Chapter 1098 - 351: The Death of Old Man Mo
Master San had just passed the age of thirty, with a tall and handsome stature, and a graceful demeanor, and held the title of Scholar. After the death of his wife, there was no shortage of familiar families proposing marriage on his behalf, but worrying about his young daughter being mistreated, and not having met someone who truly appealed to his heart, he let the matter drag on.
The first time Master San met Lixiu, he was moved by her calm and gentle demeanor, feeling an awakening of affection like that of a young boy. Of course, he was not really a young boy and would not act timid and cautious like one, nor would he probe with ambiguity. After confirming his own feelings, he promptly found an opportunity to meet Lixiu and expressed his admiration for her.
Lixiu had never considered remarrying, even if she thought well of Master San, she did not entertain any distant thoughts, but she did not expect Master San to be so bold and direct.
However, the flowers had intentions, but the flowing water was heartless. Lixiu decisively rejected Master San and henceforth avoided him whenever possible, taking a detour. If there truly was no way to avoid him, she would merely nod from a distance, cold yet polite, giving Master San no opportunity to speak.
Master San had no choice, and could not turn this issue into a scandal, lest he damage the reputation of the woman he admired. Thus, he had no choice but to seek out Mrs. Zeng for her help in brokering the matter.
The families of Zeng and San were neighbors, separated only by a wall, and Mrs. Zeng, not being of the same generation, usually treated Master San as a junior. Knowing him to be a reliable person and not one of frivolity or superficiality, she readily agreed to help, planning to find an opportunity to mention it to Lizhong first.
Lizhong was always at the rice shop, only returning home for festivals and holidays, which made it difficult for Mrs. Zeng to find the right occasion. Fortunately, with the minor New Year’s festival just over ten days away, she intended to feel out the situation on that day. If Lizhong had no objections, everything else would be much easier.
Running all the way home, Lixiu caught her breath, her heart pounding a fraction faster than usual. She had no feelings for Master San, but his boldness worried her he might say something inappropriate to Mrs. Zeng, prompting her to leave quickly without meeting anyone.
"Auntie, why have you come back so soon? Did Master San say anything for you to bring back?"
Seeing her aunt returning so quickly, clearly without time for a private conversation with Master San, Liyan couldn’t help feeling somewhat disappointed, yet she still harbored a glimmer of hope as she tentatively asked.