Chapter 65

Li Dong didn’t expect that a set of four-piece bedding, which every household in the 21st century has, would cause such a commotion. All the men, women, and children in the village came to see the novelty, wondering what this four-piece set was, a name they had never heard before.

Upon seeing it, those who had never seen it before thought it looked really nice. The large red double happiness characters were very festive. Learning that it was brought from Shanghai by someone, everyone marveled at the wonders of big cities.

Especially the young brides and girls, their eyes were full of admiration for the large red bed sheets, duvet covers, and pillows. They thought it was really beautiful. Some girls even thought that if they had such nice bedding for their weddings, they would be overjoyed.

"The things from big cities are really different, they look so nice."

"Indeed, look at those large double happiness characters, the bride will surely like them." Everyone was so impressed that they didn’t dare to touch them, for fear of damaging their beauty.

"Who wouldn’t like it? Wei Min is really capable, having such a friend. Look at the mosquito net and the duvet cover, all brought from Shanghai. In the future, there’s no need to sew the bedding, which is really convenient."

"What, no need to sew the bedding?"

A few elderly people came in, looked around, and found the large red color very beautiful and festive, but they were a bit confused about not needing to sew the bedding.

Gao Weimin was delighted, his heart filled with joy, and a smile hung on his face. He had been grinning ever since the bedding set was put in place, and Li Dong was worried that he might smile too much and his face would freeze.

Now, he was even giving a demonstration. If it weren’t for the fear of damaging the zipper, Gao Weimin would have demonstrated it himself. Everyone marveled at how convenient it was, just a shake and it was done, no need for sewing. The people from the city are really smart.

Finally, the commotion was almost over, and Gao Weimin was still beaming with joy. However, Gao Weijuan took over the demonstration, as Gao Weimin, the groom, couldn’t just be busy with the young brides and girls.

"Brother, I really thank you this time."

Gao Weimin sincerely thanked Li Dong. "If there’s anything I can help with in the future, just let me know, no questions asked."

"Don’t be so formal, I won’t be happy if you keep thanking me."

"Alright, no more formalities between us."

Gao Weimin was delighted, the new room looked better and better, with the large red festive color, it was unique in the whole mountain. Everyone in the village praised it, and even his grandmother was so happy that tears came to her eyes, saying it was wonderful.

Thinking about how happy Gao Min would be if she saw it, Gao Weimin was extremely excited, he couldn’t sit still, his heart was racing, and he wanted to fetch Gao Min as soon as possible to show her and make her happy.

"Should we go now to fetch her? Isn’t it too early?"

It was only 6:30, and Gao Weimin’s parents were a bit hesitant about fetching the bride so early.

"Dad, it’s not early, it’s already light."

"Alright, go, but be careful on the way."

Gao Weimin immediately called everyone. Li Dong lent his car to Gao Weimin, and he rode Gao Weimin’s bicycle. With two large carts and a bicycle, a grand procession set off.

As they left the village, a long string of firecrackers was set off, and the whole village came out to watch. Candy was thrown, and everyone was delighted, especially the children, who chased the vehicles for at least half a mile.

The large carts played drums and trumpets, and the grand procession arrived at the commune by just after 7:00.

Gao Min’s home was at the eastern end of the commune, a brick house. Gao Min had an older sister who was already married and came back to help today, and a younger brother in his twenties.

"Brother-in-law, you came really early."

Gao Wei ran into his sister’s room and said with a smile, "Sister, your brother-in-law is here. I’ll hold him off a bit, you hold on, don’t let him think you’re eager to get married."

"Go, what are you talking about?"

Gao Juan glared, and Gao Wei laughed and ran out.

Gao Weimin organized people to move the dowry, which included a large cabinet and a sewing machine, items not every household could afford, indicating that both families were quite well-off and well-matched.

"Gao Wei, why are you blocking me?"

"Brother-in-law, that’s my sister, I can’t let you take her away so easily."

Saying this, he blocked the way, and a few playful friends joined in, lighting cigarettes.

"It’s not easy, not easy, you have to cross the river."

Gao Weimin didn’t need to light the cigarettes, but to show off his lighter, he personally lit one for his brother-in-law. Gao Wei was immediately attracted by the transparent, slightly green disposable lighter.

"Brother-in-law."

Gao Wei’s eyes twinkled. "Give me this, and I’ll let you in."

Pfft, Li Dong couldn’t help but laugh. A disposable lighter could buy off the brother-in-law, something that would never happen in the 21st century. Gao Weimin was taken aback, this kid really dared to ask.

"Weimin, give it to him, I’ll get you another one later." Li Dong, seeing Gao Weimin hesitate, quickly whispered, it’s not a big deal.

"Alright, take care of it, we can’t buy this here."

"Brother-in-law, don’t worry, I’ll take good care of it."

Gao Wei was bought off by the lighter. Gao Min, who was worried about Gao Wei’s mischief, was surprised to find that Gao Weimin had already come in.

"Minmin."

"You’re in already?"

"Where’s Gao Wei?"

"Gao Wei is probably hiding somewhere, enjoying himself."

"Minmin, I have some good news for you."

Gao Weimin, looking at his beautiful bride, couldn’t help but praise the four-piece set that Li Dong had brought, describing it as something rarely seen in heaven or on earth, beautiful and festive, all in one color, and how convenient the duvet cover was. This made Gao Min’s heart itch, and she couldn’t wait to see it. "What are we waiting for? Let’s go, you ride the bicycle and carry me."

"Are we leaving already?"

They had only been at Gao Min’s house for ten minutes, Li Dong thought, this was too quick.

The wedding procession went so smoothly that Li Dong didn’t know what to say. A pack of cigarettes wasn’t even finished, and the brother-in-law was bought off by a lighter. The bride was eager to go back and see the four-piece set. Especially when she saw Gao Weimin riding the bicycle, she was overjoyed, even with a leather seat, it was so comfortable.

She jumped onto the bicycle, hugged Gao Weimin’s waist, and they set off. This round trip wouldn’t delay their breakfast.

Back at Gao’s village, Gao Min immediately went to see the four-piece set. It was so beautiful that she wanted to lie on it and not get up. She touched it, looked at it, and even examined the lace several times. "Beautiful, beautiful, really beautiful."

She should have been shedding tears of farewell, but now she was grinning from ear to ear, too excited and happy.

The women who came to see her off were equally impressed, their eyes almost glued to the bedding. It was so beautiful.

"Really good." Gao Min’s sister sighed, touching the duvet cover and looking at the mosquito net. When she got married, having a mosquito net or a duvet cover was a cause for celebration.

Gao Min sat on the bed, unwilling to get up, her face flushed with excitement and happiness. It was really beautiful.

"Really, I have to thank Li Dong for all his help."

The mosquito net and the four-piece set were all brought by him, Gao Min thought, and she would have Gao Weimin thank him properly later.

At this moment, Li Dong really wanted to leave, but Gao Weimin insisted on keeping him. "No way, you haven’t had the wedding wine yet, you can’t leave."

"Right, you can’t leave."

Not only Gao Weimin, but his friends also didn’t want Li Dong to leave. They would drink and build relationships, and a lighter was a small price to pay for the four-piece set.

"I didn’t take leave."

Li Dong didn’t want to stay, as he had many things to do at home. Waiting for a lunch wasn’t worth it, and the banquet was just a few dishes of meat.

Gao Weimin’s parents came out, and Li Dong had no choice but to stay. Fortunately, Gao Weimin sent someone to help him take leave.

At the banquet, Li Dong was encouraged by Gao Weimin’s friends to drink a few glasses, and he started to boast.

"Lighters, no problem, I’ll get one for each of you."

"Brother, you’re a man of your word."

As for the four-piece set, Li Dong didn’t promise it right away, as he hadn’t figured out the price, whether it was 15 or 20.

"I really can’t drink anymore."

"Then eat more food."

Li Dong thought he had escaped, but when Gao Weimin and Gao Min came to offer a toast, he couldn’t refuse.

"Li Dong, I really thank you this time. I love the four-piece set, thank you." Gao Min was genuinely grateful, as the four-piece set and the mosquito net had made her very proud.

Even her cousin from the city had asked her to help get a four-piece set for her brother’s wedding, which was a better and more prestigious gift. This made Gao Min very happy, as her cousin usually looked down on her for being from the countryside.

"Brother-in-law, you’re too formal."

This glass of wine had to be drunk. After drinking, Li Dong felt a bit dizzy, and his bicycle wobbled on the way back, especially with the paper packages and cans hanging from the handlebars, which made him worry they might fall off.

These were all packed by Gao Weimin and Gao Min, including fruits, candies, braised meat, a large bag of sugar, cans, and milk powder, all valuable items in those days. Wobbling, these items were worth at least 15 to 20 yuan, and Li Dong had drunk quite a bit, making it hard to refuse.

He brought everything back, which would be good for Xiaojuan’s studies. The journey was smooth, and the items didn’t fall, but Li Dong almost vomited.

Before reaching the village entrance, Li Dong was a bit confused and almost hit some children playing at the crossroads. He quickly rang the bell, and the children ran away.

"Ring, ring, ring."

"Xiaojuan, Xiaojuan, your dad is back on the bicycle."

With Xiaohei’s shout, a group of children chased the bicycle, some of whom had never seen a bicycle before.

"Uncle, your dad is back on the bicycle, with lots of things."

Erya and a few other children, who had never seen a bicycle, were told by Han Xiaohao with pride.

"Bicycle, only officials can ride them."

"Wow."

The children looked at Xiaojuan with envy, as her dad could ride a bicycle, while their dads were not officials.

"What are these kids shouting about?"

"It seems someone bought a bicycle."

"Someone bought a bicycle?"

Han