CHAPTER 385: CHAPTER 385: PLOTTING

Zhang Minghua raised an eyebrow, speaking in jest.

Aunt Qu clapped her hands, "Exactly, you’ve just spoken my heart!"

Zhang Minghua directed her gaze at her, her brow furrowed thoughtfully as her smile faded slightly, "My little girl is still young, my old man and I want to keep her for a few more years."

The smile on Aunt Qu’s face paused as she laughed, "Yingzi must be twenty-one or twenty-two now? That’s not so young; if there’s a good match, you should go for it quickly. Wait another couple of years, and only the leftovers will be left."

What, twenty-one or twenty-two?

Is her Yingzi really that old?

Perhaps because she was used to thinking differently, Zhang Minghua found these words grating.

"My Yingzi isn’t even twenty, where did you get the idea she’s in her twenties?"

Aunt Qu, somewhat confused, looked at her and laughed again, "Close enough, close enough..."

Zhang Minghua’s expression softened,

She jostled her little grandson in her arms, saying, "Oh my dear grandson, are you hungry? Alright alright, let’s go find your mother."

Turning to the neighbors, she said, "Excuse me, the little one is hungry. I’ll take him inside to feed him. Feel free to come over and visit sometime."

The neighbors also started to say their farewells, only Aunt Qu seemed hesitant to leave.

Still, it was Sister-in-law Gao familiar with her who nudged her and gave her a knowing look, and they both left together.

Zhang Minghua watched Aunt Qu’s retreating figure, smirking.

Yingzi, coming into the yard, looked at Zhang Minghua still leisurely watching TV and asked somewhat puzzled, "Mom, didn’t you say you were very hungry?"

Zhang Minghua replied, "No, this little one just ate. He’s getting ready to sleep now."

Yingzi still didn’t understand, "Then Mom, why did you say that earlier?"

Zhang Minghua replied calmly, "I thought they were too noisy, disturbing Lele’s sleep."

Yang Peiying: "..."

As Aunt Qu left Yang Peimin’s house, she sighed looking at Sister-in-law Gao with her, "You know, our Fangzi is also getting on in age, twenty-six is just around the corner. That silly boy is too simple-hearted, still hung up on his last relationship after so long, it’s really worrying his dad and me."

Sister-in-law Gao knew a bit about her situation, "Fangzi is a good one, capable and steady, it’s just his marriage prospects falling short."

Aunt Qu, patting her hand, said, "Exactly, oh dear, I had my eye on that Yang Family’s Yingzi next door – a dilligent and honest girl. You know what our home situation is like, an earnest girl is worth more than many, but seeing her mother rather unwilling, I didn’t dare speak up. We’ve been familiar for many years, so I’m just speaking some heartfelt truths to you here, just consider it me venting."

Sister-in-law Gao’s husband worked at the same factory with Qu Fang, and their families, also being fellow villagers, were quite close. Qu Fang was skilful in dealing with people, and with Sister-in-law Gao’s husband not in great health but still keeping his position because they had four young children at home, there were many house chores he couldn’t manage, and Qu Fang often came over to help.

This brought Sister-in-law Gao and Aunt Qu closer as their family situations bore resemblance, and they found themselves talking more and more.

At this point, Sister-in-law Gao patted her hand to comfort her, "Don’t worry, that elder sister from the Yang Family might not have understood you fully. I know they are from the countryside. Aren’t you aware? Those country folks would do anything to marry a city person. Your Fangzi has a job and a residence registration, he’s even good-looking, what more could they ask for?"

Aunt Qu sighed, "That’s true, but who doesn’t know about our situation? Fangzi’s father has been bedridden for many years, it’s a burden, just like with that Ms. Wang before, didn’t she shun us because of our family burdens?"

Sister-in-law Gao couldn’t hold back, "What does that village girl have to pick and choose for? Can’t she see her own situation? If it wasn’t for her being somewhat honest, would we even consider her? She has neither the looks nor the job, to be honest, I really don’t understand why you chose her. Even if there wasn’t a match as good as the last time, there are many city girls around. Although those village girls seem diligent and honest, they just aren’t from the same nest as us. Don’t you know, those habits, they can’t even carry themselves properly in public, can’t speak properly, the first to back down when there’s an issue, and some are downright sloppy, the food they cook is inedible. And what’s with that horde of poor relatives, always coming over to sponge off you, wouldn’t you be afraid?"

Aunt Qu’s eyes flickered, "You don’t know the half of it; we’ve quietly looked at a few for Fangzi, and which one isn’t asking for a hefty dowry? Under our current circumstances, how can we afford that? Although Yingzi is from the countryside, her family seems not too bad, don’t you know too? Her sister got into university here, her brother-in-law is an officer in the army, even their child has a promising job. Surely they would find Yingzi a job in the future? I’m speaking quietly here, but I heard from that girl from the Lin Family, who gets along with Yingzi, that Yingzi’s sister’s monthly salary can buy a color TV!"

Sister-in-law Gao gasped, her mouth agape, it took her a moment to find her voice, "Is that, is that really true? My goodness, it takes Old Gao three years’ salary to buy a TV set, and that’s without spending on anything else. What on earth does she do to have such a cushy job?"

Aunt Qu shook her head, "I’m not very sure about that, but it’s not impossible, isn’t it? Hasn’t the eldest girl from the Yang Family gotten into university? Educated people do tend to succeed!"

Aunt Gao wrung her hands, her eyes and brows filled with admiration, "What a wonderful job that must be, just a little from her sister, and Yingzi wouldn’t have to worry about her life at all. They’re sisters after all, and Yingzi even came here to care for her sister during her pregnancy and childbirth, which family has such a good sister? Sis, in the future, her sister just can’t neglect her, otherwise wouldn’t she be criticized by others? You have it all figured out, that Yingzi does seem like a gentle and straightforward person, always likely to side with your family in any issue."

Hearing this, Aunt Qu smiled, but thinking about Zhang Minghua’s attitude, her smile faded again, "This matter hasn’t even started yet."

Sister-in-law Gao laughed quietly, whispering, "I say, just let Fangzi take the lead himself, what does that country girl know about men?"