Meng Jiao abruptly looked up, staring at him in surprise.
Was this the first time Gu Yan had taken the initiative to say such… comforting words to her?
The young man grew uncomfortable under her gaze, turning his face away as the tips of his ears reddened slightly.
“I know.”
The gloom in Meng Jiao’s heart suddenly dissipated quite a bit, and she couldn’t resist teasing him.
“It’s just annoying. Why do they always meddle in other people’s business?”
Gu Yan pressed his lips together, unsure what to say. After a long pause, he finally managed, “…They have too much free time.”
Since Meng Jianhua had vaguely rejected her last time, Wang Pozi had been quiet for a few days.
But matchmakers were notoriously persistent, especially when they considered someone like Meng Jianhua a promising candidate.
He was educated, having come from the city. Though he had a daughter in tow, he was decent and reliable.
So what if he had a limp? That didn’t matter. Good character was more important than anything.
One evening, when Meng Jiao returned home and was washing her hands in the yard, she saw Wang Pozi swaying her hips as she approached with a beaming smile.
“Oh, Jiaojiao, you’re back? Where’s your father?”
Wang Pozi made to slip inside as if she owned the place.
Meng Jiao’s internal alarm bells rang, but she forced a smile. “Grandma Wang, you’re here. My father is a bit tired and resting inside. Is there something you need?”
“Of course! It’s good news!”
Wang Pozi declared loudly, her face wreathed in smiles.
“Last time, your father didn’t like that Widow Zhao because she was remarried. But this time, I’ve found someone perfect for him!”
Meng Jiao rolled her eyes inwardly but patiently asked, “Oh? Who is it?”
“Old Li’s daughter from the east end of the village, Xiuying! She’s a few years younger than your father, but she’s never been married—a pure maiden! She’s hardworking and gentle, guaranteed to take good care of both your father and you!”
Wang Pozi spoke with flying spittle, practically praising Xiuying to the skies.
In the past, Meng Jiao might have been impressed by the “pure maiden” label.
But after spending time in Blue Bay Village and getting to know many of the local girls and women, she had heard plenty of gossip. She vaguely remembered something about this Xiuying…
Instead of immediately objecting, she pretended to be curious. “Sister Xiuying? I think I’ve heard of her. Didn’t she… have some unpleasantness with that family from the neighboring village recently?”
Wang Pozi’s expression shifted slightly before she waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, that’s all nonsense! That family’s son was no good, so Xiuying’s family called off the engagement! A girl’s reputation is important—don’t listen to idle gossip!”
Meng Jiao sneered inwardly. Just yesterday, she had heard an auntie she worked with muttering about how calculating Xiuying was.
The previous engagement fell through because Xiuying had made a huge scene, nearly smashing the other family’s pots, all because she thought the betrothal gifts were insufficient. Hardly the picture of gentleness.
But Meng Jiao didn’t expose her directly, wanting to spare Wang Pozi some dignity. Instead, she said tactfully, “Grandma Wang, thank you for your trouble. But my father really isn’t interested right now. He just wants to focus on raising me and doesn’t want to think about anything else.”
Wang Pozi immediately objected, “Jiaojiao, that’s not right! Your father is a grown man—how can he manage without a woman? You young girls don’t understand—a home isn’t a home without a woman to run it!”
“Xiuying is truly a good match. If you miss this chance, there won’t be another!”
Meng Jiao took a deep breath, the smile fading from her face.
“Grandma Wang, we appreciate your kindness. But when it comes to finding a partner for my father, we need to thoroughly investigate their background, right? We can’t just listen to one side of the story.”
Wang Pozi was taken aback. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t mean anything particular,” Meng Jiao said unhurriedly. “I’ve just heard that Sister Xiuying’s previous engagement fell through because she thought the eighty-yuan bride price was too low. She brought her brothers to her would-be in-laws’ house, made a scene, and even smashed their thermos flask in the main hall. The son was so frightened he ran away to find work elsewhere. That’s why the engagement was called off.”
“Everyone in neighboring Liujia Village knows about this. You must have heard of it too, surely?”
Wang Pozi’s face instantly turned the color of liver, and she stammered, “Th-that’s all just rumor… can’t be trusted…”
“Rumor?” Meng Jiao pressed on. “And what about the widow Zhao you mentioned last time? I heard about her too. How did her previous husband pass away? Wasn’t it because he was constantly beaten and bullied, until he fell ill from depression? Our Meng family wouldn’t dare take in such a ‘hardworking’ person.”
Meng Jiao’s voice wasn’t particularly loud, but it was enough for the neighbors to catch the gist.
Wang Pozi’s face completely fell. She never expected this young girl Meng Jiao, who usually seemed so sweet and smiling, to be so well-informed when it came to digging up information!
“You… what does a child like you know! I was trying to be kind, and this is the thanks I get!” Wang Pozi sputtered in frustration.
“Grandma Wang, I’m not a child anymore!” Meng Jiao straightened her back, her voice clear and firm. “My father has had a hard life. We don’t want to bring someone troublesome into our home and disrupt our peace! If you truly have our best interests at heart, introduce us to someone with a clear background and a kind nature. But if you’re just after that matchmaker’s fee and try to pawn off some unattractive partners on us…”
Meng Jiao paused, looking directly at Wang Pozi, and said word by word, “Then don’t blame me for speaking bluntly. Do you think our Meng family is a junkyard? That you can bring any random person here, good or bad?”
“You! How dare you!” Wang Pozi was left speechless by the retort, pointing at Meng Jiao with a trembling hand.
“Grandma Wang, please leave! From now on, don’t trouble yourself with my father’s matters!” Meng Jiao directly showed her the door.
Wang Pozi stamped her foot in anger, muttering curses as she left, though she unmistakably looked defeated.
The courtyard fell quiet. Meng Jiao let out a long sigh, feeling her heart still racing a bit.
Wang Pozi had been thoroughly refuted by Meng Jiao’s series of arguments, leaving her red-faced and flustered. In the end, she practically stomped away in a rage.
Her grumbling could still be faintly heard from afar.
The courtyard instantly grew still, with only the soft sound of the evening breeze passing through.
Meng Jiao stood where she was, her chest still slightly heaving from the earlier excitement.
To be honest, it felt satisfying in the moment, but now that she had calmed down, she couldn’t help feeling a little uneasy.
Had she been too impulsive? After all, Wang Pozi was an elder and somewhat influential in the village…
As she was lost in thought, the door behind her creaked open.
Meng Jianhua stood in the doorway, looking at his daughter with a complicated expression.
He had clearly heard the entire conversation.
“Dad…” Meng Jiao turned around, calling out uneasily. Talking back to elders was not considered a good thing in the village.
Meng Jianhua didn’t speak immediately. He sighed.
He reached out his rough, warm hand and placed it on Meng Jiao’s head, gently ruffling her hair.
“Jiaojiao, well done. You’re truly my daughter. Did you see how Wang Pozi’s face turned green?”
Expecting to be scolded, Meng Jiao was surprised when Meng Jianhua actually praised her instead.
“Dad, you’re not mad at me?”