Chapter 237: "Robbing the Wedding"

As the old saying goes, "Thirty years in the east, thirty years in the west." Back then, no one in Wu County wanted Wei Zheng, but now everyone is vying for him. Qiao Lian’s family had sold her off for just 200 pounds of grain, and she had even threatened to hang herself before the wedding. Now? People envy her for finding such a good husband.

"It all comes down to fate," Aunt said. "But let’s see if Qiao Lian knows how to handle herself."

On New Year’s Eve, the government across China provided special electricity, and local governments organized unlimited self-service meals for 0.5 virtual coins. Each region had its own specialties—some offered mushroom and insect dishes, others had steamed greens with bug eggs or water plants. It depended on what could be grown or found locally.

Jing Shu felt bad for the people who had to eat garlic-heavy dishes. The smell would stay with them, no matter how many times they brushed their teeth.

That evening, the Spring Festival Gala began on time. The hosts, as usual, appeared without makeup, and this year’s theme focused on lightheartedness and hope for the future. The goal was to remind everyone: no matter how dark things seem, the sun will rise again. Don’t lose hope.

"Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

The family gathered around, enjoying an especially lavish meal while watching the gala. Even before the apocalypse, Qiao Lian’s family had never seen such a feast.

There were several types of seafood, some of which they didn’t even recognize. They had heard the name “abalone,” but found it tasted just fine—nothing special compared to the fatty pork Jing Shu’s family had prepared.

Speaking of the pork, Jing Shu had grilled it to perfection, using barbecue sauce and wrapping it in fresh lettuce. The combination of crispy meat and fresh vegetables left Qiao Lian’s family speechless. It was the best grilled meat they’d ever tasted!

Then came the dumplings: shrimp and three-flavor dumplings, chive and egg dumplings, even pineapple-filled dumplings—one dish after another. After a few bites, everyone was full, regretting that they couldn’t eat more.

"I feel bad you brought so much food... We’re taking too much from you," Aunt said, feeling awkward.

"Elder sister, there’s no need to be so formal," Jing Shu’s father said, raising a glass of milk mixed from powdered formula. "When I got married, you and the other two sisters helped a lot."

Jing Shu’s grandmother beamed with pride, pleased to see her children getting along so well. She had once shown favoritism to her youngest son, causing resentment among her daughters. Now that she treated them all fairly, the family was more harmonious.

Jing Shu thought of the grapes ripening in her magic space and decided it was time to make wine. She also planned to brew a batch of rice wine, perfect for breakfast with eggs and sticky rice dumplings. Delicious!

The family enjoyed a peaceful and joyous New Year's Eve together. In the pre-apocalypse era, they would stay up all night, playing cards or mahjong. At midnight, the skies would be filled with the sound of firecrackers. Now, in the second year of the apocalypse, there was nothing but darkness and silence.

As the Spring Festival Gala concluded at midnight, the electricity cut out. With no other entertainment, everyone went to bed. Jing Shu handed out hot water bottles to warm their blankets—though the brick bed in the storage room had been heated by a fire, it still took time for the blankets to warm up.

The hot water bottles were a thoughtful touch, and soon the family fell into a peaceful sleep.

Early on New Year’s Day, the family was up at 4 AM to prepare for Wei Zheng and Qiao Lian’s wedding. Everyone was busy, with Aunt inviting about sixty guests, including classmates, friends, colleagues from the livestock farm, and family members.

Since there were no hotels, the wedding was held in their own courtyard. Tables and chairs borrowed from neighbors were set up, filling every available space. While the setup looked a bit haphazard, it managed to accommodate all the guests.

Jing Shu’s grandmother and aunt, both skilled in the kitchen, took charge of the food preparation, while Jing Shu’s mother handled receiving and recording gifts.

"Be careful when you’re accepting gifts," Jing Shu advised her parents. "Dad, stay close to Mom and stay alert. Here, take this gun and keep it on you."

"Who would be giving such expensive gifts at a wedding that we’d need a gun for protection? Alright, alright, the men will stand guard."

Meanwhile, Jing Shu and Wu Youai helped Qiao Lian get ready for the wedding. They applied a cucumber mask to her face and, using the last bit of makeup Jing Shu had, gave her a natural look. With her hair styled and wearing the beautiful red dragon and phoenix wedding robes that Grandmother had made, Qiao Lian looked stunning.

Before the wedding, Qiao Lian had been disappointed, thinking she wouldn’t have a proper ceremony. She had always dreamed of a beautiful wedding. But now, with the thoughtful gifts from Wei Zheng’s family, including the wedding robes, bedding, and a well-decorated bridal room, all her dreams were coming true.

Her in-laws treated her so well, providing for her and even supporting her entire family. Her own family, by contrast, seemed like a group of parasites. In that moment, Qiao Lian made a decision.

The wedding began at noon, accompanied by the sound of drums instead of firecrackers. Word spread quickly throughout Wu County that Wei Zheng was getting married, and soon the courtyard was filled with guests.

At the entrance to the courtyard, Jing Shu’s mother sat with the red ledger, recording the gifts, while Jing Shu’s father and grandfather checked and verified everything.

Suddenly, the screech of tires interrupted the festivities. A pickup truck came speeding toward the courtyard gates.

As the wedding ceremony reached its climax, with the host leading the celebration, there was a loud crash.

"Ahh!"

"Bang! Bang!"

Gunshots rang out, and screams filled the air.

Without a second thought, Jing Shu sprang into action.

The wedding had been thrown into chaos!