Chapter Seventeen: A Marriage Proposal (New Book—Please Take a Look!)
“Bang!”
The door to the women's dormitory was forcefully pushed open. Immediately, to everyone’s surprise, Li Na came rushing in, breathless.
Seeing Tang Xue quietly wiping away tears, Li Na quickly approached her.
“Xiao Xue, don’t cry. Sorry to keep you waiting. Xiao Yi is just behind; he’ll be here any moment!”
Upon hearing Li Na’s words, a faint glimmer appeared in Tang Xue’s despondent eyes. Her voice trembled slightly as she asked, “Will he… really come?”
“Of course he will! You don’t even know how much that guy cares about you. To save face for you, he dragged me all over the supply and marketing cooperative spending money like crazy. Even the shop clerks were shocked!” Li Na said with a smile.
“Did you come back so late because you were shopping in the city?” Tang Xue asked anxiously.
“Yes, but it’s not all because of shopping!”
“Then what happened?”
“On our way back, we rescued an unconscious old man and took him to the hospital. That’s why we got back late!”
Just then, Tang Xue’s close friend Zhang Xinyao chimed in, “So it was because of saving someone. That’s definitely understandable!”
“I told you, there must have been something that held you up!”
“This is a good deed that brings blessings. Xiao Xue, you really are lucky…”
Hearing that Li Yi was only late because of helping someone, Tang Xue’s mood brightened considerably.
Seeing this, Li Na hurriedly added, “Xiao Yi was worried you’d be anxious, so he sent me ahead to explain. He and my parents will be here soon. Xiao Xue, you should get ready!”
Thinking of how she had just been crying and laughing, Tang Xue felt she must have looked quite a mess.
She quickly got up and, with the help of several young women, washed her face and tidied her clothes.
Just as she finished preparing, a knock came at the door, accompanied by a noisy murmur of voices outside.
Tonight, Tang Xue was unquestionably the main character, so she opened the door.
Outside stood Li Yi’s family, along with village elders, the matchmaker, and others, each holding one or more gifts.
Tang Xue was clearly dressed with care today—a simple floral blouse, black trousers, and semi-new cloth shoes, yet she carried a unique charm.
Her face seemed to have been lightly touched with snow cream, giving her a fair and radiant complexion, accompanied by a faint fragrance.
But what captivated Li Yi the most were her bright eyes, lively yet tinged with a hint of melancholy, as if one look could draw in a person’s entire soul.
To be honest, Li Yi was genuinely stunned by the sight of Tang Xue.
Though the girl before him wore no luxurious clothes or heavy makeup, she outshone time itself.
Seeing Li Yi staring intently at her, Tang Xue blushed deeply and lowered her gaze, unable to meet his eyes.
Experienced as ever, the matchmaker stepped forward and said, “Tang Zhiqing, we are here today on behalf of the Li family to formally propose marriage! Though your love is of your own choosing, the Li family will not skip a single step in the proper procedures.”
“Now, let the village elder of the Li family read the marriage contract!”
Grandfather Li Qi was one of the few educated men in the village and held the highest seniority, so it was only natural that he would perform the reading.
Holding a large red paper contract, he used the dim light of a flashlight to read aloud in a clear voice:
“The union of two families, a bond sealed in one ceremony, a blessing eternal, a perfect match. On this day, the peach blossoms bloom bright; a harmonious home is promised. May future generations be numerous and prosperous. This is a vow of lifelong fidelity, inscribed on a grand scroll; a pledge sealed in the marriage register. This is the witness!”
As his voice fell, Granny Zhang added, “To celebrate the marriage of Tang Zhiqing, the Li family is prepared to offer a bride price of 88 yuan, along with two catties each of rice, flour, and oil!”
“In addition, two yards of cotton cloth, two yards of floral fabric, two enamel basins with flowers, two thermos bottles, two towels, two bars of soap, two tubes of toothpaste, two bottles of snow cream, two catties of brown sugar, two packs of White Rabbit milk candies…”
Everyone inside and outside the room, young men and women alike, were stunned by the generous bride price.
Not to mention the 88 yuan cash, the items alone held considerable value.
Though there were no big-ticket gifts like bicycles, sewing machines, or radios, it was clear the Li family held Tang Xue in high regard.
What surprised everyone even more was that after the matchmaker finished, Li Yi spoke again:
“This is just the gift for the proposal. I promise that before the wedding, I will prepare the ‘Three Transfers and One Ring’ for you. If time allows, I will even build you a large new house!”
A hush fell over the crowd at Li Yi’s words. Although many doubted the Li family’s financial strength, Li Yi’s bold promise in front of so many earned their deep respect.
Tang Xue was also taken aback by Li Yi’s vow and immediately said, “That won’t be necessary. If you want to buy those things for me, there’s still time after we’re married!”
Honestly, she was a little worried that Li Yi might trouble his elderly parents by trying to procure all those items.
Li Yi understood what Tang Xue was thinking but said nothing. Sometimes actions speak louder than words.
Seeing Tang Xue had no objections, Granny Zhang declared loudly, “Then this engagement is sealed. Once the auspicious date is chosen, you can wed. Wishing you a loving marriage, eternal unity, early blessings, and a lifelong companionship!”
Everyone congratulated Li Yi and Tang Xue, making Tang Xue blush deeply.
Li Yi then took out candy and cigarettes he had prepared to share with those around, allowing everyone to partake in the joy.
Though the proposal had its twists and turns, the outcome was favorable.
By ten o’clock at night, everyone finally returned to their homes.
Li Yi did not linger at the youth workers’ quarters, as many matters awaited him at home.
...
The Li Family.
Under the dim glow of a kerosene lamp, Dongzi, Shitou, Qiangzi, and others sat on small stools or simply on the ground, crowding the Li household.
These youngsters had all been called back by Li Yi, partly so he could distribute the money earned from selling mushrooms today, and partly to assign tasks for the next day.
Li Yi pulled out a wad of small bills from his pocket and said, “You all gathered quite a few mushrooms yesterday, so each of you will get five yuan. Dongzi, you hand the money out to the others!”
“Got it!”
Having done this before, Dongzi took the money without hesitation and distributed it one by one.
After the money was handed out, Li Yi continued, “We picked nearly two hundred catties of mushrooms over the past two days. Adding today’s hundred or so, there probably won’t be many left in the forest. So I’m assigning tasks to ensure a steady supply!”
“Yi Ge, you tell us what to do. We’re all listening to you!” Dongzi said at once, with others nodding in agreement.
“Tomorrow, you all go to the forest on West Mountain to pick. But you’re not just gathering mushrooms—if you come across wild black fungus, white fungus, inch mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, or white jade mushrooms, pick those too!” Li Yi instructed.
“Yi Ge, can black fungus be sold too?” Shitou asked.
“Yes, that stuff is even more valuable than mushrooms!” Li Yi replied.
“Really? I saw a big dead tree in the back mountain today, covered in black fungus. If I pick it all, there’s at least ten catties. Tomorrow I’ll get the whole cluster!” Shitou said excitedly.
“If you really bring it back, I’ll give you a bigger share the day after tomorrow!”
“Thanks, Yi Ge!”
Li Yi added, “Also, if there are other kids in the village who want to come pick mushrooms with you, bring them along. But remember, no one too young—we must ensure their safety!”
“Understood, Yi Ge!”
“Alright, first clean the mushrooms in the baskets of any debris before heading back. I’m leaving early tomorrow morning and won’t have time to sort them!” Li Yi reminded.
“Okay!”
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