25: Chapter 25 Brother Zhuzi 25: Chapter 25 Brother Zhuzi Then Zhang Minghua looked up to see Shen Yiguang’s face, completely unembarrassed and even smiling, and she stiffened.
“Go play, Gousheng!” He first scolded the little brat, then turned to her with an apology, “Don’t mind what the kid said.”
“You two seem very well-suited for each other, if you’re both single, why not give it a try?” A woman chimed in teasingly from the side.
Several villagers who hadn’t left and were enjoying the spectacle all looked over at Zhang Minghua.
Hearing the woman’s comment, they began to joke about how well-matched they were and even started inquiring about Zhang Minghua.
This was just too awkward.
“Everyone, please don’t make such jokes.
I’m a guy, so it doesn’t bother me, but a girl’s reputation is not something to joke about.” Shen Yiguang spoke sternly to the crowd, then discreetly positioned himself in front of Zhang Minghua.
Zhang Minghua nodded and followed behind him, walking side by side towards Zhao ManCang’s house.
“It’s like I’m caught in the crossfire while lying down.” Zhang Minghua touched her face, which seemed to attract a lot of attention, and heaved a sigh of worry.
Finding her remark amusing, Shen Yiguang turned to look at her; she did not have the shy demeanor common among other girls.
So, he said, “Exceptional people always get noticed a bit more; take it as a compliment.”
“Hey, Brother Shen, I didn’t expect you to be such a romantic!” Zhang Minghua couldn’t help but laugh.
From a slightly higher angle, Shen Yiguang could see the crescents under her eyes becoming more pronounced and the faint dimples on her cheeks that made her look so adorable he wanted to pinch them.
“Is ‘Zhuzi’ your nickname?” Feeling a sense of familiarity after his ‘romantic’ comment, Zhang Minghua couldn’t help but ask about the kid’s teasing name ‘Uncle Zhuzi’.
Her gaze was intense as she looked at his ruggedly handsome face, hoping to see it crack.
However, she was disappointed.
Shen Yiguang didn’t mind at all and smiled, “Oh, that.
When I was little, my parents were worried I wouldn’t grow up strong, so they gave me that nickname.
They call me that sometimes when they’re showing parental love.”
“Some folks like to call me Brother Zhuzi.
If you find it more endearing, you’re welcome to call me that too.”
No, no, she didn’t want to.
They soon arrived at Zhao ManCang’s house, which had a front yard and several large buildings in a row.
From what she’d heard from Pan Shuiqin, Zhao ManCang was the third among four brothers in a family that thrived with many children, so the houses were large.
Even so, they were all packed with people at that moment.
As she was wondering whether to squeeze in or not, Yang Peiying, who was craning her neck from the doorway, immediately spotted her.
“Sister, where did you go?
Mom asked you to come in, we’re going to leave after the banquet.”
After greeting Shen Yiguang, she followed her younger sister inside.
“Sister, actually, Mom wants you to keep Cousin Qin company in her room.
There’s food there if you’re hungry, you could eat something first,” Yang Peiying whispered to her as they walked.
Zhang Minghua, the love-crazed mom, was worried about her being hungry again.
She agreed and followed Yang Peiying all the way to the bridal room.
“Minmin, come here, they’re asking for your advice on makeup stuff,” Pan Shuiqin’s voice called out before they even got close.
“Zhang Minghua!” Sun Xiajuan pushed through the crowd and stood in front of her.
“Oh, it’s you Xiaojuan, what a coincidence,” Yang PeiMin said, with a slight lift of her face and a smile.
“I’m the bridegroom’s sister-in-law, and a guest on the groom’s side.
Isn’t that a coincidence?” Sun Xiajuan looked her up and down, a flash of jealousy in her eyes.
“I heard you can even make your own makeup now?
Know how to apply it?
Haven’t you been carried away by the wind, talking big?
With your blind-cat-meets-dead-mouse makeup skills, you dare show off?”
Yang PeiMin glanced at the group of girls who had all pricked up their ears to listen in.
She laughed, “I wouldn’t dare, truly it’s a coincidence.
Don’t ask me anymore.
Like Sun Xiajuan said, I just happened upon it.”
Sun Xiajuan sneered at her triumphantly, “I told you, Yang PeiMin is the biggest talker.
Who in Xiahe Village doesn’t know how much she boasts?
She used to love snatching things from others as a child, and it seems she’s grown up to enjoy boasting just as much.
Not long ago, she was bragging about soon going off to take exams in the big city to become a city person.
oh, it was as if we, the Da’an people, were beneath her!
Ha, you have no idea, when the list came out, she got slapped in the face!
The funniest part was that she especially…”
“Sun Xiajuan, could you step aside a bit?”
“Don’t think about changing the subject!”
“Your breath stinks!” Yang PeiMin covered her nose and took two steps back.
Many people couldn’t help but start laughing.
Sun Xiajuan’s face turned red, and as she pointed at Yang PeiMin, her eyes reddened with anger.
She looked around at the still-laughing crowd, stamped her feet, and then ran out.
Pan Shuiqin was a bit worried, and quickly sent her younger sister to check on her.
She too was getting a headache from Yang PeiMin.
She had nearly forgotten about this little nemesis.
It seemed that even without trying, trouble always found her.
But Pian Shuiqin called her over since she was her cousin, “Minmin, come sit on the kang and chat with everyone.”
Yang PeiMin too was starting to feel suffocated in the bridal room, feeling as if the oxygen was running out with so many people packed inside.
Someone was already pulling her by the arm, warmly ushering her forward, “You must be Minmin, right?
Just look at the bride’s family members, each looking more successful than the last.
Such a beauty, it’s my first time seeing one!”
“Right, she looks like such a clever girl.
“Look at this skin, so soft and smooth, even tofu doesn’t compare!” As she spoke, she even tried to touch Yang PeiMin’s face, but Yang PeiMin quickly dodged, still smiling sweetly, “You all flatter me too much.
I’m not as good as you say.
Excuse me, I need to use the outhouse.
I’ll be back soon to chat with everyone.”
“Hey girl, let me take you there.
You’re a guest and might not be familiar with this place.”
“No need, my sister knows the way.
She’ll take me.” Saying this, she hurriedly grabbed Yang Peiying’s hand and fled.
“Come back soon, girl!
We’ll be waiting for you!”
They exhaled only after reaching the courtyard entrance, Yang PeiMin leaning against the wall to catch her breath.
Those women were just too enthusiastic.
They looked at her as if she were gold.
“Sister, why did you run out?” Yang Peiying still couldn’t understand her sister’s situation.
“Those people wanted to ask about my makeup.”
“Can’t you talk about it?”
“I could, but can you guarantee it would end with just talking?
There are so many of them, if each says one thing, I won’t be able to take it.” Yang PeiMin shook her head.
“Yingzi, come help me over to that stone to sit.” Her health was too poor; she had just felt suffocated while being pushed and rushed through the crowd.
“Sister, take a rest.
Shall I go in and get you a glass of water?” Yang PeiMin helped her sit down, worried seeing her pale face.
She decided to go in and mention it to their mother.