Chapter 20.2

Wen Xin quickly glanced at Sun Changwei’s wife, the matchmaker, but she was already deep in cheerful conversation with the man’s mother.

“The children are both at the right age,” Liu Juan said excitedly. “My son is already twenty-seven; we need to get them married quickly so I can have grandchildren. We can’t delay any longer. If the timing works, how about we visit Wen Xin’s family tomorrow to propose formally? Our family may not be the wealthiest, but we have all the essentials—‘three turns and one ring,’ and thirty-six legs.”

As she spoke, pride shone on her face. Their family was well-off by local standards. Her son had the right to be picky when choosing a wife.

“If Wen Xin is marrying into your family, the bride price had better be generous. A girl as beautiful as her could easily find someone even better,” Sun Zhang Wei’s wife remarked.

“She truly is a beauty. Otherwise, why would my son be so taken with her at first sight? Look at him—he’s practically glued to her already.” Liu Juan’s comment sent another wave of laughter through the room.

Fang Jungui was nearly dizzy from being so close to the stunning woman beside him. The faint fragrance on her body filled his senses, her arms were soft and smooth, and the delicate fabric of her dress clung slightly to her figure. When she sat down, her chest subtly rose and fell. He had only been sitting next to her for a short while, yet his thoughts were already running wild.

At this point, he had long forgotten his previous dismissive attitude about marrying a housemaid. Embarrassment and pride were no longer concerns.

There was only one thought in his mind—how to make her his wife.

For the first time, he truly wanted to get married. Only through marriage could he openly embrace her, rather than just sitting here, staring helplessly.

“I’ll take you to the state-run restaurant later,” he suddenly said. “They make fantastic braised pork knuckles there. You should try them.”

In this era of material scarcity, food was a luxury. Many women were easily won over by being taken to a good restaurant a couple of times.

His gaze remained fixed on Wen Xin’s delicate face, and his breath was close enough that she could feel it on her skin—along with a faint odor of bad breath.

The realization made Wen Xin reconsider things. His physical condition didn’t seem all that great. The idea of marriage with him felt even less appealing. She gave a polite smile, deciding that after today, she would never entertain such absurd ideas again.

However, Sun Changwei’s wife, seeing their interaction, mistakenly believed that the two had already developed feelings for each other. She smiled and asked Wen Xin, “So, if you both think it’s a good match, how about we set a time for both families to meet and finalize the wedding plans? The Fang family can’t wait any longer.”

From beginning to end, the groom’s side—including his relatives and Sun Changwei’s wife—assumed that Wen Xin had already agreed. After all, the groom was considered an excellent match, and she was seen as the one “marrying up.” A mere housemaid without a stable job—where else could she find such a good prospect? It was only because Fang Jungui had chosen her that she had this opportunity. Otherwise, a man like him would have long been taken, and finding someone as good would be near impossible.

Besides, once married, she wouldn’t have to work as a housemaid anymore. She could get a job at the department store, and with Fang Jungui’s decent salary combined with hers, their life as a couple would surely be blissful. What reason would she have to refuse? Other women would fight tooth and nail for the chance to marry him.

Wen Xin: “…”

Faced with so many people, she couldn’t say much. She just wanted to subtly remind Sun Changwei’s wife that it was almost noon and she needed to leave soon.

“Oh, what’s there to be shy about? There’s nothing to be embarrassed about! Our Jungui dotes on his wife the most. Marrying him is like falling into a honey pot—you’ll have nothing to do except sit back and count money. He’ll hand over his salary and savings to you, and you just enjoy being his wife.”

One of Fang Jungui’s aunts teased her.

“Exactly! A man like Fang Jungui is rare even if you search with a hundred lanterns!”

As soon as those words fell, there was a loud bang, bang, bang! at the door.

“Who is it?” The sudden noise startled everyone inside. Someone went to open the door, only to see a burly man in a military vest standing there, loudly asking, “Is Wang Fang here?”

The person who opened the door was Fang Jungui’s aunt. She looked at the man but didn’t recognize him. Then her gaze shifted to the large green military jeep parked behind him, with someone still sitting inside. In this era, cars were a rare sight, usually reserved for officers, symbolizing status, power, and class.

On any other day, she would have just shut the door on a stranger. But seeing the military uniform, the army jeep, and remembering that Liu Juan had mentioned the bride’s matchmaker was from the military compound, she hesitated and quickly ran inside.

The man outside, however, didn’t wait—he strode in with large steps. As soon as he entered, all eyes turned to him.

Wang Fang, who had been happily chatting, was stunned at the sight of him. “Sun Changwei? What are you doing here?”

The visitor was none other than Sergeant Sun from the logistics unit.

His eyes narrowed the moment he saw Wang Fang. Without another word, he grabbed her hand. “Let’s go. Home. Now.”

“What’s going on? What happened?” Wang Fang hadn’t expected her husband to show up here. She hadn’t even mentioned this to him! How did he even know where she was?

“I’m just matchmaking for someone—don’t mess this up!”

“Matchmaking? What matchmaking? Get home, now!” Sun Changwei’s patience snapped, and his eyes swept across the room, finally landing on Wen Xin. “You’re Wen Xin, right? Come with your sister-in-law.”

Though Wang Fang usually wasn’t afraid of her husband, she knew he was truly angry now. She didn’t know what had happened, but it was obviously serious.

“What’s going on?” The others in the room exchanged glances.

“Uh… Wang Fang, this…” Liu Juan was just as confused. The atmosphere had been perfect just moments ago, and now the woman’s husband had stormed in, furious.

“I need to go, something must have happened at home. Let’s… let’s talk another day. Good things are worth waiting for.”

Wen Xin, who had been dying to leave, was beyond relieved. She quickly followed them out.

As soon as they stepped through the door, Fang Jungui rushed after them. “Wen Xin, I work at the department store. If you ever need anything, just come find me. No need for money or ration tickets—I’ll give it to you. And if you have free time, drop by often. I can also visit you at the military compound…”

He kept adjusting his glasses, staring at her intently. It had taken him so long to find someone he was truly satisfied with, and he was determined to marry her.

He wants to visit the compound?!

Wen Xin was horrified. She regretted this whole matchmaking ordeal more than ever. Quickly, she responded, “I’m really busy, probably won’t have time. Goodbye.”

With that, she turned and walked away.

She had assumed the jeep outside belonged to Wang Fang’s husband. But as she got closer, Sun Changwei told her, “Your sister-in-law and I have some things to take care of, so we won’t be heading back to the compound. You take Commander Yan’s car home.”

Wen Xin: “…” Yan Zeyang is here?!

Dragging her feet, she hesitated before finally walking over, opening the car door, and getting into the passenger seat.

Inside, Yan Zeyang sat silently, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. As soon as she got in, he started the engine without even glancing at her.The roar of the engine felt like a brewing storm. Detecting the tension in the air, Wen Xin sat stiffly, not daring to make a sound.