Chen Zhiyuan’s face darkened instantly his hands clenching so tightly the veins stood out. To have his future brother in law speak like this was nothing short of belittling him.
Jiang Chiyue stepped in front of him defensively. “Brother Zhiyuan is a truly good man and he treats me so well.” A look of shy sweetness came over her face and she glanced at Xu Yaoyao not far away with a hint of triumph. “Xu Yaoyao Zhiyuan loves me. Now that you have married my brother do not go thinking about him.”
Seeing two beautiful women vie over him Chen Zhiyuan secretly delighted and stood a little taller.
Xu Yaoyao was stung by her words and replied with scorn “A man who can be snatched away from you was never worth keeping yet you treat him like a prize. If I were you Jiang Chiyue I would sooner go to the countryside than marry a man like him. Have you truly thought about what your life will be like?” She paused folding her arms and lifting her chin. “And besides I am your sister in law now. Watch how you speak to me.”
Seeing her rival flush with anger Xu Yaoyao felt thoroughly pleased. Being the elder brother’s wife had its advantages she would get to see her rival lose face every day. Smiling warmly she slipped her arm through Jiang Chiye’s. “Husband let us go inside now do not keep grandfather and the others waiting.”
“Very well.” Jiang Chiye nodded his gaze resting meaningfully on his sister. “Your sister in law means well do not bring anyone and everyone into our lives.”
With that the two walked past them and entered the house. Xu’s father and mother had already arrived and both families were chatting warmly.
Jiang’s mother beamed when she saw them arm in arm and hurried over pushing her son aside to take Xu Yaoyao’s hand.
“Aunt Lin…”
“Still Aunt Lin?” Jiang’s mother smiled warmly. “Is it not time for a new name Yaoyao?”
Xu Yaoyao’s ears turned pink as she spoke softly “Mother.”
“Here here.” Jiang’s mother replied excitedly pressing a red envelope into her hand. “This is your name changing gift from me you must accept it. It is not a great deal only a token of my affection.”
Xu Yaoyao accepted it gracefully. “Thank you mother.”
“There are more to come.”
Xu Yaoyao looked around in surprise as more red envelopes followed. Even Jiang Chiyue handed one over reluctantly. “Thank you little sister.”
Jiang Chiyue glared at her with ill will holding her tongue only because it was improper to bicker on such an occasion. “You are welcome sister in law.”
Xu Yaoyao heard the resentment in her voice and paid it no mind feeling quite content.
After lunch the families discussed the banquet for the following day. Regulations were strict so they would hold a modest meal at the state run restaurant inviting only close friends and relatives. Xu’s parents agreed it was wise to keep a low profile and avoid drawing envy.
Xu Yaoyao raised her hand. “Mother perhaps we should skip it since everyone already knows.”
“Absolutely not.” Both mothers refused at once. “Lifen three o’clock tomorrow afternoon at the state run restaurant then.”
“That suits us.” Chen Lifen nodded. “We have few relatives on our side and her grandmother’s family will not be coming. My people live far away so a simple meal will do.”
“Then it is settled.” Lin Sujuan confirmed.
Jiang Chiyue spoke up unhappily. “Mother what of Zhiyuan and me? When shall we marry?”
Jiang’s mother looked at her helplessly. “Must you speak of marriage constantly? Where is your modesty? His parents have not even come to formally propose. I am not entirely fond of this Chen anyway he was meant to meet Yaoyao first and then turned his attention to you. That shows little character.”
“But mother we are being sent to the countryside the day after tomorrow we must decide now.”
“That is not for me to say ask him what his intentions are.”
Chen Zhiyuan stood up quickly. “Auntie I have spoken with my parents they will come tomorrow to make a formal proposal.”
Jiang’s mother looked at him directly. “And what sum do you offer as betrothal gift?”
Chen Zhiyuan hesitated. “Auntie I have two older brothers who have recently married. We can offer only one hundred and eighty yuan. But I give you my word I will care for Chiyue with all my heart.”
Jiang Chiyue looked at him with deep emotion. “Mother his family has already sacrificed so much. I do not need a betrothal gift. He has promised to love me all his life.”
Jiang’s mother stared at her in disbelief wondering if she had heard correctly. The old man sitting nearby looked furious leaning heavily on his cane.
“When did you become so self sacrificing?” Jiang Chiye scoffed. “If a man cannot even provide this much what does he offer you? Is this what you call treating you well? Or do you crave hardship? You would be better off serving the nation in the countryside doing something truly worthwhile.”
Xu Yaoyao could not help but laugh.
Chen Zhiyuan stood up placing himself between Jiang Chiye and Jiang Chiyue. “Brother I love your sister. I may have little now but I will work hard. I am a skilled worker at the manufacturing plant earning more than fifty yuan a month that is enough to support her.”
Jiang Chiye raised an eyebrow. “Fifty yuan a month? Even if you have only just started you must have saved something. Why can you offer only one hundred and eighty? Or is my sister worth no more than that?”
Chen Zhiyuan’s expression hardened. “I contribute to my family because my brothers are newly married and my parents raised me with difficulty. One hundred and eighty is generous my sisters in law received only one hundred and twenty each.”
Xu Yaoyao listened in stunned disbelief. His family drained him dry and he accepted it as normal. She could already see what Jiang Chiyue’s married life would look like and felt a sudden pang of pity. It was just as she had told Chiyue any man so easily taken was never worth having. Jiang Chiyue shifted uncomfortably feeling the weight of that sympathetic gaze.