Chapter 44: Morning Chaos

Qiao Fangfang woke up singing, as today was the day her niece, Daya, would marry into the Chen family.

She washed the pot and prepared breakfast, planning to go shopping afterward.

She hoped to see Qiao Jiangxin crying and making a scene.

“Bang bang bang”

There was a knock at the door.

“Who is it?” Qiao Fangfang wiped her hands and opened the door.

The Chen family stood outside, led by Chen Sheng, who was wearing a new white shirt and a bicycle decorated with red paper.

“Sister-in-law Good morning.”

Deng’s mother came out of the house, hearing the voices.

Qiao Fangfang was stunned by the “sister-in-law.” She thought the Chens were here to take her to Gaoshi Village to get Qiao Jiangxin.

She corrected him, “Sister-in-law? I’m your aunt! What sister-in-law? Why are you here?

I said I wouldn’t help. You need to get her yourselves. I’ll just try to persuade the family.”

Deng’s mother came out, “Fangfang, who is it? What do you mean you won’t help? Take who away?”

Qiao Fangfang looked flustered, “Mom, why are you up? Nothing, nothing.”

Chen Sheng politely greeted Deng’s mother, “Mom! Good morning~”

Before Deng’s mother could react, Mother Chen pushed past Qiao Fangfang and greeted Deng’s mother like old friends, holding her hands.

“Congratulations!  Chen Sheng and Xiangcui are destined to be together. Look how well-matched they are! A perfect pair!”

Mother Chen gestured to her husband, “Husband, what are you waiting for? Set off the firecrackers!

Let the neighbors share our joy.”

Chen’s father lit the firecrackers, and loud bangs filled the air.

Neighbors came out to watch.

Deng Ming, Deng’s father, and Deng Xiangcui woke up.

Mother Chen’s friends stood at the Deng family’s door and spread the story of Chen Sheng and Deng Xiangcui’s love.

Chen Sheng’s aunt excitedly told a neighbor, “Sister, you wouldn’t believe this! They went from enemies to family!  The mother-in-law even scolded my niece!  But now they’re family.

My nephew always liked Xiaocui, and Xiaocui probably realized it too.

My nephew is an only son. His parents have a shop and gave a high bride price. She proposed marriage herself.

My nephew was so excited! He immediately agreed to the 300 yuan bride price!”

Another woman added, “Yes, Chen Sheng loves Xiaocui so much. He loves her forever.”

Chen Sheng’s aunt shyly pushed the woman, “You old woman, talking about love.”

The woman shouted, “It’s love! Chen Sheng met many girls, but he only liked Deng’s daughter.

What’s shameful?

They’ll be making babies tonight. Why be shy now?  She’ll be too shy to open her eyes later!”

The woman’s words caused laughter.

Inside, Deng’s mother finally reacted.  She glared at Chen Sheng’s bruised face and roared,

“What ugly monster are you? Who’s your mother?  Did your mother die?  I didn’t give birth to a monster like you!  What did I tell you last time? You’re a toad dreaming of marrying my Xiangcui!!!”

Deng’s mother yelled, “Husband, Da Ming, get a knife! This hooligan is in our house!!!”

Mother Chen grabbed Deng’s mother’s hand, explaining to the onlookers, “The mother-in-law doesn’t want to let her daughter go.  The more chaos, the better the marriage will be.

Mother-in-law, let me explain…”

Seeing Deng Xiangcui coming out of the room, Chen Sheng rushed towards her.

He had to take either the money or the girl home.

He wanted Deng Xiangcui.

With so many witnesses, he had a reason.  This was a golden opportunity.

He would hug and kiss her. Maybe she’d have to marry him because of the ruined reputation.

Deng Xiangcui saw Chen Sheng approaching and screamed, backing away.

“Aaah, Mom, Mom, go away, go away~”

Chen Sheng grinned, “Xiaocui, we’re engaged. Why are you so shy?”

Deng Ming, dressed, saw Chen Sheng chasing his sister and kicked him away.

Deng’s mother was entangled with Mother Chen, hearing her daughter’s screams. She grabbed Mother Chen’s hair and banged her head against the wall.

The yard was filled with shouting and screaming.

Qiao Fangfang almost fainted.

She pulled Mother Chen, “Auntie, Auntie, what’s going on? Mom, Mom, let go! There’s a misunderstanding!”

Mother Chen threw Qiao Fangfang to the ground, freeing herself from Deng’s mother.

She couldn’t fight Deng’s mother and yelled from a distance,

“You old shrew, you took our bride price and now deny it!

You wanted to marry off your daughter, took the money, and now this?

You can’t deny it!!

You’ve scammed so many people!

Your daughter is coming home with us!

Otherwise, I’ll report you to the police for marriage fraud!!”

Qiao Fangfang was stunned.  She quickly grabbed Mother Chen, “Auntie, you’re wrong! We’re not talking about my younger sister…”

Deng’s mother rushed over, “Bullshit! Who took your bride price?  Who would marry your son?

He dared to break into our house and try to kidnap my daughter! We’ll report you! You should all be shot!”