Chapter 538: Any Requirements?
Chapter 538: Chapter 519: Any Requirements?
Gu’er had been keeping an eye on things between Xinghua and Dong Liang, so she knew how their relationship was progressing. But when Xinghua asked her for help in making a decision, Gu’er found it hard to say anything.
Why?
Because no one can predict the future. No matter how good things seem now, nobody knows what will happen later on.
If she advised Xinghua to be with Dong Liang, it would be fine if they had a good life together. But if they didn’t, never mind Xinghua, Gu’er was afraid that her aunt and even she herself would feel terrible.
If she told Xinghua not to be with Dong Liang, well, Dong Liang was a decent young man and Xinghua liked him. If she told them to break up, not only would Xinghua be miserable, but what right did she have to say no?
“Xinghua, being together is a lifelong commitment. Besides liking each other, after you get married, you have to learn to be tolerant and considerate of one another. You also have to consider both families. Marriage isn’t a simple matter. You’re asking for my opinion, so I can only tell you to follow your heart. If you truly like him and want to build a home with him, then be firm in your decision. You must be prepared to face any difficulties that come later. But if you haven’t made up your mind, if you’re uncertain and a little lost about the future, then you need to be clear with Dong Liang and ask him to give you some more time.”
Gu’er knew Xinghua would most likely choose Dong Liang. ‘She’s probably come to me because she’s scared of the future and wants me to help her make up her mind.’
In truth, many girls, even when they’re in love, feel a little terrified about their future lives. ‘I was the same way back then.’
But this was a decision no one could make for her. She had to figure it out for herself.
“I understand, sis. I’m just a little flustered and scared, and I don’t know what to do. Actually… actually, I think Dong Liang is a great guy.”
Xinghua blushed slightly. In her heart, she did want to be with Dong Liang.
“You should also talk to your mother about this. Don’t you two decide on your own and then have your mother find out only when a matchmaker shows up. She’ll be furious. She’s already quite emotional these days, so don’t you go provoking her.”
Gu’er reminded Xinghua. Lin Shuying was pregnant at her age and was experiencing many symptoms. Fortunately, Zheng Changsheng had practically handed over his business to Li Zhi and a trusted subordinate to stay by Lin Shuying’s side. Otherwise, Lin Shuying would probably be having an even harder time.
“I know, don’t worry.”
Xinghua nodded. She knew her own mother well.
Xinghua took Gu’er’s advice and went home to talk to Lin Shuying. Seeing that her daughter was serious, Lin Shuying didn’t say much. She doted on her daughter, but her daughter had to live her own future life. No one could live it for her. Even if you found her someone with better circumstances, if she didn’t like him, life would be miserable. Being with a kindred spirit whom she truly liked would bring her comfort, even if their life was a bit harder.
The family wasn’t counting on Xinghua to bring in money anymore; they had enough. Zheng Changsheng said that when Xinghua got married, he’d provide a house as a dowry, which would be the young couple’s new home. He’d also take care of the furniture and everything, so Xinghua wouldn’t have to worry about it. She hadn’t even told Xinghua yet, but Zheng Changsheng had already picked out the house. He was also planning to buy one nearby for Zhongshan, so they could all be close and look after one another.
Originally, she didn’t want Zheng Changsheng to spend this money, but he had asked, “If I don’t spend my money on you and the children, who else would I spend it on?”
She was carrying his flesh and blood, a biological little brother for Zhongshan and Xinghua. He saw them all the same. As a father, it was only right for him to buy houses for his children.
Lin Shuying said no more. She silently resolved to live each day well with Zheng Changsheng from now on, to make up for the decades they had lost. She would also instruct Xinghua that after she and Zheng Changsheng were gone, she must treat the child in her belly well.
Since they already had everything, they wouldn’t expect the man’s family to have much. As long as he and Xinghua could live a good life together, that was all that mattered.
With Zheng Changsheng and Lin Shuying’s approval, Xinghua’s heart was at ease. The next time Dong Liang came to see her, she blushed and nodded at him.
Dong Liang understood. Xinghua had agreed. He was so happy he almost threw his arms around her.
“Xinghua, you’re so wonderful. I’ll definitely treat you well from now on.”
Besides joy, Dong Liang’s eyes were also slightly moist. Xinghua didn’t look down on him. He hadn’t misjudged her character.
Xinghua looked at Dong Liang, a smile also appearing on her face.
“Then I’ll go back and tell my mom to ask Aunt Qiao to go to your family and propose marriage, okay? Aunt Qiao is a capable person in our area, and she’s a very good matchmaker. We don’t know anyone else.”
After speaking, Dong Liang added, “Xinghua, have you told your family about my family’s situation? My dad is a really good person. He was framed; he really didn’t do what they said he did back then. My mom is easy to get along with, too. She’ll definitely treat you well. And I… I’ll treat you well, too. If your family has any conditions or requests, just have them tell the matchmaker, and I’ll do my best to meet them. By the way, are your parents easy to get along with?”
Dong Liang was still a little worried. He didn’t know much about Xinghua’s situation. He liked Xinghua for who she was, not for anything else, but he had also considered that since Xinghua could open this shop, her family must be reasonably well-off. He was afraid her family would look down on him.
“My parents are good people. They’re very easy to talk to. I told them about you, and they said they don’t have any conditions, as long as you’re a good person.”
Xinghua was a bit embarrassed but still wanted to put Dong Liang’s mind at ease.
“Okay, okay, that’s good. Then I’ll go back and tell my mom to find someone. Once it’s all arranged, I’ll pick a day to visit your father and mother.”
Dong Liang felt somewhat relieved.
The two came to an agreement, and Xinghua waited. Two days later, the person hired by the Dong Family came to their door to act as a matchmaker on their behalf.
The visitor was a woman in her forties.
Normally, marriage proposals were arranged by mutual acquaintances, but the Dong Family didn’t know anyone from the Lin Family, let alone the Zheng Family. They had no one to ask, so in the end, they sought out the Aunt Qiao that Dong Liang had mentioned.
When Aunt Qiao took the job, she felt a little nervous. After all, she didn’t know the other party. But seeing how serious and confident the Dong Family was, and with the promise of a good fee, she came.
When someone led her to the house and she stepped inside Zheng Changsheng and Lin Shuying’s home, she was dumbfounded. ‘This girl’s family is way too well-off! Living in such a big house, with everything you could imagine… Just how rich are they? They’re in a completely different league. Would a family like this really marry their daughter into the Dong Family? The girl must have something wrong with her, right?’
But when she met Xinghua, she wasn’t so sure anymore. ‘The girl is very pretty, speaks kindly, and seems to have a straightforward temperament. She’s tall, with a figure that’s just right—not too fat, not too thin. She’s not missing any arms or legs, and there’s nothing wrong with her face. So what on earth is the reason?’
When she nervously asked what their requirements were, Lin Shuying and Zheng Changsheng said that as long as the Dong Family treated their daughter well, there was nothing else. They didn’t want a betrothal gift; if there were any local customs, they could just go through the motions. However, the quilts, dried fruits, and other traditional items should still be prepared by the Dong Family. As for everything else, their side would take care of it.
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Thank you to Snow Under the Maple Tree for the scented sachet, and thank you all for your support.