As she held the bills in her hand, Wen Ran quickly counted them. Thirty notes.

That’s three hundred bucks.

The brigade leader almost turned green with envy.

You tell me, how come such a wonderful girl isn’t in her own family?

"Right, didn’t you save someone a while ago," explained the brigade leader, "those rewards have been held back and not given to you before.

Now, they’ve just arrived at the brigade, so I hurriedly brought them over to you.

What a coincidence, you’re getting married today, so consider it extra good fortune.

The goods outside on the ox cart include contributions from our brigade and also from the commune. Since you came to our brigade, you’ve had an indelible positive impact.

At the end of the day, we have you to thank."

Rarely seeing the brigade leader so formally, Wen Ran felt a bit unaccustomed to it.

She scratched her head, "Hahaha, if you look at it this way, just by getting married, I’ve struck it rich."

"You child," the brigade leader chuckled, "with your capabilities, you could get wealthy even without marrying.

But since you’re getting married, we all feel more secure."

"Oh?"

Wen Ran teased, "How come you’re feeling secure with me getting married?"

The brigade leader rolled his eyes; this cheeky girl clearly knew what he meant but made him say it out loud.

"Now you’ve settled down here and have a place to anchor your heart. Even if some shameless ones try to lure you away later,

I’m sure you won’t be easily swayed."

About this, the brigade leader was very satisfied.

Wen Ran: "."

Tsk.

Hearing this, she felt displeased.

She rolled her eyes, took the money, thanked him, and lightly remarked, "Uncle, I think you’re too optimistic.

Have you considered this: After Xiao Chenye and I get married, wherever I go, he will accompany me.

So, you should not be at ease; rather, you should be on edge.

Because if I leave, it’s not just me running away; the whole Xiao Family, a whole row of people, I have to take with me."

Brigade Leader: "???"

He nearly turned to stone on the spot.

Wait, what?

If she goes, she will take away their brigade’s most promising young man.

He nearly fainted.

This girl, on such a joyful day, just has to unsettle him.

"Oh dear," but thinking it over, this girl indeed has a point.

He hurriedly caught up, "What’s wrong with our brigade! Naughty girl, don’t say that to scare your uncle, your uncle is fainthearted."

"Hahahaha..."

That day was extremely lively.

The originally planned banquet was not enough at all; Wen Ran didn’t bother with any formalities.

She rolled up her sleeves and took Xiao Chenye up the mountains to hunt.

Three hours later, this newlywed couple carried back a large wild boar from the mountaintop.

It was a sow.

In comparison, it naturally tastes better than a boar, with less of a gamey taste.

The brigade leader, still with his heart racing from Wen Ran’s earlier statement, naturally wanted to do something!

"Well, since Wen Zhichen’s been with our brigade, she’s helped a lot! I’ll decide that this pig will be the main dish for Wen Ran’s wedding feast."

Otherwise, part of what they hunt from the mountain would have to be handed over to the brigade.

They could only get some work points in compensation otherwise.

This indeed was an exceedingly rare occasion!

"Great!" Wen Ran shouted, "Our uncle, you’re so generous!"

Immediately, the stove was set up, and the iron pot was placed on it.

The Xiao Family mobilized to borrow tables, chairs, and dishes from every household.

This wedding feast included many unexpected events, but it broke the mundane norms, emphasizing liveliness.

Nobody knew where the brigade leader got some wine; everyone got a bottom of a glass.

Everyone raised their glasses to congratulate the newlyweds.

Wen Ran’s eyes slightly reddened, "Thank you!"

This grand yet simple wedding, she would remember deeply for a lifetime.

After the meal, everyone was satisfied and happy.

Even when everyone left, they tidied up their spots.

After seeing the guests off, Wen Ran, along with the Xiao Family, laughed so much that their faces hurt and could hardly speak.

The people left, and the yard was clean.

Wen Ran cleared her throat and quickly ran into the house, making some honey water, subtly diluting it with spring water, then shared it with everyone.

"Have a sip, soothe your throat."

"Great!"

All day long, they hadn’t given their mouths a rest; their throats hurt like they were cut.

But after a glass of water, they instantly felt revived.

Mrs. Xiao looked at her amazed, "Oh my, where did you get this little thing? It tastes good, sweet, my throat feels better after drinking it."

"Nothing much, just honey water.

Auntie, if you like, I’ll make more for you."

As soon as she said this, Wen Ran paused.

It seemed she shouldn’t be calling her auntie anymore.

The marriage certificate was obtained, the wedding was conducted.

Mother and daughter exchanged glances and burst out laughing.

Wen Ran took a long time to speak seriously, "Mom."

Mrs. Xiao almost burst into tears, "Oh! Oh! Good child, from now on, I’m your mom."

"Come, come," she pulled Wen Ran into the room, "I have something to give you."

What she brought out was the golden necklace she had prepared for Wen Ran earlier.

"Over the years, I haven’t accumulated many valuable things, just this golden necklace which is somewhat presentable as my welcome gift to you."

Wen Ran: "!!!"

No, this...

Not accumulated any valuable things?

"Why are you staring?" Mrs. Xiao grabbed Wen Ran’s hand and put it in her palm, "It’s for you, just take it.

We as elders don’t have any other wishes, as long as you and Chenye live a good life, we’re happy."

"No, no," Wen Ran looked at the golden necklace, heavy and estimated to be around two hundred grams.

"How can I take something so precious?"

"Oh," Mrs. Xiao smiled, "why not? I’m cozying up to you, you know.

Don’t be fooled by your father and I being young and able now, later on, when we’re old, I’ll confide in you; we’ll rely on you and Chenye for our old age.

Xiao Chengguang, that little rascal, still hasn’t found himself a wife. I can’t expect anything from him, as long as he doesn’t die, whether he finds a wife or not, I won’t bother.

Besides, even if he finds a wife, whether she can get along with me is another matter.

We mother-daughter have such a great relationship, don’t we? By then, your dad and I will be at home taking care of your children, and in our free time, we can chat.

Just thinking about it makes me unable to hide my smile.

If you’re willing to support your father and me in old age, then you keep it."

With it being said like this, it would be awkward not to accept it.

"Alright!"

Wen Ran accepted the golden necklace, "Mom, then I won’t be polite with you."