Chapter 123

Madam Zhang had been bustling around these days, and many people knew she was trying to arrange a marriage for Wang Yuan’er. Naturally, some people took an interest. Although she was the eldest daughter of a widow, her hands were like gold. Look at how well her fermented tofu business was doing. Marrying Wang Yuan’er would be like marrying a golden pineapple.

With this thought, many people became interested, asking around to gauge the Wang family’s intentions. Some men even went directly to Wang Yuan’er’s workshop, offering to help with tasks, trying to become familiar with her, which left Wang Yuan’er both amused and exasperated.

However, some people couldn’t stand this situation and started spreading unpleasant rumors, saying she was restless, infatuated, and trying to seduce men everywhere. They claimed that marrying her would surely bring chaos to the household.

These rumors were naturally spread by the foul-mouthed Madam Hu, with Zhou Shunxing’s wife chiming in. Some people, hearing these rumors, backed off, but it infuriated Wang Yuan’er and her family.

“A bunch of people with nothing better to do. I think they eat dung for meals every day; their mouths are so foul,” Wang Qing’er angrily retorted.

“Dung eaters, dung eaters,” Wang Lan’er echoed angrily.

Xiao Baolai babbled a few sounds, seemingly agreeing with his sisters, making Wang Qing’er laugh as she pinched his cheeks, “Little guy, what do you know? Grow up quickly so you can protect your sisters.”

“Ah ah!” Xiao Baolai drooled and clapped his hands.

Just as Wang Qing’er was about to tease him more, Madam Zhang called from outside, “Yuan’er, is Yuan’er inside?”

Wang Yuan’er frowned, and before she could answer, Madam Zhang walked in, looking excited, “Yuan’er, hurry, go sit with your grandmother. There’s good news.”

Hearing this, Wang Yuan’er’s heart started pounding uncontrollably.

The so-called good news was indeed the same as in her previous life. Madam Zhang had arranged a marriage proposal with Landlord Li through a Mahjong friend.

“Landlord Li is incredibly wealthy, with countless servants. His first wife just died last year, leaving behind a foolish son who can’t accomplish anything. They say marrying him would be a blessing, and if you have a child, your future will be secure,” Madam Zhang clapped her hands excitedly, “This is a rare and excellent match!”

Grandma Wang frowned. What good was wealth at such an old age? But Yuan’er’s reputation was what it was.

“What about Landlord Li’s character?” Grandma Wang asked.

Wealth was meaningless; character and kindness mattered.

“Oh, his character is impeccable. They say marrying a man is about having food and clothes. Despite his age, Landlord Li knows how to treat his wife well. An old husband and young wife, hehe, even your second aunt will benefit from your good fortune,” Madam Zhang laughed heartily, but Wang Yuan’er trembled with anger, her hands clenched into fists.

In her mind, she saw Landlord Li’s obese body, his lecherous smile, his flabby figure, and his foolish son, naked and drooling, rushing towards her.

Wang Yuan’er felt her stomach churn, and she turned her head, vomiting everything in her stomach. Sitting next to her, Madam Zhang, who had been speaking excitedly, was now covered in vomit, frozen in shock.

Ah!

A scream echoed through the main house.

Chapter 124

Wang Yuan’er suddenly vomited all over Madam Zhang, causing not only Madam Zhang to freeze but also making Grandma Wang drop the fan she was holding.

“Ah, what are you doing, you troublemaker? Ah!” Madam Zhang jumped up, wanting to clean herself but not daring to touch the mess. Without saying much more, she stormed off to her room, furious and disgusted by the smell. That wretched girl, she’ll pay for this!

Grandma Wang took a moment to regain her composure. Seeing Wang Yuan’er looking pale, she asked, “Yuan’er, are you alright?”

Wang Yuan’er waved her hand, took a handkerchief from her waist to wipe her mouth, then looked at Grandma Wang and firmly said, “Grandmother, I won’t marry this Landlord Li, even if I die!”

What wealth and prosperity, a life without worries? She didn’t care. She didn’t want to climb such a high branch, nor did she want to ruin her life in that hell.

Recalling the miseries of her past life and the possibility of it happening again, Wang Yuan’er’s eyes filled with tears, which fell in large droplets.

Grandma Wang was initially displeased with her resolute refusal, but seeing Yuan’er’s tears, she swallowed her words.

“Why can’t you speak calmly? Crying like this makes people think I did something to you. Wipe those tears away!” Grandma Wang scolded lightly.

Wang Yuan’er wiped her tears with her sleeve and repeated, “I won’t marry!”

“Oh, Yuan’er, you’re already sixteen. Do you think you’re still a little girl?” Madam Zhang returned in clean clothes and, upon hearing this, barged in and said, “Do you know what people are saying about you? They say you’re cursed, having lost both parents. But Landlord Li can suppress your bad luck; otherwise, he wouldn’t propose this marriage.”

“This is such a good match! You won’t have to worry about food and drink, and your life will be secure. Marrying him makes you a young mistress, and your sisters and brother will benefit, too. Why work so hard at your small business?” Madam Zhang feigned sympathy, “Think about your siblings if not for yourself.”

Wang Yuan’er gritted her teeth. In her previous life, they used such words to deceive her. Old and new grudges surfaced simultaneously.

“Aunt, if it’s such a good match, why not have Min’er marry him? She could become Landlord Li’s wife, adorned in gold and silver, with servants at her beck and call. That would be true happiness.” Wang Yuan’er said, “As for me, I don’t need you to worry. I’m destined to marry into a poor family. I can’t handle such wealth and fortune.”

“You… Mother, look at this! I’ve been working hard like a monkey to arrange a good marriage for her. It’s like pushing her into a fire pit! Mother, you must do something.” Blushing angrily, Madam Zhang said, “Besides, how can you compare her to Min’er? Min’er has both parents and wouldn’t be a second wife.”

It’s ridiculous. Min’er was a cherished young lady, destined to marry her ideal man, not to be a second wife.

“Why can’t you compare? She’s a person, and so am I, right?” Wang Yuan’er sneered, “Just because she has parents, she’s precious, and we’re orphans, we’re nothing? Do we deserve to marry an old man as a second wife and be a stepmother to a fool? Aunt, if you hate me, just say it. I’ll move out and not be in your way.”

“You…”

“Enough, both of you, be quiet.” Grandma Wang slapped the table, glaring at Madam Zhang, “You, leave.”

Madam Zhang pouted, snorted, and walked out in a huff.