https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-24-Each-Daughter-in-Law-Must-Be-Personally-Chosen/12849128/
Chapter 25: A New Height in Wealth
Chapter 25: A New Height in Wealth
June 5th.
At Shuangwang Market, under the same large banyan tree, Zhang Kangmei and Deng Changmei passed by each other several times.
Once Deng Changmei and her sister-in-law had walked far enough, Deng Shirong asked, "Xiao Zhang, how did it go? Did you get a good look?"
Zhang Kangmei nodded, "Yes, I did!"
Deng Shirong: "What do you think?"
Zhang Kangmei thought for a moment and said, "She looks pretty good."
Deng Shirong turned to Zhang's parents and asked, "Abiao, what do you think?"
Zhang's father said, "This girl is tall, well-educated, and seems quite clever. I think she’s a good match."
Zhang's mother also nodded, "I agree. She has a good figure, which means she’ll be a good mother."
Seeing that the Zhang family was satisfied, Deng Shirong wasn’t surprised. After all, in his previous life, Deng Changmei had married into the Zhang family. If Zhang’s parents hadn’t been happy, the marriage wouldn’t have happened in an era where parents still had significant say in such matters.
Deng Shirong said, "I’ll go talk to the girl and see if she’s interested in having lunch with us?"
Zhang’s father nodded, "That would be great, Uncle Nine!"
...
A few minutes later, Deng Shirong approached Deng Changmei and her sister-in-law and asked, "Ah Mei, did you get a good look at him? What do you think?"
Facing her great-uncle, Deng Changmei didn’t hold back and said honestly, "Uncle Nine, he looks decent, but he seems a bit frail, not the type who can handle heavy work."
Deng Shirong smiled, "He’s a carpenter, so he doesn’t need to do heavy lifting. Now that the government allows private businesses, his skills and quick thinking will ensure a good life for you both. You’d be better off than many others."
Her sister-in-law, aware of the benefits of having a carpenter in the family, added, "Ah Mei, Uncle Nine is right. He’s a skilled worker, much better than those brute-force laborers. If you like him, don’t hesitate."
Deng Changmei pondered, "Uncle Nine, what does he think of me?"
Deng Shirong smiled, "He and his parents think highly of you. That’s why I’m inviting you to have lunch with us. I’ve said my piece, but ultimately, you two will be the ones living together, so it’s important that you’re satisfied."
Deng Changmei looked at her sister-in-law, who gave her a reassuring nod. Already somewhat intrigued, she decided not to hesitate and nodded firmly, "Alright, then!"
...
Ten minutes later.
Deng Shirong and the group entered the state-owned restaurant.
Despite the state-owned restaurant being the most expensive place in Shuangwang Market, even the Deng family, who were less well-off, would occasionally treat themselves here. For the wealthier Zhang family, it was no big deal.
When ordering, the Zhangs were very generous, selecting eight dishes: four meat dishes and four vegetable dishes, including poached chicken, braised taro, red-braised pork, stir-fried pig liver, fried peanuts, scallion tofu, stir-fried yam, and green dragon crossing the river.
Naturally, they didn’t forget the wine.
In this era, even during holidays, many families couldn’t afford such a feast, let alone one prepared by the skilled chefs of a state-owned restaurant. The food was exceptional.
Everyone was thoroughly satisfied with the meal.
Midway through, at Zhang’s father’s suggestion, Zhang’s mother left for about twenty minutes and returned with a cardboard box. Inside were candies, cookies, and pork.
After finishing their meal, Deng Changmei left with her sister-in-law.
Once they were gone, Zhang's mother brought the cardboard box to Deng Shirong and said, "Uncle Nine, inside are a five-flavored cake and two candy pies."
Zhang's father then took out twenty yuan from his pocket—two five-yuan notes and one ten-yuan note—and said, "Uncle Nine, this is your red envelope, this one is for her sister-in-law, and this one is for the young lady."
Deng Shirong accepted the money and said, "Aibiao, these are special times. Every production team is busy dividing the land. If your family wants to get married quickly so that your daughter-in-law can help claim a share of the land, I must tell you honestly that the bride price will definitely not be low.
If you let the young lady claim her share of the land from her natal home before marrying into your family, the bride price will be closer to the standard rate. You should discuss this as a family. I'll go outside and have a smoke first."
This was indeed a significant matter to discuss. As Deng Shirong took the cigarette holder from the restaurant to the door to smoke, Zhang Kanguo's family of three began their deliberation.
After some discussion, the Zhangs decided that it would be better for the young lady to claim her share of the land from her natal home before marrying into their family. After all, their family, spanning three generations, were carpenters and did not value the land as much as others. Instead of paying a high bride price to bring her in, it would be better for her to claim her land first, which would benefit both sides.
So, Zhang's father called Deng Shirong, the matchmaker, back in and informed him of their decision.
Deng Shirong nodded and said, "Alright, I understand. I'll take the items to the young lady's family first and find out their bride price and requirements. I'll come back tomorrow to let you know the results."
Zhang's father nodded. "Thank you, Uncle Nine!"
"It's my duty. I'll be off then."
"Alright, take care, Uncle Nine."
...
After leaving the state-owned restaurant, Deng Shirong noticed that his system space had five more ten-yuan notes, and he couldn't help but smile. When he had been reborn, he only had 136 yuan. After paying 100 yuan for the kiln lease and 2 yuan for his second son's living expenses, he was left with only 34 yuan.
While helping Deng Changfu and Guan Yongying find their match, he had received eight yuan in red envelopes for introductions and house visits. Adding the 80 yuan reward from the "Matchmaker Reward System," his total assets reached 122 yuan.
However, after spending money on candy pies, sugar, and various seasonings, he was left with just over 110 yuan. Now, with the additional 55 yuan, his assets reached a new high of over 170 yuan.
Money was meant to improve one's life, and Deng Shirong was not one to hoard it. He went to the market and spent over six yuan on a large piece of fatty meat, then rode his bicycle back home.
"Father, you're back!" greeted his youngest daughter, Deng Yunzhu.
Deng Shirong took the large piece of fatty meat from the bike handle and handed it to her. "Put this fatty meat away. Where's your sister?"
Deng Yunzhu's eyes lit up as she took the fatty meat. "Sister is threshing the rice. She should be back soon!"
In those days, the village had no electricity, so there were no rice mills. The traditional water-powered mill, which had been used for centuries, was the only option, and their village had one such mill.
Deng Shirong nodded. "Cut the fatty meat into pieces. When your sister returns, have her render the oil. I need to go to Yunjin's house to discuss some matters."
"Alright, I understand!"
(End of Chapter)
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