CHAPTER 159: CHAPTER 159 XUE FAMILY (SECOND UPDATE)

"Who is this boy? Your husband?"

Housekeeper Xue had been noticing Lu Yuanfeng for a while. Not only was the boy sturdy looking, but his face was also very amiable. Most importantly, standing beside this girl, they matched well together.

"Ah?" Mu Shuangshuang was stunned for a moment, then quickly denied it. "Not at all, I’m only thirteen, not at the age to talk about marriage yet. Where would a husband come from? You’re really joking."

Not saying it was one thing, but mentioning it made Mu Shuangshuang think that women in ancient times married too early, had children too early.

At fifteen, one is still a child, the body hasn’t fully developed yet, giving birth can easily drain vitality.

"Haha, that’s true." Housekeeper Xue laughed lightly.

Lu Yuanfeng was actually in a good mood because he indeed wished to marry Shuangshuang, as long as she was willing.

"You little girl, as thin as a monkey, should eat more and put on some weight."

All the way Mu Shuangshuang and Housekeeper Xue chatted sporadically, and eventually stopped in front of the Xue family’s mansion.

"Uncle, are you part of the Xue family?" Mu Shuangshuang slightly tilted her body, pointing at the magnificent plaque of the Xue family in front.

"I am the housekeeper of the Xue family, what’s up? Scared? You two just follow me inside, I’ll fetch the money for you."

With Housekeeper Xue leading, the gatekeepers allowed them through without a word. However, before Mu Shuangshuang could take a good look at the Xue family’s courtyard, Old Mrs. Xue came out with a servant and surprisingly pointed at Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng.

"It’s you two, I’ve been looking for you for a long time."

Unlike Housekeeper Xue, Old Mrs. Xue immediately recognized Mu Shuangshuang because the last time Mu Shuangshuang was in town, she deliberately washed her face before coming out.

Moreover, Shuangshuang was still wearing the clothes from last time; Old Mrs. Xue would find it hard not to recognize her.

"Grandma, long time no see." Mu Shuangshuang smiled and nodded.

"You know our matriarch?" Housekeeper Xue asked in surprise.

Mu Shuangshuang took a moment to recount the story of how she came to know Old Mrs. Xue. To her surprise, Housekeeper Xue seemed amazed after hearing it and looked at her and Lu Yuanfeng with admiration.

"So it was you two that the old matriarch has been looking for."

The person who wrote the note at the old matriarch’s tea stall turned out to be the little girl in front of them. Housekeeper Xue was astonished and sighed, realizing how small the world was.

"In that case, why don’t you chat with our old matriarch for a while; I’ll go fetch the money for the lotus pods."

Old Mrs. Xue walked casually to Mu Shuangshuang’s side, held her small hand and said:

"I’ve lived to this old age and have seen countless people, but never have I seen a girl as clever as you. Have you promised to someone yet?"

When people encounter something they like, they always want to bring it home; Old Mrs. Xue was no exception.

Mu Shuangshuang appeared to be just around ten years old, and would be a good match for her eldest grandson Xue Cheng. If that were the case, she’d have company in the future.

"I haven’t." Mu Shuangshuang shook her head.

"Promised!" Lu Yuanfeng quickly replied.

The two spoke almost simultaneously, and Old Mrs. Xue was initially stunned, then suddenly realized that the young man in front seemed to be interested in Shuang.

But no matter the interest, it wouldn’t do; Shuang was who she wanted as her granddaughter-in-law.

Soon she’d write a letter to her grandson far in the Capital, to see his thoughts, ideally to set the marriage directly.

Beside her, Lu Yuanfeng sensed a strong feeling of crisis, and that prompted his abrupt words; usually when elders ask about marriage, there’s often an introduction in mind.

Shuang was still young and it was normal not to understand, but Old Mrs. Xue certainly knew.

"Our Xue family is a prominent household in this town, which is why the residence is so grand. Personally, I prefer to live in a smaller courtyard for its warmth.

Shuang, you can treat this place as your own home. If you wish to see or eat anything, just tell me and I’ll instruct the servants to do it."

The benefits offered by Old Mrs. Xue were too great, Mu Shuangshuang didn’t feel relaxed, instead, she became tense.

To have met someone only twice, who suddenly treats you as family with such privileges.

If there were no ulterior motives, it must be that you left too deep an impression on her; she’s genuinely fond of you.

Though it seemed Old Mrs. Xue had elements of both.

"Hehe, Grandma, you don’t have to be so courteous, I actually didn’t know Uncle Xue was the Xue family’s housekeeper.

Lu Yuanfeng and I just came to deliver lotus pods to Housekeeper Xue, we weren’t thinking of anything else."

Speaking of lotus pods, Old Mrs. Xue really craved them, "Shuang, could you keep me company, as this old lady has neither had dinner nor breakfast? Have breakfast with me?

And tell me how you managed to pick lotus pods from the Lotus Pond River. I remember the lotus pods there are not easy to pick."

"Lu Yuanfeng and I just tied a sickle to a bamboo pole and used a net to catch the lotus pods cut off by the sickle," Mu Shuangshuang explained.

She was pondering how to find an excuse to leave when Xue Yi’s frustrated voice came over.

"You worthless bunch, you claim to be chefs from the Capital, yet my mother won’t eat what you made. I’m telling you, if you continue like this, you should all go away."

Xue Yi was famous for his loud voice, and his shouting scared the chefs, whose legs got weak, and they could only keep apologizing.

"If an apology is useful, why do we need people from the government office? Get out and remake breakfast."

The chefs rushed out while Xue Yi looked up, seeing Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng.

"It’s you? Why, did you know my mother was looking for you, so you came voluntarily to get benefits from her?" Xue Yi mocked.

"Mr. Xue thinks too much; we were just delivering lotus pods to Housekeeper Xue and happened to meet the old lady and exchanged a few words.

But Mr. Xue always likes to make baseless assumptions about others’ intentions, always in a negative way."

Xue Yi had been picking on her from the start, so Mu Shuangshuang wasn’t polite either.

Lu Yuanfeng timely chimed in. "Shuangshuang, let’s head back; lest we’re thought of as coming for benefits."

Mu Shuangshuang wanted to give Lu Yuanfeng a thumbs up; she indeed wanted to leave.

Initially, upon seeing Old Mrs. Xue’s attire, she thought about doing business that might give her more opportunities.

But with Xue Yi around, she’d probably rarely benefit.

"Don’t, this old lady found some companions with great difficulty, you’re not allowed to go anywhere, keep me company for breakfast."

Just after speaking, Old Mrs. Xue pointed at Xue Yi’s nose. "Yi’er, these two are guests invited by me. You better keep those hurtful words to yourself, or I won’t be polite."

"Mother, how could you side with outsiders? I am your son, aren’t I?" Xue Yi was somewhat displeased.

"You mind me; keep nagging, and I’ll sweep you out the door. Now you better get out, quick."

Old Mrs. Xue rarely took the initiative to defend someone, but this time Mu Shuangshuang and Lu Yuanfeng received her acknowledgment.

Xue Yi grew more curious, what was special about this little girl? That made his mother, who rarely opened up, insist she stays.