Chapter 502: You... What Do You Want?

Chapter 502: You... What Do You Want?

Guanling Village.

In front of the Yan family's mud-brick house.

Faced with her father's question, Yan Qiu answered without hesitation, "Dad, I'm willing."

Actually, her childhood was quite good. At that time, her mother hadn't had her accident yet, her father was very healthy, and the village had already distributed land to households. Life was full of hope.

Unfortunately, good times didn't last long. After just two years of a good life, her mother was involved in an accident and became paralyzed, and the family's situation changed drastically.

As the eldest daughter, she had to learn how to cook, wash clothes, grow vegetables, and take care of her paralyzed mother and her younger siblings from that point on.

At such a young age, she had endless tasks to do, and she didn't have enough to eat or wear. Her life was even worse than that of a servant in ancient times. Life was truly bitter.

Finally, after enduring all that, her father, who was the pillar of the family, fell ill, and she, as the eldest sister, had to step up and take on the heavy burden of supporting the family.

Life was truly indescribable.

Now, such a good opportunity was presented to her. If she could marry into the Naye Deng family, all her hardships would end. Not only would she have a better life, but her parents and younger siblings would also benefit.

How could she possibly refuse such an opportunity?

If the other party were truly a heartless drug addict, she might have hesitated, but the matchmaker had said that the man only used drugs for two months and had been clean for more than two years. He shouldn't relapse in the future.

Given his family's excellent conditions, if it weren't for his past drug use, which had tarnished his reputation, it would be nearly impossible for someone like her to marry into such a family.

Yan Qiu understood this very well.

"Since you're willing to marry, that's great!"

Hearing Yan Qiu's response, Deng Shirong smiled and replied, then turned to Yan's father and said, "Abiao, I'll arrange for them to meet tomorrow. Is that okay?"

This was exactly what Yan's father wanted. He immediately responded, "No problem, I'll follow Abiao's arrangements."

Next, both parties agreed on the time and place, and Deng Shirong left.

The villagers who had come to watch the commotion couldn't help but congratulate the Yan family.

Even though the marriage was not yet confirmed, everyone naturally said kind words because Ah Qiu had the chance to marry into the famous Naye Deng family.

...

The next morning.

Deng Shirong, along with Deng Changshou and his wife, and Guimaqi, arrived at a small restaurant in Daba Market. This was the agreed-upon location for the meeting with the Yan family, as arranged the previous day.

They were scheduled to meet at eleven in the morning, but it was only ten forty, so they arrived twenty minutes early.

This small restaurant had a kitchen and two rooms. One room was smaller and had only one table, which could be considered a private room. The other room was much larger and could accommodate four tables.

Deng Shirong and his group naturally booked the smaller private room, which was more convenient for conversation.

While waiting for the women to arrive, Deng Shirong said to Guimaqi, "Aqi, I've already told you about the woman. When you meet her, if you're satisfied, this marriage will be settled. You must treat her well and not look down on her family, understood?"

"Understood, Ninth Ancestor. If I'm satisfied, I'll definitely treat her well."

Guimaqi responded with a radiant expression, a stark contrast to his previous dejected look by the river.

The reason for this dramatic change was that his matchmaker was Ninth Ancestor. Once this news spread, the clan would welcome him back and no longer shun him because of his past as a drug addict. This was extremely important to him.

Humans are social beings who crave acceptance.

The current Guimaqi was eager to gain the clan's approval.

Deng Changshou and his wife also noticed the change in their eldest son and were very pleased, feeling that their decision to ask Ninth Ancestor to arrange the marriage was the right one.

About ten minutes after Deng Shirong and his group arrived at the restaurant, the women arrived.

This time, the Yan family sent three people: the main character, Yan Qiu, her father, and her younger brother, Yan Yong.

Originally, Yan's father was not in good health and shouldn't have gone out.

However, since this was a significant event for his daughter, he was concerned and decided to accompany her personally.

Today, the three of them had dressed up and wore their best clothes without any patches.

When the two parties met, Deng Shirong, as the matchmaker, introduced everyone and then they took their seats.

The small restaurant had already prepared, and once everyone was seated, the dishes began to be served.

Boiled chicken, boiled pig stomach, ginger stir-fried duck, sweet and sour pork, steamed pork ribs, minced meat stir-fried with green beans, mountain water tofu, stir-fried vegetables, and a bowl of sour pickled mudworm soup.

Eight dishes and one soup, all in generous portions, making it a very sumptuous spread.

The Yan family had not had such a sumptuous meal in a long time. Seeing so many dishes, it wasn't an exaggeration to say that their mouths were watering.

After all, given their family's living standards, even during the New Year, they couldn't match even half of what was served here.

During the meal, with Deng Shirong present, the atmosphere was lively.

Just talking about Naye Film City alone could keep the conversation going for a whole day.

While the elders were chatting, the main characters, Guimaqi and Ah Qiu, were secretly observing each other.

Once the meal was almost over, Deng Shirong naturally didn't forget the main matter at hand. He called Guimaqi outside and asked bluntly, "Aqi, now that you've seen her, how do you feel?"

Guimaqi was well aware of his own situation. If he hadn't ruined his reputation by using drugs, he would have had the conditions to find a better match than Ah Qiu. However, his current reputation was indeed poor. Previously, several matchmakers had introduced him to potential partners, but they all refused to even meet him.

Now, his parents had asked Ninth Ancestor to personally help him find a match. Since the match had been approved by Ninth Ancestor, it meant that in Ninth Ancestor's eyes, she was a suitable match for him. He had also secretly observed her and found her appearance to be acceptable.

Since she had been approved by Ninth Ancestor, he naturally wouldn't refuse.

Thinking about this, Guimaqi nodded and said, "Ninth Ancestor, I think it's fine."

Deng Shirong said, "Aqi, marriage is a lifelong matter, you must consider it carefully. Don't be influenced by me. After all, it's you who will be living with her, not me. If you're not satisfied, we can look for someone else, but once you make a choice, you must treat her well, understand?"

Guimaqi was moved by this. Given Ninth Ancestor's status, the fact that he would speak to him like this showed that his drug use was truly a thing of the past. He immediately responded, "Ninth Ancestor, I've really thought it through, I'll choose her!"

Deng Shirong nodded and said, "Alright, go inside and call your parents out. I'll talk to them."

Guimaqi responded and entered the private room.

Soon, Deng Changshou and his wife came out of the private room.

Deng Shirong didn't beat around the bush and directly said, "I've already asked Aqi, and he is quite satisfied with Ah Qiu. What are your thoughts?"

Deng Changshou said, "I have no objections; as long as he is satisfied, that's fine."

L Liu Ying nodded and said, "Ninth Ancestor, Ah Qiu looks like a diligent and capable girl. I'm quite satisfied with her."

Deng Shirong smiled and said, "Alright, since you three are satisfied, this matter is settled. I'll call them out to discuss the details, and we'll try to finalize the date for the home visit today.

You should also use this time to prepare the red envelopes, so we can give them to the family."

"Understood, Ninth Ancestor."

Next, the three of them entered the private room, and then Deng Shirong called out the Yan family.

Without beating around the bush, Deng Shirong got straight to the point, "Abiao, I've already asked your family, and they are quite satisfied with Ah Qiu. If you have no objections, we can discuss the date for the home visit."

Yan's father was delighted. After over an hour of conversation and observation, he could tell that this future son-in-law was indeed different from those who had been using drugs for years. If it weren't for the matchmaker's active introduction, he wouldn't have suspected that the future son-in-law had ever used drugs.

Since he was a normal person, with a good appearance and a good family background, there was nothing to be dissatisfied with about his daughter marrying into such a family.

Hearing this, Yan Qiu was also very happy. Given her family background, she never expected to marry into a good family. The best she could hope for was to marry someone equally poor and continue a hard life elsewhere. This was her fate.

However, she never imagined that she would have the opportunity to marry into the prestigious Naye Deng family, becoming one of them.

This was truly a stroke of good fortune, as if her ancestors were smiling down on her from the heavens!

Her younger brother, Yan Yong, also wore a look of joy. As long as his sister married, their family's difficult circumstances would immediately improve, and they would no longer have to endure such a hard life.

Yan's father directly stated, "Abiao, our family has no objections; we'll leave it to you."

Deng Shirong wasn't surprised by this. Yesterday, before the two families had met, Yan's father and daughter had already expressed their approval in front of him. Today's meeting wasn't for the woman to choose the man but for the man to choose the woman. As long as the man agreed, the woman's side would definitely have no objections.

However, this was something Deng Shirong understood internally, and he still needed to ask.

"Alright, I already discussed the dowry price with you. It's 100,000 yuan, and the other items are trivial. We'll set the date for the home visit for the day after tomorrow. Is that okay?" Deng Shirong asked with a smile.

Yan's father nodded eagerly and said, "No problem, the day after tomorrow."

...

The news of Ninth Ancestor arranging a match for Guimaqi quickly spread throughout the clan.

Guimaqi hadn't guessed wrong. With this news spreading, the clan people's attitude toward him changed. This was like an official who had been sitting on a cold bench being mentioned by a superior leader during an inspection, and the leader's casual mention of the official's name had immediately changed the official's status.

Now, in the hearts of the Naye Deng clan, Ninth Ancestor was like that superior leader, and Guimaqi was like the official who had been sitting on a cold bench. With Ninth Ancestor's help in arranging the match, a message was sent to the clan, and they would no longer discriminate against Guimaqi. He once again blended into his former social circle, and his life became much more comfortable.

Soon, the day for the woman's family to visit arrived.

To show respect, Deng Shirong, as the matchmaker, even rode a motorcycle to Guimaqi's village, leading the woman's family to the man's home for the home visit.

The woman's family arrived with six people, riding two motorcycles.

Originally, given Yan family's economic conditions, they wouldn't even have a bicycle, let alone a motorcycle. In the past, they relied on their own two feet for transportation.

However, knowing that the Yan family would be visiting the Naye Deng household in Shuangwang, no one needed to ask Yan's father for a motorcycle. Someone proactively lent them a motorcycle, allowing them to use it freely.

After all, in the Bo Bai region, reaching the stage of visiting the family home meant that the bride price had already been agreed upon. Unless something unexpected happened, the marriage was almost certain to proceed.

Thus, the Yan family would no longer be the impoverished family they once were. Even without considering other factors, the 100,000 yuan bride price alone would significantly boost their economic standing in the village.

Moreover, with such a capable son-in-law to help, the Yan family would not only avoid poverty but could potentially become one of the wealthiest families in the village.

Therefore, the more perceptive villagers understood the importance of investing in a relationship with the Yan family early on.

Among the six people visiting the family home were the main character, Yan Qiu, her brother and sister, and three other relatives.

Daba Town and Shuangwang Town were quite far apart, and the six visitors from the Yan family had never been to Shuangwang before.

Of course, although they had never been to Shuangwang, they were not unfamiliar with it. They knew that Shuangwang had a very famous 60-meter-wide road, as well as the Naye Deng family's villa complex and the grand Naye Film City.

As they passed through Shuangwang market, one of the Yan family's relatives could not help but ask, "Ah Biao, I heard that the Naye Deng family funded the construction of a 60-meter-wide road. Do you know where it is?"

Deng Shirong smiled and said, "Once we get to the top of this hill, you'll be able to see it."

Upon hearing this, the visitors all showed expressions of anticipation. The person driving the motorcycle involuntarily increased the throttle and sped up the hill.

The motorcycles were quite fast, and it didn't take long for the three motorcycles to reach the top of Mangtou Ridge. Looking down, they saw the beautiful 60-meter-wide road, which was like a painting.

It was already autumn, and the ginkgo leaves had turned a golden color. The view was breathtaking, and anyone seeing it for the first time would be moved. Even though the visitors were mentally prepared, they were still stunned by the beauty before them.

"Wow, it's so beautiful!"

"No wonder people who have seen this 60-meter-wide road praise it so highly. I thought they were exaggerating, but now that I see it with my own eyes, I realize they weren't exaggerating at all. This 60-meter-wide road is truly indescribably beautiful."

"This is the most beautiful road I've ever seen, even more beautiful than those on TV."

"..."

When the motorcycles descended the hill, the view became even more expansive. The Naye Deng family's villa complex came into view, undoubtedly leaving the visitors in awe.

It wasn't until they reached Guimaqi's villa that the visitors finally snapped out of their trance.

The purpose of the family home visit was for the bride's family to see the groom's house, more specifically, to assess the groom's family's economic strength.

As a member of the Naye Deng family, Guimaqi's economic strength was undeniable. The interior decoration and various furniture and appliances in the villa left the visitors extremely satisfied. Yan Qiu marrying into such a family was undoubtedly a match above her status.

While Guimaqi's family was busy entertaining the visitors, Deng Yunheng in Guangzhou received a handmade love knot from Feng Yingying.

Looking at the black and yellow intricately crafted love knot, Deng Yunheng smiled and extended his left hand, indicating that she should put it on for him.

Feng Yingying glanced at him, but ultimately complied with his request and personally placed the love knot on his wrist.

Deng Yunheng stared at the love knot on his wrist, unable to take his eyes off it. After a while, he looked at Feng Yingying and said, "Thank you. This is the most satisfactory gift I've ever received. I also have a gift for you."

Feng Yingying was surprised. "What gift?"

Deng Yunheng pulled a red and yellow intricately crafted love knot from his pocket and smiled. "Look, isn't it a coincidence?"

Feng Yingying rolled her eyes at him.

Deng Yunheng beamed. "Come, give me your hand, I'll put it on for you."

Feng Yingying did not refuse and extended her soft, delicate right hand.

Deng Yunheng put the love knot on her wrist, then placed his wrist next to hers, satisfied. "They match perfectly!"

Feng Yingying looked at the two love knots, noting how harmoniously the colors complemented each other. She bit her lip and asked, "Did you make this yourself?"

Deng Yunheng nodded. "I made it myself. You know the meaning of the love knot, right?"

Feng Yingying met his passionate gaze, her heart racing. "What... What do you want?"

Deng Yunheng looked at her with deep affection and said softly, "Yingying, will you be my girlfriend?"

From the day Feng Yingying agreed to give him the love knot, she had anticipated this moment. She looked into his deep, affectionate eyes, took several deep breaths, and slowly nodded. "Okay!"

Deng Yunheng was overjoyed. He immediately pulled her into his arms and whispered in her ear, "I'll treat you well for the rest of my life."

Feng Yingying, startled by the sudden embrace, instinctively tried to push him away. But hearing his promise, her stiff body gradually relaxed, and her hands, which had been pushing him, now wrapped around him. She whispered, "I believe you."

Thus, the two people, who had known each other for only three months, officially became a couple.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end