Chapter 44 : Brother He and I are about to get engaged

As September approached, Jiang Yu felt increasingly anxious about returning home.

She had to continue with the matchmaking otherwise, she would eventually be sold off by Wang Meili for money.

However, the matchmaker Yao had introduced three suitors, and none of them were suitable, either they were incredibly unattractive, had questionable character, or had bizarre personalities.

“The ugly one is a given. Besides being unattractive and a bit short, he has good character. But take the one from yesterday, he’s been in labor reform for stabbing his ex-father-in-law! Grandma Yao  didn’t even tell me this! When I asked, guess what she said?”

Jiang Yu mimicked the matchmaker’s tone, speaking earnestly, “At that time, he was just too impulsive. He doesn’t stab people anymore. If he did stab you, you could just send him back for reform, right?”

Xie Fei fei and He Feiyan laughed so hard they nearly doubled over, mercilessly mocking Jiang Yu, who looked utterly despairing.

“And then there was one who, upon meeting me, asked if I could first give him a son because his father wants to remarry. He’s worried about having another stepmother fighting over his inheritance, so he wants to marry someone to have a son for his dad.”

Jiang Yu truly didn’t think her demands were high, but unfortunately, the people she met were far from normal.

Xie Fei fei and He Feiyan exchanged glances and stopped laughing.

This one was truly a weirdo.

Xie Fei fei patted her on the shoulder, “Don’t worry, I’ve sent a telegram to my aunt. She’ll see it soon and definitely bring my cousin back to meet you.”

She added, “My cousin doesn’t stab people.”

He Feiyan felt a sense of urgency, this was not good, her chance of getting a good match was slipping away.

“Isn’t your cousin stationed in the Black Province? Can he really come back?”

“Of course! He can take a leave of absence. His lifelong affairs have become a headache for his superiors.”

Those soldiers sacrifice so much for their country, yet they can’t even solve their personal issues, which feels like a disservice to them.

Unfortunately, Huang Zefang was stubborn, determined to dedicate his life to the country, and refused to marry.

He Feiyan quietly interjected, “The Black Province is colder than the Northern City in winter. Wouldn’t Jiang Yu find it hard to adapt if she got married and had to follow the army?”

Jiang Yu shook her head and smiled slightly.

“If the match is right, I’m willing to follow the army.”

Xie Fei fei’s cousin was a company commander and was rumored to be getting promoted soon, so his salary must be decent.

These days, everywhere was similar; resources were scarce, and even having a decent meal was a challenge.

But soldiers in the army had their basic rations secured, at least they wouldn’t go hungry.

Apart from the harsh weather, it was actually manageable.

He Feiyan remarked, “…It might not even be a good match.”

Xie Fei fei scoffed, “My cousin has been single for so many years. Can’t you show a bit of sympathy? You jump right in to undermine him.”

He Feiyan felt frustrated, her brother was even older than Xie Fei fei’s cousin!

Let’s not talk about it, it would only hurt feelings.

“Jiang Yu, I need to submit an article to the school newspaper. Can you help me revise it?”

Jiang Yu readily agreed, “Sure, bring it over.”

He Feiyan wanted to create an opportunity for her to meet He Tingyue, so she wouldn’t let her off the hook that easily.

“Come with me to my house to grab it.”

Jiang Yu hesitated for a moment, but under He Feiyan’s insistence, she followed her back to the courtyard.

When they reached the entrance of the southern room, Jiang Yu didn’t go in, feeling it was inappropriate.

“I’ll wait for you outside, just bring it out.”

Seeing her avoiding the situation, He Feiyan silently mourned for He Tingyue.

“Okay, wait for me.”

Jiang Yu waited outside for a while and was soon spotted by Xu Lihua.

She raised her voice, “Isn’t that Jiang Yu? I heard you sent your sister to jail!”

Jiang Yu looked up, realizing that Xu Lihua’s concern for Jiang Ting was a facade, she was genuinely interested in the gossip.

But there was no point in denying it, the whole courtyard probably already knew.

“Aunt Xu, the police are indeed arresting Jiang Ting because of my situation, but it’s certainly because she broke the law. If not, I’m not some local tyrant who could cover everything up.”

Xu Lihua approached with a basin in hand, “Then tell me, what was it for?”

Unable to pry anything from the Fu family and having been itching for days, she wanted to know.

Jiang Yu noticed Xu Lihua’s clothing and asked with a smile, “Aunt Xu, is that a new outfit?”

Xu Lihua immediately beamed with pride, “You noticed? My daughter-in-law just bought it for me. This shirt cost sixteen yuan!”

It was even pricier than the cotton fabric, being a new style she adored.

In this scorching summer, she had worn it for three days and still wasn’t ready to take it off.

“Wow, sixteen yuan? I heard Lin Rui’s salary all went to you, so I knew those people were talking nonsense. If Lin Rui could afford to buy such nice clothes for you, it shows she’s quite generous to you.”

Xu Lihua’s expression changed instantly.

Lin Rui’s salary was all received by her, so naturally, it was all in her hands.

Where did Lin Rui’s money come from?

She must have been out there flirting with men!

Xu Lihua couldn’t care less about Jiang Ting anymore and hurried home to confront Lin Rui.

Jiang Yu smirked; someone like Xu Lihua could only act tough within her own walls.

As her smile faded, she soon spotted He Tingyue walking into the courtyard.

The faint smile she had vanished in an instant, and He Tingyue almost thought he was imagining things.

Jiang Yu stepped aside, maintaining her distance from him.

“It was He Feiyan who called me over to grab something, I’m not here to see you.”

Jiang Yu’s tone was extremely cold, wishing to sever all ties.

It was as if the shy and enthusiastic person from before was someone else entirely.

He Tingyue paused, pondering how to explain himself and apologize properly, but just then, He Feiyan ran out.

“Jiang Yu, here’s this for you, let me know when you’ve revised it.”

Jiang Yu smiled and accepted, “I’ll revise it as soon as possible.”

With that, she left, not giving He Tingyue a chance to speak.

He Feiyan eagerly hinted at He Tingyue, urging him to chase after her. Why was he acting so shy?

However, Jiang Yu wouldn’t intentionally slow down for him. The things she had said last time were enough to make her lose heart.

She wasn’t someone who would shamelessly cling on.

Just as she was about to exit the alley, she ran into Duan Yuzhen.

Duan Yuzhen had never liked her, and seeing her here, she naturally assumed Jiang Yu was there to see He Tingyue again.

She immediately blocked Jiang Yu’s path, angrily demanding, “Are you here to see Brother He again?”

Jiang Yu found it amusing and retorted, “Who I’m here to see has nothing to do with you.”

“How can you be so shameless? Brother He has already rejected you, yet you’re still pestering him!”

Jiang Yu ignored her, countering, “And who are you to him? What gives you the right to meddle in his personal affairs?”

Duan Yuzhen’s face turned crimson with rage, struggling to catch her breath.

Her words felt like a slap in the face.

“What right do I have? Let me tell you, Brother He and I are about to get engaged, so please stay away from here. Neither of us wants to see you!” Duan Yuzhen blurted, making up this story.

Whether she believed it or not, her heart swelled with sweetness.