, you can take it back."

"When are you getting married?"

"Tomorrow. But Damao said that marriage is a personal happy occasion, and he doesn't want to spend money to make others happy, so we won't have a banquet."

Qin Huairu sighed, took the peanuts, and turned to leave.

Xu Damao watched Qin Huairu's retreating back and said coldly, "Jingru, remember this: after we get married, you're not allowed to help the Jia family. That's a bottomless pit. I can't be like Silly Zhu, I want to be like Lin Zhen, have four sons, and live a life above everyone else!"