Chapter 10.1 

The man’s introduction left Luo Lan momentarily confused. She realized that he had mistaken her for Xu Yinlian, the actual candidate for the matchmaking.

“I… I’m not Xu Yinlian,” Luo Lan tried to correct the misunderstanding, but the system was buzzing with excitement, completely ignoring her attempts to clear up the situation.

“Ah, ah, a misunderstanding! You should let him keep thinking that. Misunderstandings make for better drama!”

Luo Lan chose to ignore the system’s antics and tried to step away. It was clear that someone had pushed her forward, given the crowd’s eagerness to see what would unfold. Many onlookers were clearly enjoying the spectacle, their eyes alight with curiosity and anticipation.

“Hey, Xu Yunlian’s gone. Luo Lan, you are just the right person to take her place.”

Someone in the crowd shouted, and the group started blocking her path, not letting her leave. She was just there to eat melons, not to participate, but now she was unexpectedly thrust into the center of attention. She decided to take control of the situation.

“Sorry, I was just here to watch. Let me help you find Xu Yinlian.”

Without waiting for a response from the man, she turned and started moving towards the exit. Her calm demeanor seemed to defuse some of the tension, and the crowd began to make way for her. Just as she was about to leave, the matchmaker rushed over.

“I’m so sorry, so sorry! Please wait a moment, the young lady will be here soon.”

The man gave a subtle nod, his gaze flickering toward Luo Lan. As she squeezed out of the crowd, she remained on the outskirts, continuing to observe. The system was still frantically urging her to get closer.

“Get closer, it’ll be more interesting!”

“If I get any closer, I’ll be part of the drama myself.”

“That’s still interesting!”

“Be quiet.”

Luo Lan sidled up to a familiar aunt, trying to get some insight into what was going on. She had assumed that the matchmaking would be prearranged and smooth, but this sudden change was unusual.

“What’s going on with Xu Yinlian?”

“She ran off. Her brother, her younger brother, and a few cousins are all out looking for her. They’re causing a commotion at Old Wang’s place.”

“Xu Yinlian and Wang Yinggui?”

“Yeah, that’s the rumor. Wang Yinggui is also missing, so it’s likely they’ve run off together.”

In this era, traveling without the proper introduction letter or food ration permits was nearly impossible. If Xu Yinlian and Wang Yinggui had indeed run off, they would be back soon enough, as they couldn’t stay away for long without the proper documentation and resources.

As Luo Lan contemplated the situation, she couldn’t help but feel a bit amused by the turn of events. She had come to observe, but now she was part of an impromptu matchmaking drama. She wondered how the evening would unfold and whether there would be any more surprises in store.

“What kind of grudge do the Xu family and the Wang family have?”

“Xu Yinlian’s grandfather and Wang Yingui’s grandfather had a fierce fight over a wall of an outhouse. The scar on Xu Yinlian’s face is from that time.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Yes. Those two probably got along long ago, but the families didn’t agree. Her father was just scolding, saying he would break her legs if he found her.”

“Her grandfather is dead, and they’re still holding a grudge?”

“How could they not hold a grudge? It’s considered a blood feud.”

Luo Lan couldn’t understand such a grudge. It was a minor issue; it was just a fight between two families. Now that the children are interested in each other, it’s a good time to resolve things. Clinging to old grudges only makes it so the two kids have nowhere to go home.

The system was urging her to move forward, and for the sake of points, she squeezed back into the crowd. Not paying attention to who she was bumping into, she suddenly recognized the familiar clothing. Looking up, she met a pair of deep-set eyes.

The person in question had arrived, so she quickly stepped aside. The man glanced at her and exited the Xu family’s house, with the matchmaker following behind, endlessly explaining.

“Don’t listen to the rumors. The Xu girl went to see her grandmother; her grandmother suddenly had a fall…”

As the voices faded away, the onlookers began to discuss the situation loudly. In a short time, the rumor about the man having a hidden ailment had spread everywhere, and the stories were becoming increasingly exaggerated.

“No wonder he was looking for a rural bride,” a woman said with a look of regret. “So what if he’s from the city? Marrying him means living a lifetime in a widow’s state. Life would be quite dull.”

“That’s right. But this man is quite handsome, it’s a pity.”

“Living together isn’t just about appearances. Looks alone are useless. You need to talk and keep each other company. If he can’t even do that, what’s the point of living with him?”

Luo Lan said nothing and did not agree with the widespread opinion. Character and capability are the real measures of a person. The idle and lazy people, who only add to social unrest, are of no use.

With the person gone, some of the more impatient spectators left, while a few remained, waiting for more developments.

Luo Lan stayed for the points and saw her sister arriving late. The two sisters sat under a tree at the entrance, enjoying the evening and chatting leisurely. She told her sister what had happened, and Luo Mei shook her head.

“Xu Yinlian and that guy were already together a long time ago, and her parents knew about it. Why cling to old grievances? It just breaks up a pair of lovers.”

“Actually, I think today’s man is better. In terms of appearance, housing, work, and all aspects, he’s stronger than marrying Wang Yingui, who is just a farmer.”

“Choosing a partner is a matter of personal preference. If you like someone, everything about them feels good. If you don’t, even if the conditions are great, it’s still not appealing.”

Is that the case? Luo Lan shook her head and smiled without responding. Back then, she knew her former partner well. They promised much before marriage, but he still had an affair midway. Matters of affection and preference, in the end, are more practical.

“You little bitch, you’re lucky I didn’t kill you today.” A man’s voice was rough and full of anger. It was like a firecracker, on the verge of exploding.

“Dad, Dad, let go of me. I said I won’t marry anyone but Yingui. I’m already his, we went to register our marriage today. We are now legally married.”