Chapter 140: Everyone Has Their Own Ideas

Chapter 140: Everyone Has Their Own Ideas

When Deng Changyuan returned home, his family was sitting by the door chatting under the dim light of a kerosene lamp.

To save oil, the lamp was turned down low, its flame no larger than a soybean, casting only a faint glow.

Seeing his second son return, Deng Yuncai asked, "Ah Yuan, is Uncle Jiu back?"

Deng Changyuan nodded. "Yes, he's back."

Chang Yuan's mother followed up, "Where's the girl from? Did her family agree to the match?"

Deng Changyuan realized that Uncle Jiu hadn't yet informed his parents about the girl's family. He guessed Uncle Jiu might have been waiting to ensure the girl's parents agreed before sharing the news. Now that the house visit was scheduled, there was no need to keep it a secret.

"Uncle Jiu personally went to propose the match. How could her family refuse? But there's no need for formal introductions—I've known the girl since last year and have met her twice!"

His parents, elder brother, and sister-in-law all looked surprised.

Deng Changyuan didn't wait for them to ask and continued, "The girl is also from New Dock Village. She grew up with Aunt Ping. Last year, when Aunt Ping came to Uncle Jiu's house to visit, she came along. That's when I first met her.

Later, when Ah Tai married Aunt Ping, she was part of the bridal party. So, I've actually met her twice before."

Chang Yuan's mother suddenly understood. "So, you fell for her and asked Uncle Jiu to be your matchmaker?"

Deng Changyuan chuckled. "I liked her from the first moment I saw her. Aunt Ping also hoped her childhood friend could marry into our village to keep her company, so she helped make the connection. I asked for her opinion before approaching Uncle Jiu."

Deng Changxing, the eldest brother, exclaimed, "Ah Yuan, you're quite the smooth talker!"

Deng Yuncai finally pieced everything together. "No wonder Uncle Jiu didn't mention it earlier. So, the girl is Aunt Ping's childhood friend."

Deng Changyuan added, "Uncle Jiu has already arranged everything. The girl will visit our house on the tenth day of the first lunar month."

Chang Yuan's mother frowned. "We haven't even discussed the bride price yet, and they're already coming to visit?"

Deng Changyuan explained, "Uncle Jiu said her parents have no special demands. They're asking for the standard amount—300 yuan and 300 kilograms of grain."

The family nodded in agreement. Without additional requests, this was indeed a reasonable amount.

Chang Yuan's mother sighed. "That's a fair request, but we've just built three houses and spent all our savings. We don't even have money for the house visit, let alone the bride price."

Deng Yuncai glanced at his eldest son and daughter-in-law and coughed twice, hinting at them.

The family had invested heavily in building the new house, with most of the funds coming from Deng Changyuan's wages at the tile factory. While the eldest son and daughter-in-law had also contributed labor, they still had some savings.

Deng Changxing, catching his father's hint, was about to speak when his wife kicked him under the table, silencing him.

Deng Yuncai noticed the exchange and felt a pang of disappointment. He had hoped the family would pull together during this crucial time, but his eldest son and daughter-in-law's reluctance to contribute struck him as selfish.

Unaware of the family dynamics at play, Deng Changyuan reassured his mother, "Don't worry. Uncle Jiu said he'll discuss with Uncle Yungui tomorrow and advance me a year's salary so I can marry smoothly."

The family gasped in unison.

After a moment, Deng Yuncai said with admiration, "Ah Yuan, Uncle Jiu truly treats you well."

Deng Changxing couldn't hide his envy. His younger brother had always been close to Uncle Jiu's family, especially Deng Yuntai. From working at the tile factory to now receiving an advance for his marriage, Deng Changyuan had been exceptionally fortunate.

Meanwhile, the sister-in-law felt a wave of relief. She had heard her father-in-law's hint earlier and dreaded the idea of dipping into her hard-earned savings. Now that Deng Changyuan had his own solution, she was off the hook.

Deng Changyuan nodded. "Uncle Jiu has been incredibly kind to me."

Chang Yuan's mother smiled. "With Uncle Jiu advancing your salary, we don't have to worry about the money for your marriage."

Deng Changyuan added a word of caution. "Dad, Mom, Uncle Jiu made a promise to the girl's parents today. He assured them she wouldn't be mistreated if she married into our family. Otherwise, he wouldn't forgive me.

So, if I marry her, you'll need to be patient with her. If she makes mistakes, tell me, and I'll address them. But please don't scold her directly, okay?"

Chang Yuan's mother frowned slightly. The idea of tiptoeing around her future daughter-in-law didn't sit well with her. But she held her tongue, deciding to wait and see how things unfolded after the marriage.

Deng Yuncai, on the other hand, had no strong feelings. Father-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships were generally less tense than those between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law.

As for the eldest brother and sister-in-law, their thoughts remained unspoken.

In the end, everyone in the family had their own ideas. Whether harmony would prevail after Deng Changyuan's marriage remained to be seen.

(End of Chapter)