Chapter 53: The Whole Family Is Shocked (Part 1)

That afternoon, the adults in the Mu family still had no idea what Mu Mian was up to.

However, the villagers in the brigade already knew about Mu Zhuo and Nie Sihui getting together.

Of course, the two involved didn’t go around making any big announcements.

But Mu Zhuo, following Mu Mian’s advice, took the two little girls along as cover. And a four-year-old girl simply couldn’t keep a secret.

By the time Mu Mian and the others were still eating lunch, the twin sisters had already spilled the news.

It all started because Mu Mian once said that the twin sisters were incredibly sharp. If you wanted them to do something, you had to bribe them with at least two pieces of candy, or they wouldn’t cooperate.

Mu Zhuo, being the eldest among the Mu siblings and having been away for years, was always generous with his younger siblings.

He was especially fond of the twin little cousins.

Mu Mian had suggested giving them two pieces of candy, but Mu Zhuo went all out and gave them two handfuls.

The sight left Xiao Mai and Xiao Miao completely stunned. They had never received so much candy at once before.

Their parents only ever gave them one or two pieces at a time.

But their big cousin had given them two whole handfuls! Was this some kind of miracle? Had the sky rained candy today?!

Was today a special occasion? Was it New Year’s already??

Their pockets were stuffed full!!

—

Of course, it wasn’t actually New Year’s.

It was just that some people’s biological sisters went to join the excitement, so they brought their cousin along.

Xiao Miao wasn’t just sharp, she also loved to show off. She had inherited her father’s playful nature to the fullest—if anything, she had even surpassed him.

After parting ways with their big cousin, she grabbed Xiao Mai’s hand and ran off to show off to their friends instead of going home.

She had only one goal…

Look at her bulging pockets!!

She had so much candy it was overflowing!!

Her big cousin was truly the best!!

Hehe, her big cousin gave her two whole handfuls of candy at once. Other people’s big cousins weren’t nearly as nice!

The other kids were indeed envious. A group of little ones gathered around, chatting excitedly.

At three or four years old, their imaginations ran wild.

One of them asked, “Why did he give you so much candy? Did he find a stash on the road?”

Another said, “Maybe he doesn’t like candy! My mom always gives me her candy and says she doesn’t like it. But why wouldn’t someone like candy? It’s so yummy!”

A third chimed in, “I only got a handful of candy once—when my big brother got married. I secretly took some, and my parents still don’t know! I hid in the outhouse to eat it. They never found out. Haha, I’m so smart!”

Xiao Mai and Xiao Miao squatted with their friends, happily chattering away.

When Xiao Miao heard that one of them had also managed to get a handful of candy before, she suddenly had a realization. With a confident nod, she declared, “Big Brother Zhuo is going to marry Sister Sihui, so he gave us candy!”

She had overheard everything. Big Brother Zhuo had said that Sister Sihui was his partner.

Her dad always said that a ‘partner’ was someone you were going to marry.

Just like her mom was her dad’s partner!

Her conclusion was spot on for a four-year-old, but it completely stunned the parents nearby.

A nearby auntie suddenly picked up on the key point from the children’s chatter. “What?! Zhuo boy is dating that Educated Youth Nie?!”

Xiao Miao, looking very serious, nodded. “Yep! Big Brother Zhuo said so himself—Sister Sihui is his partner now!”

She had heard it loud and clear. Big Brother Zhuo had said it himself—”partner”!

—

Mu Zhuo was one of the most promising young men in the brigade, and there had been no shortage of people eager to set him up with a match.

Anyone with eyes could see that he had a bright future ahead of him. He was already a deputy company commander.

If he kept moving up, wouldn’t he soon become a battalion commander or even a regiment commander?!

A military officer! That was a truly promising future!

Many people had still been waiting for a chance to introduce their daughters to him. But by the time they finished lunch, they had already heard that he was dating an educated youth.

This was shocking news! The entire village was abuzz.

When had this happened? He had only been back for less than a week! How did things move so fast?

And once one person heard it, they told ten others, and soon the entire brigade knew.

So, that afternoon, the moment Liu Shuangcui stepped out of the house, several aunties immediately surrounded her, chattering nonstop…

“Is it true? Is your Xiao Zhuo really dating that Educated Youth Nie?”

“When did they start seeing each other? We never saw them walking together!”

“Wait, actually, I did see them once—with Mian girl. Was it then that they got together?”

“Why would he go for an educated youth? What if she returns to the city in the future? If you ask me, it’s better to find a girl from our brigade. At least we know her background.”

“Xiao Nie isn’t that kind of person. You always have something to say. If you can’t speak properly, then don’t speak nonsense. Do you want him to date your niece instead?”

“What’s wrong with my niece? She’s also a decent young lady!”

“Decent? More like having a big appetite! Didn’t your husband just say last time that your niece is lazy and eats a lot? She visited once and ate almost half a sack of grain.”

“What? He actually said that?!”

…

A group of people started talking all at once, and before long, the conversation went completely off track. Some even started arguing.

Meanwhile, Nie Sihui wasn’t spared either. The educated youth asked her about it, and the aunties did too.

Having lived in the countryside for years, Nie Sihui remained composed.

It was just dating. Nothing to hide.

When they reached the tool shed, Liu Shuangcui pulled Nie Sihui to her side.

The future mother-in-law and daughter-in-law got along exceptionally well.

As for Mu Zhuo, after finishing work in the private plot with the old lady at home, he also headed to the fields.

One moment, he was helping his mother; the next, he was helping his partner.

He had endless energy to burn.

Mu Mian didn’t go to the fields. Instead, she took out her prized yellow croaker and admired it for a while before heading to the kitchen to make some cooling tea.

While waiting for it to cool, she accompanied the old lady to visit her fourth uncle’s house.

Mu Qing and his siblings had already returned home after their exams.

They all looked to be in good spirits, and Mu Wan was so excited that she jumped onto Mu Mian.

“Xiao Mian, Xiao Mian! I think I definitely passed! The master who tested us even praised me, saying I’m quick and efficient, even faster than the aunties!”

“He also said I have good skills and even asked if there’s a master chef in our family, hahaha!”

“My brother and sister did well too! My sister did the best!”

Mu Mian was thrilled and immediately praised her, “That’s amazing! Looks like we’re about to have three workers in the family!”

Saying that, she picked Mu Wan up and bounced a little. The two sisters hugged and jumped together for a while.

Mu Wan was the youngest in her family and had no sense of restraint. She laughed loudly, full of joy. “Once I pass, I can start earning a salary! Then I’ll buy you delicious food!”

Mu Mian’s eyes lit up with anticipation. “Really? That sounds great!”

Mu Qing and Mu Qiu were more reserved. They didn’t make any guarantees but told the old lady they did their best. After comparing answers with others, they felt their performance was decent.

Hearing this, Zhao Meihua was overjoyed.

Her eldest grandson had found a partner, meaning she might have a great-grandchild in a couple of years.

And all her other grandkids were doing well, one better than the other.

A lifetime of hard work was all worth it for this.

—

After returning from Mu Xingwang’s house, the cooling tea was ready. Mu Mian took two flasks and headed to the fields.

That afternoon was bound to be lively.

Despite the heat, the villagers had no problem chatting while they worked.

Some were discussing the recruitment exams, talking about how their children had returned after the test, how crowded the commune was, and how difficult the questions were.

Families who couldn’t register their kids for the exam had nothing to add, so they started gossiping about how Mu Zhuo and Nie Sihui got together.

As Mu Mian passed by, she heard people discussing it and secretly gave herself a thumbs-up in her mind.

How did they get together?

Of course, it was all thanks to her—the little matchmaker!

—

Five minutes later.

Mu Little Matchmaker Mian handed a bottle of tea to Comrade Liu Shuangcui before plopping down right between Mu Zhuo and Nie Sihui.

She nudged her future sister-in-law and wiggled her eyebrows. “Hehe, Sister Sihui, should I start calling you ‘sister-in-law’ now?”

Nie Sihui had been asked this question countless times today. Facing the little girl’s teasing, she remained calm and even joked back, “Then should I prepare a gift for you?”

Mu Mian propped her elbow on her knee and rested her chin on her hand. “Oh, good point~”

Then she clapped her thigh. “That means you both owe me a red envelope! Don’t forget to give me one when you get your marriage certificate!”

Mu Zhuo was the very definition of a man in love—beaming with joy all day. “You can have my savings book if you want!”

Mu Mian knew exactly how much her brother had in savings. Her eyes sparkled. “Wow, so generous! I almost feel bad taking it!”

Then she nudged Nie Sihui again and playfully asked, “Sister Sihui, what do you think?”

Nie Sihui nudged her back. “What do I think…? If there’s money involved, count me in!”

Mu Mian burst out laughing, leaning against Nie Sihui, shaking with mirth.

The two of them didn’t mind the heat, sticking close together, whispering and giggling like real sisters.

Sitting nearby, Cao Chunfeng took a sip of the cooling tea Mu Mian had made and glanced their way.

She couldn’t help but comment to Liu Shuangcui, “Your Zhuo boy really found a good match. With a sister-in-law and a sister getting along this well, at least half the family’s troubles are solved.”

Liu Shuangcui smiled but hadn’t even responded yet when another woman sitting a few rows away suddenly blurted out, “Didn’t Mu Mian say before that if she didn’t get along with her sister-in-law, she’d smack her against the wall?”

Cao Chunfeng nearly choked on her tea. “Oh, right! I forgot about that! Wasn’t it Old Yang’s wife who said it?”

The previous woman added, “Of course! It was her!”

Liu Shuangcui naturally knew about this matter as well. “Young girls just like to joke around.”

Mu Mian gave the aunts a sweet smile, looking well-behaved and innocent.

Exactly. It was just a joke!

The aunts twitched at the corners of their eyes. This little girl might look obedient, but in reality, she was bold.

Most people wouldn’t dare to say something like that.

But Mu Mian was not like most people. She could say it, and it worked well.

At the very least, ever since that day, the number of people trying to introduce their nieces or granddaughters to her brother had significantly decreased.

So really, her brother owed her a big red envelope!

—

When a group of people gathered, the conversation never seemed to end.

After pouring tea for everyone, Mu Mian excused herself and went home.

The lively afternoon passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, evening arrived.

As soon as Comrade Mu Fugui pushed his bicycle through the door, he called out loudly, “Did Zhuo boy and that girl, Xiao Nie, start dating?”

His tone didn’t carry much surprise. It was more like he was just confirming it.

After all, he himself had taken a liking to Liu Shuangcui at first sight.

His son and that Xiao Nie girl had exchanged so many glances; it was only natural for them to start dating.

Mu Mian, while scooping water for her father to wash his hands, grinned and replied, “Yes, they did!”

Mu Fugui’s gaze lingered on his daughter’s little face. “Why do I feel like you’re even happier than your brother?”

Mu Mian giggled, “Hehe~”

Zhao Meihua added, “She’s been grinning like a fool all afternoon. I don’t know what happened at the commune, but she said she’d wait for you to come back before sharing.”

Mu Fugui’s interest was piqued. “Oh? What good news?”

Mu Mian waved her hand. “Let’s wait until after dinner! We’ll talk after we eat. Dad, wash your hands first.”

She had already held it in all afternoon. Surely, she could wait until after dinner.

By then, there would be nothing else to do, and in the quiet of the night, with just their family present, it would be the perfect time to share the joyous news.

Seeing that his daughter refused to speak for now, Mu Fugui shifted his attention to his son. “Since you two are together now, you should start preparing the marriage application, right? That process takes a while.”

“If you use up all your leave and the approval still hasn’t come back, wouldn’t that be a waste if you can’t get your marriage certificate?”

This was something Mu Zhuo had already discussed with Nie Sihui, and they had made a decision.

“I’ll submit it first thing tomorrow!” He was just as eager to speed things up.

The approval process and political review both took time.

Even if everything went smoothly and was expedited, it would still take at least half a month.

If anything unexpected happened, it would take even longer. As Mu Fugui splashed water onto his face, he kept talking between washes. “You should handle it early. Have you decided on a wedding date?”