Sizhe was thoroughly satisfied after eating a bowl of longevity noodles, only to return home from evening classes and find Nan Sheng had prepared his favorite dishes—braised pork and oil-simmered shrimp.
He was overjoyed. "Mom, why are you home so early today?"
"I came back early to cook something special for our little birthday boy! Go wash your hands with your sister and come eat!"
This was the first time Sizhe had ever felt so cherished. Even though his birthdays in later years would become lively affairs, the one he remembered most fondly was always this one in their old house.
That night, he picked up a pen to write a letter and carefully affixed a stamp.
"Mom, today is my birthday. I wish you could be here with me, but don’t worry—there’s another mom just as wonderful as you, taking care of me and my sister!"
Zhong Yanyan worked swiftly at sewing. She first cut and stitched four lightweight sets of clothes, making sure the seams were so fine they could rival machine stitching, then had her son deliver them by bicycle to her daughter.
Nan Sheng and Siqi’s padded jackets were made from light brown floral fabric, paired with black cotton trousers—simple but not unfashionable in Nan Sheng’s eyes.
Sizhe and Lin Han’s jackets and trousers were crafted from solid gray fabric, and the finished products were just as good as store-bought ones.
After completing all eight sets, there was still fabric left, so Zhong Yanyan made two additional outer garments for the children. Kids were messy, and the covers would keep their padded jackets clean.
Once the clothes were ready, Nan Sheng mailed Lin Han’s two sets. Though military overcoats were warm, they couldn’t compare to the comfort and lightness of homemade ones.
Lin Han’s personality had also changed. After leaving home, his letter-writing frequency skyrocketed, and he even complained lightly to Nan Sheng about the heavy workload at the military academy.
When Lin Han had left home, he’d only had an elementary school education. It wasn’t until he was promoted to platoon leader in the army that he got the chance to continue studying. Now, even with a high school diploma, he knew there was still a gap between him and those who had attended proper high school.
At the academy, he studied relentlessly—just to avoid the humiliation of being at the bottom of the class.
In early winter, the sky darkened by six in the evening.
As Sizhe went to close the gate, he happened to run into Zhou Wei and Sizhong arriving together, so he ushered them inside.
Nan Sheng found the timing unusual—visiting at this hour wasn’t normal—so she waited for Zhou Wei to explain.
Sure enough, "Sister-in-law, I’ve come to ask a favor."
Nan Sheng had Sizhe pour water for Zhou Wei and her son. "Just say what’s on your mind, no need to be so formal."
Eldest Brother Lin was always sensible and never let his wife and kids impose on others, so Nan Sheng guessed it couldn’t be anything too difficult.
"Here’s the thing—I’ve found a girl for Sizhong, from Xiahe Village. She’s not only beautiful but also hardworking, and her family likes Sizhong too. But suddenly, they’ve made a request: they want you to personally attend the engagement ceremony."
Zhou Wei and Eldest Brother Lin discussed it—maybe the girl’s family valued Nan Sheng’s government job and wanted to add prestige to the match?
Sizhong was thrilled with his fiancée. Her family was well-off, even boasting a worker-peasant-soldier university graduate among them. He’d never dared hope for such a match, but his mother had made it happen.
His face was alight with joy at the thought of marrying soon.
Nan Sheng agreed readily. "This is a happy occasion, sister-in-law. Of course I’ll go."
The family’s motives weren’t entirely clear, but if they made any unreasonable demands, she could simply refuse. No need to dampen the young man’s spirits now.
She also asked about the bride price and whether Zhou Wei had enough money.
Zhou Wei understood the unspoken offer but remembered Eldest Brother Lin’s warning—never complain about being poor, and never borrow from Nan Sheng.
"My in-laws want a sewing machine and fifty yuan in cash. The money’s manageable if we tighten our belts, but the sewing machine coupon is hard to come by."
Nan Sheng didn’t hesitate. Her nephews often helped around the house, so she took it upon herself to assist.
"Sister-in-law, leave the sewing machine coupon to me. I have more connections—give me a few days, and I’ll get it to you."
Zhou Wei had hoped for this but hadn’t dared ask outright. Grateful, she insisted they’d cover all costs.
Back at home, though, Zhou Wei’s worry returned.
"Darling, even a basic sewing machine costs a hundred yuan, plus the bride price and the coupon. We’re stretched thin."
Lin Jianguo had already thought it through. "We’ll sell the five hundred pounds of grain we got from the harvest while prices are high. If that’s not enough, I’ll borrow a little from Mom and Dad."
Nan Sheng had once owned a sewing machine coupon—given by Lin Han—but she’d sold it to Xiao Yi. This time, she turned to her brother Mingli for help.
Luckily, Mingli had his own connections and quickly secured one.
"Sis, we really lucked out this time. The seller was in a hurry and only asked for fifty yuan. Looks like the Lin family’s about to celebrate a wedding, huh?"
Nan Sheng smiled but said nothing. Whether this would work out depended on the girl’s family.
According to Zhou Wei, they were well-off—several tiers above the Lins. She could only hope they truly valued Sizhong’s diligence.
Nan Sheng handed Mingli fifty yuan, and he pocketed it without guilt, knowing it wasn’t her money.
With the coupon in hand, Eldest Brother Lin bought a sewing machine in town for a total of one hundred sixty yuan.
Zhou Wei ran her hands over the gleaming new machine, her expression uneasy. "My in-laws have three sons. What if they keep the sewing machine instead of sending it back with the bride?"
Eldest Brother Lin took a drag of his cigarette. "Let’s get the girl married first. A sewing machine isn’t as important as a person." He’d already prepared himself for the loss.
The engagement was set for Nan Sheng’s day off. Though the kids were free, they refused to go.
The moment Sizhe thought of Xiahe Village, he remembered the Bai family’s greed and wanted no part of it.
"Mom, Siqi and I will wait for you at home."
Nan Sheng didn’t push them.
The Lins arranged for Old Man Liu’s oxcart to transport the sewing machine to Xiahe Village.
Eldest Brother Lin borrowed a bicycle for appearances—Sizhong rode Nan Sheng’s, while she, Zhou Wei, and her mother-in-law rode in the cart.
The grandparents were delighted about their grandson’s marriage. With Lin Guozheng as the village head, Fan Shuting as a teacher, and Nan Sheng’s government position, the family’s presence was a show of respect for Sizhong’s future in-laws.
The cart rattled along for two hours before reaching Xiahe Village.
The Wang family was already waiting at the village entrance, greeting them warmly.
At the Wang home, the matchmaker was in full swing, lavishing praise on the young couple until the engagement ceremony went off without a hitch.
At noon, the Wangs laid out a lavish spread—all prepared by Sizhong’s fiancée, Wang Yuting. True to Zhou Wei’s words, she was as capable in the kitchen as she was refined in demeanor.
Nan Sheng wondered—had she misjudged the family’s intentions?
