43: Chapter 43 Affirmation 43: Chapter 43 Affirmation “You don’t like going to town?” Brother Shen can drive you around for fun and have a chat on the way, killing two birds with one stone,” Peijun suggested, winking at everyone.
Pei Min rolled her eyes at him.
Although she wanted to go to the county to take a look, it wasn’t the right time, and she didn’t want to trouble others.
“There’s no rush, there’s a lot going on with the New Year, let’s talk about it later.”
Yiguang knew she was making excuses but didn’t show any objection on his face, instead, he amiably said, “Alright, I’ll come over again when I’m free.”
After Yiguang left, the whole family smiled at her.
Pei Min felt annoyed by their smiles, “Do you all really want to marry me off that fast?”
“Of course, we have to smile.
If no one showed interest in you, we wouldn’t be able to smile at all,” Peijun said, pulling a funny face at her.
“Big sister, Yiguang is a good man.
It’s rare that he’s so sincere about you.
I’m truly happy for you,” Peiguo also said.
Then, one by one, they all affirmed Yiguang.
Even Peiying whispered, “Sister, Brother Shen specifically asked me to lend you a hand…
He’s really a good guy…”
Then Pei Min felt like she was being brainwashed.
Amidst everyone’s persuasive words, she couldn’t help but picture Yiguang’s eyes, smiling…
Pei Min quickly snapped herself out of it, “Alright, I get it.
If I didn’t somewhat resemble our mom, I’d almost think Yiguang was your real relative.”
Zhang Minghua affectionately patted her back, “You child, you really should think it over.
Well, it’s been a tiring day.
Do you still feel ok?
Pei Min quickly nodded.
She tidied up and lay in bed with no hint of sleepiness.
Through the interactions over the past few days, she could tell that Yiguang was a very opinionated man; although he seemed gentle, he was actually assertive, not someone to be easily swayed and not one to give up easily.
Pei Min was certain that his affection for her was genuine, yet for some reason, she felt apprehension.
She wasn’t an outstanding girl; both in her past life and this one, she had been a pampered darling of her family, not even knowing the basics of cooking.
At this time, unlike the future, she had no confidence.
No confidence in how long someone’s good feelings could last, no confidence in how long a family with no blood ties could tolerate her.
Dinner had just finished not too long ago, but it felt like someone was missing, making even the rich meal seem less appetizing.
Everyone sat on the kang in the main room silently, either darning shoe soles or reading books, all silently engaged in their own tasks.
The Shen family’s youngest daughter Yixiang couldn’t hold back any longer, “Why hasn’t big brother come back yet?
He’s not spending the night there, is he?”
Shen glanced up and scolded, “What are you talking about?
Do you think your brother is that kind of thoughtless person?
Even if he’s staying over, he wouldn’t stay too long.
I think he’ll be back soon.”
“I think he’s got a wife and has forgotten to come home…
It’s almost nine o’clock…” Yixiang still muttered unhappily.
“Don’t talk nonsense.
Your brother getting married fulfills your father’s and my many years of wishes, right?
That’s a happy occasion.
If the girl’s family had something to do today and he stayed a bit longer, it’s appropriate.
If he can be of help, it shows that the girl’s family recognizes him too,” Mrs.
Shen said with a smile.
“My brother is such a catch; it’s her family who should feel lucky.
How could they be picky?” Yixiang’s voice rose involuntarily as she spoke, her eyes flaring up, then she pouted and asked, “Mom, have you met that Yang family girl?
I heard it’s the same one who fell into the river and was saved by my brother?”
Shen shook her head, “No, her parents did come by once, didn’t you see them?
They’re both genuine, easy to get along with.
With parents like that, the child must be good too.”
“That’s not necessarily true.
Just look at our dad and Uncle Four, Third Uncle—they aren’t bad, are they?
But there’s a saying, even good bamboo can produce a rotten shoot.
What if that girl turns out to be a lazy, bitter shrew!”
“What nonsense are you spouting?” Mrs.
Shen glared at her, “Do you speak of your elders that way?
You want your dad to give you a lesson later?
That’s the girl your brother fancies, could she be bad?
Don’t talk like that in the future or you’ll upset your brother.
The most important thing in a family is harmony and prosperity.”
“Mom, you’re such a good mother-in-law.” Shen Yixiang spoke sarcastically, “What if she’s domineering?
You’re so gentle, how will that work?
You’ll end up being bullied by her.”
“If you want to know what your future sister-in-law is like, let’s go and ask around tomorrow.
I heard she even went to high school.
In the same town, there should be plenty of classmates to ask,” said Shen Yiyue, Yixiang’s twin sister, putting down her book with a chuckle.
Yixiang’s eyes lit up, “You’re right.
There must be some from her year in our village.”
As they were talking, Shen Yiguang came back.
Hearing the dog barking outside, Yixiang immediately jumped up, got off the kang, slipped on her shoes, grabbed a flashlight, and hurried out to open the door.
Shen called after her, “Your brother can open the door himself.”
Yixiang had already stepped outside the door curtain.
Shen shook her head, “This child, she has been clingy to her brother ever since she was little.”
In no time, Yixiang came back in, closely following Yiguang.
“Have you had dinner?” Mrs.
Shen asked with concern.
“I have,” Yiguang said as he took off his military cap.
The room was warm with the heated kang, and he sat down next to Mrs.
Yixiang gave him a glass of water, “Did everything go smoothly for you today, Brother?
Why did the Yang Family keep you for so long?
It’s snowing again, we were worried.”
Yiguang took the water and briefly mentioned Xiao Bao’s illness.
After reassuring his sister, he began to discuss with his parents about the bride’s family visiting their home, “We’ve decided on the third day of the New Year.”
Shen, who had been making straw sandals, and he put down his work, “No problem with that, the gifts and matchmaker are all arranged.
We’ll all go together.”
Shen felt pleased and called her daughter, “Go warm some wine for your dad.
It’s New Year’s, let him indulge a little.”
Shen enjoyed a drink now and then, but Mrs.
Shen was concerned about his health and limited how often he could drink.
Upon hearing this, Mr.
Shen’s face brightened up, “Let’s have a couple of small cups, son.”
Yixiang stayed seated, feeling uncomfortable, “Dad, maybe you should drink less.”
Yiyue quickly went and warmed it up.
The next morning, Yixiang was up early.
Her movements woke Yiyue, who shared the kang with her.
Looking at the still dark outside, she asked in confusion, “What are you doing?”
Yixiang got ready quickly and said to her, “I’m going to find out about the girl from the Yang Family.”
Yiyue was speechless, staring at her, “What time is it?
They’re not even up yet.
Wait until after breakfast, they won’t have gone anywhere.”
Yixiang had already lifted the curtain and stepped outside, not looking back, “The sooner I know, the sooner I’ll have peace of mind.”