October 1.
Gu Zheng came to the Siheyuan Courtyard early that morning to see Song Ning.
It was National Day, and the streets were bustling. He wanted to ask whether she would like to go out and clear her head.
Song Ning was doing all right, but she was in no mood to go shopping.
Gu Zheng thought for a moment, then asked, "I'm going to a comrade-in-arms' wedding at the Red Star Auditorium at noon. Would you like to come with me?"
Song Ning looked at him. "I'm fine! Song Wang is here to keep me company, too! Besides, it wouldn't really be appropriate for us to attend your comrade's wedding together!"
Gu Zheng fell silent for a moment, then nodded. "Right! It's just... Lei Ming will be bringing his family today, too! The groom is from his regiment!"
Song Ning nodded. "I understand! Today isn't a good time! I'll meet them when there's another opportunity!"
Gu Zheng lingered at Song Ning's place until past ten before reluctantly leaving.
When he went home to pick up his mother, he got a scolding.
It was rude to arrive late to someone else's wedding banquet. Not only had he rushed out first thing in the morning, but he had come back so late!
By the time Gu Zheng and Tan Qingru reached the street where the Red Star Auditorium stood, it was almost noon.
Red scraps from spent firecrackers littered the intersection, and a faint smell of sulfur hung in the air.
A long line of bicycles stood along the wall. Clearly, quite a few guests had already arrived.
Tan Qingru couldn't help complaining about Gu Zheng again. If he hadn't come home so late, they wouldn't have been delayed this long.
If the wedding had already started inside, it would