To others, the home visit to the bride's family was a big event. The newly-wed daughter had to be accompanied by the son-in-law, and they would bring pastries to visit the bride's parents. This showed etiquette and respect.
Then, the couple would happily finish lunch with them and rush back to their own home before sunset. However, it was completely different for Hua Tang—she was returning to her parent's home to ask for money.
Her father promised her that as long as she married on behalf of Hua Ning, he would give her a sum of money—a sum large enough to treat her mother's illness and also enough for her brother to go to school. But now, three days into her marriage, it was as if the Hua family's promise had never happened.
No one mentioned it again.
After some deliberation, Hua Tang decided to ask for it herself. But she couldn't bring Mu Chi along, or else everything would be exposed.
Who knew what Mu Chi would do in a fit of anger? After all, Mu Chi was to marry the eldest daughter of the Hua family.
"Mu Chi, I…" She racked her brain to think of a suitable wording, trying to come up with a legitimate and logical reason so that he, the son-in-law, did not have to accompany her back. In the end, after some deep rumination, she barely squeezed out a few words. "I've made breakfast. Come and eat."
Fu Yong was doing his morning exercises in the courtyard. When he heard her soft voice, the iceberg in his heart seemed to melt. This was something he had never thought would happen.
Hua Tang made steamed dumplings and soy milk.
Although it was simple, it was already the limit of what she could do. After all, their new home was really poor, and she herself had no money.
When Fu Yong stepped into this small house, he suddenly felt that it was much brighter. He had not thought of changing anything in this house since he came to live here. But ever since Hua Tang got here, this place was no longer grimy. It was as if everything that passed through Hua Tang's hands had a warm smell.
It was the smell of sunlight…
Fu Yong unconsciously curled his lips and sat at the table. He looked at the little woman opposite him, who seemed to have a lot on her mind.
"You should be visiting your parents today, right?" he asked in a low voice.
Startled, Hua Tang bit her lips and lowered her head, deep in thought.
Fu Yong had a good guess on what was weighing on her mind and continued calmly, "Go in the bedroom and open the drawer under the bed. There's a box inside. Bring it over."
"Okay, " Hua Tang replied.
She really did find a carved wooden box in the deepest part of the drawer. The patterns on the box were exquisitely carved, and it even emitted a faint fragrance. However you looked at it, it did not fit in with this place.
Fu Yong took it over and opened it.
The box contained several pieces of golden jewelry. There were necklaces, earrings, ear studs, and rings.
The gold and jade bracelet stood out in particular due to the unique design. The suet jade inlaid in the gold had a warm translucent sheen and vivid coloration.
Hua Tang looked at him with wide eyes.
"I didn't give you any betrothal gifts when we got married." Fu Yong casually took out the things inside. "So I'm making it up to you. Take a look. Do you like them?"
Hua Tang's small hands clenched and loosened, and then began to rub against each other. She would do this every time she was nervous.
She stole a glance at Mu Chi's austere face, and somehow, her heart was filled with sweetness. 'All of these pieces of jewelry are exquisite and valuable… So how did he come to possess such things?'
Fu Yong saw through her thoughts and could not help but chuckle. "Don't worry. These weren't stolen or robbed! All legally obtained."
Hua Tang blushed. 'Is he a mind-reader? How did he know my thoughts so quickly?'
"Keep them." Fu Yong closed the box and pushed it in front of her. He looked at her silently with his deep eyes. "This is all I can offer. We're married, so I'm giving you all my worldly possessions!"
"Mu Chi, I…" Hua Tang didn't expect to be able to talk about her family matters today. She was about to brave the subject when Fu Yong interrupted her.
"I won't be accompanying you when you visit your parents. Please apologize to your family on my behalf," Fu Yong said.
Hua Tang suddenly heaved a sigh of relief and relaxed. "Alright. Go do your thing; I'll be fine on my own!"
Looking at her relieved expression, Fu Yong laughed in his heart. 'This little lady is really interesting. Her emotions are written all over her face; she can't hide anything even if she tries. With this kind of personality, it's no wonder she is a favorite target of bullies!'
At the thought of this, his hand that held the chopsticks paused. 'What if she really is bullied by her relatives when she visits her parents today?'
'What business is it to me if she is bullied?'
Fu Yong's heart was a mess. After eating a few mouthfuls, he put down his cutlery, put on his coat, and went out.