Chapter 16 — Private House in a Joint Family

15
The wedding ceremony begins. Amid the melodious music, I stood in the center of the stage, looking at Vuong Tinh in a white wedding dress, holding her father's arm, walking towards me step by step. Her eyes sparkled, like stars in the sky. At that moment, I felt like the happiest person in the world. Her father took her hand and placed it in mine, solemnly saying:
"Tieu Vu, I entrust my precious daughter to you. Be sure to treat her well."
"Don't worry." I held Vuong Tinh's hand tightly, the edges of my eyes were slightly wet.
We exchanged rings and read our vows. Below the stage, applause rang out. I hugged my bride and placed a kiss on her lips. During the whole process, I deliberately did not look towards my parents. I'm afraid that seeing their sad eyes will make my mood fluctuate. This is my wedding, I just want to bask in happiness. After the ceremony, we started offering drinks to each table. When I arrived at my parents' table, several distant relatives sitting together stood up to congratulate me. My parents also stood up, holding glasses of wine, smiles on their faces. It's just that that smile is a bit forced.
“Dad, Mom, I invite you two.” I raise my glass.
“Yes, okay, okay.”
We clinked glasses and drank. The whole process took less than a minute, without any additional words. It was like entertaining a normal guest. After serving drinks, we returned to the main table. Mother Vuong Tinh took pity on me and gave me a piece of ribs.
“Eat some food, you're tired, aren't you?”
“I'm not tired, Mom.”
I looked at the warm scene before my eyes, many emotions welled up in my heart. At that moment, I saw a familiar figure walking in from the hall door. It's Ly Loi. He wore a clean worker's suit, his skin was tanned, his body was stronger than before, his eyes were no longer arrogant and aggressive like before, but were more calm. He didn't go inside, just stood at the door, looking at me. Our eyes met in mid-air. My parents also saw him and stood up in surprise. I nodded at him, then said to Vuong Tinh:
“I'm going out for a bit.”
I walked in front of him.
“Why did you come here?”
“I asked for leave and came back specifically.” His voice was hoarse, as if he hadn't spoken properly for a long time.
He pulled out a lucky money envelope from his pocket and gave it to me. The lucky money bag is very thin, holding it in the hand does not weigh much.
“Brother, congratulations on your marriage.”
I don't accept.
“I said, you don't need to come.”
“I know.” He stuffed the envelope into my hand. “This is a little bit of my heart, you must accept it.”
He looked at me, his eyes sincere.
"Brother, I was wrong before, I was bad, I was nothing. Over the past year, I've suffered a lot outside, and I've figured out a lot of things."
"I know that anything I say now is useless, and I don't expect you to forgive me."
"In this red envelope there are two thousand yuan, which is my salary this month. I know this amount is not even equal to the fraction of the money you helped me pay off the debt in the past."
"But don't worry, from next month, every month I will send you money, until I pay off everything I owe you and my family."
I looked at him, my heart in turmoil. I didn't expect... he really changed. The wrong person knows how to turn around - there is truly nothing more precious.
“You, you must be happy.” Having finished speaking, he bowed deeply before me.
Then turned around and left.
“Wait.” I called out.
He turned back.
“Come in and drink the wedding wine and then go.”
He was stunned, then shook his head.
"No need, I don't have enough face to come in. I just want to come look at you and say sorry."
“I still have to catch the afternoon train back to the construction site, otherwise my salary will be deducted.”
He waved goodbye to me, turned and walked away. I held that thin red envelope and stood there for a long time without moving. Returning to his seat, Vuong Tinh asked:
“Is that your brother?”
"YES."
“What did it… say to you?”
I gave her the envelope and told her the beginning and end of what had just happened. After listening, she remained silent.
“Maybe… he really has grown up.” she said.
I nodded. The wedding party ended, the guests gradually left. My parents walked in front of me.
“Tieu Vu, let's go back first.”
"Yes."
“I…” My mother looked at me, was about to speak, then stopped.
“Is there something wrong?”
"Do not have." She shook her head. “It's just… you look… very handsome today.”
I was stunned. This is the first time she complimented me.
“Thank you, mom.”
They turned around and slowly walked out the door. Looking at their backs helping each other leave, I suddenly felt the ice in my heart... melt a little.
“Husband.” Vuong Tinh hugged me from behind.
“It's all over.”
I turned around and hugged her tightly.
“Yes, it's really over.”
16
Life after marriage is even more wonderful than I imagined. Vuong Tinh and I went to Yunnan together, staying in the ancient town of Dali for half a month. During the day, we rented an electric car and went around Nhi Hai. When tired, we stopped at a small shop, drank a cup of coffee, and looked at Thuong Son. At night, we curled up on the motel rooftop, counted the stars in the sky, and talked about everything in the world. During that half month, I did not receive any work phone calls, nor did I have any news from my family. In my world, there is only Vuong Tinh's laughter and the breeze by Er Hai Lake. I have never felt so comfortable and free. Returning to the city, our small house became even more cozy. Vuong Tinh knows how to take care of life very well.