https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-8-The-Matchmaker-s-Reward-System-Truly-Amazing-/12849105/
Chapter 7: The Unspoken Rules
Chapter 7: The Unspoken Rules
Less than fifty meters from the great banyan tree, Deng Shirong met Guan Yongying and her aunt, Aunt Man.
After a brief greeting, Deng Shirong asked directly, "How did it go? Did you get a good look at him?"
Guan Yongying blushed slightly and replied, "I only got a quick glance, not really a clear look."
Deng Shirong smiled reassuringly. "No problem. If you didn't get a good look, we can go back and take a few more. We'll keep going until you see him clearly."
Seeing Uncle Jiu approaching, Aunt Man knew that the male side must have made their decision. She asked, "Uncle Jiu, what did the other side say?"
Deng Shirong chuckled and said, "They think Yongying is a good match and would like to invite you for lunch. They asked me to check if you're interested."
Aunt Man glanced at her niece, understanding the unspoken rules of matchmaking in this era.
In the region of Bobai, the matchmaking process usually follows three steps. The first step is the initial meeting arranged by the matchmaker, known as "getting acquainted."
After the initial meeting, if both parties are satisfied, the matchmaker will ask the male side about the bride price and other requirements the female side might have.
If the male side agrees to meet these demands, the matchmaker will arrange for the female side to visit the male side's home with their relatives and friends to assess the family's situation. This step is called "visiting the family."
Visiting the family is similar to an engagement in other places. Once this step is reached, the marriage is almost certain to proceed.
If the female side backs out at this stage, they must return every penny the male side has spent on the matchmaking process. Failing to do so would result in severe social repercussions for the female side.
If the female side refuses to return the money, the male side can involve the village leaders, which would ruin the female side's reputation. Generally, the female side avoids this outcome.
After visiting the family, the next step is to choose an auspicious date for the wedding, which typically involves a wedding banquet. This is the final step in the matchmaking process.
As for the legal registration, it can be done at any time after the bride price is paid.
In this three-step matchmaking process, the initial meeting also has its own unspoken rules. If the male side is unsatisfied with the female side, they usually just give a red envelope and call it a day, without inviting them to a meal.
If the male side asks the matchmaker to invite the female side to a meal, it indicates that they have a good first impression and are interested in further development.
At this point, if the female side also has a good first impression, they can agree to the meal. If not, they will find an excuse to decline.
Thus, Aunt Man immediately looked at her niece to see what she would decide.
Guan Yongying's parents had already explained the unspoken rules to her before the matchmaking. Seeing Aunt Man's inquiring gaze, she blushed and said, "I didn't get a clear look at him yet. Let's decide about the meal after I see him more clearly."
Deng Shirong smiled. "Alright, let's walk around one more time and take a good look."
So, the three of them walked back toward the great banyan tree.
Ten minutes later, after walking back and forth, Deng Shirong asked again about the meal.
This time, with a clear view of the man, Guan Yongying no longer hesitated and nodded slightly at Aunt Man.
Seeing her niece's signal, Aunt Man agreed on her behalf.
...
Shuangwang Market, though a small and relatively obscure market, still had all the necessary amenities. In this market, which covered only about five hundred square meters, there were a few food vendors.
There were three noodle stalls, which were the most economical and popular, as a bowl of noodles only cost a few cents, making them affordable for most people.
Of course, these noodle stalls also offered various small dishes, with prices that were quite reasonable, so they did very good business.
It was a rare occasion to meet a girl he liked, so Deng Changfu didn’t hesitate to take her to the state-owned restaurant instead of a simple noodle stand.
He had taken this advice from Jiu Gong, who had told him before the meeting that it was essential to spend money where it mattered. A proper meal during a blind date was something a girl would remember for a lifetime, and it was crucial to be generous and show respect.
If things worked out between them, his future wife would feel proud when she talked about this date with others, and he would realize how worthwhile the expense was.
Deng Changfu hadn’t fully grasped this wisdom, but Jiu Gong had more experience than he had, so he knew it was best to follow his advice.
So today, Deng Changfu was prepared to spend generously.
The moment they walked into the state-owned restaurant, Guan Yongying and her aunt looked pleased.
The state-owned restaurant was the most upscale place in Shuangwang Market. Eating here was something to be envied, and Deng Changfu’s willingness to treat them here clearly showed his intentions.
When Deng Changfu started ordering dishes, not only was Guan Yongying satisfied, but her aunt also thought this young man was quite generous.
Deng Changfu ordered six dishes: a plate of poached chicken, a plate of sweet and sour pork, a bowl of mixed pork soup, a plate of mountain spring tofu, a plate of fried peanuts, and a plate of seasonal vegetables. He also ordered a liter of local rice wine. Three meat dishes, three vegetable dishes, and wine—this was a very decent spread.
During the meal, Deng Shirong steered the conversation: "In a few days, our production team will start harvesting rice. Your production team should be doing the same, right, Aunt Wu?"
Guan Xiaocun nodded. "Yes, our team leader has already notified all members to prepare."
Deng Shirong continued, "Since last summer, when some members of Shilong Brigade in Buxia Commune started household-based production and had a great harvest, many members of our Bangjie Brigade have also wanted to follow suit. However, without instructions from higher-ups, the brigade leaders haven’t dared to make the move.
A year has passed, and Shilong Brigade has only gotten better. They’ve not only had a great harvest but have also thrived in other side businesses, significantly increasing their income.
Inspired by this, other brigades have also started dividing the land for individual farming. Do you know what’s happening in our Bangjie Brigade, Aunt Wu?"
Guan Xiaocun replied, "My husband, Wu, mentioned that the leaders of our Bangjie Brigade are considering individual farming. He didn’t specify when it would start, though."
Deng Shirong said, "From what I know, after the harvest, the brigade leaders will start dividing the land to households!"
"Uncle Jiu, is this information reliable?"
"Very reliable. Once the land is divided, everyone will have something to look forward to!"
...
The meal lasted nearly an hour, and halfway through, Changfu’s mother left for about twenty minutes and returned with a cardboard box.
In modern times, when the girl left, the boy would give her a red envelope. However, in this era, the boy couldn’t directly give a red envelope to the girl. Instead, he would give the red envelope and other gifts to the matchmaker, who would deliver them to the girl’s home.
So, after the girl and her aunt left, Changfu’s mother brought the cardboard box to Deng Shirong and said, "Uncle Jiu, in here are two pieces of marinated pork and three boxes of candy and cookies. I’ve already divided them, and I know how to distribute them."
As she spoke, Changfu’s mother clenched her teeth and pulled out ten yuan from her pocket, dividing it into three portions: three yuan, five yuan, and two yuan. "Uncle Jiu, this is your red envelope, this is for the girl, and this is for her aunt."
Deng Shirong took the money and smiled. "I know what to do. You just wait for my good news at home!"
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(End of Chapter)
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