Siheyuan: There are three little cats at home

Chapter 397

"Brother, I don't want any gift from her family."

Xu Fengming stood at the door of the house and said.

Xu Qing continued to unbutton his coat with both hands, and couldn't help smiling.

Sure enough, they are people who have stayed abroad, and their ideological awareness is really high.

After changing clothes, Xu Qing took his daughter-in-law and son, the sister in the next hut, and the second brother Aiguo who just came out of the old lady's hut, followed Feng Ming, and the whole family walked together in the already dark sky Next, go out towards the compound.

Shazhu spread the word that Xu Fengming was going to eat at Lao Mo's restaurant today, and the whole courtyard spread the word.

Seeing that Xu Qing and his family were going out at this time, everyone in the compound knew that they were going to Lao Mo's place to make an engagement for Feng Ming and eat foreign food, so they all stood at the door of their respective houses and looked around.

To be honest, none of the people in the compound had eaten at a foreign restaurant.

Even though Lao Mo has been operating in Sijiucheng for many years, the high price makes it a place that ordinary citizens do not dare to go to easily, so they can only look at it from a distance.

But today Xu Qing and his family are going to Lao Mo, which makes the rest of the compound envious and jealous.

Especially Yan Bugui, the third grandpa in the front yard, has long wanted to go to Lao Mo to have a meal, because in these years, people who can go there to eat, let alone what to eat, just go in and sit for a while before going out , it is also a matter of Bel's face in front of friends.

Yan Bugui has always had this idea since he saw Lao Mo opened his business when he was still young, and he never forgot.
But more than 20 years later, he has never gone in.

He has no money in his pocket, so how dare he step in? Even if he has money, he heard that he doesn’t use chopsticks and forks to eat. unwilling.

What's more, at that time, he was already married and had children. No matter how young and vigorous he was, he could only hold back when he thought that the whole family had to be supported by him alone.

I knew that the food in it was all Soviet food, such as borscht, braised beef in a pot. Listening to it whetted my appetite.

But without eating, Yan Bugui could only draw cakes from newspapers and books to satisfy his hunger.

After all, during the Republic of China, there were many foreigners in Sijiu City, and there were many restaurants opened.

What French cuisine, Soviet cuisine, there are many in the embassy district in Forty-Nine City.

Since liberation, they gradually disappeared one by one, only Lao Mo opened after liberation, and became the most famous and most desirable place to eat foreign food.

And this is mainly because the country's leaders have held grand banquets in it many times, which is naturally fascinating.

Yan Bugui leaned against the door of the house with a cigarette in his mouth. Seeing Xu Qing's eldest son coming out of the compound, smoking a cigarette, he really wanted to go with Lao Mo with him, but today Feng Ming was engaged, and the third son in the same compound as him It is inappropriate for the uncle to be present.

Although Xu Qing's parents were not around, it was not his turn to be the master and act as an elder.

Feng Ming had an eldest brother, Xu Qing. He had no choice but to turn around and lift the door curtain and go back to his house.

It didn't snow today, nor did it fall in the past few days. The air was dry and cold, and when the wind blew, the stinging face ached.

Fortunately, they all wore scarves, which could cover them a little.

Xu Hongzhi held his mother's hand and walked between Jinghong and Xiaoya, with a look of great interest on his face. Knowing that he was going out to eat, he was very happy.

Born in Forty-Nine City, the little guy has a lot of knowledge despite his young age. He has seen cars running up and down the street since he was a child. recognize.

Naturally, there are also many restaurants on the street.

In the past, Xu Qing received "Li Fenghong", the editor-in-chief of workers' newspapers who came to Sijiu City on a business trip, and sometimes brought his son with him.

In addition, Ma Jiefang or Da Mao was entertaining guests outside. The little guy either followed his parents, or followed his uncles Feng Ming and Aiguo. Anyway, since he was a child, he ate a lot of delicious food.

Mutton from Donglaishun, roast duck from Quanjude
The little guy can't say that he is familiar with all the famous restaurants, but he has gone in several times.

Of course, these centuries-old shops in Forty-Nine City had to change their names during the ten years of change, but recently, they all changed back.

The farce has ended, and the old store will continue to use the original name.

Xu Qing and his younger brother Aiguo, Feng Ming, and the three brothers each pushed their bicycles. As soon as they left the compound and walked a few steps in the alley, Xu Qing took his second brother Aiguo with him on his bicycle.

Aiguo gave the lady's bicycle in his hand to his sister-in-law Jinghong, who took her son with her.

Xu Fengming and his sister Xiaoya have a large family, and three bicycles are just enough.

Once out of the alley, the bicycle turned onto the street one by one and went towards Lao Mo.

The street lamps on the street had been turned on, casting a dim light under the lacquered curtain of night.

There are not many pedestrians on the street, the weather is cold, and it is night, no one likes to go out at this time, most of them wrap their clothes tightly, carry the shopping in their hands, and hurry home.

The compound where Xu Qing lives is not too close to Lao Mo restaurant near Xizhimen, but fortunately, it is not too far by bicycle.

Just riding a bicycle in this winter, facing the cold wind, is simply suffering.

When they arrived at Lao Mo's restaurant, Xu Qing blushed from the cold after only 10 minutes, and so did Jing Hong and Feng Ming.

Everyone got out of the car, parked their bicycles, and after talking briefly for a while, they hurriedly walked into the warm restaurant.

As soon as Xu Qing entered the restaurant, he glanced at his third brother Tang Xiujuan who was waiting for his family.

I've seen it before, so Xu Qing recognized it at a glance.

And Tang Xiujuan also recognized Xu Qing and the others, she quickly reached out her hand to beckon, stood up, ran to Xu Qing and Xu Fengming, looked at Xu Qing with a shy smile on her face and said, "Brother, you are finally here, hurry up!" Sit over there, my parents and I will arrive a little earlier than you."

Xu Qing responded with a smile, and walked towards a large table under the leadership of Tang Xiujuan.

Tang Xiujuan's parents were already sitting at the table. Seeing Xu Qing and her party approaching, they also stood up to meet them.

"You are Brother Feng Ming, Director Xu. Hello, I am Xiujuan's father, Tang Nianguo. I often hear my daughter mention you to Feng Ming."

Seeing that the other party took the initiative to talk to him, Xu Qing stretched out his hand while looking enthusiastic, hurriedly took off the woolen gloves that he had brought all the way, shook hands with him, and introduced:

"Hi Uncle Tang, my name is Xu Qing, you can call me Xiaoqing."

After a brief exchange of greetings, the two families got to know each other, and then sat down to order food.

Xu Fengming and Xu Aiguo, like Xiaoya and their little nephews, are the first time to eat in such an exotic place, and they seem a bit cautious.

And Jinghong is similar, this place, in this day and age, is really unaffordable for ordinary people, only Xu Qing has the memory of later generations, so he doesn't think it is too strange for this kind of foreign restaurant.

The decoration is quite good, and for this year and age, it can be considered magnificent.

But this is not the point, today is the engagement for the third brother, this is the most important event.

After ordering, while waiting, Xu Qing and Tang Nianguo finalized Feng Ming and Xiujuan's marriage.

Xu Qing is the head of the family when his parents are not around. Naturally, he can handle this kind of thing.

Xu Qing took the initiative to mention the dowry gift. Although he learned from his third brother that the other party didn't want a single dowry gift, he still had to say it.

What if Tang Nianguo changes his mind?
Tang Nianguo waved his hand and said, "Director Xu, I'm just such a precious daughter. I've discussed the bride price with Xiujuan's mother. We don't want it, but your family can't make my daughter suffer."

Xu Qing nodded with a smile and said, "Uncle Tang, don't worry, I assure you of this, if Xiujuan suffers even the slightest bit of grievance in our house, I will never forgive Fengming lightly."

Tang Nianguo chuckled and said, "That's good. My daughter is not a golden pimple. If she does anything wrong after getting married, just ask your wife, Comrade Jinghong, to teach her more."

Xu Qing nodded again and said no problem.

Since the bride price can be discussed without discussion, Xu Qing directly talked about Feng Ming and Xiujuan's wedding.

Tang Nianguo smoked and said, "I don't pay attention to the old almanac, anytime is fine, we both respect the opinions of Xiujuan and Fengming."

After Tang Nianguo finished speaking, he looked at his daughter lovingly.

Xu Qing turned to look at his third brother Feng Ming.

Xu Fengming said at this time: "Brother, Xiujuan and I haven't decided when to get married, but the plan is to get the certificate before the beginning of autumn next year."

When Xu Qing heard the third brother's words, he frowned slightly, and signaled Feng Ming, why don't you hurry up and set the date?

Xu Fengming shook his head, expressing that he was not in a hurry.

Xu Qing had no choice but to rely on his third brother.

In fact, Xu Fengming was worried about his second brother. He was the third child, so he couldn't get married before his second brother.

Although it's nothing, but in the eyes of outsiders, it's inevitable to gossip.

Because in the traditional concept, it is outrageous for the younger brother to get married first before the elder brother gets married.

And Xu Aiguo also understood this in his heart, they were all a family, and the three brothers couldn't understand each other's thoughts.

It's just that he never revealed his personal problems to the family.

This created the situation at this moment.

However, Xu Aiguo didn't want to talk about him at this time, and felt that the occasion was wrong.

Today is the engagement of the third younger brother Feng Ming, how can he talk about his affairs, how bad it is.Therefore, during the meal, Xu Aiguo seldom opened his mouth to speak, and only responded when Tang Nianguo asked him.

Jinghong and Xiaoya chatted happily with Xiujuan's mother. Women are like this, and they can get along with each other with just three words.

Xu Hongzhi behaved very well-behaved today. He didn't need Jing Hong to stare at him, nor did he need Xu Qing's help. He sat on a chair alone, sipping the food in front of him. He felt very delicious in his heart, but he dared not reveal it easily. There are also two grandparents who have never seen each other.

The little guy is shy.

After the meal, dessert was served in the restaurant.

Xu Hongzhi ate the food on the plate in front of his mother, his little face was full of happiness.

I rarely eat this kind of cream dessert, so I was shy and opened my cheeks to eat it.

There was a blurred circle around his mouth unconsciously, making everyone laugh out loud.

Xu Qing and his second brother accompanied Tang Nianguo for a drink, and gave the dessert in front of him to his daughter-in-law for his son.

At around nine o'clock in the evening, the two families were about to leave, and Xu Qing motioned to his second brother to check out.

Although Xiujuan's family chose the place to eat, Xu Qing couldn't let her family pay for this meal.

As for the two families following the foreign practice and going out on their own, that's even more unacceptable.

How could you be engaged to your third brother?

Besides, this is at home, not abroad.

We were full of wine and food, and had a pleasant chat.

Xu Qing even learned a lot about foreign affairs from Tang Nianguo.

Standing outside Lao Mo's restaurant, Xu Qing, his wife, son and younger siblings watched Tang Nianguo's family leave before setting off to ride back to his compound.

The little guy ate foreign food today, his belly was rounded, and he cried out his stomach was bloated all the way.

Jinghong had no choice but to stop the car and let her son walk to digest food.

Xu Qing and his younger siblings also accompanied him, and it happened that Xu Qing was able to ask his second brother Aiguo how his personal problems were going.

Xu Qing, Aiguo and Feng Ming walked in front, while Jinghong and Xiaoya walked slowly behind with Xiao Hongzhi.

Xu Aiguo scratched his head and whispered: "Brother, my partner and I can actually get engaged, and I also went to her house to meet her parents, but there is a troublesome matter, and she dare not let her family know , I’m too embarrassed to tell you.”

"Second brother, what's the trouble, what are you embarrassed to say?"

Xu Fengming had just finished his engagement, his heart was bright and happy, and his face was relaxed. He felt that the cold wind this night was not as cold as usual, and he opened his mouth to speak.

I just feel that the camera is broken. It’s a pity that I didn’t take a picture after the meal just now, so I can only make it up later.

Xu Qing glanced at his third brother, but without speaking, he turned to his second brother and said:
"Patriotic, tell me what's the matter, the sky is falling, there is big brother here, so you don't have to worry."

Xu Aiguo turned his head and glanced at his sister-in-law Jing Hong and younger sister behind him, and said in a low voice:
"Brother, my partner is pregnant with her."

Xu Fengming suddenly heard the second brother's patriotic words, and was shocked for a moment. His face was both surprised and happy, and he grinned and said:

"Second brother, that's amazing. He ran ahead of me without making a sound. I haven't lived with my partner Xiujuan before."

Xu Qing ignored the third brother's jokes, pushed the bicycle, thought for a moment and said:

"How long?"

"Two months."

Xu Aiguo lowered his head and whispered.

Xu Qing's thoughts were mixed. He was naturally happy that his second brother had a child with his partner.

But these days, getting pregnant out of wedlock can easily lead to trouble.

When he first entered the factory to work, Er Mazi in the workshop held hands with Chen Xiaojuan, who was not married at that time, and was almost eaten alive by Chen Xiaojuan's family.

It took a long time to get the matter down.

Now, the second brother actually has a child with his partner. They haven't even booked a wedding yet. If the woman's family finds out, it will be very troublesome.

Xu Qing looked at the dark night sky, exhaled, turned sideways to look at the second younger brother who bowed his head and said nothing:
"What do you and your partner mean?"

"At first, we wanted to go to the hospital to abort it, but my partner disagreed later, saying that he wanted to give birth. I... have no idea now."

After Xu Aiguo finished speaking, his head lowered even lower.

Xu Qing suddenly felt that the matter of the second brother was difficult, and when he returned to the courtyard, he asked his sister to park the bicycle at the door of the house, while he himself went to the hut where the second and third brothers lived.

After closing the door, Xu Qing asked Feng Ming to watch and turn on the fire in the room, then sat by the bed and said to his second brother:
"Patriotic, what do you do with her family?"

Xu Aiguo stood aside and said, "Brother, my partner's parents are officials. Her mother is the director of the education unit in our Forty-Nine City, and her father is"

Xu Aiguo hesitated to speak, looked at his elder brother, and dared not speak for a long time.

"What is it?" Xu Qing asked while smoking.

"He is a division commander in the army."

After Xu Aiguo finished speaking, he immediately lowered his head.

Xu Qing was smoking a cigarette, shocked in his heart, he didn't know whether to say that his second brother was capable or that he was brave.

Knowing that the partner came from a prominent background, the two dared to live together without getting married.

If this is reported by someone, let's not talk about his opponent's reaction, and others will be surprised when they hear it, and make irresponsible remarks behind their backs.

Xu Qing took two puffs of his cigarette and said, "Patriotic, what do you think her parents think of your relationship?"

Xu Aiguo said: "Brother, I went to Aiqian's house last time and met her parents. They agreed that I would date Aiqian."

"Didn't you ask about our family?"

"I asked, and I'll tell you the truth. Brother, you are the director of the No. [-] branch factory, my sister-in-law is in the art troupe, Feng Ming is the section chief in the hardware factory, and Xiaoya works in the piano factory."

When Xu Qing heard this, he let out a cry, threw the cigarette butt into the stove and said:
"Patriotic, did your partner tell her parents that you want to get married?"

Seeing that his elder brother wasn't too angry, Xu Aiguo calmed down his nervous expression and said, "I said, her father has no objections, and she is rarely at home, so her mother is responsible for everything."

"Then what does her mother mean?"

"Her mother likes me very much. She said that if I really marry Aiqian in the future, she will help us take care of the children."

When Xu Qing heard this, he felt that there was something wrong with his second brother.

Since the other party's parents don't mind the disparity in family status, it's easy to handle.

Xu Qing looked at his second brother seriously and asked, "Aiguo, do you and your partner really like each other?"

"Yes, brother, why do you ask such a question?"

Xu Qing sighed and said, "Is it okay if you don't ask clearly? If you two really want to be together, then I will take you there to make an appointment when the factory is on holiday for a while. Once you get married, you will save your partner's belly from getting bigger and being known by other family members, which is troublesome.

After all, paper can't cover the fire, right? "

Xu Aiguo hummed and accepted the elder brother's proposal.

However, within a few days, Xu Qing took Aiguo to Aiqian's house.

Because Aiqian's belly has already started to look big, thanks to this winter, she is wearing thick padded jackets, so she can't see it if she doesn't look carefully, but Xu Qing knows that she can't delay any longer.

If Aiqian's family really finds out about it, he may not be able to see anyone even if he takes his second brother to plead guilty, let alone get engaged.

Therefore, after Xu Qing got off work in the afternoon, he rode his bicycle back to his compound from the fifth branch factory, went into the house to change his clothes, took the presents Jinghong and Xiaoya bought when they came back from work, and then rode a bicycle and patriotically. Go out towards the compound.

At this moment, Xu Qing was sitting at the home of his second brother's partner, and after explaining his intentions, he discussed with Aiqian's parents about Aiguo and Aiqian's engagement.

Aiqian's father, who was a soldier all his life, was really just like Patriotic said about his children's affairs, and he didn't bother much. As soon as Xu Qing finished speaking, he got up from the sofa and said in a voice like a bell:

"They take matters into their own hands, I don't care and I won't interfere.

I have raised my daughter. Whoever she likes is her freedom, as long as your family doesn't treat her badly. "

After saying that, he turned around and left directly with the guard.

Aiqian's mother, who was a little embarrassed, was left behind, along with Aiqian and her sisters.

(End of this chapter)