Morning.
Beijing North Heping Street.
Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan alighted from the taxi at his old apartment.
Dong Xuebing was still in his usual clothes, but Xie Huilan wore a beautiful white silk dress.
Dong Xuebing replied. “We were busy these few days, and our training at the Party School will end tomorrow. We got to report to the School to get our certificate. Today will be the final day of our marriage leave, and we have lots to do. Oh, our cars are arriving tomorrow, and we got to change the registration plates. Our new postings should be out tomorrow. I am thinking of registering and getting our marriage cert after visiting my Mum.”
Xie Huilan smiled. “I don’t mind.”
“Then it’s settled. You still have time to regret now.”
“Oh, since you brought this up….” Xie Huilan joked. “I am regretting. Let’s talk about this another day.”
Dong Xuebing gave her a stare. “It’s too late now.”
“Haha…. You are so domineering. Are you forcing me to marry you?”
“Yes. Are you unwilling?”
Xie Huilan hugged Dong Xuebing’s arm. “I had slept with you. What else can I say?”
Dong Xuebing blushed. “Stop talking nonsense. I am warning you not to say such things in front of my mother later.”
“Alright. I know how to behave.”
“Let’s go upstairs.”
After getting married, the couple returned to the husband’s parents’ house to pay respect. They were following the customs.
Dong Xuebing straightened his clothes and pressed the doorbell.
Ding dong… ding dong…. The door opened. Luan Xiaoping and Yang Zhaode stood there to welcome them. “Xiao Bing, Huilan. Come in.”
Dong Xuebing greeted them. “Mum, Uncle Yang.”
“Uncle Yang, Mum.” Xie Huilan smiled.
Luan Xiaoping closed the door behind them and held Xie Huilan’s hand. “My daughter-in-law is so pretty today.”
Xie Huilan laughed. “It’s because of my clothes. I had wanted to wear a suit, but Xiao Bing insisted I wear this dress. He said you like the white color.”
Dong Xuebing rolled his eyes. When did I say that?
Luan Xiaoping smiled brightly. “Good…. Good…. It’s nice.”
Xie Huilan smiled. “Mum, why didn’t you two stay in a hotel room? I had asked my mother to reserve a room for you all.”
Luan Xiaoping waved her hand. “Your mother had told me, but it was too troublesome. It’s more comfortable living in my own apartment.”
“Haha…. That’s right. No place can be compared to home.” Xie Huilan and Dong Xuebing walked over to pour two cups of tea for Yang Zhaode and Luan Xiaoping.
Serving tea is the duty of a new daughter-in-law.
But Yang Zhaode stopped them. “Your mother and I are not married. I cannot accept this cup of tea.”
Dong Xuebing replied. “Uncle Yang, don’t say this. We are a family.”
Luan Xiaoping pushed Yang Zhaode lightly. “What are you doing? The kids had prepared the tea.”
With a smile, Yang Zhaode nodded and drank the tea served to him by Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan.
The traditional custom was completed.
It’s hard for most mother-in-law and daughter-in-law to get along, but Luan Xiaoping likes Xie Huilan a lot. They held hands on the sofa to chat. “Huilan, since you call me Mum, I will treat you as my daughter. Xiao Bing is lucky to marry you. You two must cherish your time together and have kids early. I still can help you all care for your kids before I get old.”
Dong Xuebing protested. “We just got married. Why are you talking about kids?”
Luan Xiaoping looked at her son. “I am not talking to you. Get lost.”
Xie Huilan laughed. “I also want to have children early. Haha….”
“You must have a son.” Luan Xiaoping was delighted to hear this from her daughter-in-law. “I can tell you will have a son from your figure. What do you think, Old Yang?”
Yang Zhaode nodded.
Dong Xuebing sighed. “These are all superstitions.”
Yang Zhaode was amused. “Oh, when are you two registering your marriage?”
Luan Xiaoping added. “That’s right. We had held the ceremony, and you two must get your marriage cert.”
“We had planned.” Dong Xuebing was about to say when Xie Huilan interrupted him.
Xie Huilan asked. “Mum, we will listen to you. Haha…. You will decide the date.”
Luan Xiaoping was happy. “How about today? I had given the Hukuo booklet to Xiao Bing.”
“Ok.” Xie Huilan looked at Dong Xuebing. “Is it ok? Xiao Bing?”
“Huh? Ok.” Dong Xuebing was speechless. They had decided to go today when they were downstairs, but Xie Huilan let Luan Xiaoping decide for them. Although Luan Xiaoping suggested the same today, Xie Huilan displayed her respect for her. It will let Luan Xiaoping feel she doesn’t have air. Sigh…. Xie Huilan was good at talking, and he had a lot to learn from her. Respecting the seniors’ wishes will bring them closer to each other and prevent conflicts. This can be applied to the government sector.
Everyone chatted happily in the living room.
Xie Huilan was behaving like a perfect daughter-in-law. She served tea and poured water. She even peeled an apple for Luan Xiaoping. Luan Xiaoping was satisfied with her performance. “Look at my daughter-in-law. I am relieved to let you take care of Xiao Bing.”
Yang Zhaode also nodded.
Dong Xuebing also felt proud.
Xie Huilan might be difficult to please and loves to argue with Dong Xuebing at home. However, she will make him look good when they are outside.
Afternoon.
Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan walked out of the estate.
Dong Xuebing thanked Xie Huilan. “Huilan, it must be hard for you earlier.”
“What are you talking about?” Xie Huilan looked at Dong Xuebing. “How can it be hard to chat with Mum?”
“I am referring to pouring tea and water. You had never done any chores at home.” Dong Xuebing replied.
Xie Huilan smiled. “I am not made of paper. What’s so difficult about it?”
Dong Xuebing laughed. “But you are good with words. Mum was so happy when she chatted with you. I have seldom seen her so happy since my father passed away.”
Xie Huilan laughed. “It’s my duty.”
“My Mum is right. I am lucky to have you as my wife.” Dong Xuebing hugged her from her back. “Kiss….”
Xie Huilan laughed and pushed him away. “We are outside. Don’t embarrass me.”
Dong Xuebing laughed. “Stop pretending. You are more thick-skinned than me.”
“Oh…. I dare you to say that again.” Xie Huilan looked at Dong Xuebing.
Dong Xuebing cleared his throat. “Stop picking a fight with me. Fine…. I will not make you angry. Let’s go and get our cert.”
Xie Huilan looked at her watch. “Let’s hurry. We got to go to my house later.”
Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan can only register their marriage in Beijing as they hold Beijing Hukou. Although they can register it in Fen Zhou City, it will be very troublesome. After graduating from the Party School, they will be posted to new positions.
On the way to register their marriage.
Dong Xuebing asked. “Is your promotion to Deputy City Mayor confirmed?”
“I think so.” Xie Huilan replied. “The City’s Party Committee had spoken to me.”
“Which sector will you be in charge of?”
“This is not decided. I will know after I assume the position. But I don’t think they will assign important tasks to me. After all, I don’t have enough experience.”
“Many top Leaders had attended our wedding. Can’t they help you?”
“This is how the government sector works. You must have strong backing, but it doesn’t mean you will have no worries. I got to depend on myself because of my age and position. No one would dare push me up to Bureau Director, even if I used my family’s connection. Being a Deputy Bureau Director at thirty-one had attracted lots of gossips. It is the same for you. You have to depend on yourself in the future.”
“You are right. Do you think Uncle Yang can help us?”
Xie Huilan looked at Dong Xuebing and laughed. “I am telling you this since you brought this up. Uncle Yang can’t help us when we return to Fen Zhou City. He is posted to a neighboring city as the acting mayor. He had offended many people because of the earthquake. His former connections will fade, and he has more rivals than allies. Don’t even think of using your relationship with him at work. It will not be good for your career.”
Dong Xuebing replied. “Since when did I depend on others to get my promotions? It’s all my capabilities.” He will only use his connections when necessary.
“That’s right. My little husband is extraordinary.”
“Hehe….. you are making me blush. But that’s the truth.”
“Haha…. You are shameless.”
They walked to the Civil Affairs Department hand-in-hand, and their marriage was registered quickly.
Dong Xuebing and Xie Huilan are legally husband and wife now.
