NOVEL NEXT Chapter 43: Celebrations and Neighbors
Chapter 43: Celebrations and Neighbors
After the worship ceremony concluded, everyone proceeded to the brigade’s courtyard where tables had been arranged. Lu Yuan’s mothers-in-law changed into cooking attire while Su Liyan transformed into a vision of beauty in a red cheongsam and matching high heels.
The banquet began around ten in the morning and continued until mid-afternoon. Meat and wine flowed abundantly, delighting the village men who ate and drank with enthusiasm. Lu Yuan, with Su Liyan by his side, made the rounds toasting village elders. Su Liyan remained close to her husband throughout, her face radiant with happiness.
When all dishes had been served, the two mothers-in-law returned home to change into formal clothing. A photographer from the local studio arrived to capture family portraits. The celebration had unfolded perfectly.
By three o’clock, the elderly women of the village began gathering leftovers. The men, having drunk considerable amounts, had eaten less meat than expected, leaving plenty on the tables. With bags they had prepared in advance, the women began collecting the remaining food.
Though Su Liyan’s family watched with some distress as these valuable provisions were carried away, they understood the situation. The banquet had been exceptionally lavish, thanks to their son-in-law’s generosity. At this point, they couldn’t risk losing face by objecting. Better to let others take the food home than see it spoil—their own house already contained more than they could reasonably consume.
Around four o’clock, Lu Yuan and Su Liyan changed clothing and prepared for their return to the city. The mothers-in-law packed various items for them, primarily yesterday’s fried meats and boiled meatballs.
“Here’s a whole pig’s head,” Zhao Qiaoer said, carefully placing it in Su Liyan’s large backpack. “I didn’t put it on the banquet table. Save this for Yuan’er to enjoy with wine when you get home.”
Su Liyan nodded repeatedly in acknowledgment.
Having consumed considerable alcohol at the banquet, Lu Yuan felt somewhat lightheaded—not drunk, but a bit dizzy—and sat aside to rest. Meanwhile, the mothers-in-law continued filling their daughter’s bags until no space remained. Then, they pulled Su Liyan aside for some private instructions.
By five o’clock, the family headed to the main road to await the bus. When it arrived, Lu Yuan turned to his stepmother Jin Meijing and Su Lina with a smile.
“Mom, you two should head back home now. I’ll arrange Lina’s preschool enrollment when I return to the city—it won’t take long, perhaps a week or two. Once everything’s settled, I’ll come get you.”
Jin Meijing nodded excitedly. Though she understood this would be her permanent life change, she desperately hoped her daughter could receive an education, become cultured, and escape village life.
Finally, Lu Yuan and Su Liyan boarded the bus. They arrived at their compound just after six in the evening, when most workers had returned home. Men played cards outdoors, waiting for their wives to announce dinner.
Upon entering the compound, Lu Yuan was surprised to see Dean Sandou crouching by his doorway, tending to two pots of struggling flowers. This was the compound’s “third dean,” a dedicated elementary school teacher at a formal government institution. Though respected, he was notoriously frugal, even opportunistic with small matters.
There was a common saying: “You’ll be poor if you eat and dress well without planning properly.” Indeed, for a teacher approaching fifty, his monthly salary of thirty yuan was modest. His limited advancement—only a few “excellent teacher” recognitions in over twenty years of service—meant promotion was unlikely. He was simply waiting for retirement.
The third dean had two sons. The elder, nearly thirty, had established a separate household but struggled financially, frequently bringing his wife back to his parents’ home for meals. The younger son, about twenty-seven, lived at home with his wife and child. In total, five people—the third dean, his wife (third aunt), younger son, daughter-in-law, and grandson—depended primarily on the dean’s modest salary, plus occasional visits from the elder son and his wife.
Naturally, the third dean took advantage of any opportunity that presented itself.
Lu Yuan stared at the man for a moment before smiling. “Hey, Dean San, those are some nice new flowers you have there.”
The third dean glanced up at Lu Yuan’s greeting. “Ah, you’re back from the wedding banquet?”
Though Lu Yuan had previously been rude to him, the third dean harbored minimal resentment. As a simple elementary teacher with little prestige, he had been named “third dean” primarily due to his early residency and respected occupation. But the position held little real power and offered no compensation.
“Yes, just returned,” Lu Yuan replied pleasantly. “Have you eaten dinner yet? I have some fresh pig’s head and good wine. Would you care to join me for a drink?”
At the mention of pig’s head and wine, the third dean’s eyes lit up. Though aware of Lu Yuan’s questionable reputation—his wife gathered all the compound gossip each night—such considerations seemed trivial compared to the prospect of meat and alcohol. It had been some time since he’d enjoyed such luxuries.
Despite earning over thirty yuan monthly and occupying public housing—theoretically a comfortable arrangement—supporting his extended family stretched his resources thin. And what could Lu Yuan possibly want from him anyway?
The third dean nodded eagerly and followed Lu Yuan home. As they walked through the compound, neighbors watched with darkening expressions. This troublemaker had returned from his in-laws with delicacies—pig’s head and wine! All thanks to his wife’s family!
As Lu Yuan and Su Liyan approached their home, they heard Wang Xu’s boisterous voice echoing through the courtyard.
“My daughter-in-law’s parents are both working! The family is wealthy! Unlike some people whose families are extremely poor!”
Lu Yuan paused, puzzled by these declarations. Had Wang Xu found a new daughter-in-law?