Calling Wife
Who are you? And what do you call the person inside?” Lin Jiang asked with a righteous air, clearly enjoying the task of giving his older brother a hard time, looking quite like a little adult.
Su Su almost burst out laughing. She really wanted to hear how Lin Chuan would respond.
The other party seemed a bit frustrated and finally said after a long pause, “The person inside is my wife.”
What a rustic way to say it, but for some reason, Su Su felt warmth in her heart. She twirled her thumbs in circles, actually quite enjoying Lin Jiang making things difficult for his brother. Thinking of the stoic and straightforward Lin Chuan looking conflicted outside was rather amusing.
“There are so many people inside. Which one is your wife?” Lin Jiang crossed his arms, looking smug.
If Lin Chuan weren’t outside, he’d definitely drag his troublemaking younger brother out for a beating. But he held back, reminding himself that today was his wedding day, and he couldn’t lose his temper. If the bride saw his true nature, she might ignore him in the future. So, with great patience, he replied, “Su Su. Su Su is my wife.”
“Just saying she’s your wife won’t do. You need to give a red envelope to take her away,” Lin Jiang grinned. The family had prepared the red envelope, and once he got it, he could share some coins with the other kids to buy candy.
Lin Chuan said, “Fine. Open the door, and I’ll give you the red envelope.”
“Let’s open the door first, but don’t let anyone in,” Lin Jiang said, still wanting to tease his brother further after getting the red envelope.
However, as soon as the door opened, he immediately regretted it. How could he forget his brother’s incredible strength? The group of kids couldn’t hold the door at all. Not only did they fail to hold it, but Lin Chuan easily pushed through, brushing them aside like they were nothing. When Lin Jiang met his brother’s intimidating glare, he instantly cowered.
Lin Chuan handed over the red envelope and said, “Go play.” His tone implied they were dismissed and should leave immediately.
Lin Jiang took one look at his new sister-in-law, then quickly left with the group of kids, showing no loyalty at all.
Lin Chuan took three quick steps to Su Su’s side. She looked stunning today, and his Adam’s apple bobbed a few times. He handed her a scarf folded into the shape of a flower and said, “This is for you.”
It was a gift, carefully shaped like a flower. In this era, fresh flowers weren’t a common sight, especially given the season. So, presenting a scarf as a flower was thoughtful and heartfelt.
“Thank you,” Su Su said, accepting the scarf. Sitting on the heated brick bed, she wasn’t sure what she was supposed to do next.
“Time for photos, time for photos!” A man she didn’t recognize walked in, carrying a bulky camera. He set up the tripod and said, “Bride and groom, sit together. I’m going to take a picture.”
Lin Chuan sat down next to Su Su, and the two of them faced the camera.
In this era, getting a photo taken was a big deal, especially one taken at home. It seemed Lin Chuan had arranged for this.
After the photo was taken, Lin Chuan whispered, “He’s a comrade of mine, came here to help take some photos.”
“Then let’s take a family photo with your mother and the others later,” Su Su suggested.
“Okay.” Lin Chuan nodded, then got off the bed and, without warning, lifted Su Su into his arms.
Su Su hadn’t expected things to progress so quickly and instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. At that moment, the flash went off, and the man with the camera chuckled, “This one’s going to turn out great.”
Lin Chuan didn’t respond, but his ears visibly reddened, and the corners of his eyes turned pink. In no time, he was sweating.
“Am I heavy?” Su Su asked, thinking that her layers of clothing, combined with her weight, might be a burden.
But she remembered how he carried her down the mountain before, and he hadn’t seemed to struggle then.
“No, you’re not heavy,” Lin Chuan replied, though his nervousness had nothing to do with her weight. Holding the woman he liked in his arms, how could he not feel flustered? He quickly calmed himself and carried her steadily outside.
The bride didn’t need to know everyone, nor did she need to greet others. All she had to do was be shy and reserved.
Although Su Su had never experienced this before, she had seen it in stories. So, she obediently rested her head against Lin Chuan’s chest, avoiding eye contact with the people outside. Once they arrived at the Lin house, Lin Chuan gently placed her on the ground in the inner room. Although the room was surrounded by people, most of them tactfully moved outside to give space.
Lin Chuan’s parents were sitting on the brick bed, dressed in their newest clothes for the occasion, looking refreshed and spirited.
In this era, weddings in villages still included traditional ceremonies like bowing to heaven and earth, but they also required modern elements like pledging to the leaders.
The village party secretary hosted the bowing ceremony. Instead of kneeling, they only needed to stand and bow.
After the three bows were completed, Lin Chuan’s mother presented Su Su with a gift of money, saying, “From now on, we’re family. Live a good life together. Our family won’t let you suffer. As long as we have food, you’ll never go hungry.”
“Thank you, Mother,” Su Su replied. She had wanted to say “Mom,” but since Lin Chuan still called her “Mother,” she followed suit.
After calling her “Mother,” she turned to Lin Chuan’s father and called him “Father” without hesitation. As a modern woman accustomed to addressing all sorts of people in online chats, she felt no awkwardness. Her tone was crisp and clear.
“Ah, good girl,” Lin Chuan’s father responded, visibly delighted.
Seeing his eldest son marry and start his own family, he felt fulfilled. He hoped the couple would live happily together, and that would be enough for him.
Once the ceremony was complete, Lin Chuan’s father began organizing the meal tables. Like Lin Chuan, he was a man of few words, expressing his happiness through actions.
Lin Chuan, worried Su Su might get bumped in the crowded house, picked her up again and carried her outside for the next part of the ceremony. Normally, the couple should have stayed to chat with the guests, but it seemed Lin Chuan wasn’t keen on it and wanted to move the wedding along quickly.
The village party secretary, seeing them leave, hurriedly followed with a cheerful smile. He thought Lin Chuan might be quiet and reserved, but he clearly had his own ideas. Plus, he was very protective of his bride, not even letting the male guests get a good look at her before carrying her away.
Despite carrying someone, Lin Chuan moved quickly, practically jogging to keep ahead. The secretary couldn’t help but think, With this kind of stamina, no wonder he’s lasted so long in the army. He’ll surely do well after returning to civilian life.
The next location wasn’t fully prepared yet. They hadn’t expected the couple to arrive so early. While the portrait of the leader was already hung up, the ground hadn’t been covered with the red cloth.
Lin Chuan wasn’t in a rush. He stood to the side, still holding Su Su.
“Why don’t you put me down?” Su Su suggested, seeing the effort it took to clean and lay the red cloth. It seemed difficult for the women helping out, especially since among them was the female lead, who had shamelessly shown up to assist.
However, Su Su thought it might be better this way. If the female lead hadn’t come, her situation might have been even more awkward, as she was said to be completely isolated in the village now.
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