What came next feels almost too simple to tell.
I began calling them *Father-in-law* and *Mother-in-law*. And *Wife*.
After the New Year, Li Fang and I registered our marriage. I moved out of my rented room and showed up at the restaurant with wedding candies for the staff and owners.
The boss's wife raised an eyebrow. *"What's the occasion?"*
*"I got married,"* I mumbled, face warm.
The owner clapped my shoulder. *"Wedding without inviting me? Just candies? That's cold!"*
I kept my eyes down. *"No banquet. Just the papers."*
His wife—street-smart from years in the business—drew a slow *"Oh…"* and walked away.
I returned to the sinks, emotions tangled.
That evening, as I clocked out, she beckoned me from behind the counter.
*"Listen,"* she said quietly. *"You're a family man now. Washing plates won't cut it. Start tomorrow in the kitchen—learn proper cooking. Same pay for now. Prove yourself, and I'll raise it."*
Gratitude flooded me. *"Thank you—"*
She wrestled a red envelope from her pocket with her chubby hands. *"Marriage deserves celebration. Sudden, but… here. For a fiery start."*
The envelope read: *"Auspicious Tiger Year."* Freshly made, freshly given.
*"And these,"* she added, sliding two bottles of baijiu across the counter. *"For your father-in-law. Honor that good man."*
*"I will."*
On the walk home, I peeked inside the red paper.
Four hundred yuan.
*A full month's wages.*
I handed it to Li Fang.
*"So much?"*
*"From the boss's wife. For our marriage. She's moving me to the kitchen—promised a raise later."*
Li Fang's smile was sunlight. *"See? Things *are* changing. Work hard for her."*
*"Mom bought 'double happiness' decals today,"* she added. *"And red bedsheets. They're on our bed now—go look."*
I corrected her softly: *"Our mom."*
She stared at me, stunned—then threw herself against my chest, laughing through tears.
"Yes. Our mom."