CHAPTER 440: 440 ENGAGEMENT

Yao Shimin and Qiao Jingyi rode their bicycles to the park. Since it wasn’t the weekend, there weren’t many people, and they even rowed a boat for a while.

They always had endless things to talk about. Having confirmed their relationship, of course, the couple wanted to stay close, so even just holding hands made them quite happy.

After playing outside for two hours, they wanted to go back. "Jingyi, we’re getting engaged tomorrow. It’s not suitable to do it at your place; let’s go to a restaurant."

"Why wouldn’t it be suitable?" Qiao Jingyi was genuinely confused about these things.

"Engagements are usually held at the groom’s house. My home is too far, and besides, we shouldn’t make our mothers work too hard. Let’s do it outside."

"Alright, let’s go with your plan."

The two rode their bikes towards the restaurant and bumped into Shen Xueqi on the way.

The three stopped to greet each other. "Congratulations to both of you."

"Thank you, Mr. Shen. What are you up to?" Yao Shimin said with a smile.

"I just got back from school and am planning to check out the restaurant for something good to eat. What about you two?"

"We’re planning to check out the restaurant too for tomorrow’s engagement; we’re thinking of hosting it there."

"That’s a great idea. Let’s go together. I know the restaurant manager quite well; I can put in a good word for you."

"Thank you so much, Mr. Shen."

"You’re welcome."

The three of them went to the restaurant together, and with Shen Xueqi’s help, the menu for tomorrow turned out great.

The couple then went to the supply and marketing cooperative and bought a watermelon before heading home.

They informed the four elders at home that the engagement was scheduled at the restaurant, which made the Yao family very satisfied; indeed, it’s not good to hold the engagement at the bride’s home, as it might imply a live-in son-in-law situation.

The Qiao family had no objections either, since they’ve already decided to be one family, there’s no need to be petty.

After dinner, the Yao family of three said their goodbyes and left. On the way, the family of three discussed whether the elderly couple should follow along or not.

"Shimin, let’s not go. Tomorrow is Thursday. Let your dad check the tickets at the station tomorrow. We need to hurry back and save up vacation days, and we need to clean your room at home as well.

I’ll look for someone to prepare the luggage and send it over."

"That’s fine, but there’s no need for preparing the luggage. I’ll find someone locally to do it, so you don’t need to worry."

"Do it here?"

"Yes, there are a few ladies at the union who can help."

"Make sure to find someone whose parents are both alive."

"Okay, I’ll handle it myself over here."

Once they arrived at the inn, Yao Shimin helped his parents fetch water to bathe. By the time the family finished their preparations, it was already ten at night, and they each went to rest.

Early the next day, the family had breakfast, and the elderly couple went to the train station and then to the building to prepare engagement gifts, ensuring nothing was missing.

Yao Shimin went to the supply and marketing cooperative to buy two pounds of meat.

The rest of the snacks, white wine, and clothes were prepared by the elderly couple.

By nine o’clock, the family of three headed to the Qiao family.

Mother Yao gave Qiao Jingyi one hundred and one yuan, two sets of clothes, a gold bracelet, a gold ring, and a pair of gold earrings.

The Qiao family also prepared two sets of clothes for Yao Shimin.

Both young people started calling each other’s parents "Mom and Dad" directly, which was a bit early, but both families were willing.

Thus, the engagement ceremony was completed, and during this era, the significance of engagement and marriage in the minds of the common people were similar.

The couple was officially recognized as husband and wife.

"Sister-in-law, we’re leaving now. Just let Jingyi decorate the house as she likes."

"I understand, sister-in-law. We all have jobs."

"We don’t want to take too many days off; we’ll save them for the wedding."

Neither family liked to make things complicated; they were willing to understand each other.

They all went to the restaurant, where everything was prepared.

After lunch, the Yao family said their farewells and left, as their train was at two thirty in the afternoon, and they needed to tidy things up before leaving.

"Mom, Dad, Jingyi, I’m heading back today too. On Saturday, I will meet you; I’ve scheduled to have the furniture factory measure dimensions Saturday afternoon, and we’ll go over to choose designs."

"Okay, you should head back to work. Work is the priority," Mr. Qiao said.

The newly wed young couple whispered, "Jingyi, I’ll be waiting for you at home."

"Okay, I’ll take the first bus in the morning."

"Alright, I’ll wait for you."

The couple seemed reluctant to part, but there was work in the afternoon, so they had to separate.

The Yao parents didn’t ask Yao Shimin to accompany them further, saying, "You should hurry and catch the bus back, otherwise, the last bus will be too late."

"Mom, Dad, it’s okay; I’ll return late anyway. Don’t worry; I need to see you off on the train before I can relax."

The elderly couple didn’t refuse anymore; it was their son’s heartfelt wish.

Yao Shimin went to the building to buy some snacks for them to eat on the train, then took them to the station. After seeing his parents off on the train, he turned and left to wait for the bus at the outside stop.

By the time he got off the bus, it was already close to six, and he went straight to Jiang Xinyu’s house.

"Vice Factory Director Yao, you’re back? How was it?"

"Jiang Xinyu, I haven’t eaten yet."

"There’s leftover porridge and steamed buns. Will that do?"

"As long as there’s food, I’m satisfied."

The two kids also came out to greet Yao Shimin.

"Jiang Xinyu, Jingyi and I are engaged now; she’s coming over the day after tomorrow to choose furniture."

"That was fast."

"Haha, exactly! If we didn’t hurry, I was afraid Jingyi might escape."

"Yao Shimin, you must treat Jingyi well."

"Don’t worry, I won’t cause problems. Don’t you trust me?"

"I trust you now, but will you still be the same in a few years? Will you be able to resist outside temptations?"

"I promise I can."

After dinner, Yao Shimin left. The next day, Qian Jun also heard about Yao Shimin’s engagement.

"Congratulations!"

"Haha, no need to congratulate me. You should hurry and settle down too."

"I haven’t found the right person yet."

"How come? Doesn’t Secretary Cao from the city fancy you?"

"I don’t have feelings for her."

"That’s tricky; let me advise you, Qian Jun, even though we’re in a rush to marry nowadays, you shouldn’t settle. I’m a living example; make sure you find someone you genuinely like."

Qian Jun nodded, "I know, which is why I’ve been dragging it on for so many years."

"Qian Jun, is it because your standards are too high?"

"Are they? I just want someone who can grow and progress with me."

"Qian Jun, you’re looking for a partner; you should be looking for someone you like for a spouse, someone who makes you comfortable at home. If both are equally capable, what’s the point of married life then?"

"Is that so?"

"Of course, at home, you need a gentle wife, a couple cooking together, taking care of the children."

Qian Jun didn’t say anything further; he wasn’t fond of that kind of woman. Everything he liked was embodied in Jiang Xinyu, someone who could take care of the family and was capable.