Wuni took the money and directly counted out two hundred yuan, handing it to Qian Laoshi and his wife: “In our rural life, with the family supporting the children’s education, we can’t save much wealth. This money was all sent home by Qian Jin over the years, meant for your retirement. I’ll keep this three hundred, and you take these two hundred to keep on hand for emergencies.”
Zhang Sangu’s eyes widened. See, it’s been rumored outside that Ma family’s Wuni is the one in charge at the Qian household. She had always thought it was just hearsay—after all, who would let outsiders know their family’s financial situation?
Now she finally understood: Ma Wuni truly is the one running the Qian household. She knows the family’s assets, and even how they came about.
Moreover, this girl is generous—she counted out two hundred yuan, two hundred! Which other girl would have such boldness?
Qian Jin, over there, looked everywhere but this way. This matter wasn’t for him to decide.
He knew perfectly well—Ma Wuni was aware of how much the family had and where it came from.
Ma Jiye had never been able to make decisions for his daughter; otherwise, that Qian Cheng fellow wouldn’t have been part of the engagement back then. Whatever the girl said, that’s how it would be.
Qian Laoshi and his wife held the money, feeling anything but happy. It would have been better if they hadn’t been given this money at all.
Ma Wuni had said this money was for them to keep on hand for emergencies, not for their younger son to marry a wife or to give as a betrothal gift to the Sun family—that definitely wouldn’t do.
If the Sun family found out about this money, they would surely make a fuss. It was worrying to death.
Qian Laoshi’s wife, quick-witted, realized that the Ma family wouldn’t spread this around; the key was to keep Zhang Sangu’s mouth shut.
So the couple began staring at Zhang Sangu, adopting a truly pleading attitude. They needed Zhang Sangu to keep quiet for now.
The eldest Ma daughter hadn’t expected such sincerity from the Qian family. Looking at the three hundred yuan betrothal gift, she gasped: “Good heavens, I haven’t saved up this much wealth in over a decade. Just how much is Qian Jin’s salary?”
Second sister Ma Wuju leaned in: “Otherwise, why do you think the Sun family girl hooked up with Qian Cheng?”
Then came the gossip: “Let me tell you, I heard Qian Cheng and Sun Yali have a classmate who graduated from junior high and works at the post office. Somehow it got out that the Qian family receives money from someone every month.”
This is why they say wealth shouldn’t be flaunted—look how it attracts attention. Otherwise, Ma Wuni’s marriage wouldn’t have changed.
Ma Wuni hadn’t expected this twist either: “How did you know about this?”
Ma Wuju cracked sunflower seeds: “The Sun family spread it.”
Ma Wuni remembered: Qian Cheng did have a junior high classmate working at the post office, and she was quite nice to Qian Cheng—she even went to Qian Cheng’s school to look for him.
She recalled that girl saying she particularly admired soldiers and had asked Qian Cheng for Qian Jin’s contact information.
Why would she share the Qian family’s information with Sun Yali? That didn’t make sense. Shouldn’t this girl have made her own move? Besides, if it was really about money, she should have aimed for Qian Jin.
Ma Wuju: “What are you thinking about? You’re spoken for now. Don’t think about things you shouldn’t.”
Ma Wuni glared at Ma Wuju: “None of your business.”
Ma Wuju asked Ma Wuni: “How much is in your bankbook? Surely not less than three hundred yuan?”
Ma Wuni wasn’t foolish, especially after the previous lesson. She wouldn’t tell anyone how much money she had, sticking to her line: “None of your business.”
Ma Wuju was so angry she wanted to hit Ma Wuni: “You blockhead, you’re even guarding against me. I’m your own sister.”
Ma Wuju: “By the way, why haven’t we seen Qian Cheng today?”
Ma Wuni hadn’t seen Qian Cheng either and looked around: “I don’t know. Didn’t you say we shouldn’t meddle in things that aren’t our business?”
Ma Wuju was quite annoyed: “You actually listened to that? Well, it’s probably for the best that Qian Cheng isn’t here. Otherwise, it would’ve been a bit awkward.”
Then she began worrying for Ma Wuni—how would she manage in the future, seeing the two brothers constantly, and with a sister-in-law like Sun Yali around?
Qian Jin brought over a large bowl of meat and handed it to Ma Wuni: “What’s wrong, no appetite? You haven’t eaten much.”
Ma Wuni thought to herself, who could eat such greasy food in this sweltering heat? “I’ve never worn a watch before, so it feels new. Why do you have a ladies’ watch on you, ready to take out at any moment? Are you fooling around outside?”
Ma Wuju and the others, seeing the two talking, moved away slightly to give them some privacy. Unfortunately, the room was small, so they couldn’t go far.
The sisters were anxious for Ma Wuni. You’ve just put on the watch, and this is what you say to the man? This engagement is likely to fall apart. This girl doesn’t know how to sweet-talk a man.
Qian Jin gritted his teeth: “Can’t I just give you…” Then he changed tack: “I bought it for my mom.”
Ma Wuni glanced toward Qian Jin’s mother. At her age, could she even read a watch? “If it’s for Auntie, then give it to…”
Qian Jin snapped impatiently: “My mom can’t tell time. You wear it.”
In that case, she might as well wear it herself. Otherwise, who knows if Qian Cheng might sweet-talk it away? Who would benefit then?
Ma Wuni opened her mouth to speak but closed it again. If she can’t tell time, why buy a watch in the first place?
Qian Jin couldn’t stand Ma Wuni holding back: “If you have something to say, say it. You’re not the type to hide things.”
Nearby, Ma Wuju strained to eavesdrop, trying to hear what the two were saying.
Ma Wuni: “You told me to say it, so don’t get angry. Why haven’t we seen Qian Cheng today?”
If Qian Jin didn’t get angry, he wouldn’t be a man: “Ma Wuni, you’re something else. Today’s our engagement, and this is what you’re focused on?”
Ma Wuni: “It wasn’t me. My second sister asked. Really. And you told me to say it. I didn’t want to bring it up.”
Not only did she anger him, but she also cut off his retreat. Qian Jin felt a surge of frustration: “I stuffed him onto a bus.”
Ma Wuni was curious: “Where to? Is he not coming back?”
Qian Jin snorted: “If only he had that kind of guts. I just helped him check his ticket. Didn’t bother with the rest.”
Ma Wuni gasped. If she remembered correctly, she had taken all of Qian Cheng’s money. Someone planning to elope would probably buy a long-distance ticket.
How would Qian Cheng get back from wherever he ended up? She knew Qian Jin was no good—full of even more bad ideas than Qian Cheng.
Qian Jin watched Ma Wuni’s unsettled expression and felt displeased: “What? I still have another ticket. Want it?” So you can chase after him?
Ma Wuni shot him a look: “Speak properly. Who are you trying to intimidate?”
The eavesdropping sisters were startled, thinking, with such a ruthless brother-in-law, why doesn’t our sister soften up a bit? Otherwise, when he uses his subtle tactics on Wuni later, how will this girl manage?
Qian Jin turned away, ignoring Ma Wuni, afraid he might say something he’d regret.
After a long while, he spoke again: “Don’t worry. Even if he has to walk, he’ll be back tonight.”
Ma Wuni still knew her place and position: “I have no concerns. This meal was quite pleasant.”
Hearing this, Qian Jin felt relieved—it was only without Qian Cheng that the meal was enjoyable. “Really?”