Asking for a Matchmaker

Wen Die's heart raced with guesses, too shy to voice them aloud.

Xu Wenwu looked down at her blushing face, gently stroking her cheek with his hand. It felt smooth and tender, like silk.

"It's because they want to bring home such a pretty and kind granddaughter and daughter-in-law as soon as possible!" Xu Wenwu said, smiling.

Wen Die blushed even more, clenched her fists, and playfully punched Xu Wenwu's chest several times.

His muscles barely moved from the light taps. Instead of feeling any pain, Xu Wenwu sensed something strange stirring inside him.

Without thinking, he lifted Wen Die's chin and slowly leaned in towards her pink lips...

Wen Die's face was so red it seemed she might bleed, but she didn't pull away. She tilted her head back slightly, closed her eyes, and tightened her fists in nervous anticipation.

Finally, their lips touched. Her soft, delicate lips carried a unique sweet aroma, making Xu Wenwu want to deepen the kiss and savor this moment of pure delight...

They kissed for a long time. Xu Wenwu finally let go when he heard the girl's labored breathing. He calmed himself down and pulled her back into his arms.

His voice was a little hoarse as he said: "Die'er, don't worry. I won't break my promise to you!"

Wen Die was still a bit breathless. She rested her face against Xu Wenwu's chest and nodded gently. Her arms around his waist tightened a little more.

The two of them stayed close for a while. They only separated when they heard Yuan'Er knocking outside.

Wen Die hurriedly straightened her clothes.

Xu Wenwu smiled and helped Wen Die smooth her long hair. Once she looked presentable again, Wen Die opened the door.

Yuan'Er grinned, noticing the lingering flush on her young mistress's face.

Feeling slightly embarrassed under her gaze, Wen Die playfully scolded: "Silly girl! Why are you staring at me like that?"

Yuan'Er giggled: "The eldest young master heard Master Xu was here and is rushing over! I'm just letting you know, miss."

"I see. Get some snacks ready!"

"Yes, miss!" Yuan'Er smiled and ran out, thinking to herself, The miss's face is so red—something must have happened between them that she can't even describe. But Master Xu looks as usual, all proper and put together... no, wait, I mean he looks completely unfazed.

Wen Yuan said with a smile: "Brother Yuan, we meet again so soon!"

"Big Brother, we'll have plenty of chances to see each other in the future!" Xu Wenwu replied with a grin.

Wen Yuan almost stumbled and fell when he was called "Big Brother".

"Brother Xu, I know you like my sister." Wu Yuan said, clearly trying to tease him: "But I haven't accepted you as my brother-in-law yet. Isn't it a bit early for that kind of talk?"

Wen Die tugged at her brother's clothes, looking a bit annoyed.

Seeing his chance to tease his sister, Wu Yuan said with mock jealousy: "Oh ho! Sister, you haven't even married yet, and you're already leaning towards outsiders? It seems that your own brother is just a weed in your mind, right?"

Wen Die hurriedly protested: "Big brother, that's not what I meant! Big Brother Xu is our guest too! You shouldn't talk like that."

Sensing the tension, Xu Wenwu took Wen Die's hand and said with a smile: "Die'er, big brother is joking with us, right, big brother?"

Seeing his sister's anxious expression, Wen Yuan forced a smile: "Ah, sorry, I was just joking!"

Although he wished for his sister to be with Xu Wenwu, contemplating his cherished sister marrying someday was almost too hard to bear.

"Brother, my parents will come to propose marriage tomorrow. Uncle and aunt have already agreed for me to be with Die'er. You will be my eldest brother from now on. I hope you will take good care of me in the future." Xu Wenwu said with a smile, cupping his hands in respect.

For some reason, seeing Xu Wenwu's calm grin bothered Wen Yuan. He responded: "Yeah, I'll definitely look out for you. And if you ever try to mistreat my sister, I won't let you off the hook. Even if I can't beat you, I'll give my all to make things tough for you."

Xu Wenwu said solemnly: "Big brother, don't worry. I wouldn't dream of mistreating Die'er. She'll be my most precious treasure from now on. Not only will I protect her, but no one else will ever dare to bully her either."

After hearing Xu Wenwu's assurance, Wen Yuan felt a weight lifted from his heart. He said: "Good, I believe you."

Wen Die's heart was filled with immeasurable happiness. She had loving parents, a caring brother, and the man she liked returned her feelings. She couldn't imagine anyone being luckier than her.

The purpose of Xu Wenwu's visit to the Wen family was now known throughout the household. Everyone understood that young Master Xu was going to be the future son-in-law of the Wen family.

Madam Wen arranged for the servants to thoroughly clean every corner of the house in preparation for welcoming the Xu family the next day.

Xu Wenwu stayed for lunch at the Wen family's residence before returning to the inn.

Xu Dabo and Mrs. Zhang had also returned. They explained that they had found a matchmaker who, according to their inquiries, had successfully arranged numerous marriages. The couples she matched were reportedly living very happy lives, as sweet as honey.

This matchmaker was well-known even in Qingyun, and many families sought her services for marriage arrangements. Naturally, her fees were quite high.

The matchmaker's surname was Bao, and everyone called her Bao the Matchmaker. When Xu Dabo first mentioned the possible match between his son and the Wen family, Bao the Matchmaker looked at him and his wife as if they were fools. She doubted their chances, considering the Wen family was so prestigious.

After Mrs. Zhang's explanation, Bao the Matchmaker finally understood that Xu Dabo and his wife were Xu Wenwu's parents, and that the two families had already agreed to the match. She merely needed to fill in the formalities. Happily, she accepted and scheduled a meeting for the next morning at the inn.

The Xu family retired early that night. They needed to be well-rested to face their future in-laws the next day.

Early the next morning, the Xu family rose early, got dressed, and changed into new clothes. Now they looked every bit like wealthy family.

With everything set, the Xu family stepped out of the inn. Outside, Bao the Matchmaker was already waiting.

"Matchmaker Bao." Mrs. Zhang said: "You're early. Sorry to keep you waiting."

Bao the Matchmaker was a middle-aged woman with a round face. She looked like someone with a comfortable life. Unlike other matchmakers, her face was clean, with only a light layer of powder. She dressed neatly and appropriately.

Matchmaker Bao smiled: "I haven't been waiting long. I just arrived by myself. I'm here to talk about the marriage between the honorable gentleman and Lord Wen's daughter, so of course I needed to be early. Can't miss the auspicious hour."

Mrs. Zhang introduced the matchmaker to Mrs. Wang and her group, and they exchanged polite greetings.

With that, they set off towards the Wen Manor. Kui Wu drove the horse-drawn carriage, while Yueyang and the other two followed beside it.

Nearly everyone in Qingyun knew Bao the Matchmaker, she was the most famous matchmaker in all of Qingyun city.

"Matchmaker Bao, which family member are you going to propose marriage to again?" asked an elderly lady.

Matchmaker Bao replied with a smile: "Auntie, this time it's no ordinary match! I'm here to speak for the governor's daughter! Well, must be on my way now. Keep up the good work!"

The onlookers were stunned. Matchmaker Bao wouldn't take on a case unless she was confident of success. Judging by how she'd handled the introduction, there was a good chance this one would work out.