CHAPTER 57: CHAPTER 57: BUTCHER ZHANG PROPOSES MARRIAGE

There’s no doubt Zhao Xiaohua was enraged.

The siblings were at it again.

Zhao Xiaoshu, however, sat quietly to the side.

"What kind of girl does Xiaoshu like?" Meng Yao asked him.

The Zhao Xiaoshu now was a complete contrast to the dark Zhao Xiaoshu Meng Yao had once seen; he was too obedient.

"Whatever kind my mom likes, I like too," Zhao Xiaoshu replied.

This way of thinking is dangerous.

Isn’t this developing into a mama’s boy?

Having one Zhao Dajiang was already enough for Meng Yao to be worried about; she certainly didn’t need another Zhao Xiaoshu.

"Xiaoshu, it’s not right to think like that. In the future, it’s you who will live with your wife, not your mom. Therefore, your future wife should be someone you choose because you like her," Meng Yao sternly corrected him.

"Mom will surely like a good girl. If she’s a good girl, of course, I’ll like her," Zhao Xiaoshu blinked his eyes, somewhat unclear about why his mother thought he was wrong.

"There are many, many good girls. Are you saying you’d marry every girl your mom likes?" Meng Yao asked.

"As long as mom is willing, I can," Zhao Xiaoshu said.

Meng Yao’s mouth twitched. This obedient Zhao Xiaoshu might accidentally become a player.

With his red lips and white teeth, slightly upturned eyes, and peach blossom eyes, in a few years, his looks might be even more outstanding. By then, if he attracts a bunch of girls...

Meng Yao couldn’t help but shiver at the thought, which was too beautiful to dare imagine.

"Mom, what’s wrong?" Zhao Xiaoshu asked.

"Nothing, nothing. You’re still young, and I shouldn’t be talking about this with you," Meng Yao said. "Just focus on your studies. Study well, that’s all."

"Okay, mom," Zhao Xiaoshu obediently agreed.

He’s still young, and as long as he’s properly guided, there shouldn’t be any problems in the future.

Meng Yao could only comfort herself this way.

Raising children is really both mentally and physically exhausting.

As soon as the carriage stopped at the door, Song Xiu’er and Zhao Dajiang were anxiously standing at the entrance.

"What are you doing standing at the door in this freezing weather?" Meng Yao asked, surprised.

"Mom, you’re finally back," Song Xiu’er noticeably breathed a sigh of relief. "You should quickly go inside and see; we have guests at home."

Guests?

Judging by Song Xiu’er and Zhao Dajiang’s expressions, these guests might be difficult to handle.

Zhao Family doesn’t have many visiting relatives, so Meng Yao couldn’t think of anyone who could make them so uneasy.

"You guys help take down the things from the carriage. Pack some of the snacks we made at home, Xiu’er, and let the driver take them back." Meng Yao instructed while walking toward the house.

In the living room, a burly man stood up quickly upon seeing Meng Yao come in.

He looked somewhat familiar, but Meng Yao couldn’t recall who he was.

"Meng Sister," the burly man spoke.

Upon hearing his voice, Meng Yao made the connection.

In her mind, she automatically added a bushy beard to this man’s face. Oh, it’s Zhang Butcher.

Usually sporting a bushy beard, now suddenly shaved, she almost didn’t recognize him.

"Brother Zhang, what brings you to our home?" Meng Yao asked graciously.

"I’m here to ask, Meng Sister, what kind of furniture do you fancy, and what kind of jewelry you like? Once I know, I’ll prepare it according to your taste to avoid preparing something you don’t like." Zhang Butcher blushed.

Meng Yao was completely puzzled.

"Brother Zhang, what do you mean by this?" Meng Yao asked. "What I like has nothing to do with you, Brother Zhang."

"How could it have nothing to do with me? When you marry me, of course, it matters." Zhang Butcher said.

"Huh?" Meng Yao was startled. "When did I say I was going to marry you?"

Once aware of Zhang Butcher’s little notion, Meng Yao decisively maintained a distance from him. It’s not fair to say she’s not interested in remarriage right now; even if she were, she would choose someone appealing to her.

Clearly, Zhang Butcher didn’t fit Meng Yao’s taste.

"I went to your home to propose, and your parents agreed," Zhang Butcher said.

Acting first, reporting later?

No, that’s not the real issue.

The real problem is, why is Meng’s family making decisions on her behalf?

Meng Yao was flustered, "Seriously, Zhang Fu, you’re a native of Shanghua Village, don’t you know what my relationship is like with the Meng Family?"

"But, but haven’t you reconciled?" Zhang Fu was perplexed. "Your family said you’ve reconciled."

"They say reconciled, does that mean reconciled?" Meng Yao was driven to fury.

Zhang Fu looked innocent.

"It’s not about reconciliation now; the point is, I’ve never thought about remarrying," Meng Yao said and thought for a second. Then she added, "Even if I do, it won’t be to you. To be clear, I do not fancy you!"

Zhang Fu was stunned.

"You don’t like me?"

"Yes, I don’t," Meng Yao replied affirmatively.

"But your sister-in-law said, she said you fancy me, just too shy to admit it." Zhang Fu seemed a bit dejected.

This Zhang Butcher had indeed cared for the original owner over time.

The original owner might not have expressed anything definitively but also hadn’t rejected him.

"Does my character seem like the kind that would be shy?" Meng Yao snorted. "Now, I’ve made myself clear. You should know I won’t marry you. How much silver did the Meng Family take from you?"

"Twenty taels," Zhang Fu replied honestly.

"Go ask for your silver back," Meng Yao ordered.

"Meng Sister, let me just ask this once more. Do you really have no interest in me at all? Although I’m rough, if you agree, I will surely treat you well. I’ve even thought, after New Year’s, I’ll rent out a shop in town to sell meat. You marry me, and you don’t have to do anything, just collect money every day." Zhang Fu was reluctant to give up.

"Brother Zhang, I know you’re a good person and I’ve kept in mind all the help you’ve given our family. But honestly, I have no plans to remarry right now. My heart is still with Zhao Ting!" To thoroughly dissuade Zhang Fu, Meng Yao brought up Zhao Ting, coupled with a sorrowful expression, perfectly presenting an image of deep mourning for her deceased husband.

Zhang Fu sighed, "I understand, Meng Sister. It was my mistake; please don’t be mad at me."

"Brother Zhang was misled," Meng Yao reminded him.

The genteel expression on Zhang Fu’s face vanished, replaced by a look of anger.

Anyone who can calmly slaughter pigs isn’t someone to mess with.

No matter what tactics the Meng Family used to convince Zhang Fu that she was interested in him, now that the deception was unveiled, the Meng Family naturally had to confront Zhang Fu’s wrath.

"Meng Sister, people should look forward. Zhao Ting was good, but he’s been gone for years. Meng Sister should learn to let go." Zhang Fu said with heartfelt advice as he reached the door and paused.

"Brother Zhang, enough. I really can’t let go of Zhao Ting. If I could, I would’ve done so long ago." Meng Yao sorrowfully replied.