Qian Jin was deeply frustrated. Why hadn’t he held on tighter? Was holding hands so easy? Why did he let go? Opportunities lost rarely come again.
Ma Wuni took a deep breath. What was he implying? Was he really going down that path? Was it her fault that there was no one around for him to elope with?
Honestly, this guy’s emotions were far too unstable. Was marriage really suitable for him?
Ma Jiye and Wu Chunmei couldn’t sleep, worried that their daughter might have fallen for that scoundrel. They had been pacing inside the courtyard gate for quite some time.
Originally, they were quite uneasy, but upon hearing Qian Jin’s low, angry shout, the two quietly returned to their room to rest.
Having been through it themselves, even though they only heard that one sentence, they could somewhat understand. It seemed Qian Jin did have some feelings for their daughter. They decided not to interfere in the young people’s affairs.
Ma Wuni returned home quietly. Glancing at her parents’ room, she didn’t believe for a second that her father was unaware of such a big commotion.
Back in the day, her father had treated Qian Jin like a son. Now, he was probably even more pleased.
Upon returning home, Qian Jin first retrieved the note Qian Cheng had written from the house. He glanced at it and tore it up. That kid really was no good.
If Ma Wuni hadn’t reminded him to find this thing, and if he hadn’t seen Qian Cheng first thing in the morning, not only him, but his parents would have had their doubts too.
Then he tossed and turned, unable to sleep, no matter what. His thoughts were all about Ma Wuni.
In the end, he couldn’t understand why Ma Wuni disliked him so much when he was clearly such a good catch. By any measure, he was far better than that Qian Cheng.
Early the next morning, Qian Jin began making arrangements to propose to the Ma family, not even mentioning Qian Cheng’s issue.
Seeing their eldest son bustling about enthusiastically, Qian Laoshi and his wife wondered to themselves: Was this really just about cleaning up their younger son’s mess?
Not seeing their younger son, the old couple assumed he was hiding away, upset, and didn’t ask further.
Soon, respected elders from the village arrived at the Ma family to propose on Qian Jin’s behalf.
Ma Jiye and Wu Chunmei were overjoyed. This was the Qian family’s attitude, their respect for the Ma family, and their regard for Wuni.
Ma Jiye whispered to Wu Chunmei, “I told you Qian Jin was a good one, much better than that Qian Cheng.”
Wu Chunmei nodded in agreement. He really was doing well.
Regarding the engagement arrangements, the Ma family had no objections or conditions whatsoever.
Whatever matchmaker Zhang Sangu said went. Zhang Sangu even remarked that she had never seen such easygoing in-laws. The two families were getting along beautifully in every aspect.
The key point was that despite the earlier big incident, there was not a trace of discord between the Qian and Ma families. They were truly magnanimous.
She also brought up the matter of Qian Cheng and Sun Yali. Zhang Sangu said, “The Qian family really is good. Qian Jin is truly outstanding, a fine young man. That’s why you’re still willing to marry your daughter into their family.”
Wu Chunmei replied, “It’s mainly because of the friendship between our two families. We can’t let the children’s affairs ruin our relationship. Also, the Qian brothers are considerate. Regardless of whether there’s a marriage alliance, the friendship between our families over the years can’t just vanish.”
Wu Chunmei’s words firmly established their stance. Zhang Sangu didn’t mention Qian Cheng again. Moreover, the Qian family was willing, and the Ma family found it hard to decline their sincerity.
Seeing his wife had made their position clear, Ma Jiye immediately added amiably, “There’s really no need for all these formalities. What’s the relationship between our two families? We’ve troubled you, Sangu, running back and forth.”
Wu Chunmei nodded, “Having both families sit down for a meal will count as the engagement being settled.”
Third Aunt Zhang thought to herself, these two are truly something, much more profound than the Sun family.
With a flattering smile, she said, “I’ve never seen families like yours handling a marriage—one side asks for nothing, the other prepares everything. Qian Jin from the Qian family said he’s prepared a bicycle, sewing machine, watch, furniture, and clothes. As for money, he’ll hand over his salary to Wuni from now on.”
She then praised Wuni, “Your Wuni is truly wonderful, managing everything inside and outside the home. No wonder the Qian family insists on holding onto her no matter what.”
Ma Jiye remained silent, while Wu Chunmei said, “Oh, Third Aunt, forget about the rest, but the sewing machine really isn’t necessary. You know what my Wuni is like—giving her that thing would be a waste. We understand the Qian family’s intentions, and there’s no need to prepare all these things. Let the young couple handle their own arrangements once they start their life together.”
Everyone here was clever. With the salary going to their own daughter, preparing material things was just for show, to impress others.
Wu Chunmei had already secured both substance and reputation, so why bother with all this fuss?
Before Third Aunt Zhang could even report back to the Qian family, the whole village already knew that Qian Jin and Ma Wuni were engaged, and a hefty betrothal gift had been offered.
The Qian family continued to show great regard for Ma Wuni, as always.
When the Sun family heard this news, they were anything but pleased. Qian Jin was giving so much to marry Ma Wuni, while Qian Cheng was marrying their Sun Yali with nothing at all—this would be embarrassing if word got out.
Captain Sun resented his daughter for not living up to expectations. He had scolded her, but what could he do? In these times, issues of conduct made it difficult even for a brigade leader’s daughter to marry well.
So, as soon as the Qian family had spoken to Third Aunt Zhang, the Sun family sent someone to the Qian family’s doorstep.
The message, in so many words, was that the arrangements for the two sons’ marriages shouldn’t be too different. Every family’s daughter had her pride to uphold.
The mediator sent by the Sun family felt embarrassed even saying these words. This was clearly coming to bully others with their influence.
After all, if a girl truly valued her reputation, she wouldn’t steal someone else’s fiancé or get involved in such unsavory affairs.
In her opinion, the matter should have been settled quietly with a marriage, without making a fuss. Could pride really be reclaimed in such a situation?
The Qian family’s matriarch complained to the visitor, “What can we do? Our family’s circumstances are just like this—we really can’t offer anything. Besides, the Ma family hasn’t made any demands at all. There are no conditions. What we said earlier was just to save face, but in truth, we have nothing to give.”
The mediator looked at Qian Jin, hoping for some assurance from him.
Qian Jin said, “When I marry, what I’m willing to give my wife is up to me. As for Qian Cheng’s marriage conditions, you should discuss that with Qian Cheng himself.”
Qian Laoshi’s wife glanced at her eldest son but didn’t dare complain. Her eldest son wasn’t willing to smooth things over for them, even though he was cleaning up their mess.
In Qian Laoshi’s wife’s mind, her eldest son resented this marriage arrangement and was dissatisfied with Wuni.
What could Qian Cheng possibly offer? He was still spending the family’s money on his studies. Even Qian Laoshi’s wife worried for her younger son, let alone the mediator.
The mediator left just like that. The Qian family had truly shown no respect for the Sun family, nor for the mediator herself.
Qian Laoshi asked Qian Jin, “Is it wise to offend the Sun family like this?”
Qian Jin replied, “Should I show the Sun family respect and help Qian Cheng marry? I’m afraid not—Wuni would beat me to death. You all know Wuni has a bad temper. I’ve suffered plenty at her hands since we were kids.”
When Qian Laoshi’s wife heard her eldest son say this, she twitched the corner of her mouth and dared not say another word. It was confirmed, and indeed she held resentment toward this marriage arrangement.
Knowing full well this was the case, yet still allowing her eldest son to marry—wasn’t that a bit unfair to him?
Ma Wuni was a woman who had subdued her younger son and now had her eldest son firmly under her control.