Xu Zhengfu’s words made Xu Xiaoyun jump up, her face was full of disbelief. “Impossible, this can’t be true.” 

How could the Gu family go to the Tang family to look for a match? Zhao Xiuli clearly liked her, in her previous life and in this life. Otherwise, why would she have come to their house recently? 

“Could it be that Gu Chengze took a matchmaker to visit the Tang family?” 

Xu Zhengfu said this with an annoyed expression. 

“How could this happen? It shouldn’t be like this.” 

Xu Xiaoyun shook her head in disbelief. 

In order to wait for them to come, she got up early this morning, put on her new clothes, and specially wear some makeup. How could they go to the Tang family? 

“No wonder I felt something was off. I realized that the man’s side should announce their visit in advance.” 

Bai Lu finally figured out what had been bothering her yesterday. 

“They didn’t say anything, and they also forgot.” 

The Xu family subconsciously regarded Zhao Xiuli’s visit last time as advance notice. 

But even if Zhao Xiuli came to see Xu Xiaoyun in advance that time, she claimed it was for borrowing something. Thinking of this, the previously excited Xu family members couldn’t help but feel deflated. 

Even if they went out to complain and said that they were tricked by Zhao Xiuli, it would be completely unreasonable. Since she never mentioned arranging a match during her last visit. 

Thinking about how the large betrothal gift was slipping away, Mother Xu shot a glare at Xu Xiaoyun. “Useless thing.”  

Xu Xiaoyun’s nails dug deeply into her palms, and her teeth bit the corners of her lips. It couldn’t be, it shouldn’t be like this. There must be some mistake. 

*** 

Although Tang Momo intention was to reject this arrangement, she still needed to maintain proper etiquette; after all, she couldn’t give anyone a chance to spread some bad rumors about her. 

Zhang Xiaoli, on the other hand, had a guilty look on her face since last night. “Momo, it’s all my fault. If I had asked you first, it wouldn’t have turned out like this.” 

Zhang Xiaoli really blamed herself. If it weren’t for her assumptions, Momo wouldn’t have to face such an embarrassing situation today. 

“Mother, it’s okay; you are doing it for my own good.” 

After all, in this era, she was not young anymore; she had come of age, especially given Gu Chengze’s decent background. 

“I just hope it doesn’t affect you.” 

This is what Zhang Xiaoli is most worried about. 

If they ended up rejecting the Gu family, those people would probably start spreading rumors about Momo that she’s critical, ungrateful and so on. 

“What influence could it have? Even if it does, we will enter the city soon.” 

Tang Momo looked indifferent; she never cared such things. 

Hearing this, Zhang Xiaoli’s original guilt finally improved a little. Fortunately, Momo was going back to work tomorrow. 

Moreover, matchmaking doesn’t always need to succeed. Perhaps they could later say that their birth charts were incompatible? 

Just when Zhang Xiaoli was thinking of an excuse to refuse, Zhao Xiuli and the others arrived. 

At this moment, Gu Chengze just follow behind Zhao Xiuli and listen to Aunt Xi’s remarks. 

Xie Xiuhua watched Zhao Xiuli walking toward the backyard with Aunt Xi and Gu Chengze, and her eyes almost fell out of shock. The person the Gu family wanted to see was actually Tang Momo? 

Tang Qingqing is half a year older than Tang Momo. Because Xie Xiuhua has been secretly competing with Zhang Xiaoli, she always compares Tang Qingqing and Tang Momo. 

When Tang Dajun was still around, Qingqing was naturally not as good as Tang Momo. Later, when her father was gone, that girl failed to graduate from high school, and her family Qingqing became a high school student and finally surpassed that girl Tang Momo in everything. 

From then on, Xie Xiuhua had always been sure that Qingqing would be better off than Tang Momo. Unexpectedly, Tang Momo became a worker at a food factory, and now Gu Chengze was now going at her house to arrange a match. 

In the days to come, wouldn’t Qingqing be inferior to her? Thinking of this, the jealousy in Xie Xiuhua’s eyes became even stronger. How could Zhang Xiaoli and her daughter be so lucky? 

Not only Xie Xiuhua witnessed this scene, so it didn’t take long for the news about Gu Chengze and Tang Momo’s matchmaking to spread throughout the entire Qingshui Brigade. 

Since they had come to the door, the necessary formalities still had to be completed; otherwise, it would be disrespectful to those who had come and the matchmaker.  

No matter what, as long as the matchmaker doesn’t go too far, most people are not willing to offend the matchmaker. 

This was the first time Aunt Xi saw Tang Momo so close, and she thought that this girl was indeed beautiful. No wonder Gu Chengze would be willing to do it, not to mention that she now has an iron rice bowl. 

Gu Chengze sat there as soon as he came in, with a serious look on his face, but in fact, he was so nervous that he didn’t know where to put his hands and feet. 

Since he didn’t hear any surprised sounds from Tang Momo, it meant she had known about this last night. Would she agree? 

Gu Chengze glanced at Tang Momo from the corner of his eye from time to time, trying to hear something, but to his disappointment, Tang Momo’s voice never came to his ears. 

Every time he saw Tang Momo, she always seemed to have a lot to say, but today she was suddenly quiet. Had his ability to hear her thoughts disappeared? 

His expression darkened, such an unexpecting thing actually happen. 

After Aunt Xi finished her praises for the young couple, she said with a smile, “Let’s step outside for a bit and let the two of them talk.” 

Tang Momo had already expressed her intention to talk to Gu Chengze last night, so when she heard Aunt Xi’s words, Zhang Xiaoli did not stop Aunt Xi  but got up and went outside with them. 

Tang Jianan was arranged to go out to play with the twins early in the morning, so the backyard was very quiet at the moment. 

Zhang Xiaoli glanced at the two of them and then spoke up, “Auntie, I thought about it all night and feel that this isn’t suitable. You’ve seen our family situation; Momo is the eldest and still has to support her younger siblings. Our family bears a heavy burden and shouldn’t delay Gu Chengze’s future. Otherwise, wouldn’t it be like repaying kindness with enmity, as everyone said before?” 

Zhao Xiuli couldn’t help being stunned when she heard this, then waved her hands to express that they didn’t mind and told her not to think too much. 

Zhang Xiaoli smiled faintly and shook her head. “Auntie, the principle of matching social standings has been emphasized for a long time, so that even if someone marry, they can be more secure when entering the family. You’ve seen our family situation; Momo doesn’t want to disregard her responsibilities. She plans to wait a couple of years before considering personal matters. I’m sorry for wasting your trip today.” 

After the elders left, Gu Chengze and Tang Momo were the only ones left in the main room. Gu Chengze pressed his lips together before finally speaking, “I’m sorry for being so abrupt today.” 

Tang Momo almost rolled her eyes directly. You also realize it’s abrupt? 

Hearing her voice again, Gu Chengze felt inexplicably happy. Just when he was about to speak, Tang Momo on the opposite side spoke up, with a serious look on her face. “Comrade Gu, I understand that you are willing to go along with this match because of your grandmother’s wishes. However, I believe that getting married or starting a relationship is a serious matter that should be guided by one’s own feelings. It shouldn’t be done just due to family pressure or the belief that it’s time to marry. That way of thinking is not acceptable.” 

“The partner you choose to marry will be with you for the rest of your life, so it’s important to find someone you like and whose values match yours. This decision should not be taken lightly.” 

“Are you saying we are not suitable?” 

After Gu Chengze finished speaking, he realized how troubled his voice sounded. 

“Comrade Gu, you are a good person, but I am not considering personal matters right now, so I won’t delay you any longer.” 

Tang Momo gently handed Gu Chengze a “good person card.” 

“We were indeed the ones being abrupt today; I apologize.” 

Gu Chengze had actually expected this outcome when he came, but after hearing it in person, his chest still felt a little tight. 

Tang Momo thought Gu Chengze’s composure was only to be expected; otherwise, how could such a person be the male protagonist? But unfortunately, he seemed to have never understood the true meaning of marriage. 

Marriage is a lifelong event. But it is not just about finding someone to live with. Marriage is where two people share their lives, dreams, and difficulties. It’s about love, support, building a home together, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. I hope he can understand this truth and find a girl he truly loves. 

Tang Momo sincerely hopes that Gu Chengze will find a good girl who understands him and get married. 

In this era, people felt that as long as the families were suitable and neither party disliked the other, they could marry and life would carry on. But that was not for her; she was unwilling to settle and didn’t want to be anyone else’s compromise. 

Moreover, there was still a long life ahead, and she had more important things to do now. 

Because she refused, the meeting ended quickly. 

On the way back, Aunt Xi cautiously glanced at the pair beside her. This outcome was unexpected, and just as she hesitated what to say, she heard Zhao Xiuli sigh. 

“This matter is indeed our fault. If we had spoken up right after Chengze saved Tang Momo, it would have definitely been a good story. But now, they’ll think we’re only doing it because she has a job.” 

Zhao Xiuli deeply regretted her previous pettiness.  

Aunt Xi originally thought that Zhao Xiuli would be upset and feel that Zhang Xiaoli and her daughter were being pretentious. But she didn’t expect her to have such thoughts. After considering it, she spoke up. “Zhang Xiaoli’s concerns are valid too. Although the girl from the Tang family has a job now, her family is still under a lot of financial burden. It’s normal to worry about being mistreated in her in-law’s home. They probably want to wait a couple of years until things get better before discussing this matter again.” 

Tang Momo wasn’t even seventeen yet. In two years, she’d still only be nineteen, which wouldn’t be considered old for a girl from the countryside, and on top of that, she’s a worker now. 

Zhao Xiuli sighed softly, “I hope this is true and not their excuse.” 

“It’s true. Zhang Xiaoli just told me that if anyone asks about her daughter, I should turn them down. They’re not considering any personal matters at the moment.” 

Aunt Xi looked serious. 

Zhao Xiuli felt better when she heard this. At least they really didn’t think about it now, and they didn’t just say it to reject them. 

With this in mind, she looked back at Gu Chengze and saw that his expression was the same as usual. She couldn’t help but sigh in her heart and felt that she had been happy for nothing. 

After saying goodbye to Aunt Xi, the two returned home. Zhao Xiuli glanced at Gu Chengze and said gently, “You heard it too. That girl isn’t saying this because of you; she really isn’t considering this matter right now.” 

Gu Chengze nodded with a serious expression. “Grandma, I know. Don’t worry, I’m fine.”  

“Should we continue looking for a match in a couple of days?” 

Zhao Xiuli spoke cautiously. Judging from Chengze’s attitude at this moment, she must be overthinking it. If he really likes Tang Momo, he will at least be sad. 

Just when Zhao Xiuli thought he would nod as usual, he suddenly shook his head, “No need, Grandma. What Tang Momo said made me realize that marriage is really important and should be taken seriously. I need to figure out what kind of person I want to spend my life with. There’s no need to rush anything until I’ve thought it through.” 

This was a complete surprise to Zhao Xiuli. She nodded quickly, “Okay, then tell me after you think about it.” 

As long as he’s considering marriage seriously, that’s good enough. It seemed like today’s trip wasn’t entirely in vain. At least it made Chengze start taking marriage seriously. 

At this moment, Gu Chengze’s mind was filled with what Tang Momo just said: “Two people sharing their lives, dreams, and difficulties.”   

Suddenly, he yearned for such a life. She was right; marriage is a lifelong event, and it is not just about finding someone to live with. Today, he had been a bit too hasty. 

With that thought, Gu Chengze relaxed and counted the days. There were still about ten days until he returned to the army. Maybe he could take advantage of these days to get to know her better? 

After Zhao Xiuli and the others left, Zhang Xiaoli urged Tang Momo, “You have to go to work tomorrow; so, you should go back early.” 

Tang Momo knew why Zhang Xiaoli was rushing her away, and her heart felt warm for a moment. She stepped forward and held her arm. “Mother, don’t worry; I’m not that fragile now. Let people outside say whatever they want.” 

“I didn’t consider everything. If I had asked you last night, today’s incident wouldn’t have happened.” 

Zhang Xiaoli’s tone was full of guilt. 

“Mother, this really has nothing to do with you. I think they might have come because of the rumors in the team over the past few days.” 

Tang Momo couldn’t help but speculate. After all, the team had been talking about Gu Chengze and Xu Xiaoyun. 

But whether it was because of her reminder or because they never intended to visit the Xu family, today’s events had unfolded as they did. Of course, this was just Tang Momo’s guess.  

Zhang Xiaoli quickly understood what Tang Momo meant. She lightly tapped Tang Momo’s head. “Nonsense. Arranging a marriage is not a trivial matter. Although they informed us a bit late, they were still respectful.” 

As soon as they entered the door, they already wanted to give Momo a red envelope, but Zhang Xiaoli had stopped them. 

Tang Momo pretended to be hurt by being hit and touched the place where she was hit, with a look of helplessness on her face. “Alright, but either way, this matter is over. And what I said before still stands—I won’t consider personal matters for the next two years.” 

“As long as you are happy, I won’t force you if you don’t want to.” 

The past two years have made Zhang Xiaoli realize that her children’s happiness is the most important thing. 

Zhang Xiaoli’s open-mindedness made Tang Momo happy. To ease her mother’s guilt, she decided to listen and head back to work early. 

“What? Tang Momo actually turned him down?” 

Xu Xiaoyun’s voice was full of surprise. 

***

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