Chapter 8.2

Luo Lan had turned the tables on them, showing no sympathy for the Xu family. They had first schemed against her, hoping to make her lose face before marrying into the Xu family.

A woman with a ruined reputation could only be at the mercy of her in-laws. Old Lady Xu had been so proud before, looking at her like she was meat on a chopping board. Although she was never a soft target, her reputation was definitely damaged without a timely response.

Their attempt to “stone their own feet” led to their own downfall, reaping what they had sown. If you want to marry a wife, you should come with good intentions, but instead, they use such malicious tactics, trying to force others to yield. If you don’t follow the proper way, you deserve this kind of bad result.

“Host, the wheat harvest will end today. Can we go to the market tomorrow?”

“Why are you in such a hurry? Are you interested in going to the market? Can you give me some points?”

“No points for the market, but if there are melons, there are points.”

“I suspect you’re trying to get me to create a melon.”

“You have a matchmaking appointment tonight, that’s a ready-made melon.”

Oh, right, if not for the reminder, she would have forgotten about the matchmaking appointment at her sister’s house in the evening. She had a new dress in her trunk that she had worn only twice. She would wear that tonight.

“Host, aren’t you considering buying new clothes? I have ready-made clothes here, with a variety of styles at good prices.”

“No need to buy.”

“You just got over eighty yuan, which is quite a sum. What are you saving money for?”

That’s true, what is she saving money for? She shook her head and smiled without answering. Summer is hot and easy to get by with simple clothes. She needs to prepare for winter. If she doesn’t find a suitable partner before winter, keeping warm will be a problem. She needs to make a thick quilt and buy winter clothes.

“For winter, isn’t cotton clothing sufficient?”

“Oh, so you plan to get through the winter. Besides cotton clothing, there are also down jackets and fur coats, which are warmer than cotton clothing.”

“Cost-effectiveness?”

“A cotton padded coat.” The system’s flat voice seemed to have a hint of inflection, tinged with a bit of helplessness. The host really knew how to live frugally, making it hard to deceive her. “A military coat, warm and practical. Wear it during the day, use it as a blanket at night, dual-purpose.”

“Can I really buy military coats?” Luo Lan was a bit excited. Such items are rare and hard to come by.

“Yes, guaranteed military quality.”

“I want to buy that.”

“First, think about what to say during the matchmaking.”

When it came to melons, the system was obviously excited. Luo Lan, on the other hand, was indifferent. Matchmaking is just like that, and she didn’t know if it would work out. But to give her sister face, she still took it seriously.

Today was the last day of the wheat harvest. After finishing work at dusk and going home, she heated some water and carefully washed up. After cleaning her hair, she dried it with a towel. As she tilted her head to comb her hair, her sister ran over with concern.

“Luo Lan, do you have a new outfit? If not, I can borrow one for you.”

“I have one. The white floral shirt I made earlier, I’ve only worn it twice.”

“What about pants?”

“The pants have been washed a few times but haven’t been mended. Oh, sister,” she flicked her hair back and gave a reproachful stare.

“It’s just matchmaking, not marriage. No need to be so nervous.”

Her sunburn had faded, leaving her skin delicate and smooth. Her almond eyes were as clear as a mountain spring, with a straight nose and a small tip. Her lips were naturally red, and her pouting expression was both playful and cute.

Her sister reached out and lightly tapped her nose, speaking with affection, “You’re fine, just do it your way. Hurry up and get ready; I’m waiting for you to leave together.”

“Okay.”

She got ready and changed into her outfit. Her hair was styled into a large braid falling over her left shoulder. Her sister looked her up and down, full of pride. Although she was a second-time bride, she still looked like a young woman.

“Do you have a new handkerchief? Tie it in a pretty way.”

“Sister, you really…”

Unable to argue,Luo Lan took out a pink floral handkerchief from her trunk and tied it to the end of her braid. Her sister found her a bit indifferent and personally tied a bow for her.

Stepping back to look at her, she nodded in approval. The two sisters went out, locked the door, and headed to her sister’s in-laws’ home. When they arrived, the groom’s family hadn’t yet shown up, and her sister’s mother-in-law greeted her warmly.

“Oh, Luo Lan, you look like a young lady—so pretty.”

“Auntie, have you eaten?” With no way to continue the conversation, she used a standard local greeting to ask.

“I’ve eaten.” The old lady noticed someone entering and turned around to see the matchmaker had arrived with a man. “Oh, this must be Rongfa.”

The man’s gaze fell on Luo Lan, his eyes showing surprise. He snapped out of his daze and politely greeted the old lady. He handed Luo Lan a packet of cookies he was holding.

“Hello, I’m Zhao Rongfa.”

**

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