Chapter 15: Matchmaking

Switching the person in an engagement isn’t something that sounds good.

Especially since it was the eldest’s family that caused this mess. As a stepmother, Xu Li didn’t want to seem like she was making excuses for them or criticizing her stepson and daughter-in-law.

After much thought, it was best if Lin Qiao didn’t know the engagement was with Ji Ze. Fortunately, they hadn’t had time to discuss it yet.

If they quietly switched the person, it would no longer concern the eldest’s family. Xu Li wouldn’t have to explain, and Lin Qiao wouldn’t feel awkward. As for the eldest’s family, whether they felt embarrassed or not was no longer her concern.

Xu Li feared Lin Qiao might not understand her meaning. “I mean for marriage and living together. What do you think of the second son?”

Given Lin Qiao’s intelligence, if she knew the engagement was with Ji Ze, she would quickly realize what Xu Li was implying.

Lin Qiao thought seriously for a moment. “He’s pretty good, quite responsible.”

If she had any doubts due to the generational difference and Ye Minshu’s attitude, Xu Li’s conversation confirmed that the engagement was indeed with Ji Duo. Otherwise, if Ji Ze didn’t agree, they could have found a way to break off the engagement. Why switch to the uncle?

As for Ye Minshu’s displeasure, it could be because she felt having such a sister-in-law was embarrassing or because she had once introduced a match for Ji Duo. However, since Ye Minshu was a sister-in-law and not a mother-in-law, Lin Qiao’s marriage was about escaping her current family and not getting along with her. At least if it were her, even if she didn’t want to marry, she wouldn’t have done a better job than Ji Duo in accompanying her back home and taking care of her when she was sick.

This answer reassured Xu Li, but she still confirmed, “And your engagement?”

Since Lin Qiao came to the Ji family, Xu Li has always treated her well. Xu Li’s attitude didn’t seem like she knew her son was unwilling and wanted to break off the engagement. So it seemed Old Mr. Ji had been discharged, and the Ji family wanted to move forward with the matter.

Lin Qiao thought for a moment and didn’t give a direct answer. “Can I talk to him?”

Xu Li hadn’t expected this request and was slightly stunned. However, since the engagement was between two families, it was ultimately about the two individuals living together. It was reasonable for Lin Qiao to want to clarify things before marriage.

Xu Li nodded. “Sure, you two can discuss it.”

Thinking about how the Ji family had handled this poorly, she held Lin Qiao’s hand. “Don’t worry, the family won’t mistreat you. If the second son ever wrongs you, just tell me, and I’ll deal with him.”

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“This matter was handled poorly by our family, but the rumors are out, and there’s no better way to handle it. We can only go through with it.” In the front yard study, Old Mr. Ji looked at his most accomplished younger son with a complex expression.

When he decided on the childhood betrothal, he never considered the second son. Firstly, there was a generational difference, and secondly, the second son was nine years older than Qiao Qiao. Even if they were of the same generation, Xiao Ze was a more suitable age. Unexpectedly, the matter still fell to the second son.

Ji Duo hadn’t expected Ye Minshu to go to such lengths to prevent Ji Ze from marrying Lin Qiao. He listened to Old Mr. Ji with a furrowed brow, not interrupting. His calm demeanor reminded Old Mr. Ji of how different he was from the eldest, who had turned pale under his scolding. The difference was stark.

Old Mr. Ji sighed deeply. “Before, when others introduced matches, you didn’t want to see them, and the family didn’t force you. I don’t want to force you now either. But if the rumors were about someone else, it wouldn’t matter. At worst, people would say you two broke up. But the rumors are about Qiao Qiao. How can she stay with our family in the future?”

Some things don’t need to be spelled out clearly, and Ji Duo understood. He lowered his voice, “This engagement was my decision. I promised Old Lin I would take care of Qiao Qiao for life. Second son… just consider it helping your father out.”

Old Mr. Ji had always been hot-tempered and stubborn. He had never bowed his head to anyone, not even during the dangerous battles or the difficult times when he was sent down. Today, however, he bowed his head in front of his younger son, not just because he had no choice, but also because he felt a bit guilty towards him.

Ji Duo marrying Lin Qiao could indeed solve the problem. But as the younger brother, why should he clean up the mess for the eldest’s family?

Moreover, Old Mr. Ji knew Ji Duo had a big heart. If he were a bit more narrow-minded, he might feel this was pushing the eldest’s unwanted burden onto him.

Ji Duo didn’t think too much about it and remained calm. After Old Mr. Ji finished speaking, he finally looked up. “I want to talk to her alone.”

Not refusing meant there was still hope. Old Mr. Ji breathed a sigh of relief. “Alright, you two discuss it.”

So, ten minutes later, Old Mr. Ji vacated the study for the two young people and retreated to the living room.

This was essentially their formal matchmaking. Xu Li, worried, quietly pulled her son aside. “This is our fault. If you don’t want to, tell your father. Don’t scare the girl. She has no relatives here and can’t handle your torment.”

Ji Duo let her speak, only lifting his eyelids slightly. “How does she have no relatives? Didn’t Dad say you are her family?” His tone still carried some irritation, not entirely calm and accepting.

Xu Li had more time to process and had come to terms with it. After all, if Ji Duo didn’t marry Lin Qiao, he might very well remain single. She patted her son’s back. “Then marry her, and we’ll truly be one family.”

Seeing Ji Duo seemed to have more to say, she urged, “Hurry up. You’re almost thirty, and you’re making the girl wait.”

After he left, she sighed deeply. “What a mess. At least Qiao Qiao doesn’t know.”

“Does she really not know?” Old Mr. Ji quietly asked his wife.

Xu Li nodded. “She probably doesn’t. I guess when we suddenly stopped writing, they thought we had changed our minds and never told the child. With all the commotion these days, we haven’t had a detailed talk with her. But it’s also possible I didn’t notice.”

“Whether she knows or not, since she hasn’t mentioned it, we’ll pretend it never happened to avoid awkwardness.”

The most difficult part seemed to be resolved. Next was dealing with the culprit.

Old Mr. Ji glanced toward the study and sneered. “No need to inform the eldest. They don’t want me meddling in their affairs, so they don’t need to handle Ji’s family matters. My old bones can’t handle the trouble.”

After a pause, he asked Xu Li, “How much money do we have left?”

The topic shifted quickly, and Xu Li was momentarily stunned before giving a number.

“Hasn’t the eldest daughter-in-law always accused me of favoritism?” Old Mr. Ji looked at his wife. “This time, I’ll give the second son and Qiao Qiao more. Let’s see who dares to say anything then.”

Old Mr. Ji’s study was in the east wing of the front yard, with a view of the fruit trees and swing in the courtyard through the window.

When Ji Duo entered, Lin Qiao was already seated at the table, admiring a calligraphy piece on the wall, showing no emotion.

This calmness was reminiscent of their first meeting. Back then, she was Xiao Ze’s betrothed, but now she was his.

Ji Duo pulled out a chair and sat across from her without much small talk. “What do you think about this matter?”

If it were someone else, they might have started with a few words about the calligraphy, either to ease the atmosphere or to subtly test the other person. But Ji Duo went straight to the point, treating it like a business matter.

This approach matched Lin Qiao’s impression of him. She smiled. “I want to confirm first, you don’t have a girlfriend, right? Including someone you like.”

Ji Duo immediately thought of the incident at the hospital and looked at Lin Qiao with a deep gaze. He suspected Lin Qiao might know something, but he couldn’t tell from her expression.

Lin Qiao’s question was indeed related to Ye Minshu, but not in the way he thought. Although her friend hadn’t mentioned that the male lead had a girlfriend, Lin Qiao didn’t want to be a third party. If the betrothed was Ji Ze, she would need to reconsider. After all, she sought the male lead to fulfill the marriage agreement, knowing he needed to exchange marriage for career advancement. Their interests aligned, and marriage would quickly solve their problems. If the male lead had a girlfriend and was unwilling, she couldn’t force him to marry.

Seeing Ji Duo remain silent, Lin Qiao thought she might have hit a nerve. “You don’t really…”

“No, you can rest assured.” Ji Duo interrupted her.

Her questions indicated she wasn’t opposed to the engagement. Ji Duo crossed his hands on the table and leaned slightly forward. “Let me tell you about myself. Ji Duo, male, 27 years old, a party member, currently serving as a regiment commander in the Yandu Military District, no marriage or medical history…”

At first, Lin Qiao listened attentively, but as he continued, she couldn’t help but want to laugh.

What did he mean by “male, party member”? Was he on a date or applying for a job?

And his serious posture, with sharp eyes, made it seem like he was in a war room meeting…

Lin Qiao kept her thoughts to herself, listening seriously and nodding occasionally, like a soldier being lectured by a superior.

Ji Duo noticed her nodding and paused, handing her a booklet.

He wasn’t Ji Ze, still young and proud. If he didn’t want to, he could let his mother cause a scene. He wanted to talk to Lin Qiao to understand her thoughts and reassure her.

Lin Qiao thought it was an officer’s ID or party membership card and was about to take it respectfully, only to find it was a bankbook.

Ji Duo placed the item in front of her. “I currently receive the benefits of a regiment-level officer, with a monthly salary of 176.4 yuan, along with meat, cloth, and industrial coupons. I eat and live at the base, so the rest is all here. If you need it, you can take it from this.”

Offering a bankbook during a matchmaking meeting, Lin Qiao retracted her previous thoughts. This man understood matchmaking. A thousand sweet words and promises couldn’t compare to the sincerity and practicality of this bankbook.

That’s why they say a salary card is the best dowry for a man. Whether it’s spent or not, the willingness to hand it over shows a commitment of trust.

Lin Qiao had been thinking about how to discuss this partnership, but Ji Duo had already presented the bankbook, indicating he had thought it through. He had just come from the study, likely having discussed it with Grandpa Ji. As long as he married Lin Qiao as agreed, Old Mr. Ji would support his return to local business.

Since he showed such sincerity, Lin Qiao felt she should also express her stance. “You know my situation, so I won’t say much. After marriage, I’ll find a job and prepare for college entrance exams. I won’t hold you back or interfere with you. If there’s anything you need help with that others don’t understand, I’ll stand by you unconditionally.”

In the early 1980s, anyone who gave up a secure job to go into business was laughed at.

Moreover, Ji Duo’s position wasn’t just secure; it was a promising golden opportunity.

Listening to her, Ji Duo recalled when he entered the study, Old Mr. Ji had first confirmed with him, “You don’t like men, or you’re not capable, right?”

He interrupted Lin Qiao. “What do I need help with that others don’t understand?”

“Is there not?” Lin Qiao paused, sensing his tone wasn’t quite right.

Considering their current relationship, he wouldn’t share his issues with her. She quickly rephrased, “If you ever need help, you can come to me. I just want you to know we’re in this together. No matter what, I’ll stand by you unconditionally.”

Whether her words were entirely true or not, she hadn’t explicitly stated them, so he couldn’t press for an explanation.

For the first time, Ji Duo felt the nine-year age gap might pose communication challenges. But since they were getting married, they would have to work through it over time. He moved past the topic. “Do you have any other questions?”

“No.” Lin Qiao’s requirements for a partner were quite simple. “What about you? Anything else you want to say?”

Ji Duo had nothing more.

Lin Qiao was smart and knew what she wanted. As long as there were no major issues, the minor details could be worked out later.

Seeing he had nothing to add, Lin Qiao stood up and extended her hand. “Then, let’s have a pleasant partnership.”

Due to frequent work, her hands weren’t particularly delicate, with a thin layer of calluses on her fingertips. But her hands were beautifully shaped, with slender fingers, full nails, neatly trimmed and slightly pink.

Ji Duo glanced at her hand. “You call this a partnership?”

“Does it sound bad?” Seeing he hadn’t moved, Lin Qiao was about to withdraw her hand when his warm hand gently grasped her fingertips.

“Not really.” Ji Duo released her hand quickly and added, “Pleasant partnership.”

After all, a marriage without love is just living together, not much different from a partnership.

With this, they reached a consensus. The remaining wedding preparations would need to be discussed with Old Mr. Ji and Xu Li.

As the clock approached one, Aunt Zhang had already prepared the meal, but no one felt like eating yet.

Seeing the two come out, Xu Li first glanced at her son’s face, still as expressionless as ever, then looked at Lin Qiao.

Lin Qiao smiled warmly. “Sorry to keep you and Grandpa Ji waiting. I’ll just put some things away and be right back.”

Calling him Grandpa Ji at this point felt a bit awkward, but her attitude suggested they hadn’t argued. As long as they hadn’t argued, the titles could be adjusted after the wedding.

Xu Li smiled and nodded. “No rush.” Just as she was about to look away, she noticed something off and turned back to examine what Lin Qiao was holding.

“Did you go back to the room just to get this?” she quietly asked her son.

Lin Qiao’s outfit today had small pockets, so she had to carry the bankbook by hand. But since Ji Duo had given it to her, he didn’t mind others knowing.

Xu Li was speechless. She had worried her son wouldn’t agree and might scare the girl. Instead, he handed over the bankbook directly…