Ma Wuni: “Do you really want to see Qian Cheng right now? Or do you think I’d be happy to see Qian Cheng on this occasion?”
Of course she wouldn’t want that. Otherwise, why would she have rushed to get engaged these past two days? It was precisely to settle the marriage quietly.
Ma Wuni: “By the way, did Qian Cheng ever introduce you to anyone?”
Qian Jin raised an eyebrow, feeling annoyed just thinking about it: “Wasn’t it your classmate? Didn’t you introduce her to me?”
Ma Wuni was infuriated, pointing at her own nose: “Do I look like someone who does that kind of work?” Could she possibly be a matchmaker?
She continued: “Do you think we have that kind of relationship?” Introducing someone to you? I’d only introduce enemies to you.
Qian Jin: “So it wasn’t you?” For some reason, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. He knew Ma Wuni wasn’t the type to meddle in other people’s business.
Ma Wuju, who had been watching from the side, was momentarily stunned. Was Qian Jin actually this handsome?
She nudged Ma Wuyi beside her, gesturing for her to look: “Do you think Wuni is blind? Such a good-looking man.”
Ma Wuyi also stared blankly at her brother-in-law’s face: “He really is quite handsome.”
Ma Wuni hadn’t noticed Qian Jin’s good looks at all. She glared at him—what was he so happy about? Was it even worth it? “How many did I introduce you to?”
Qian Jin: “I never actually met any of them. I received letters but never replied. Does that even count as being introduced? Don’t wrongfully accuse me of this.”
Ma Wuni thought, where did this conversation go? Why should I care about your situation? “What am I accusing you of? Do you know that mailman?”
Qian Jin: “Which mailman? The one who let Sun Yali know that someone from the Qian family was sending money? Don’t wrongfully accuse me. I just found out about it myself.”
He then raised both hands: “I had no contact with him before, and I won’t in the future either.”
Ma Wuni felt this was probably true and likely had nothing to do with Qian Jin. She was just asking casually, not intending to dig deeper.
Seeing that Ma Wuni wasn’t going to continue, Qian Jin spoke up: “I’ll be leaving in a few days.”
Ma Wuni nodded casually: “Mm, I’ll keep an eye on things at home.”
Qian Jin thought to himself, could you be a little more sincere? “I’m talking about the wedding.”
Ma Wuni finally looked up: “Can you take leave and come back?”
Qian Jin looked up at Ma Wuni: “Definitely not, but you could come to where I am.”
Ma Wuni: “Huh?” She really hadn’t planned on that. Why would anyone miss her at home? Because she had her own budding career, just getting started. She couldn’t leave.
Qian Jin’s expression immediately fell: “What do you mean ‘huh’? If we don’t get married, why would I give you all my money? Come or don’t come.”
His words were tough, but his eyes kept glancing at Ma Wuni: “You’ll come, right?” His tone softened slightly, carrying a hint of hope.
Unfortunately, this heartless woman wouldn’t give him gentle words or fall for his tricks.
Before Ma Wuni could even speak, Qian Jin, afraid she would refuse, quickly said: “My marriage isn’t something where a matchmaker from home can just run over a couple of times and say a few words. I have to submit a report, and it needs approval from above.”
Since being soft didn’t work, he was ready to switch tactics. Qian Jin’s mind changed quickly.
Ma Wuni actually knew about this: “Did you submit it?”
Qian Jin spoke as if reluctantly: “How could I be perfunctory with Uncle Ma?” Of course I followed the rules.”
Ma Wuni was conflicted. Why was everything so formal? “If it gets approved, do we have to get married right away, and have people see us get married? Otherwise, the leaders might say you’re lying?”
Qian Jin remained silent. You’re the one saying all this. What I said earlier was definitely correct. And of course, we can’t lie later either—lying is wrong, after all.
Ma Wuni began calculating the timing. “It’s almost autumn harvest. They’re too busy at home, and I…”
Hearing Ma Wuni waver slightly, Qian Jin immediately spoke up. “It’ll take some time for my approval to come through. After the autumn harvest is fine, but we’ll have to hurry a bit.”
Ma Wuni just couldn’t believe it. “You’re not tricking me, are you? Can the requirements really be that flexible?”
She blamed herself for not knowing enough, for not understanding these matters well.
Qian Jin didn’t follow Ma Wuni’s train of thought. Instead, he turned the question back on her. “Don’t you trust me?”
This was a serious question. Qian Jin said, “Ma Wuni, let’s not talk about anything else. Over the years, whether our relationship has been good or bad, have I ever lied to you?”
Ma Wuni fell silent. Although he could be annoying, he had indeed never lied to her. “Our relationship has never been good.”
Over there, Qian Jin had already gone to greet his Uncle Ma. As for whether he was tricking Ma Wuni, he didn’t give a direct answer. He let Ma Wuni figure it out for herself.
The engagement was already set, so he definitely wouldn’t run away. Qian Jin was a meticulous thinker. He was no longer the face-conscious, impulsive youth he once was.
Ma Jiye was undoubtedly satisfied with Qian Jin’s performance and had nothing but praise for the Qian family.
The Qian couple offered everything they had as a betrothal gift for their daughter, which was a matter of face for the Ma family.
So when Qian Jin came over and called him “Dad,” Ma Jiye grinned so wide his back teeth were visible. He nearly teared up.
He even threw an arm around Qian Jin’s shoulder. “You’re a good one, kid, a good one. I always knew you’d be my son-in-law sooner or later. I won’t treat you as a son-in-law—I’ll treat you as my own son.”
Wu Chunmei quickly went over and pulled Ma Jiye away. “He’s had too much to drink.” How could he say something like that? It was embarrassing.
Qian Jin supported Ma Jiye. “I’ll take Dad back. Mom, you won’t be able to hold him up.” He really didn’t act like an outsider.
That one word, “Mom,” made Wu Chunmei freeze in place.
Her second son-in-law, who had been taken in as a son-in-law, had only called her “Mom” a handful of times over the years. Her second son-in-law wasn’t good at expressing himself, but Qian Jin was different.
Aunt Zhang watched the interaction between the two families from the side. “You really can’t tell this marriage was hastily arranged. No wonder he’s been out in the world—Qian Jin really knows how to handle things. He’s so sweet-tongued.”
Ma Wuni glanced at the two men over there and thought to herself that she couldn’t tell they were father-in-law and son-in-law either. Anyone who didn’t know would think they were father and son. She, the star of the engagement, felt completely superfluous.
Over there, Aunt Zhang was being held back by Qian Laoshi and his wife, who insisted she stay. Their enthusiasm made Aunt Zhang think she was truly welcome.
Qian Laoshi’s wife said, “Aunt Zhang, you know how things are in our family. Nowadays, nothing can be kept secret.”
Not just in the village—even in town, the affairs of the Qian and Sun families were hot topics. Aunt Zhang felt sorry for the Qian family. “Don’t say that. Although it’s been a bit troublesome, at least both daughters-in-law are home now.”
Zhang Sangu said that actually, the Qian family was the one benefiting: “Both sons’ in-laws are capable people. Although Qian Jin is promising, Wuni is even more impressive. Captain Sun’s daughter marrying Qian Cheng—that’s Qian Cheng’s good fortune. Don’t you think so?”
Qian Laoshi sighed and muttered gloomily, “Yes, definitely. Both daughters-in-law are good. Their in-laws are even more capable.”
Qian Laoshi’s wife spoke up: “But, his third aunt, two tigers cannot share one mountain. When it comes to this matter, I’m worried to death. What kind of temper does Wuni have? Even among the men in our brigade, she’s one of the best. When I say she takes charge, that’s no exaggeration.”