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Chapter 51: Not Everyone Falls in Love at First Sight
Chapter 51: Not Everyone Falls in Love at First Sight
Knowing that she had a matchmaking appointment today, Dai Fanglan woke up early to finish her chores before taking a moment to dress herself up.
By "dress up," it really meant changing into a cleaner dress with fewer patches and tying her hair into a more presentable braid. That was all she had, and even the shoes on her feet were homemade from scraps of fabric. These shoes, ugly as they were, were something Dai Fanglan usually kept hidden away, too precious to wear. Making a pair of such shoes was no easy task, and she only brought them out when the weather was unbearably cold or for important occasions.
Unlike modern girls, who wouldn't just dress up for a date or a meet-up with friends, but would spend hours meticulously choosing their makeup, clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories, Dai Fanglan had none of that luxury. A clean dress with fewer patches and a pair of homemade shoes were her best possessions.
As for her hair, Dai Fanglan usually tied it into a simple ponytail. Today, for the matchmaking appointment, she spent extra time braiding her hair into two plaits, which was the most complex hairstyle she knew.
Around 9:30 in the morning, Deng Shirong arrived at Dai Fanglan's house on his bicycle.
After some polite exchanges and a couple of cigarettes, Deng Shirong took Dai Fanglan and her mother to Shuangwang Market.
The location Deng Shirong had chosen for the matchmaking was still under the big banyan tree, and the process was similar to the previous times.
After a few "accidental" encounters, Deng Shirong asked, "Changwang, did you get a good look at her?"
Deng Changwang nodded. "Yes, I did."
Deng Shirong said, "What do you think?"
Deng Changwang hesitated a bit before replying, "Old Man Jiu, it's hard to describe. She seems nice, but I don't have that spark of immediate attraction."
Deng Shirong patted his shoulder and said earnestly, "Changwang, not everyone falls in love at first sight. Feelings can be nurtured over time. The most important thing is that you two have compatible personalities. A harmonious marriage will be much happier than one filled with constant arguments."
Changwang's mother, being experienced, agreed. "Uncle Jiu is right. Compatibility is key."
Deng Changwang pondered and said, "Then, should we try getting to know each other better?"
Deng Shirong replied, "Since you're not sure yet, let's start by taking them out for a meal today. I'll arrange for you to meet a few more times, and then you can decide whether to proceed further."
The previous two matchmakings had been easier for Deng Shirong because he had his past life's memories to rely on. This time, it was his first real attempt at matchmaking, and he was being very cautious. He felt it was essential for them to spend more time together before making a decision.
Deng Changwang sighed in relief and nodded. "That sounds best. Getting to know each other better should help us see if we're a good match. It will be easier to make a decision that way."
"Alright, it's settled. I'll go tell them we'll have lunch together."
"Alright, if they agree, we'll go to the state-owned restaurant."
The news that Deng Changfu had taken his match to the state-owned restaurant and that Deng Changmei had been taken there by her match was no longer a secret in Naye Village. Deng Changwang, being the youngest son, had seen his older brothers and sisters get married over the years, and his parents had saved a considerable amount of money.
Even Deng Changfu, whose family situation was not as good as Deng Changwang's, had been willing to take his date to a state-owned restaurant when they first met. Deng Changwang had no reason to fall short in this aspect, so he and his parents had already agreed that if there was any intention to further the relationship, they would invite the girl to a state-owned restaurant for dinner.
Deng Shirong felt a bit nostalgic. Before he started matchmaking, the young men and women in the village would usually go to noodle stalls or small restaurants for their first dates. However, all three times he had arranged a match, the couples had dined at state-owned restaurants, raising the standard for dating expenses.
...
Three minutes later.
Deng Shirong approached the girl's side and asked directly, "Alan, you’ve seen him clearly. What do you think?"
Dai Fanglan was a girl with her own thoughts. Unlike most girls who would shy away from discussing their life partners, she smiled and said, "I think he’s fine. I wonder if he likes me?"
The boy’s family was much better off than hers, and her father had already sent someone to inquire about him yesterday. The boy was indeed as the matchmaker had described, and unless he was extremely unattractive, she had no right to be picky.
Deng Shirong didn’t answer directly but smiled and said, "The boy wants to take you to a state-owned restaurant for dinner!"
Hearing this, Dai Fanglan and her mother, who were well aware of the unwritten rules of matchmaking, breathed a sigh of relief.
...
After the dinner at the state-owned restaurant, the formalities began. Although Deng Changwang hadn’t made a final decision, since he had the intention to continue the relationship, he wouldn’t be stingy when giving the girl a red envelope during their first meeting.
In addition to the essential five flavors and candy cakes, the red envelope for the girl contained five yuan, and the matchmaker and the girl’s mother each received three yuan, which was already above the normal standard.
After giving the red envelopes to Dai Fanglan and her mother, Deng Shirong began to inquire about the bride price from Dai Chunqing, the head of the family.
Dai Chunqing had already discussed the bride price with his wife over the past two days. Seeing the matchmaker’s inquiry, he laid out the details.
The bride price was set at 360 yuan, 360 pounds of grain, and six new sets of clothes for the girl. There were no other demands.
Deng Shirong nodded and said, "Alright, I will relay this information to the boy’s parents. There is one more thing I need to clarify with you. The boy hopes to have a few more meetings with Alan to build a relationship. I hope you, as parents, can understand."
Dai Chunqing furrowed his brow and said, "Uncle Jiu, isn’t this against the rules?"
Deng Shirong replied, "The state now advocates free love between men and women. We, as parents, shouldn’t hold onto old-fashioned ideas and restrict our children. If they meet privately, they will just talk about their aspirations. They won’t do anything that could tarnish the family’s reputation. You don’t need to be overly worried, Uncle Biao."
Dai Chunqing hesitated, "But... I’m afraid people will talk."
Deng Shirong smiled, "Since I’m the matchmaker, they can meet openly. Who would say anything?"
Dai Chunqing thought about it and found it reasonable, so he agreed to the arrangement.
(End of Chapter)
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