Henry gave a low "hmm," and then the dishes were served. Only then did he take back his gaze.
Liz picked up some crab roe noodles to eat. The taste was very fresh, and the noodles were covered with a thick layer of crab roe. The portion was generous.
She ate happily. This was more authentic than any crab roe noodles she had eaten before. The chefs at the state-run restaurant really had skill.
"Do you like seafood?"
"Mm, I do."
Liz never hid what she liked. Whether it was food or clothes, she never wronged herself.
"When you follow the army, I'll ask my navy comrades to send some over."
Hearing this, Liz paused a bit, then looked up at him with a smile in her eyes.
"Okay."
Her reply was straightforward, and Henry's heart skipped a beat. He quickly covered it with a cold expression, nodded, and kept the thought in mind.
Liz couldn't finish the whole bowl of noodles. Since they were already at the stage of discussing marriage, Henry didn't feel awkward and simply ate what she couldn't finish.
Liz felt a little embarrassed. Except for her parents, this was the first time someone had eaten her leftovers.
But at that time, wasting food was shameful. If Henry didn't help her finish, others might point fingers at her.
"We could have taken it back."
"I have a big appetite. You'll get used to it later."
It was true, his appetite was large. She had already seen it today. Since he didn't seem unwilling, she didn't argue further.
After the meal, they walked toward the cinema. It was still a bit of a distance, about twenty minutes on foot.
Since Liz was full, walking there helped her digest. If she took the crowded tram after eating so much, she was afraid she might get sick.
Movies of that time were mostly patriotic or war-themed. She chose one of the most popular patriotic films.
Inside, the cinema was dark. In front of the screen were rows of long benches. Seating was first come, first served. Whoever came early could pick a good spot.
In the afternoon, there weren't many people. They easily found two good seats.
Though the films of that era weren't as diverse as in later times, they had real meaning and depth. Liz actually enjoyed these old movies.
She became absorbed. It was her first time in a cinema of this era, and everything felt new and interesting.
She didn't notice Henry watching her. Maybe he hid it too well, or maybe the darkness helped.
When they left the cinema, she was still excited, talking to him about the film.
Seeing her waving her hands and her lively expression, his eyes softened.
"Henry, don't you agree?"
"Mm."
Getting his response, she smiled even brighter. She was beautiful, and passersby couldn't help but stop and look at her smile.
The warmth in Henry's eyes turned cold as he glanced at those around them.
The people nearby felt the sharp pressure from this soldier, quickly shivered, and hurried away.
Still, in their hearts, they couldn't help thinking: "Everyone likes beauty, why is this soldier so stingy?"
Henry sent Liz back to the government family compound. At home, her parents had already returned from work.
"You're back? How was it?"
"Very good."
When her parents heard that she was happy, they pulled her to the sofa and asked about her feelings toward Henry.
"How do you feel about Henry?"
"Dad, Mom, I know the difference between love between a man and woman and brother-sister feelings."
Hearing this, both parents smiled. It seemed their daughter did have some feelings for Henry, just that it was only starting.
With love, the marriage would be more harmonious, and the couple could truly care for each other.
"That's good."
"Go wash your hands and eat."
Liz nodded. After dinner, the family of three went to bed early. Tomorrow, the Zhou family would come to propose, so they had to wake up early to welcome them.
The next morning, her mother woke her early to dress her up. Even though it was just a proposal, in those days a proposal meant engagement, which was formal and important.
Liz wore a pink dress and white shoes. Her mother also made her a simple hairstyle.
"So pretty."
Every time her mother looked at her daughter's beauty, she felt proud. But in those days, beauty could bring trouble. Luckily, marrying Henry meant her daughter would be well protected.
"Good genes from you and Dad."
Hearing this, her mother's smile became even warmer. Daughters were always more thoughtful than sons.
"After today's engagement, tomorrow I'll call your brothers. Since you're getting married, they should come for the wedding banquet."
It had been a long time since she saw her two sons. They were busy shining in their own posts, and she didn't want to disturb them often. Now was the perfect chance for the family to reunite.
"Okay."
Liz also knew her parents missed her brothers, but because of their special jobs, they could only hide the longing in their hearts.
After everything was ready, the Zhou family arrived at the government housing compound. The matchmaker walked in smiling, waving her handkerchief.
"Today I've come on behalf of the Zhou family to propose marriage for their eldest son, Henry. Miss Liz is gentle and virtuous. She and Comrade Henry are a perfect match."
The matchmaker said some auspicious words before entering. Neighbors who heard the noise poked their heads out to watch the excitement.
Liz's parents welcomed them with smiles. Liz's mother even generously gave the matchmaker a handful of White Rabbit candies.
Seeing the bride's parents so welcoming, the matchmaker knew this marriage was certain. She was just there to follow tradition.
"Old Xu, Lady Yuna."
Henry's parents walked in smiling, carrying many gifts. Henry followed behind them, his hands full as well.
"Come in, Old Zhou, Lady Wei."
Liz's parents also smiled warmly. Liz stood behind her parents, looking at Henry. Both of them were a bit shy today.
Henry's parents handed over the gifts they brought. Since it was for the proposal, Liz's parents accepted them without refusal.
"Henry, didn't you buy something for Liz?"
Henry's mother gave him a look. Henry stepped forward and handed the things to Liz. "I bought this for you."
"For me?"
"Yes."
Henry's ears turned red. Liz lowered her head and looked into the bag. When she saw what it was, her face was full of surprise and joy.
"Where did you buy this?"
"I asked a friend to bring it from abroad. He happened to return to Haishi yesterday to visit his family."
Henry had many friends, from all walks of life. Some were children of high-ranking officials, some were people he met himself, and some were old comrades.
Liz, as a girl, rarely interacted with those influential young men. Her parents also didn't want her to be too involved with them. Besides, whenever she wanted something, she would just tell her mother. Her mother could ask her colleagues from the Foreign Ministry to bring it, so she didn't need to worry herself.
"Thank you, I really like it."
This gift touched Liz's heart. Seeing her so happy made Henry feel glad too.
The two of them were affectionate and obviously willing to be together. The four elders looked at each other, their eyes filled with smiles and relief.
The matchmaker, seeing this, was even more pleased. She knew that today's job would earn her a good red envelope from the family.
"Comrade Liz and Comrade Henry are a perfect match, blessed by fate."
At the right moment, the matchmaker helped move the conversation along. Liz's mother asked the two children to sit down and listen together.
"Henry, Liz, come sit."
Liz sat next to her parents. Henry sat next to his parents. The matchmaker saw that the time was right and began to bring up the main topic.
When everyone was seated, the matchmaker skillfully guided both families into discussing the dowry and bride price.
"Mr Xu, Lady Yuna, for the bride price we plan to give 1,000 yuan, a watch, a bicycle, a sewing machine, a radio, and thirty-two pieces of furniture.
After the wedding, we'll also give the two children 2,000 yuan privately as a settlement fund. What do you think?"
Henry's parents explained their plan. It was about what Liz's parents had expected. After all, the Zhou family held high status, and this marriage already touched on certain interests. They still needed to keep things low-key.
Mr Xu nodded, then looked at Lady Yuna. She shared their own idea.
"That's very good. A marriage between our families may make some people uneasy, so we should keep things low-key where needed."
Henry's parents already knew Liz's parents would agree. They were long-time friends who understood each other well. Many things didn't need to be spoken too clearly.
"Our family will give 888 yuan as dowry, plus a watch, two new quilts, two new pillows, and new clothes for the children.
If there are still pieces of furniture missing later, we'll provide them too."
Henry's parents were satisfied. After all, the money and items were going to the children. As long as appearances were kept up, that was enough.
After finishing the discussion on dowry and bride price, the two families began talking about the wedding banquet.
"Old Zhou and I were thinking, let's first hold a banquet in Haishi, inviting neighbors, colleagues, relatives, and friends to celebrate.
Then we'll go together to Beijing and hold a bigger one there. What do you think?"
Only Liz's family lived in Haishi. Grandpa Xu and Grandma Xu stayed in Sūshi, but yesterday they went to Beijing with Grandpa Zhou.
Grandpa Xu had a patient in Beijing who needed psychological treatment. Since Grandpa Zhou also brought his guard, Grandpa and Grandma Xu went with him.
So, in Haishi, the wedding banquet would only invite Liz's parents' coworkers and neighbors to celebrate.
"Alright."
Liz's father and mother had no objections. The two families agreed on the date. The banquet in Haishi was set for five days later, on August 16th.
The banquet in Beijing had already been chosen earlier by Grandpa Xu and Grandpa Zhou. It would be on August 28th, which was considered a lucky day, and Liz and Henry could arrive in time.
Once the dates were settled, both families were satisfied. The matchmaker happily offered blessings.
"The two families are now united. I wish the couple harmony, respect, and a long happy life together."
Her job was finished. When she left, Henry's mother gave her a big red envelope, and Liz's mother also gave her one.
The matchmaker felt the thickness of both envelopes, and her smile couldn't be hidden. When she reached the door, she even turned back again to say more good wishes. It was clear how happy she was.
After finishing the wedding discussion, Henry's family was invited by Liz's parents to stay for dinner. Soon, curious neighbors also came over.
Liz's mother handed out candies with a smile. The neighbors asked if Liz's marriage was settled. Liz's mother didn't hide anything.
"Yes, this is my future son-in-law."
"On the sixteenth, everyone can come for the wedding banquet and join the fun."
Liz's mother proudly introduced Henry. He quickly stood up, nodded politely at everyone, and greeted them.
Hearing there would be a banquet, the neighbors laughed and congratulated them. Whether sincere or not, everyone gave their blessings in front of Liz's parents.
Henry's father and mother also invited the neighbors to join the celebration. The house stayed lively all afternoon as people kept coming.
Now, everyone knew what Liz's fiancé looked like, and the news of her marriage spread.
Some families who had been hoping to connect with Liz's family gave up their ideas. At first, they thought their own sons might have a chance to marry the deputy mayor's daughter. But instead, she was marrying into Beijing, and her husband was a military officer.
It was said the two grandfathers had been old friends. Liz's family claimed they didn't care about family status, but in reality, their daughter was marrying well.
Liz's parents didn't care what others thought. With their daughter's marriage settled, their biggest worry was finally gone.
After sending off the guests, Liz's parents began preparing dinner. Henry's mother smiled and went into the kitchen to help.
"Why are you helping?"
"We're going to be one family. Why be polite?"
Without outsiders around, Henry's mother and Liz's mother no longer needed to keep up appearances. They worked quickly and cooked dinner together.
Meanwhile, Liz's parents told her to show Henry her room.
It was his first time there. The room was tidy, decorated with things girls usually like, and flowers sat on the desk.
Her room carried a sweet fragrance, the same scent she had on her, light and calming.