Chapter 33: Setting Up a Match

When Xiao Qingru returned home after work the next day, she saw Jiang’s mother sending some people out from a far. Du Wanqiu followed behind, looking demure and obedient, like a dutiful daughter in law completely different from her usual boastful attitude in front of Xiao Qingru.

As they walked toward each other, Jiang’s mother looked a bit embarrassed. Ever since her son got involved with Du Wanqiu, she felt a pang of guilt every time she ran into Xiao Qingru. After their family had just lost face recently, Jiang’s mother felt even less able to look the Xiao family in the eye.

She tried to act natural and greeted her with a smile. “Qingru, just finished work?”

Xiao Qingru nodded, intending to keep moving, but was suddenly pulled by the arm by Zhang, Du Wanqiu’s mother in law.

Xiao Qingru, who disliked physical contact, quickly withdrew her arm. “Is something wrong?”

Her expression was icy, which, to those who knew her well, was a clear sign she was displeased.

However, Zhang misunderstood, thinking this girl was just being snobbish toward country folk and refused to be touched. She huffed inwardly. After all, she now had several thousand yuan on her. Money gave her confidence, and she looked Xiao Qingru over with a smirk, “This young lady is pretty. Are you seeing anyone yet? I have a nephew who’s a team leader in the commune. If you’re single, I can introduce you.”

Xiao Qingru: “…”

Jiang’s mother blushed, dying of shame. “Qingru is a dance performer with the Art Troupe. She has plenty of admirers and doesn’t lack for suitors.”

Zhang’s expression turned to disdain. “A dancer, huh? Isn’t that just like those performers from before?”

Du Wanqiu, feeling humiliated, chimed in, “Don’t say things you don’t understand. It’s a respectable job that people would give anything to get into.”

“Well, it’s still nothing compared to a team leader in the commune. I just thought this girl looked nice and wanted to do a good deed by introducing her to someone eligible.”

Xiao Qingru couldn’t help but laugh. “Your nephew sounds quite successful. I’m sure the average person wouldn’t be worthy.”

Zhang’s pride swelled, and she lifted her chin in satisfaction. “That’s right. He’s highly sought after, but with a job like yours, you might barely qualify.”

If the ground could open up, Jiang’s mother would gladly fall right in. Did this woman have any sense? She was actually trying to show off in front of Qingru, clearly forgetting where they were!

“Let’s hurry, or we’ll miss the evening train.”

“What’s the rush? If we miss it, we can just stay at the guest house. It’s not like we can’t afford it.”

Zhang’s eyes lingered on Xiao Qingru’s face as she imagined the rewards she could reap for introducing such a pretty girl to her nephew. This girl was so beautiful that her nephew would probably give her a big thank you payment in his excitement. Zhang grew even more thrilled, convinced she was about to make a small fortune.

“You know, young lady, having a job is nice, but what’s really important for a woman is marrying well. The young man I want to introduce is the best around, and I guarantee he’ll meet all your expectations.”

“Ma’am, are you involved in human trafficking?”

A tall man in uniform approached, and Xiao Qingru turned to see him, her mouth curving into a slight smile. Xu Muzhou had an easy going smile, but it sent shivers down everyone’s spine.

Zhang instinctively took a few steps back from Xiao Qingru, looking uneasy. She stammered, “Oh, sir, you misunderstood! I was just introducing her to a match, nothing like human trafficking.”

Even though Zhang rarely left her village, she knew human trafficking was a serious crime. She was quick to distance herself from any such accusation.

Xu Muzhou looked amused. “I heard your whole spiel. It sounded very similar to a trafficker’s pitch. I could reasonably suspect you were trying to lure Xiao Comrade away to some remote place for personal gain.”

Maybe it was the intimidating uniform, or perhaps it was Xu Muzhou’s imposing height and stern expression, but Zhang quickly grew nervous. “N-no! I was just introducing her to someone and maybe earning a little matchmaking fee.”

“A matchmaking fee?”

“People often give a thank you gift when they’re set up with someone. It’s a tradition in my village.”

This was getting more ridiculous by the minute. Jiang’s mother quickly tried to explain, “She’s from the country side and doesn’t know better. Sorry for the disturbance, Qingru. Come visit our house sometime. We’ll be on our way now.” She signaled to Du Wanqiu to take Zhang and leave.

“Let go! I can walk on my own!” Zhang huffed. “What do you mean, I don’t know better just because I’m from the country? Are you looking down on country folk?”

“Don’t think I don’t know your Jiang family used to be from the country side too. You’re only here because you married someone successful. Who are you to look down on us?”

“And as for that girl, I was trying to introduce her to the team leader! Can she even find someone as qualified on her own?”

“Some people really don’t appreciate kindness!”

Zhang was shouting so loudly that neighbors started coming out to watch. Their looks were filled with ridicule and scorn, but there was no sympathy for the Zhang family’s complaints.

Jiang’s mother and Du Wanqiu lowered their heads in unison, wishing they could just shut her up.

Finally, Jiang’s mother, gritting her teeth, forced out a few words, “Do you even know who Qingru is?”

“Her father is the Commander here!”

Zhang immediately fell silent, utterly shocked. She hadn’t realized the girl’s family was so powerful.

Her mind raced as she muttered complaints under her breath, “How was I supposed to know she had such a powerful background?”

Her heart pounded with fear as she thought back to what she’d said. Hopefully, she hadn’t gone too far.

With a mixed look of regret and pride, she muttered, “But I still touched her hand. Wait till people hear! Everyone’s going to be so jealous.”

Du Wanqiu clenched her fists. Was a mere handshake with Xiao Qingru something to boast about? Zhang’s behavior was just so crass.

“Let’s go,” she muttered. She couldn’t bear this humiliation any longer.

At that moment, Du Wanqiu and Jiang’s mother shared a single thought they would do anything to get Zhang’s family out of their lives!