Chapter 2012 The wedding banquet officially begins
Chapter 2012 The wedding banquet officially begins
Morning light streamed through the large red paper-cut "囍" character on the window frame, scattering tiny golden specks throughout the room.
Qin Ruobai had been sitting in front of the pear wood dressing table in the inner room for quite a while, her stunning face reflected in the mirror.
After giving birth, she lost some of her girlish shyness and gained more of a maternal warmth and serenity. Her complexion was rosy and full under careful care, and her eyes were as clear as if they had been washed by spring water.
At this moment, she is combing her long, thick, black hair with a wooden comb, smoothing it out bit by bit.
Instead of braiding or simply buning her hair as usual, she styled it in a dignified yet festive way, for today's occasion was far too important.
Li Xiangnan stood behind her, holding Xiao Xitang, looking at her with deep affection. His eyes were filled with amazement, pride, and an overwhelming love.
"Do you need my help?" Li Xiangnan handed the toy Snow White to Xiao Xitang, placed her in the cradle, and then walked over, brushing his fingers across his wife's earlobes and neck as he combed her hair.
Soon, under Qin Ruobai's guidance, a dignified bun was styled at the back of her head, revealing her smooth forehead and graceful neckline. It was secured with just a silver hairpin, which was enough to make her look incredibly elegant.
This is his Ruobai, who can always give him the calmest strength when his mind is in turmoil.
Qin Ruobai smiled at him and opened a face cream, the most popular brand at the time.
After applying a small amount to my fingertips and rubbing it in my palms, I gently patted it onto my face.
A delicate fragrance permeates the air, and the simple, warm scent unique to this era is everywhere.
Then, she gently dabbed the Xiafei lipstick that she usually couldn't bear to use onto her lips and carefully applied it.
The bright red color instantly illuminated Qin Ruobai's entire face, making her incredibly beautiful. Yet, because of the calmness in her eyes, she didn't appear ostentatious. Instead, she exuded the aura of a matriarch who could command respect.
She immediately stood up again, put her arms around her husband's neck, and said, "Time to change clothes!"
The two smiled at each other and then went to change into the clothes that had been prepared for them.
Qin Ruobai wore a bright red brocade cotton-padded jacket with Chinese knot buttons, the collar and cuffs were inlaid with a circle of soft gray squirrel fur, which was both festive and noble, perfectly matching the atmosphere of Xiao Xitang's full moon banquet.
Her lower body was equally impressive, wearing a pair of dark blue polyester straight-leg pants, the creases of which had been ironed perfectly by Song Yi and Qiao Henwan, highlighting her full and upright figure.
Although her feet were simple, just a pair of shiny black mid-heeled shoes, her confidence and sunny disposition brought out her aura, serving as the finishing touch.
This outfit was considered extremely fashionable and respectable in Beijing in the early 80s, combining traditional Chinese festive elements with the simplicity and efficiency of modern women.
She turned around in front of the mirror, the fabric rustling softly, her red coat making her face look like a peach blossom.
Li Xiangnan had just changed his clothes, wearing a brand-new dark blue Zhongshan suit, with an upright posture and a resolute face.
He turned around and saw his wife dressed so beautifully; the admiration and love in his eyes were impossible to hide.
"Ruobai, you look absolutely stunning today! Just as beautiful as you did on our wedding day!"
"You're handsome too!"
The two exchanged sincere compliments, looked at each other, and burst out laughing.
Qin Ruobai covered her mouth as she approached the cradle and gently took Xitang into her arms. The little one opened her big, dark eyes and looked curiously at her mother's bright red dress.
"Xitang," Qin Ruobai said softly, "Doesn't Mommy look pretty? Our little lucky star is going to meet lots and lots of people today!"
Li Xiangnan smiled and stepped forward to embrace his wife and daughter, holding them tightly and feeling the warmth of the moment.
"Let's go!" Qin Ruobai raised her head, her eyes flashing with a bright and determined light. "The guests should be arriving soon!"
"Mm!" Li Xiangnan nodded, tightly grasping her free hand.
She took a deep breath, a radiant smile blooming on her face—a smile that was composed, warm, and infectious. Holding her husband's fingers, she said, "Let's go!"
Squeak!
The bright winter sun shone in as soon as the door opened, enveloping the family of three.
The bustling sounds of people, laughter, and busy activity in the courtyard immediately became clear.
"Wow! Sister Ruobai, you look so beautiful today!" Jiang Qitao was still eating the fried dough sticks that Defa had bought that morning when she froze.
As she exclaimed, everyone busy in the central courtyard saw the couple, and their amazed looks instantly spread.
Li Xiangnan and Qin Ruobai exchanged a glance and smiled again.
The two were then surrounded by the crowd.
While dealing with them, Li Xiangnan kept a close eye on his surroundings.
The villagers of Sanduhe have become the most genuine and simple sight in this courtyard.
Although they didn't understand the intricate rules of city banquets, they possessed the most sincere strength and good intentions.
Yuan Guoqing, along with several male comrades, chanted slogans as they carried the heavy octagonal table to the center of the courtyard and were adjusting its position.
Shi Dujuan, Shi Jinxiu, Lan Cuihua, and several aunties were washing a mountain of dishes by the pool with their sleeves rolled up. Their hands, red from the cold, were going in and out of the warm water, but their faces were full of satisfied smiles.
Grandpa Shi watched the young people busy at work and occasionally reminded them to pay attention to the floor mats.
Secretary Shi Dabao was already checking the menu and portion sizes with Ma Ying, who was in charge of the kitchen.
While they tried their best to integrate, the neighbors in the courtyard were much more familiar with the place.
Aunt Lu, Aunt Yu, and Aunt Yuan became the logistics managers, leading several nimble young wives as they moved between the kitchen and the yard, giving orders with composure.
"Put this plate of fried meatballs aside for now. We'll have the chef reheat it when it's served as the twelfth dish!"
"Go find the ink Zhang Jingyang asked for, Hongxing's mother, and hurry! Someone's coming soon! The accounting department can't afford to run out of this stuff!"
"Have you prepared all the matches Dean Yao requested? They're for setting off firecrackers later! Quickly double-check with him!"
The families in the front and back yards of the central courtyard had already been checking if they had enough tables, chairs, and benches. Even the thermos bottles had names written on them to prevent them from not returning.
Housewives naturally joined in the task of picking vegetables and peeling garlic.
The entire courtyard, and even half of the alley, seemed to have become an extension of the Li family's home. The sounds of voices, laughter, and the clatter of pots and pans intertwined to create the most vivid symphony of everyday life.
Li Xiangnan glanced at his watch and nodded to his wife in the crowd: "It's 7:30. Uncle Song should be here soon. I'll go greet him!"
"Okay, you don't need to worry about me, I'll take care of the women!" Qin Ruobai waved his hand.
Song Cijiu, as the person in charge of the entire banquet, led Wang Defa to oversee the whole event, and was the first person to arrive!
Just as I saw him at the door, the first car horn sounded from the alley entrance.
Li Xiangnan took a closer look and was somewhat surprised.
The first person to arrive is way too early!
Turning his head, he was even more surprised by the identity of the person who had come.
It wasn't the Qin family, nor the Song family, but actually the Lin family.
"Uncle Lin! You're so kind!"
What was unexpected was that Lin Jianzhou himself brought his entire family over.
Li Xiangnan quickly went to greet him.
met free