Even though Xavi's family wasn't wealthy and didn't quite match Jewel's current status, he was still confident in his looks. He thought he and Jewel made a great-looking couple.
"Wife, I've changed. Do I look okay like this?"
"My Xavi is naturally handsome."
Jewel walked over, holding a large bundle on her back with one hand, and gently took Xavi's hand with the other. "You look good in anything."
Xavi smiled sweetly as he walked alongside her. He didn't study much, but he could tell Jewel was praising his looks.
The two of them left the house together. Xavi wandered around the yard, waiting for Jewel to lock the door.
Wearing new clothes, Xavi looked fresh and full of energy. He glanced at the wide blue sky above and watched birds flit through the trees. Sunlight spread across the land, warming everything it touched.
Creak~ creak creak…
The gate next door groaned open. It was their neighbor Li San's husband, Ansu, carrying a basket of trash to throw into a nearby pit.
"Hello, Brother An," Xavi greeted politely.
"Oh, heading out, Xavi?" Ansu replied tiredly. Unlike Xavi, he looked exhausted and dull. His basket was filled with rotting vegetable scraps. He hadn't worn anything new in ages, and his shoes were so worn out, his toes were poking through.
Seeing the once-scrawny Xavi now full of energy and well-dressed, Ansu felt a sting of self-doubt. He quickly looked away, feeling uncomfortable.
"Yes, I'm heading back to my wife's family with her. Brother An, have you eaten yet?" Xavi asked casually.
"I have."
Gurgle~
An embarrassing stomach growl gave Ansu away.
He hadn't expected his body to betray his lie like that. Feeling awkward, he just gave a small nod and left quietly to continue his chores.
Xavi hadn't meant to upset him. It was just a casual question, but now he felt guilty.
Eat? What is there to eat?
Ansu could barely remember the last time he had a full meal three times a day.
Just then, Jewel finished locking the gate and called for Xavi. He didn't say anything more and quickly joined her, and they walked toward Dongying Village.
Halfway there, Jewel started to feel sore in her feet and shoulders.
Sigh… this bundle is heavy…
Life in ancient times without cars is hard!
She thought to herself that maybe they should hire someone to help with house chores. And maybe even get a carriage…
Dongying Village wasn't actually far. Jewel just wasn't used to walking everywhere. It was time-consuming and tiring.
"Xavi, can you tell me more about your family? I still don't know much," Jewel asked as they walked.
Xavi shared everything he knew along the way.
Eventually, they saw some houses ahead—Dongying Village was near.
As they followed the path, Jewel took note of the way to Xavi's home. Under a big willow tree up ahead, several men were sitting and chatting.
Some were middle-aged men mending shoes, others were younger ones doing embroidery, and a few teenage boys sat together laughing. It looked like a peaceful and cozy summer scene.
The group noticed the unfamiliar faces and looked curiously at the two of them. As they came closer, one of the middle-aged men stopped sewing and stood up with a smile.
"Xavi, is that you?"
"Hello, Uncle Chen," Xavi greeted sweetly.
The man glanced at Jewel. "And this is your wife?"
"Yes, this is my wife," Xavi said proudly, smiling with shining eyes.
"Nice to meet you, Uncle. I'm Jewel, from the Xie family village," Jewel greeted respectfully.
"Good kids, both of you. Are you visiting the in-laws?" Uncle Chen asked, eyeing the big bundle on Jewel's back.
"Yes, I wasn't feeling well a few days ago, so I couldn't come right after the wedding. Today, we're making a special trip back to visit," Jewel replied confidently.
"That's thoughtful. You two go on then."
Uncle Chen felt pleased seeing Jewel treating Xavi well. He'd watched Xavi grow up, always running around with the other kids. When he heard about Xavi marrying to cure an illness, he felt sorry for him. But now seeing Xavi doing so well, he felt relieved.
Jewel and Xavi took several turns and finally arrived at the entrance of Xavi's family home.
Standing in front of the door where he'd grown up, Xavi felt a strange mix of emotions—neither sadness nor joy.
He used to be the one living inside, opening the door for others. Now, he was the one knocking on the door.
He had grown up here, but now it didn't feel like his top priority anymore. His new home, the one he shared with Jewel, felt more like home.
Even though he married out, he only wished for his family's health and happiness. That way, no matter where he was, he'd feel at ease.
After a brief pause, Xavi stepped forward and knocked.
"Who is it?"
A familiar voice came from inside. It was He Shi, his mother's husband.
Creak~
The door opened, and He Shi's familiar face appeared.
"Xavi! You're back!"
Xavi had changed out of his old clothes and was now wearing what only married men could wear—his hair neatly tied with a new hairpin gleaming in the sunlight. His shoes were embroidered and stylish.
He Shi was surprised to see him dressed so well. Back when he lived here, Xavi rarely wore anything new, and never looked this polished.