Chapter 233 Making a Decision
"Big brother, Chen Jinlan is asking for too much, it’s unreasonable. I’ve told Lijuan, I’m okay with the one hundred yuan dowry, sewing machine, and watches that she demanded, but I cannot afford the rest. If she’s willing to marry me then let it be. If she’s not, I won’t blame her."
Based on Chen Jinlan’s dowry requirements, it would be hard for Zhang Lijuan to get married in any nearby villages. If a groom can afford three key things, it is generally considered a lavish wedding. But Chen Jinlan even wants a black and white TV, which costs hundreds of yuan. The average household cannot afford that. Besides, having a TV at home is not practical, no one has time to sit at home and watch TV every day.
If Zhang Lijuan is willing to marry him, he will not treat her poorly in the future. He has a bicycle at home that was left by his older brother and it’s still in decent shape, so there’s no need to buy a new one.
As for the watch, the sewing machine, and the dowry, he will do all he can to meet these demands. After all, he has a few dozen yuan in savings, and his mother has over two hundred. Adding these up to around three hundred yuan, and borrowing another two hundred or so from his older brother should be enough to cover the wedding expenses.
Of course, he will repay the money borrowed from his older brother with his salary. The whole debt could be repaid within a year, and all money he makes afterward would be saved for Zhang Lijuan. However, if Lijuan’s family refuses to compromise on the television, he can only give up on this relationship.
He admits that he likes Zhang Lijuan, but he is not fixated on marrying her. If she doesn’t relent, they will have to part ways, and he won’t consider getting married for another couple of years, just saving up for that time.
"As long as you have made up your mind." Si Chen responded with a softened expression, saying indifferently: "During your wedding, Yaoyao and I will support you. But I do agree with you here. Let’s temporarily put off the idea of buying a television or a bicycle, everything else will be your decision."
Hearing that his older brother stood with him, Si Boyi felt much relieved and committed confidently: "Big Brother, you can rest assured, I’m not a pushover. If Lijuan sincerely wants to be with me, she will lower her demands. I will treat her well in the future. However, if she’s obdurate and refuses to budge, then I won’t hold her back from finding someone else."