Married to Officer, Pregnant Specialist becomes the Winner!-Chapter 17: Engagement and Betrothal Gifts

Grandpa Sang’s eyes also reddened as he held back tears, "You old woman, why say we don’t have a home; now that our Xiao Xi is getting married, he’ll have a wife and thus a home."

"That’s a joyous occasion, so you better not cry."

"Yes, yes, our Xiao Xi is getting a wife, he’ll have a home, I won’t cry."

Sheng Zexi took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the tears from his grandmother’s eyes, "In the future, I’ll often bring your granddaughter-in-law to visit you."

"Good, good."

"By the way, tomorrow is the engagement and betrothal. Have you prepared all the betrothal gifts?"

The two elderly folks began checking Sheng Zexi’s betrothal gifts, fearing something might be lacking.

Watching his busy grandparents, warmth spread through Sheng Zexi’s heart.

Thinking that tomorrow was the day of his engagement with Gu Jia Ning, that warmth was sweetened even more.

In the evening, a light drizzle added a touch of chill to the winter. By dawn, the rain had stopped, and sunlight broke through the clouds, casting morning light.

As Yao Chunhua opened the door, the fresh air rushed in.

Magpies, who had flown in from who knows where, perched on the jujube tree in the yard, chirping away.

"Oh my, magpies chirping on the branches, that’s a good omen." Yang Manman said as she came out with a book from the room.

"Today is Ningning’s engagement and betrothal day; it must be a great fortune." Yao Chunhua beamed with a smile.

During breakfast, Gu Jia Ning also learned about this, lifting her spirits.

"Little sister-in-law, stay in your room. When we need you later, I’ll come to get you." After breakfast, Gu Jia Ning was called back to her room by her sister-in-law.

According to the customs of Huaihua Village, on the day of engagement and betrothal, the bride-to-be stays in her room while the bride’s family and invited relatives handle the betrothal affairs. She only comes out when it’s almost done to meet the groom’s side and their elders.

On the Gu Family’s side, Yao Chunhua invited her sister-in-law Lin Qiaoyun from the old house, as well as her sister-in-law Gu Yue, who married into the county, and her sister-in-law Gu Rou, who married into the neighboring Xinghua Village.

Gu Yue only found out a few days ago when her nephew Gu Yunting went to invite her to help that her brother’s daughter, Ningning, had surprisingly found a prospective match in a Beijing-registered, battalion-level military officer.

With the groom’s side coming for the engagement, the Gu Family surely needed their relatives to help.

Gu Yue agreed quickly, marveling at Ningning’s luck.

Gu Yue worked as a female worker in a food factory. After marrying, she took over her mother-in-law’s job. She had requested leave from the factory the previous day to come today.

Honestly, she couldn’t stand how her brother’s family spoiled Ningning and feared it might lead to trouble for the Gu Family.

Especially after hearing about the past events concerning Gu Jia Ning and Wen Zhiqing from the educated youth point, her apprehensions intensified.

Alas, no one, not even her brother or sister-in-law, heeded her words, not to mention her nephews.

She thought Ningning might end up marrying that Wen Zhiqing, but to her surprise, she found a match in a military officer and was now getting engaged.

Upon her arrival today, after interacting, she noticed the change in Ningning and felt it was positive.

Finally, her worries for her brother’s family were put to rest.

"Big sister, do you think that with Ningning marrying a military officer, there might be a chance for Minmin to meet one too?" Gu Yue’s thoughts were interrupted by her little sister’s inquiry.

Seeing the envy in her little sister’s eyes, Gu Yue replied, "Perhaps there will be a chance. Minmin is just 16; there’s no rush to match her. Waiting a couple more years is fine. Once Ningning moves in and gets familiar, there might be opportunities."

"Alright." Gu Rou replied, quite pleased.

The four siblings of the Gu Family, though each with their own households, maintained a good relationship.

Gu Yue and her younger sister, Gu Rou, shared a close bond since childhood. Gu Yue had two sons, freeing her from concerns about choosing a son-in-law, while Gu Rou had two daughters and one son. Her eldest daughter Minmin was 16, the right age for marriage discussions in the village.

Yet, finding a suitable match was difficult, causing some worry.

Gu Rou, lacking decisiveness, often relied on her more assertive and straightforward older sister, Gu Yue.

With Gu Yue’s response, Gu Rou felt reassured.

At that moment, the sound of a car horn came from outside.

The sisters exchanged glances, realizing the groom’s family had arrived!

The officer who had taken interest in Gu Jia Ning had come with his family to propose marriage!

A green Jeep parked at the Gu Family’s entrance, drawing the attention of everyone in the village. Inquiries revealed that the military officer who had shown interest in Gu Jia Ning was here for the engagement.

A truck followed, with items being unloaded piece by piece into the Gu Family’s home.

Bicycles, sewing machines, radios...

"Goodness, there’s even an electric fan. Surely, it’s more than just the standard ’three rounds and sound.’"

All field workers stopped their work upon hearing the news and hurried to the Gu Family’s place, eager to join in the excitement.

Yao Chunhua addressed their chatter, one by one.

"Yes, my son-in-law is from Beijing."

"Yes, he’s a military officer in the Northwest Region, at a level just below a battalion, earning 100 yuan a month."

"Once Ningning is married, she’ll follow him with the army."

"What do you mean by saying Ningning is lucky? My daughter Ningning is beautiful and has a good personality, that’s why my future son-in-law adores her so much."

"Yes, today is the engagement, and we’ll have the wedding banquet 12 days later. Everyone is welcome then."

Zhao Weihong, upon hearing this news, felt delighted and hurried to the educated youth point.

Li Juan watched Zhao Weihong’s figure from afar, knowing she was going to inform Wen Zhiqing of this news.

It was exactly what she wanted.

Wasn’t it amazing how lucky Gu Jia Ning was, losing one Wen Zhqing, only to have a Beijing officer as a match? Such good fortune.

Li Juan’s thoughts mirrored those of most girls in the village, all marveling at Gu Jia Ning’s good luck.

In her room, Gu Jia Ning listened to the sounds outside, knowing Sheng Zexi had arrived. Reflecting on her past life and this new chance she had through rebirth and binding with a system, she found herself to be incredibly lucky.

Thinking about meeting Sheng Zexi and his grandparents soon, Gu Jia Ning checked her appearance in a small mirror, feeling somewhat nervous.

Meanwhile, the entire Gu Family was stunned by the betrothal gifts Sheng Zexi brought.

In addition to the ’three rounds and sound,’ there was an electric fan, with a dowry of 500 yuan.

In the countryside, simply gathering ’three rounds and sound’ was already a big deal; betrothal gifts usually amounted to a few dozen yuan at most.

Sheng Zexi’s gesture of offering 500 yuan truly shocked everyone, not to mention the fruits, biscuits, milk powder, and canned fruit.

Such generous gifts undoubtedly indicated the groom’s family’s regard for the Gu Family and for Ningning.