Zhao Yulan stamped her foot in frustration was he determined to defy her to the very end?
Han Miaomiao kept her composure, though her pride stung. For the sake of Lu Dongsheng’s steady income, she would endure. Lu Xiaofang had spoken of him often, yet seeing him now strong, assured, a changed man she realized what a catch he truly was. If she married him, comfort and security would be hers. Still, she would not break things off with Chen Qiang just yet; better to keep a backup. A woman needed security why choose hardship when she could choose prosperity?
Zhao Yulan turned back with a forced smile. “Never mind him, Miaomiao. I’ve prepared everything let’s eat.” Han Miaomiao nodded demurely.
In Lin Village, Su Fugui returned as the sun dipped low, strolling leisurely with a small sack of peanuts behind his back. Su Ying stood at the gate with a basket of firewood, her heart sinking his smile was identical to the day he’d accepted the village chief’s betrothal gifts. A bad feeling settled over her. Had they conspired last night?
“Dad you look pleased. What’s happened?”
His smile vanished instantly, replaced by impatience. “Thanks to you breaking off the engagement, I’ve trekked all over the hills finding you another match. Ruin this one too, and I’ll break your legs.”
Su Ying gripped the basket tight. Could he truly sell his own daughter? A dowry was one thing; this was trafficking without her consent. They were two of a kind greed and cruelty hand in hand. Her heart hardened. If they wanted money so badly… she would give them their fill.
She slipped around to the kitchen window to listen.
“It’s done!” Su Fugui crowed. “I asked four hundred they offered four hundred and fifty straight away when they heard she’s untouched, plus this sack of peanuts! One hundred and fifty more than before! And they want her in three days no wedding feast. Saves us spending on Xiuxiu’s dowry, eh?”
Tian Cuifen beamed. That was why she’d stayed he always put Xiuxiu first. As for his own daughter… she’d never been more than a drudge. “You’re the best, Fugui truly good.”
Su Ying’s stomach turned. Good? Selling your own flesh and blood to buy another daughter’s future?
Then she remembered the story divergence how in the reader’s version, Lu Dongsheng would send a matchmaker, and Su Xiuxiu would steal Su Ying’s place. That was it the plot was shifting. She’d paid too little attention to the comments!
Tian Cuifen continued: “Don’t tell her. Three nights from now, we’ll drug her and tie her up. Tell them to come then under cover of darkness, so no one sees.”
“Smart as always,” Su Fugui agreed. “Four hundred and fifty is ours.”
Outside, Su Ying’s eyes turned cold as steel. You won’t get away with this.
Meanwhile, Lu Dongsheng ate a simple meal in town, then bought gifts malted milk, pastries, tobacco, and wine for the matchmaker to present to Su Ying’s family. When he returned, Han Miaomiao was gone. Zhao Yulan sat fuming.
“Don’t you see what I was trying to do?”
“Not really, Mother. Father have you found a matchmaker yet? If not, I will.”
Lu Dahai cleared his throat. “Not yet we hadn’t settled on whom to ask.”
“You’re serious about that village girl?” Zhao Yulan warned. “Don’t come crying to us if it falls apart.”
“I’ll make it work.” He set the gifts down. “Father please arrange it as soon as possible. There’s no time to lose.”
Lu Dahai nodded. “I’ll go after work.”
When he’d left the room, Zhao Yulan smacked her husband’s leg. “You spoil him! He’ll regret this.”
“Let him choose,” Lu Dahai said. “Or he’ll go behind our backs.”
Zhao Yulan threw up her hands. “Do as you please then! I wash my hands of it this is giving me an ulcer.”