Chapter 144: Astonishing the Onlookers in the Village

Luo Qiao said, “Auntie, I don’t know you. If you have something to say, say it here. I’m listening.”

At this moment, other villagers who had followed to watch the excitement also gathered around.

The woman’s smile couldn’t be maintained on her face anymore. She was a well-known matchmaker in this generation and had never been turned away before. People usually sought her favor.

The woman said, “You’ve recently come to our Qingshan Brigade, so you might not know me. I’m Zhao Linxin, the matchmaker from next door, Zheng Qiaozhuang. I often move around this area.”

Luo Qiao smiled faintly and said, “Auntie, which house are you going to propose another match? Or perhaps you’ve come to borrow water from my house to drink?”

Zhao Linxin wondered if this girl had a problem in her head. She had come to her doorstep, yet she asked which house she’s going for a matchmaker?

She smiled and said, “Look at this girl, still half-asleep and mumbling. Let’s talk inside the courtyard.”

Luo Qiao immediately stopped Zhao Linxin, who wanted to enter the courtyard, and said, “If you have something to say, say it here. Auntie, you’re not here to arrange a match for me, are you?”

Zhao Linxin slapped her thigh and exclaimed, “See, I knew it! This is great news! Let’s go inside and talk.”

Luo Qiao smiled lightly and said, “Auntie, do you know how old I am now?”

Zhao Linxin hesitated for a moment and replied, “I’m not sure about that.” Then she turned to Li Xiulan beside her.

Li Xiulan chuckled and said, “What does age matter? Get settled in life first before thinking about marriage.”

Luo Qiao said, “Aunt Zhao, I’m only fifteen years old this year. I’m still young and not considering this matter. I’m sorry you came here for nothing. Besides, I’m still a student, and the school doesn’t encourage dating during school hours.

Nowadays, the country advocates free love. When I reach the appropriate age, I will consider finding a progressive youth who shares common interests with me. Aunt Zhao, do you think I’m right?”

Zhao Linxin really didn’t know that this girl was still studying, but she had been entrusted with a task and needed to speak her mind.

She smiled and said, “Actually, there are quite a few arranged marriages from childhood in the village. It’s also good to settle down early, and it won’t affect your studies.”

Luo Qiao chuckled, “Aunt Zhao, do you not understand what I’m saying? I’m still young and not considering this matter. Besides, decisions about my life should be made by my elders. Otherwise, you can make a trip to Beijing and see if they would agree.”

Zhao Linxin felt displeased now, not with Luo Qiao but with Li Xiulan who came along. Why didn’t she mention this information when they came? It made her feel so passive.

She had been a matchmaker for over ten years and had never encountered a situation where she couldn’t respond. It was truly embarrassing.

Li Xiulan said, “They’re not your direct family. You can decide for yourself. There’s no need to go through them.”

Luo Qiao glanced at Li Xiulan and said, “I already said I’m not considering it. I still have to go to school.”

Zhao Linxin thought to herself, “I heard you’re living alone now. Actually, settling down with someone could be good. If you encounter any problems in the future, there will be someone to lend a hand.”

Luo Qiao felt her dumplings were almost ready, so she wanted to settle things quickly: “Could you please ask, Auntie, whether the person you’re introducing to me is a current student or a university graduate who already has a job?

Which unit does he work for? What’s his monthly salary? Does he have any outstanding relatives who could afford my educational expenses? If I go to college in the future, will he support me financially?

By the way, all these details must be clear. And, most importantly, he must be good-looking and not someone who’s a mommy’s boy.”

This statement shocked the villagers who were watching, and it left Zhao Linxin speechless. She turned to look at Li Xiulan, and both of them had uncomfortable expressions on their faces.