1982, the eleventh day of the twelfth lunar month. Clear skies.
The warm sun had peeked above the horizon when a crackling burst of firecrackers sounded outside Yan Medical Hall.
Lian Youming appeared in a rarely worn suit, dressed as a groom, with gleaming leather shoes on his feet and wax in his hair, riding a brand-new Phoenix Brand bicycle.
Behind him crowded another forty-odd bicycles, each decorated with red at the front, all ready to go collect the bride.
Zhu Wu, Wu Jiu, Zhang Asi, Yan Guangming, Yan Zhaodi, and some relatives and friends of the Yan Family had each found a bicycle. Beaming, they held their handlebars and waited for Lian Youming's command.
"Damn, that's one sharp outfit."
Wu Jiu eyed Lian Youming's suit with envy.
Holding his handlebars, with one foot on the ground and the other on a pedal, Lian Youming grinned. "Of course. I brought this from Hong- ahem, I had someone bring it back from Hong Kong."
Wu Jiu smacked his lips, his gaze drifting, seemingly casually, toward A Xing in the courtyard. He lowered his voice. "When can you get me one too?" "Hmm?"
Lian Youming had thought he simply liked the clothes and was about to agree, but when he turned, he noticed something off about the burly man's gaze. He glanced back and understood at once.
Had this iron tree finally blossomed?
"What would a martial arts fanatic like you need one for?"
Wu Jiu's weathered face reddened, and he stiffened his neck. "None of your business! It's called being prepared!"
In the courtyard, A Xing sat with Yang Shuang. Zhu Yuan had come too.
All three had noticed Wu Jiu's wandering eyes, and their expressions differed.
One averted her eyes, one looked surprised, and one found it amusing.
Lian Youming