Chapter 23: Aunt Sun’s Thoughts

Yu Zihan would eat anything except for losses. There was no reason for her to endure insults from others.

She looked at Zhao Yumei and said, “It’s the New Year, my mom is just giving some candies to the kids who come to wish us well. Look at how sour some people are; I really don’t understand what’s going through your mind.

A child comes to pay New Year respects, and giving them a few pieces of candy offends whom? How does it even relate to being rich or poor?”

Hearing Yu Zihan’s unrelenting words, Zhao Yumei’s expression faltered. She sharply retorted, “People from the countryside are just different; no matter how rich they are, they lack upbringing. Is this how you talk to adults? At such a young age, you should be leaving yourself an out for the future; you’ll need to marry someday. Being so sharp-tongued isn’t good.”

Yu Zihan looked up at Zhao Yumei, realizing she had underestimated this woman. With such a sharp tongue, she could have made a career in comedy, but today, she had met her match.

“Oh, tsk tsk tsk, you just can’t stop calling me a country bumpkin with no manners. I’m so curious, though, what kind of aristocratic family you come from. We may not care much about family background these days, but really, who’s really got a lineage that doesn’t have a few farmers sprinkled in? Honestly, how can you have the nerve to criticize your ancestors, of all people, during the New Year? If they heard you, I’m sure they’d be rolling in their graves, coming back to give you a piece of their mind! And as for my affairs, they are none of your business. What, do you think you have a say in whether I get married or not? You’re allowed to spew your sour words, but I can’t say anything back? Are you the boss of this alley? Oh my, you really scare me.”

People burst into laughter at Yu Zihan’s words, leaving Zhao Yumei at a loss for words. Frustrated, she stormed off.

Yu Meijuan addressed everyone, saying, “Look at my daughter, she just speaks her mind.” It sounded like a reprimand, but everyone could hear the pride in her tone.

Yu Meijuan glanced at the surrounding aunties and said, “Since we happened to see everyone at Aunt Wang’s today, my daughter and I won’t disturb you at your homes. We’ll take this opportunity at Aunt Wang’s place to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I wish you all good health and happiness in the new year.” As she spoke, she tugged at Yu Zihan’s hand.

Yu Zihan also chimed in with a few auspicious words.

What they said was well-received, and everyone had a better impression of the mother-daughter duo.

They were merely going through the motions, and having completed their task, they left quickly.

After the mother and daughter left, the group of older women began to chat among themselves.

Aunt Sun asked Aunt Wang with interest, “That Yu Meijuan doesn’t look like a country person at all. Just look at her demeanor; no one would doubt she’s a city official.”

“Yes, Yu Meijuan’s looks are indeed remarkable; she’s truly beautiful,” Aunt Wang couldn’t help but praise her. She was very pleased that the mother and daughter had come to wish her well so early in the day.

Moreover, before the New Year, Yu Meijuan had specially brought over several large pieces of braised pork, cooked to a certain standard, making Aunt Wang feel praised by her family for the first time during their New Year’s Eve dinner. She intended to find time to learn cooking skills from Yu Meijuan.

“Did she really get a divorce?” Aunt Sun asked meaningfully.

“There’s no doubt about it; I paid special attention when handling the property paperwork with them. Besides, their household registration is definitely not from the city; they’re from Shanghe Village.”

When Aunt Wang said this, she realized she had said too much. However, looking around at her old friends, she felt it was just the kind of gossip they liked to hear. After all, how else could she establish herself as the neighborhood informant?

With that thought, any hint of guilt she had vanished.

“She’s a nice person, and the age is appropriate, but she’s divorced and has a burden to carry. And that burden is not easy to deal with,” Aunt Sun muttered to herself.

Everyone present heard her words, and their gazes quickly turned to Aunt Sun. Oh my, is it not what we thought?

Aunt Wang looked at Aunt Sun in disbelief.

Aunt Sun noticed the looks everyone was giving her; she understood what they were thinking. She didn’t care how they viewed her as long as she could find a satisfactory daughter-in-law for her son. What did it matter if others had something to say?

Today was quite fortuitous; she had run into Yu Meijuan. That woman was good-looking and from the village, so she surely had no background. Such a person would be easier to manage once married.

She was determined to have this daughter-in-law and confidently declared, “It’s just as you think. I want Yu Meijuan to be my daughter-in-law.”

“Are you joking?” Aunt Wang exclaimed loudly.

“What do you mean? Is my son not worthy of a divorced woman from the village?

I don’t have time to joke with you. I’m really serious about Yu Meijuan. It’s just that her daughter is quite annoying. If she agrees not to bring that daughter along, I think this could be a good match.”

Upon hearing Aunt Sun’s words, some people rolled their eyes. A good match is what you think it is, right?

Aunt Wang responded with exasperation, “Aunt Sun, have you really thought this through?”

Seeing everyone’s expressions, Aunt Sun seemed oblivious to their meanings and confidently replied, “Of course, I have the final say in my son’s matters.”

Everyone thought to themselves, “Do you really know what kind of person your son is? You think you can decide for him? Does he even have the ability to choose for himself?”

What they thought was one thing, but as neighbors who had lived together for many years, they hesitated to openly contradict her. Instead, they began to worry for Yu Meijuan in their hearts.

Especially Aunt Wang, who quite liked Yu Meijuan. If Aunt Sun’s idea caused Yu Meijuan to suffer, she would feel very uncomfortable about it.

In her heart, she secretly resolved to reach out to Yu Meijuan soon. This marriage proposal should not be accepted. Although the Sun family was well-off and had no worries about food and drink, it was still a pitfall.

Everyone in this alley knew that, except for the newcomer, Yu Meili.

Perhaps sensing Aunt Wang’s thoughts, Aunt Sun deliberately said to her, “Aunt Wang, it’s best if you don’t spread rumors about our family’s matters. We are old neighbors who know each other well; please don’t let outsiders ruin our friendship.”

As she spoke, she glanced at the other aunties around, her eyes conveying a clear message—a blatant warning.

“Heh, I have no intention of meddling in your affairs. I’m not someone who lacks discretion,” Aunt Wang replied, but in her heart, she secretly resolved to share some details about the Sun family with Yu Meili, to prevent such a good person from being misled.

Aunt Sun looked at everyone’s expressions, thinking to herself that they wouldn’t dare to ruin her family’s matters.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, she hurriedly left.

This left everyone with their own thoughts. The previously good atmosphere was disrupted by this incident, and they were unwilling to stay any longer, so they all left for home.