Chapter 41: The Trap

Mother Chen didn’t offer comfort or condemn Qiao Youcai’s brothers.

Lei Honghua’s monologue faltered.

She suddenly broke into a sweat.

She had forgotten that she needed to marry off Qiao Jiangxin. She had exposed her family’s secrets!

She was angry and quickly recovered.

“It’s not entirely their fault. We’ve been poor, and I haven’t done enough. They misunderstood.

My granddaughter wants to marry to bring peace to the family.

Last year, my eldest son wanted to marry a widow, but they couldn’t afford the bride price. They thought I only cared about my own children, but we didn’t have money.

Running a household is expensive.

So many children need to marry, eat, drink, and wear clothes. They eat us out of house and home.

Where can we save money? It’s good enough that we eat.

They all ask me for money, but where do I get it?

They’ve called me Mom for twenty or thirty years. I can’t ignore them, but I don’t have money.

Otherwise, I wouldn’t let my granddaughter leave so early.”

Lei Honghua watched Mother Chen’s expression carefully, “My granddaughter is obedient, hardworking, and beautiful. If she were older, many would want to marry her.

If it weren’t for those two, I’d keep her longer~”

Mother Chen knew what Lei Honghua meant. She smiled, “I understand. I’ve seen the girl. She’s capable and beautiful.

When is Fangfang free? Tell her to come to my shop. I need to talk to the matchmaker. If there’s no problem, we’ll settle this.”

Lei Honghua was delighted, “Good, good. I’ll tell her father to tell her to come to your shop.”

After Mother Chen left, Lei Honghua couldn’t hide her smile. Getting the bride price and forcing Qiao Youfu’s brothers to give up their money was one thing, but she wanted to ruin Daya.

She wanted them to suffer.

They dared to attack her third and fourth sons. She would show them what it meant to backfire!

Thinking of Daya’s terror at being promised to Chen Sheng, and Qiao Youcai and his wife begging her,

Lei Honghua felt thrilled.

She couldn’t wait for her husband.

Lei Honghua told Qiao Jianguo a few words and rushed out.

Qiao Fangfang was even happier.

She immediately left with Lei Honghua, claiming she had something to do at the hospital.

Deng’s mother’s forced smile disappeared. She said sarcastically to her son,

“Does she even act like a wife? A married daughter is like spilled water. She gave her money to her parents.

She’s always sending food and keeping her company. Whose side is she on? Doesn’t she need to do housework?

Don’t give her money, or she’ll give it to someone else!”

Deng Ming said helplessly, “Mom, what are you saying? Don’t you know I don’t have money?

She borrowed it and will pay it back. It was Fangfang’s savings; she can spend it as she wants.”

Deng’s mother raised her voice, “Her money is our family’s money! Since you’re so clear about it, why didn’t she pay for the meals these days? 

It’s fine when it’s free, but when it’s about money, it’s a different story?”

Deng Ming defended his wife, “Mom, what are you saying? Mind your own business.”

Deng Xiangcui, already unhappy with Qiao Fangfang, said coldly,

“Brother, why are you talking to Mom like that?  What did she say wrong?  Wasn’t it food that was sent to the hospital?

Three adults! Qiao Fangfang almost brought the whole kitchen! Who can stand it?

A meal or two is fine, but every meal, for who knows how long?  They should pay for their food.

Even if they don’t have money, don’t they have grain?

People who are sensible bring their own food when they’re guests. Only the Qiao family takes advantage, shameless!”

Qiao Fangfang didn’t know her family’s actions had upset her in-laws.

She was happily going to the coffin shop to meet Mother Chen, get the bride price, and finalize the marriage.

Mother Chen welcomed Qiao Fangfang, offering tea and snacks, treating her like a VIP.

“Fangfang, we’ve seen the girl, and Chen Sheng is very satisfied.

Have you told the girl?

What’s the procedure?”

Qiao Fangfang waved her hand, “No need for trouble. We’re ordinary people.  Give the bride price, and take her away.”

Mother Chen pretended to hesitate, “Isn’t that inappropriate? What if you change your mind after we give the money? We’ll lose money and the girl!”

Mother Chen continued, “It’s not that we don’t trust you, but 300 yuan is a lot. Girls are picky, and Chen Sheng isn’t handsome.

I’ll give you the money, and you give me a receipt. If you don’t give us the girl, you’ll return the money.”

Qiao Fangfang’s eyes lit up, “A receipt is fine, but you have to get the girl yourselves. We’ll just stop the second brother and his wife.”

Mother Chen chuckled, “Of course. But add a clause that you and your mother can’t change your mind. We’ll handle the rest.  You, the matchmaker, can’t change your mind.

If you regret it later, Chen Sheng’s reputation will be ruined.

If her parents object, that’s fine.  But you, the matchmaker, must be on our side. If you change your mind, we’ll have wasted our time.

You’ll have to pay.”

Qiao Fangfang thought, she wouldn’t change her mind about Daya’s marriage.

“Okay, it’s settled. I’m on your side. I won’t change my mind…”