Siheyuan: I live next door to Xu Damao, my last name is Cao

Soon, Cao Wei brought Yu Li to the Civil Affairs Bureau.

The Civil Affairs Bureau in the 1960s stands there quietly like an old man who has experienced many vicissitudes of life.

The building has an ancient and solemn atmosphere, and the walls are mottled in color after being eroded by time. Each mottled spot is like a fingerprint left by time, recording stories of the past.

The color of the wall is slightly mottled due to the baptism of time. In some places, the wall paint has peeled off slightly, revealing the rough bricks and stones inside, which adds a sense of historical weight.

Walking into the hall, there were not many people here today, only a few couples.

They all wore their most decent clothes. Although the colors of those clothes were not as rich and bright as they are today, and there were no gorgeous patterns and brilliant colors interwoven, every stitch and every thread was full of expectations for a new life.

The girls' clothes are mostly in light colors. Although the fabrics are simple, they are carefully cut and sewn, and the stitches are fine and even, as if every stitch is sewn with their beautiful vision of future married life.

The men wore neat Mao suits or work clothes. The clothes were ironed flat without a wrinkle, and every button was polished to a shine, showing the importance they attached to this special day.

They were all here to get their marriage certificates, and the air seemed to be filled with a sweet and tense atmosphere, a unique scent that was about to begin a new chapter in life. Sweetness flowed slowly in the air like nectar, and tension was like a fine thread, gently entwining in the hearts of every couple.

Cao Wei held Yu Li's hand tightly and stood behind the team waiting patiently.

The warmth of those hands conveys love and reassurance to each other.

The newlyweds getting their marriage certificate in front looked particularly enthusiastic, with happiness gleaming in their eyes that almost overflowed and infected everyone around them.

When they saw Cao Wei and Yu Li, they came over with a smile and gave each other candies.

The two took out wedding candies wrapped in colorful paper from their pockets. Although there was no exquisite design, each one was full of blessings. It was a simple and sincere emotion, like the warm sun in winter, warming people's hearts.

Soon it was their turn.

The staff sat at their desks with serious and solemn expressions, as if they were guarding the most precious treasure in the world.

Their eyes were focused and deep, and every movement seemed so solemn. They carefully checked every document, from letters of introduction to identity certificates, without missing any details.

After confirming that everything was correct, the staff began to process the procedures for them, with the pen in their hands rustling on the paper.

The marriage certificate of this era is a piece of thick paper. It feels heavy in the hand, as if it carries not only the marriage relationship between two people, but also the hope and future of two families.

The background color of the marriage certificate is a light red, a color like the sunset, symbolizing joy and implying a prosperous new life.

It is surrounded by some patterns with characteristics of the times, such as wheat ears and gears. The wheat ears symbolize the harvest and imply the richness and happiness of marriage life. The gears represent industry, embody the characteristics of the era of the combination of workers and peasants, and demonstrate the respect of people of that era for labor and construction.

The words on the certificate were written in fountain pen. The handwriting was neat and powerful. Every stroke was solemn, bearing witness to this sacred union.

In the center of the certificate are written the names, ages, and native places of Cao Wei and Yu Li. This information seems to be the red thread that tightly ties their destinies together, interweaving their lives together forever.

At the bottom of the certificate, there is a bright red seal of the Civil Affairs Bureau. That seal is like an eternal promise. The bright red color of the seal is like a burning flame, witnessing their love and symbolizing that this love is as hot and lasting as a flame.

After the staff filled in the information, they handed them the marriage certificate with a smile. That smile was like a spring breeze, and his eyes were full of blessings: "Congratulations, from now on you are legally married, and I wish you a happy marriage."

Cao Wei and Yu Li took the marriage certificate, smiled at each other, their eyes sparkling with excitement and happiness.

Yu Li happily took out the precious White Rabbit milk candies from her bag and handed them to the staff. In that era of relative scarcity of supplies, White Rabbit milk candies were also very precious. On such a happy occasion as getting a marriage certificate, the best had to be used. These White Rabbit milk candies were Cao Wei and his family's wedding candy.

The staff member took the wedding candy and wished them again with a smile. Working in the Civil Affairs Bureau, they have received a lot of wedding candy, but it is rare to receive White Rabbit milk candy like this.

After walking out of the Civil Affairs Bureau, Cao Wei and Yu Li's faces were filled with uncontrollable joy.

There were tears of excitement in Yu Li's eyes.

She said to Cao Wei in a coquettish tone: "Cao Wei, I finally marry you. It feels like a dream. I am so happy. It seems like I am walking on clouds. It is a little unreal."

Cao Wei held Yu Li's hand tightly. His grip was strong yet gentle, conveying his firmness in this relationship.

He looked into Yu Li's eyes affectionately, his eyes full of love.

Cao Wei responded: "From now on you will be mine. I will always be with you and we will live a good life together."

As he spoke, Cao Wei seemed to be overwhelmed by the endless joy. He opened his arms happily and hugged Yu Li tightly in his arms with great force. The hug was full of power, as if he wanted to merge Yu Li into his body.

Yu Li also hugged Cao Wei back tightly, and they just hugged each other like that, as if they were the only ones left in the whole world. The surrounding noise and the footsteps of passers-by gradually faded away. They were completely immersed in the sweetness of the newlywed life, and everything around them became blurred. They no longer cared about the world around them.

At this moment, the only sounds in their world are each other's heartbeats and breathing, as if playing a symphony of love that belongs only to them.

Just then, an old lady wearing a red armband walked over with steady steps.

The aunt had a serious look on her face. The years had carved deep wrinkles on her face. Those wrinkles were like ravines, recording the vicissitudes of her life.

When she saw Cao Wei and Yu Li hugging each other so intimately on the street, her brows immediately frowned tightly, like two sharp lightning bolts, breaking the originally warm atmosphere.

The aunt raised her voice and said loudly: "You two young people, how can you be so rude in public? This is so shameless! We must pay attention to social customs and not be so unruly."

This sudden scolding was like a bolt from the blue, leaving Cao Wei and Yu Li stunned for a moment. They were suddenly awakened from the sweet atmosphere as if they were cast under a spell.

Yu Li's face instantly turned red to her ears, like a blooming red peony, delicate and shy.

She lowered her head somewhat embarrassedly, her cheeks flushed, her fingers nervously twisting the corners of her clothes, her eyes revealing a hint of panic and shyness, that panic flashing in her eyes like a frightened deer.

Cao Wei quickly let go of her hand, his face full of deep apology. He hastily explained, "Auntie, we really didn't mean it. You see, we just got the marriage certificate and became husband and wife today. We were so happy that we couldn't control ourselves for a moment and didn't notice that we were on the street. I'm so sorry for causing you trouble."

The auntie's expression softened a little when she heard this, but she still said seriously: "Even if you are a couple, this is in a public place, so you should pay attention to the impact. We must be civilized and not ignore the feelings of others and social norms just because we are happy. Young people nowadays must always pay attention to their behavior."

Cao Wei and Yu Li nodded repeatedly, like chicks pecking at rice, and kept saying, "Yes, yes, auntie, you are right. We will pay attention to it in the future."

Yu Li said shyly, "Auntie, we were so happy that we didn't pay attention. Sorry."

Cao Wei took out a few pieces of White Rabbit milk candy from Yu Li's bag and handed them to the aunt.

Those pieces of milk candy were shining attractively in the sun. The milky white candy seemed to emit a sweet scent, and the candy wrappers were glowing faintly in the sun.

He handed it to the aunt with a big smile on his face and said, "Aunt, we really didn't mean it. We are just too happy. This is wedding candy. You can also share in the joy."

The aunt looked at the candy, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, and a smile appeared on her face. That smile was like ripples on the lake caused by the spring breeze, gently spreading out, and the critical words just now seemed to be thrown into the sky in an instant.

She took the candy and her tone became gentler: "So that's how it is, happy wedding! Marriage is a happy event, but you still have to be careful in the future. I hope you will live a happy and harmonious life in the future, loving each other!"

Cao Wei and Yu Li answered in unison: "Got it, Auntie, thank you for your blessing."

The aunt's eyes were gleaming with memories, as if she had returned to her youth: "It's great to be young, and getting married is a happy event. Auntie congratulates you. However, there are so many people coming and going on the street, and you hugging each other like this. Although everyone can understand your joy of newlyweds, it will still have some impact. We should pay attention to the impact and save this sweetness for home to enjoy slowly."

"Mom, we got it."

The aunt waved her hand: "Go, go, enjoy your wedding time, congratulations again!"

Cao Wei and Yu Li smiled at each other, and their smiles showed gratitude for the aunt's understanding.

After thanking the old lady again, they continued to walk forward hand in hand. Their shadows became longer and longer in the sunlight. Every step they took was firm and happy, as if they were striding towards a better future. Their steps were full of strength, as if they were declaring to the world their confidence and vision for future life.

Cao Wei and Yu Li returned to Yu Li's home hand in hand, and both were immersed in happiness along the way.

As soon as she entered the house, Yu Li's parents came to greet her warmly, with joy shining in their eyes.

Seeing the joy on the two people's faces, they also felt happy from the bottom of their hearts. That joy was like a spring gushing out from the bottom of their hearts, flowing uncontrollably.

The meal at noon was particularly sumptuous. Yu Li's mother was busy in the kitchen all morning. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of food, which was the taste of home.

The table was filled with a variety of dishes, each of which exuded an alluring aroma. The steaming dishes were like pieces of exquisite works of art, with attractive colors and fragrant aromas.

Yu Li's parents' attentiveness filled Cao Wei's heart with warmth, and that warmth was like a fire in winter, burning brightly in his heart.

At the dinner table, Yu Li's father took out a bottle of white wine that he had treasured for a long time. The bottle of white wine was shining with a soft luster under the light.

He poured Cao Wei a cup and said with a smile: "Today is a happy day, we must celebrate it well."

Cao Wei quickly stood up and respectfully took the wine glass, which looked like a precious treasure in his hand. He said, "Dad, you are so polite. I want to toast you and Mom with this wine. Thank you for raising Yu Li so well and handing her over to me."

After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp. The spicy wine slid down his throat, bringing a burning sensation, but he felt extremely refreshed, as if the emotions that had been pent up in his heart had been released.

At this time, Yu Li gently pulled the corner of Cao Wei's clothes and signaled him with her eyes.

Cao Wei understood what he meant. He put down his wine glass and walked up to Yu Li's parents with a solemn and sincere expression.

He first bowed deeply, with a large amplitude, almost reaching ninety degrees, which represented his deep respect for the two elders.

Then Cao Wei said loudly: "Dad, Mom, from today on, Yu Li and I have obtained the marriage certificate. I am your son-in-law. You are like my biological parents. I will be filial to you in the future."

His voice was loud and firm, echoing in the room, and every word was full of his sincerity.

There were tears of relief in Yu Li's parents' eyes, and those tears were a symbol of being moved.

Yu Li's father smiled and nodded: "Okay, okay, Cao Wei, we believe you."

Yu Li's mother quickly helped Cao Wei up, held his hand and said, "Son, we are a family from now on."

Yu Li watched from the side, her eyes full of love. That love was like a trickle of water, nourishing the hearts of everyone present.

Everyone ate and talked, laughing and talking non-stop. The laughter was like a string of pleasant notes dancing in the room.

Halfway through the meal, Yu Li's father put down his bowl and chopsticks, his expression became serious, and he looked at Cao Wei and Yu Li and said, "You two, since you have obtained the marriage certificate, you are husband and wife. According to our local rules, you can live together. In the afternoon, Yu Li, you can follow Cao Wei back to his home. Live a good life in the future and be considerate of each other."

Yu Li's mother nodded, tears in her eyes. She held Yu Li's hand and said, "My daughter, you have to live a good life with Cao Wei in the future. Don't lose your temper. If there is anything, just communicate well. Between husband and wife, mutual understanding and tolerance are the most important, don't you understand?"

Yu Li's eyes were red. She hugged her mother and said, "Mom, I know. Don't worry about me."

After dinner, Yu Li began to pack her clothes and some daily necessities.

She opened the closet, where the clothes were neatly arranged, each of which held her memories. She picked up a piece of clothing she had worn as a child, and a hint of reluctance flashed across her eyes, but was soon replaced by the expectation of a new life.

Cao Wei was also busy helping to sort out the clothes. He carefully folded the clothes and put them into the bag, and comforted Yu Li from time to time.

Yu Li looked at the familiar room and felt a little reluctant to leave. This place held too many memories for her, and every corner had traces of her growth.

Cao Wei saw what she was thinking, hugged her gently, and said, "Don't be sad, we can come back to see our parents often in the future."

Yu Li nodded slightly and wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes. Those tears seemed like a farewell to her past life.

After everything was ready, Cao Wei and Yu Li said goodbye to Yu Li's parents.

Yu Li's father patted Cao Wei on the shoulder and said earnestly: "Cao Wei, I hand my daughter over to you. You must take good care of her. She is the apple of our eyes. If she is wronged, we will not forgive you."

Cao Wei nodded solemnly: "Dad, don't worry, I will protect her with my life. She is my wife and the love of my life. I will make her happy forever."

Yu Li's mother handed Yu Li a bundle containing some gifts for Cao Wei's family, including hand-knitted sweaters, pickled bacon, etc. Each gift was full of their love.

Then, Cao Wei and Yu Li said goodbye to their parents again, and with full of love and expectation, they walked out of the house and headed towards their new life.

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