Chapter 36: The Truth

Zhang Xiangnan and his three companions, treating themselves as family, inspected the vegetables in the greenhouse.

Last time they visited, the seedlings were just emerging, densely packed. Now, half of them had been transplanted.

However, the remaining vegetables were growing incredibly fast. They simply attributed it to the greenhouse effect.

Hua Youcai quickly finished a bowl of noodles, urging his son to eat faster.

He was extremely anxious. Zhang and the others were here, suggesting a positive development. He wondered what kind of person they were introducing.

The kang table was set, the best food brought out, and tea brewed. This was the Hua family’s highest form of hospitality.

Liu Jianye and the others entered the room and were warmly invited by Hua Youcai to sit on the kang.

The morning fire was still burning, keeping the kang warm. On this damp, cold rainy day, it was far more comfortable than sitting on a stool on the floor.

Seeing the food and drink on the kang table, Liu Jianye and the others blushed. They hadn’t accomplished their mission, yet they were being treated to a meal—it was shameful.

They had agreed beforehand to tell Hua Youcai the truth.

Hua Youcai noticed their expressions and felt a pang of anxiety.

Had he been mistaken? Was there no suitable match to introduce?

“Speak your minds,” he said. “You look like something’s wrong. It’s okay if there’s no suitable match.”

Wang Fugui spoke first, “Uncle, this is what happened… please listen…”

The four men, supplementing each other, finally explained the situation.

Hua Yuanyuan’s previous outburst had spread her reputation, leading strangers to believe she was unsuitable.

Hua Youcai hadn’t realized this was the cause. “If she’s unsuitable, then she’s unsuitable,” he thought. “What else can be done? You can’t keep clinging to this tree.”

It was a pity, though. His daughter had inquired about Captain Hao. Fortunately, he hadn’t asked first, otherwise, it would have been embarrassing.

Hua Youcai didn’t think his daughter was wrong to create a scene; she should have, even a bigger one. It was the only way to release her anger.

“Let’s just let it go,” he said. “Destiny can’t be rushed.”

Hua Youcai picked up the teapot to pour water. “Let’s forget about it and talk about something else.”

Fang Dayong took the teapot. “Uncle, let me. We haven’t finished yet. There’s something else.”

“What else?”

“Hehe, Uncle, what do you think of Hao Li?”

…

“He doesn’t mind?”

“Uncle, what would he mind? He’s just afraid he’s too old for her.”

“Uncle, Hao Li is a really good person. He’s kind, righteous, capable, and has a good temper.”

The four men showered him with praise, adding every positive attribute they could think of.

Hua Youcai…

“Tell me the truth, he’s so good, how come he’s still not married at his age?”

This question needed clarification. Was there some hidden ailment?

“Uncle, it’s like this. His first wife…”

…

After a long explanation, Hua Youcai understood.

Compared with his scumbag ex-son-in-law, Captain Hao doesn’t have as much future as the other.

He also struggled to interact with women he was set up with.

He was a good person, but clumsy with words. Many matches had been arranged, but none had worked out.

Hua Youcai didn’t mind whether Hao Li would be promoted.

However, if he left the army, would they return to their hometown?

His daughter would be far away, and he wouldn’t be able to help her.

He realized he was overthinking. It was too early to worry about the future.

Hua Youcai thought, since his daughter had asked about Hao Li, he might as well settle the matter.

Zhang Xiangnan and the others were surprised by his quick agreement. They decided to act immediately.

They arranged a meal at Zhang Xiangnan’s house for a formal introduction.

Hua Yuanyuan was sleeping in when her brother woke her, causing her to be grumpy.

Rainy days were perfect for sleeping or reading in bed.

This rare rainy day off was ruined.

She was in a bad mood. “Hua Fangfang, why did you call me? Better have a good reason, or you’ll be sorry.”

“Sister, get up. It’s important. Get ready, you’re going on a blind date with Brother Hao.”

Huh?

Hua Yuanyuan listened to her brother’s explanation while washing up.

“I already know Hao Li. Do we need another meeting?”

“Yeah, Dad said it’s a formality, to give you both a chance to talk.”

“Where’s Dad?”

“He went to the store to buy things, saying we needed to buy some things for Zhang Ge’s family.”

“We have plenty of food at home, why buy more?”

“Hehe, Dad went out of his way to spend money. He said using our own food wouldn’t be sincere, but buying things would.”

Hua Yuanyuan was speechless. He was wasting money.

She lectured her brother, “Don’t learn from Dad. That’s being proud and suffering. Don’t waste money, spend it wisely. Got it?!”

“Got it, got it! Sister, sister, don’t wear that cotton-padded jacket. Wear that sweater, it looks better!”

“No way, it’s cold and rainy, I need the jacket.”

Hua Fangfang…

Hua Youcai bought alcohol, snacks, canned goods, and candy for the children.

He also brought their own fried pork, homegrown vegetables from the greenhouse, and his daughter’s stir-fried beans.

On the way, he nagged his daughter, “Daughter, please make an effort today, show off your cooking skills.”

“Everyone’s tasted them.”

“Yes, but having tasted them makes them crave them even more!”

“Dad, I’m going on a blind date! Have you ever seen a girl cook on a blind date?”

Hua Youcai hadn’t expected his daughter to be so serious.

It was just a formality, a way for everyone to meet. Why take it so seriously?

But he didn’t dare say that, only thinking it to himself.

“Dad, are you talking bad about me?”

“No, no.”

Hua Youcai muttered to himself, his daughter was amazing.

…

Hao Li never expected the blind date to happen so soon.

He rushed to the bathhouse, taking a long bath, changing his clothes thoroughly before arriving at Zhang Xiangnan’s house.

Hua Yuanyuan and the others were already there. Zhang Xiangnan glared at him. “What’s wrong with you? I told you to hurry, why are you so late?”

“Something delayed me.”

Hao Li couldn’t bring himself to say he’d gone to take a bath.

He was afraid Hua Yuanyuan would dislike his body odor.

“We’ll all go out later, you two stay inside. Be proactive and start conversations, understand? Be proactive.”

…

Everyone made an excuse to leave, giving the couple some time alone.