Xu Yaoyao stared wide eyed and covered her backside as she looked at her mother.
Her mother rolled her eyes and said as she analyzed the situation Chiye is such a great catch you would never find anyone better even with a lantern. Why are you not happy? Plenty of people in this compound would be delighted.
He is so much better than that Comrade Chen from last time. Listen to me and you will not regret it. With a build like his you will be thanking your lucky stars later.
This son in law of hers was not just good he was excellent. Most importantly his heart and eyes were fixed entirely on her daughter and that alone was worth everything.
And you would not have to go to the countryside and suffer. If you marry Chiye you can join him at his post. So many people envy that privilege.
Chiye is already a regimental commander at such a young age and his future will be bright.
Xu Yaoyao frowned and spoke up Young? He is ten years older than me.
You know nothing. Older men know how to take care of people.
You are just being double standard Xu Yaoyao said helplessly.
Mom have you forgotten his sister stole my match last time? You called her unfair and unsportsmanlike just the other day!
Her mother had scolded her so fiercely anyone would have thought it was her own man being taken. Her mother looked slightly embarrassed and simply feigned ignorance Did I say that?
Yes you did Xu Yaoyao stated accusingly.
Smack Her mother gave her another firm swat on the backside.
She stole your match and you are marrying her brother. Soon she will have to call you sister in law. Who really won here?
Besides any man who can be stolen away was never worth keeping anyway.
Xu Yaoyao had to admit the thought of her rival having to address her respectfully as sister in law did hold a certain appeal but then she remembered the five kilometer runs and snapped back to reality.
Mom you do not know what he is like in private. He has a temper he loves to lecture and he uses physical punishment. With my small frame how could I endure that? You are practically pushing me into a fire pit!
Her mother tapped her forehead in exasperation You are so silly. Once you are married he will be your man. Can you not train him properly? With your figure all you need to do is crook your finger and he will do whatever you say.
He will be so wrapped around your finger you will not have anything to fear from punishment.
Xu Yaoyao’s face turned bright red. There was actually some truth to what her mother said and she had no good reply.
The thought of her rival treating her with deference filled her with quiet satisfaction and she stood a little taller.
Her mother saw her expression and knew the matter was settled. Good. Be happy about it. I am going to buy groceries now.
Relieved that the countryside problem was solved her mother left the house in high spirits with her basket.
Meanwhile Jiang Chiye had just arrived home. He noticed an unfamiliar woman talking to his sister her gaze fixed intensely on him and he frowned in displeasure.
Old Master Jiang looked up and nodded at his grandson signaling him to sit.
Jiang Chiye walked straight over sat opposite him poured tea for both of them took a sip and said casually Grandfather I am getting married.
Cough cough The old man choked on his tea and coughed violently for a moment before staring at him in disbelief. You rascal are you teasing me? Who would agree to marry you?
Jiang Chiye did not like that tone Grandfather why would you say that? Is there any reason I should not get married?
You are always up to no good who would take an interest in you?
Jiang Chiye fell silent That was in the past please do not bring it up.
Where are Father Jiang and Aunt Lin? I need to invite them to my future bride’s home tonight to discuss our marriage arrangements.
Your sister is getting married soon so your mother is busy preparing her dowry. She is probably out shopping.
Are you serious about this? Who is she? Do I know her? The old man looked curious.
Jiang Chiye smiled slightly You know her very well.
Who is it?
You will find out soon enough.
Get out. You keep secrets even from me the old man grumbled.
Sister Yurou what is wrong? Why are you so pale?
Gu Yurou heard his voice and felt a sharp bitterness rise in her chest. She clenched her hands until her knuckles turned white and said faintly I am fine. Chiyue I have to go home.
She stood up and practically fled the house. Once outside she let the tears fall freely. The man she loved was getting married and not to her. She would not accept this.
Inside the house Jiang Chiyue paid little attention and came up to her brother asking curiously Brother who are you marrying? Do I know her?
Jiang Chiye glanced at her You know her. You see her every day.
Who is it? Jiang Chiyue grew even more curious.
Someone she saw every day must be Sister Yurou. Could her brother be marrying Sister Yurou?
Jiang Chiye knew his sister and his future wife had never gotten along so he set boundaries early Her name is Yaoyao and she will be your sister in law. I expect you to treat her with respect.
What? I refuse! Jiang Chiyue’s voice rose sharply her eyes turning red hot. The thought of calling Xu Yaoyao sister in law was unbearable.
Your opinion does not matter. I am simply informing you. My wife does not need your approval.
If you embarrass her or make her unhappy tonight I will send you to the countryside.
His tone was calm yet carried unmistakable authority. He was not joking. Jiang Chiyue stared wide eyed and dared not speak for she knew her brother meant exactly what he said.
That evening Xu Yaoyao grew nervous as Jiang Chiye’s entire family arrived bearing gifts. She stood up and greeted them awkwardly Hello Grandfather Uncle Jiang Aunt Lin.
Jiang Chiyue seeing that Xu Yaoyao had ignored her let out a huff full of resentment but one sharp look from her brother silenced her and she sat quietly in a corner.
Old Master Jiang smiled and nodded at her while Jiang Chiye’s mother took her hands excitedly with warm affection Yaoyao we are family now. Here is a gift for you.
She took a beautifully polished jade bracelet from her bag and placed it on Xu Yaoyao’s wrist.
Aunt Lin I cannot accept this Xu Yaoyao said immediately recognizing how valuable it looked.
Her mother in law held her hand gently Keep it. This was passed down to me by Chiye’s grandmother for the wife of the Jiang family. Now it belongs to you.
She had been surprised when she first heard the news but learning it was Xu Yaoyao made her overjoyed. She had been close friends with Yaoyao’s mother for years and had watched Yaoyao grow up. She could not have asked for a better daughter in law.
Xu Yaoyao looked at Jiang Chiye uncertainly and he nodded reassuringly telling her to accept it. She said nothing more deciding she would return it to him privately later.
Jiang Chiye’s mother went to help in the kitchen and soon dinner was served. The two families sat together and began discussing the wedding arrangements.
You are very pleased with yourself are you not Jiang Chiyue whispered suddenly a smirk appearing on her face. Do not get too comfortable Xu Yaoyao. You will regret it.
The thought of watching Xu Yaoyao forced to run do squats and stand in punishment filled her with glee and made the situation almost bearable.
Jiang Chiyue did you do that thing?
What thing? Jiang Chiyue looked confused.
Xu Yaoyao hesitated. If it was not her then who was it? Surely she had not gotten drunk and pounced on Jiang Chiye herself?