CHAPTER 173: 172: ATTITUDE (FIRST UPDATE) MERRY CHRISTMAS, GIRLS. MWAH!

Bai Xue liked her niece’s obedient way, thinking it was a good idea even more deeply, though she understood that while it seemed suitable now, it might not be acceptable on the other side. After all, a primary school dropout might not meet the cultural requirements they were looking for.

Bai Hehua waited for a while, seeing her aunt didn’t continue the conversation, felt a bit disappointed. Naturally, staying in the city and finding a partner to get married was better than going back to the countryside. Moreover, the half-year spent in the city had broadened her horizons, making her realize how ignorant she was when living in the village. How could she possibly be as hard-working and uncomplaining as before, if she were to return and be used by her parents like a beast of burden?

So, the best way was to find an in-law’s family in the city. But how could she bring this up with her aunt? She could only think about it in her heart. Now that her aunt brought it up, it gave Bai Hehua a sense of relief.

After lying down, Bai Hehua figured things out and felt comfortable. Due to the late sleep of the New Year, when she opened her eyes, it was already bright, and the beds in the room had been tidied up. Ye Qian was washing her face. Seeing she woke up late, Bai Hehua was a bit panicked and hurried to tidy the table. However, living in her aunt’s home for the past six months, Ye Qian had never made things difficult for her, let alone said anything unpleasant. Finally, Bai Hehua was at ease.

Bai Xue came in, "Hehua, you should wash your face too. After washing, come to the canteen to find us, and after breakfast, we must head back."

After giving the instructions, Bai Xue and her daughter went out first.

The youngest daughter was her confidant, and Bai Xue shared what happened last night with her. "What do you think of your cousin? She’s honest and kind-hearted, never been married. They say they don’t mind about work, and she is considered a temporary worker now, able to do the job. The only downside is her lack of education. But honestly, they were divorced, and no one is that perfect."

Ye Qian knew about Grandma Ye being close to her mother yesterday but didn’t expect it was about this. "Mom, since Grandma Ye asked you to seek, you better look more carefully. Although cousin is nice, as you said, without much education, I think this won’t work. Minister Shen, though divorced, is still a minister. To find someone from the countryside with no schooling, he’s not a good match for her, right?"

Bai Xue was originally worried about this. Now, with her daughter highlighting it, she started to have reservations. "I know, but there’s no suitable option around me, and it concerns your dad’s promotion. When all else fails, we can only give it a shot."

"I’m just worried that while you mean well, you might offend Grandma Ye. If Grandma Ye misunderstands and thinks you look down on Shen, what then?" Ye Qian jokingly teased her mother’s arm, "Cousin is the same age as my sister. If it were my sister, Grandma Ye would definitely agree. Unfortunately, my sister is still studying, and besides, Minister Shen is divorced, not a match for my sister either."

Ye Qian’s seemingly casual words struck a chord with Bai Xue.

Bai Xue unhappily waved her hand, "Alright, alright, let’s not talk about her. Mentioning her during the New Year puts me in a bad mood."

"Mom," Ye Qian responded playfully, "whenever sister is mentioned, you act like this. She would be sad if she knew."

"She doesn’t mind breaking my heart, so why should I care about her?" In Bai Xue’s heart, she had long since pretended not to have that daughter.

Ye Qian saw this, felt a bit wronged, and didn’t mention it again. However, in her heart, she was quite pleased. It’s a pity her mother didn’t talk in depth just now; otherwise, if this matter were brought up to Ye Ling, she didn’t know how angry Ye Ling would get.

When they arrived at the canteen, they happened to run into Shen Bin coming out. Ye Qian greeted him sweetly. Shen Bin only nodded slightly and left with large strides. Bai Xue looked back at Shen Bin’s departing figure before returning her gaze, feeling somewhat displeased about Shen Bin’s temperament. He was too indifferent and didn’t know how to please people. Nowadays, which girl likes such a man who can’t even sweet talk? Even a mother-in-law would disapprove of such a suitor.

Ye Qian was unaware of her mother’s thoughts and couldn’t help but whisper, "Mom, did you see that? Isn’t Minister Shen quite good?"

Bai Xue nodded absentmindedly without saying much.

Upon returning home, Bai Xue privately sought out her husband and mentioned what Director Li’s wife had instructed. Ye He Ping thought it was a good thing, "I always thought Shen Bin was nice, a pretty good kid. If you have a suitable option, introduce someone to him."

Back then, if it weren’t for Ye Ling messing around, they might have already found a partner by now.

Bai Xue, lowering the topic of promotion, said, "That’s what I think too, but I can’t find anyone suitable, so I can only look around slowly."

"I think Hehua isn’t bad, just a bit young," Ye He Ping also felt it was a pity. "You go home and keep an eye out. If there’s a good one, talk about it. If not, you can’t randomly pick someone either. That would be even worse."

After all, the person had already been divorced once.

Bai Xue agreed and then returned to the compound.

Meanwhile, Ye He Ping sent a telegram home. The New Year had passed, and he didn’t know how the kids were doing there. According to the date calculations, they should be back soon. Bai Xue, returning home, also began to pay attention to any unmarried girls around her. Despite looking for four or five days, none were suitable, but eventually, Li Junren’s wife came to visit.

Ye Qian was at home and greeted Grandma Ye politely. Ye Zhenfen praised her a few times and took out ten yuan, giving it to Ye Qian as lucky money, telling her to buy some treats. Ye Qian understood she was being tactfully sent away, so she thanked her and pulled Bai Hehua along as they went out.

Ye Zhenfen glanced at Bai Hehua and only asked Bai Xue when they left, "Whose girl is this? How come I haven’t seen her before?"

After staying in the city for half a year, with plenty of food and less physically demanding work, Bai Hehua grew like she was fertilized, shooting up, gaining weight, and becoming fair-skinned, looking vibrant. Even though her hair was cut like a boy’s, it couldn’t hide her pleasing appearance.

Bai Xue felt pleased in her heart and spoke nice words out loud, "This is my niece. She just turned seventeen. My sister-in-law is pregnant, so she sent the child to me. You know how conservative rural thinking is; they just want a son. This child has had a hard life, with parents who don’t care for her. After coming to the city, she found a temporary job, can work, and is capable. She used to be so dark and thin, but in these six months, she’s become so full of life. See how well she thrives on good nourishment. She’s good-natured too, always smiling at everyone. She cooks in the grain bureau and handles household chores without me needing to lift a finger."

"This child really is good. But she hasn’t had many years of schooling, has she?" Ye Zhenfen was also weighing things in her mind.

Bai Xue said regretfully, "Exactly. In the countryside, it’s hard enough to eat well, let alone have money for school. But she did study until the third grade, at least she can recognize some words."

Ye Zhenfen listened, nodding, while Bai Xue’s heart was in turmoil, unsure if she would be appealing enough. (To be continued. If you like this work, please come to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation tickets or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)