Chapter 222 Happiness is Actually Very Simple
Chapter 222 Happiness is Actually Very Simple
"Besides, Uncle, that slap you gave me just now really loud. I think Auntie has made enough of a scene this time, and she definitely won't dare to come again."
These words immediately lightened the atmosphere in the courtyard.
Father Li laughed and scolded, "You brat, trying to make fun of me."
"Then..." Mother Li hesitated, "about the wedding..."
"Let's proceed as planned," Father Li said firmly. "Invite those who should be invited, and handle all the necessary matters. Why should those shady characters interfere with my daughter's marriage? Anyone who dares to cause me trouble one day will face my wrath."
“Dad…” Li Xiaoyun’s eyes reddened again.
Li Xiangyang patted her hand: "Alright, don't cry. Let's go back first, leave things to your uncle and aunt."
"Yes, yes, leave the matter to us..."
Before leaving, Li's father gave her a few more instructions, while Li's mother handed Li Xiaoyun a bundle, saying it was a gift for Li Xiangyang's mother and sister.
Even after walking a long way, Li Xiaoyun was still looking back.
Li Xiangyang smiled and said, "Don't worry, your parents will handle it."
“I know,” Li Xiaoyun pursed her lips, “It’s just that I feel like they’ve fallen out with their relatives because of us…”
"Silly girl," Li Xiangyang said softly, "it's best to avoid relatives like Third Aunt. Her current outburst is actually a good thing; it would be much worse if she caused trouble at the wedding."
Li Xiaoyun nodded, leaned on Li Xiangyang's shoulder, and whispered, "Xiangyang, it's so good to have you. By the way, shouldn't we go to the machinery factory? We haven't done what we promised Director Zhang yesterday."
Li Xiangyang nodded: "I was just thinking about that."
Chuncheng Machinery Factory is located on the west side of the county town, with a tall and imposing red brick wall.
After the two explained their purpose to the gatekeeper, they were led into the factory area.
Walking through the bustling workshop, the roar of machines was incessant.
Looking at the rows of brand-new machine tools, Li Xiangyang couldn't help but imagine the development of the machinery manufacturing industry in later generations.
Zhang Guohua was studying a stack of documents in his office when he saw Li Xiangyang, his eyes lighting up: "Perfect timing! I'm just worried about sales. You're a smart guy, help me think of a solution."
"Director Zhang," Li Xiangyang said, settling into his chair, "could you first tell me about the current situation at the factory?"
Zhang Guohua sighed: "Our factory's machine tools are of good quality, but we've only managed to open up the local market. We haven't completely overcome the challenges of low-temperature environments yet. However, if we sold them to the south, this wouldn't be a problem. It's just that everyone is industrializing right now..."
"If what you say is true, the main problem is the lack of information access; we don't know the demand in different regions. To solve the sales problem, we must first understand supply and demand..."
After thinking for a moment, Li Xiangyang said seriously.
"Of course!" Zhang Guohua slammed his hand on the table. "You're quite the expert, aren't you!"
Li Xiangyang smiled and said, "I have an idea, but I'm not sure if I should say it."
Tell me about it!
"First, we need to understand the needs. If the mountain won't come to me, I'll go to the mountain. I suggest you send people directly to the south to build a sales network..."
"Secondly, provide excellent after-sales service. Machine tools are large items, and users' biggest concern is after-sales maintenance..."
"Third, run promotional activities. You can even win prizes with soda bottles, and within your authority, you could offer a discount—of course, it's best to create a buzz..."
Zhang Guohua nodded repeatedly, his eyes growing brighter: "Great! These are all good ideas! But..." He hesitated for a moment, "If I do it this way, what will happen with my superiors..."
"Director Zhang," Li Xiangyang smiled slightly, "think about it, if sales increase and production value rises, what will the higher-ups say?"
Zhang Guohua's eyes lit up: "That's right! If it works well, this method might even be promoted."
"You're really something! Here, write me a detailed plan, and I'll start implementing it right away!"
It was already afternoon when I left the machine factory.
Li Xiaoyun, linking her arm with Li Xiangyang's, said with a smile, "My Xiangyang is amazing!"
As soon as Li Xiangyang and Li Xiaoyun arrived at the train station, they saw Wang Ergou and Ma Hongxia already waiting in the waiting room.
"You've come at the right time, the train is still half an hour away." Wang Ergou pointed to the clock on the wall, looking at Li Xiaoyun's red eyes, hesitant to speak.
Ma Hongxia pulled Li Xiaoyun to sit down on a bench and asked softly, "Xiaoyun, what's wrong?"
Li Xiaoyun shook her head, forcing a smile: "It's nothing, just a little thing at home."
Knowing that Li Xiaoyun was reluctant to discuss her third aunt's affairs, Li Xiangyang changed the subject, saying, "Ergou, did the marriage proposal go smoothly?"
"It went so smoothly, so very smoothly!" Wang Ergou put his arm around Ma Hongxia's shoulder, his face beaming with joy. "My father-in-law said that as long as Hongxia is willing, we can get married anytime."
Ma Hongxia lowered her head, two red clouds rising to her cheeks: "What are you saying? Who's your father-in-law...?"
"What's the big deal?" Wang Ergou chuckled. "It was bound to happen sooner or later anyway."
Li Xiangyang couldn't help but smile as he watched the two playfully bickering.
There weren't many people in the waiting room. The early spring chill seeped in through the cracks in the door, and Li Xiaoyun couldn't help but move closer to Li Xiangyang.
Seeing this, Li Xiangyang took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders.
"Hey, you two," Wang Ergou suddenly said with a laugh, "being so lovey-dovey, shouldn't you invite Hongxia and me to your wedding?"
Ma Hongxia lightly slapped him: "What are you saying?"
"What's wrong?" Wang Ergou grinned. "I was just offering my early congratulations."
Just as Li Xiangyang was about to speak, a long, drawn-out whistle sounded from afar.
People in the waiting room stood up, picked up their luggage, and headed to the platform.
"Let's go." Li Xiangyang pulled Li Xiaoyun to her feet. "The car's here."
The train slowly pulled into the station, screeching as it braked.
The crowd began to surge, pushing and shoving to get on the bus.
"Slow down, don't push." Li Xiangyang protected Li Xiaoyun, and the four of them finally managed to squeeze into the carriage.
After finding a seat and sitting down, the scenery outside the window rushed past, and Kunming quickly disappeared from view.
"I fetched this water this morning," Wang Ergou said, pulling two water bottles from his bag. "Drink some if you're thirsty."
Li Xiangyang took the water bottle and handed it to Li Xiaoyun: "You drink first."
After the train started moving, the wheels made a rhythmic sound as they struck the rails.
Li Xiaoyun gazed absently at the scenery rushing past the window.
"Don't think about it too much," Li Xiangyang comforted softly. "Your dad will definitely be able to handle it."
Seeing this, Ma Hongxia took Li Xiaoyun's hand and said, "Xiaoyun, when we get back, if you have anything to say, feel free to come and find me anytime."
"Thank you, Hongxia." Li Xiaoyun smiled.
The train continued moving forward, and the conversations in the carriages gradually subsided.
Li Xiaoyun leaned on Li Xiangyang's shoulder and closed her eyes to rest.
Sunlight streamed through the car window, dancing on Li Xiaoyun's hair and casting a soft shadow on her eyelashes.
Looking at Li Xiaoyun's peaceful sleeping face, Li Xiangyang's lips unconsciously curled up.
At that moment, he suddenly realized that happiness is actually very simple.
It's simply about having someone who's willing to grow old with you over the long years, counting the passing years together.
OBS