Chapter 15: Matchmaking

Chapter 15: Matchmaking

Switching marriage partners like this really doesn’t sound good when spoken aloud.

After all, this mess was created by the eldest son’s family. If Xu Li spoke too lightly, it would seem like the Ji family wasn’t apologetic enough, as if they were trying to cover for the eldest son’s family. If she spoke too harshly, it would seem like she was criticizing her step-son’s wife.

After much thought, it would be best if Lin Qiao didn’t know she was originally supposed to marry Ji Ze, especially since they hadn’t had time to discuss this matter recently.

If the switch was done quietly, this matter would no longer be associated with the eldest son’s family in the future. Xu Li wouldn’t need to explain anything, and Lin Qiao wouldn’t have to feel awkward.

As for the eldest son’s family, she truly didn’t want to deal with them anymore.

Xu Li was concerned that Lin Qiao hadn’t grasped her implication, "I’m talking about getting married. How do you feel about the second son?"

With Lin Qiao’s intelligence, if she knew it was originally Ji Ze, she would quickly understand Xu Li’s implication.

Lin Qiao thought carefully and said, "Not bad. He’s quite responsible."

If her previous uncertainty had been due to the generational gap and Ye Minshu’s attitude, Xu Li bringing this up now confirmed that she was originally supposed to marry Ji Duo.

Otherwise, even if Ji Ze disagreed, he could have just found a way to call off the engagement. Why did they have to switch to his uncle?

As for Ye Minshu’s dislike, it was either because she found having such a sister-in-law embarrassing or because she had previously tried to introduce someone to Ji Duo.

Either way, she was marrying into the family to completely escape her past, not to form a good relationship with her sister-in-law.

At the very least, if it had been her, even if she didn’t want to marry, she would still have had to accompany her fiancé back to his hometown and care for him when he was sick. She couldn’t have done any better than Ji Duo.

This response reassured Xu Li, but she still confirmed once more, "What about your marriage?"

Ever since Lin Qiao came to the Ji family, Xu Li had been very good to her. Given Xu Li’s attitude, it didn’t seem like she was aware that her son was unwilling. This meant Old Master Ji had been discharged, and the Ji family wanted to proceed with the marriage.

Lin Qiao thought for a moment but didn’t give a direct answer, "Can I speak to him first?"

Xu Li didn’t expect her to propose this and was slightly taken aback.

But since the marriage was arranged by both families, it was ultimately the couple who would spend their lives together. It was only natural that Lin Qiao wanted to clarify some things before the wedding.

Xu Li nodded, "Alright, you two can discuss it yourselves."

Considering how improperly the Ji family had handled this matter, she took Lin Qiao’s hand again, "Don’t worry, our family won’t mistreat you. If the second son ever does anything to wrong you, just come to me. I’ll take care of him for you."

"This matter was indeed handled poorly by our family, but since the word has already spread, there’s no better solution. We’ll have to continue with this arrangement."

In the front courtyard’s study, Old Master Ji looked at his most accomplished son with a similarly complex expression.

When the decision to arrange the childhood marriage was made, he had never considered the second son. For one, there was a generational gap, and for another, Ji Duo was nine years older than Qiao Qiao. Even if they were of the same generation, Ji Ze was a more suitable age.

Unexpectedly, things had come full circle and now involved the second son.

Ji Duo hadn’t expected Ye Minshu to go to such lengths to prevent Ji Ze from marrying Lin Qiao. He listened to Old Master Ji without interrupting, his expression unchanging.

This calm demeanor reminded the old man of his eldest son, who had turned pale after being scolded—a stark contrast.

The old man sighed deeply, "Before, when others introduced women to you, you didn’t want to meet them, and the family didn’t force you. I don’t want to force you into anything this time either. But if it were someone else, it wouldn’t matter if you two broke up. With Lin Qiao, how will she hold her head high in this family in the future?"

Some things didn’t need to be spelled out for Ji Duo to understand. His voice lowered, "I was the one who insisted on this engagement. I promised Old Lin that I would take care of Qiao Qiao for the rest of her life. Second son… consider it a favor to your father."

Old Master Ji had a bad temper and a strong backbone throughout his life. Even in the most perilous battles and the harshest times of his reassignment, he never bowed his head to anyone.

But today, he lowered his head before his youngest son, not only out of necessity but also because he genuinely felt a bit sorry for him.

It is indeed the case that Ji Duo marrying Lin Qiao could solve the problem. But as a younger brother, why should he be expected to clean up the mess left by the eldest brother’s family?

And Old Master Ji understood this as well. He knew that if Ji Duo were less magnanimous, he might feel they were pushing the eldest brother’s family’s burden onto him.

However, Ji Duo hadn’t given it much thought. His expression remained calm until the old man finished speaking. Only then did he lift his gaze, and said, "I want to talk to her alone."

Not refusing meant there was still hope. Old Master Ji breathed a sigh of relief, "Alright, it’s your business to discuss between the two of you."

And so, ten minutes later, the old man vacated the study for the two young people, retreating to the living room.

This was essentially their formal matchmaking session. Xu Li was still worried and quietly pulled her son aside, "This situation is our doing. If you’re unwilling, go talk to your father, but don’t frighten the girl. She has no relatives here and can’t handle your antics."

Ji Duo let her speak, only lifting his eyelids slightly, "No family? Didn't Dad say we are her family?"

There was still some irritation in his tone, not completely calm or acquiescent.

Xu Li took longer to process, but she had already come around. After all, if they didn’t marry Lin Qiao, their second son might remain a bachelor out of stubbornness.

She patted her son on the back, "Then go marry her. Once you do, we’ll really become one family."

Seeing that Ji Duo still seemed to have something to say, she urged, "Hurry up. You're almost thirty; don’t make the girl wait for you."

After he left, she sighed deeply, "What a situation. At least Qiao Qiao doesn’t know."

"Does the girl really not know?" Old Master Ji quietly confirmed with his wife.

Xu Li nodded, "She probably doesn’t. I suspect that when our family suddenly stopped writing letters, they thought we had changed our minds. We haven’t had an in-depth conversation with her these days because of all the drama from the eldest brother’s family. Still, it’s possible I just didn’t notice."

"Whether she knows or not, as long as she doesn’t bring it up, we’ll treat it as if it never happened, to avoid awkwardness when we meet."

The most troublesome issue seemed to be resolved, but there was still the matter of the root cause.

The old man glanced in the direction of the study and sneered, "If they think I meddle in their affairs, then they can stay out of Ji family matters. This old bone of mine can’t be bothered."

He paused here, then asked Xu Li, "How much money do we have left in the family?"

The topic shifted rather abruptly, and Xu Li was momentarily stunned before she quoted a figure.

"The eldest daughter-in-law always says I favor one over others?" The old man looked at his wife, "This time, I’m going to give more to the second son and Qiao Qiao. Let’s see who dares to complain."

Old Master Ji’s study was set in the east wing of the front courtyard. Through the window, he could see the fruit trees and the swing in the yard.

When Ji Duo entered, Lin Qiao was already sitting by the desk, appreciating a calligraphy piece on the wall, her emotions completely hidden.

This calmness was reminiscent of their first meeting. Though at that time, she had been Xiao Ze’s arranged marriage partner, and now she was his.

Ji Duo pulled out his chair and sat down opposite her without much preamble, "What do you think about this situation?"

Someone else might have tried to chat about the calligraphy for a bit, either to ease the tension or to subtly gain control of the conversation.

But Ji Duo, true to his style, got straight to the point, all business.

This straightforward approach matched Lin Qiao’s impression of him. She smiled, "I want to confirm first, you don’t have a girlfriend, right? Someone you like counts too."

Ji Duo immediately thought of the incident at the hospital, and his eyes darkened as he looked at Lin Qiao.

He suspected that Lin Qiao knew something, but he couldn't tell from Lin Qiao's face.

Lin Qiao’s question was indeed related to Ye Minshu, though it was somewhat different from what he had expected.

Though her friend hadn’t mentioned that the male lead had a partner, Lin Qiao had her own principles and would not be willing to be a third party. If her arranged marriage partner was Ji Ze, she would have to reassess the situation.

After all, she had come to ask the male lead to fulfill the marriage agreement, aware that he needed to use marriage to advance his career. Their interests aligned—getting married would quickly resolve both their issues. If the male lead already had a partner and was adamantly against the marriage, how could she force him?

Seeing Ji Duo’s silence, Lin Qiao thought she might have guessed right. "You’re not really..."

"No, you can rest assured," Ji Duo interrupted.

Her questions suggested that she wasn’t opposed to the arranged marriage. Ji Duo crossed his fingers on the table and leaned forward slightly. "Let me explain my situation. Ji Duo, male, 27 years old, Party member, currently serving as a regiment commander in the Yandu military district. No marriage history, no medical history..."

At first, Lin Qiao listened attentively, but as he continued, she couldn't help but feel like making a sarcastic comment.

What’s with ‘male, Party member’? Are we on a date or applying for a job?

And with that upright posture and sharp gaze, it could easily be taken for a meeting in a war room.

Lin Qiao thought to herself but still listened carefully, occasionally nodding as if she were a young soldier listening to a superior.

Unlike Ji Ze, he was still young and impetuous, and would allow his mother to make a scene if he didn't want something. He had asked to talk to Lin Qiao to understand her thoughts and reassure her.

Lin Qiao thought it was his military ID or Party membership card and was about to accept it with both hands as a sign of respect, but realized it was a bankbook.

The act of handing over a bankbook during a matchmaking session made Lin Qiao reconsider her earlier thoughts.

This man knew how to handle a matchmaking session—a bankbook spoke louder than sweet words or promises, showing sincerity and trust.

Just as she was thinking about how to discuss this "collaboration" with him, he had already brought out the bankbook, indicating he had already considered it.

He had just come from the study, possibly having discussed with the Old Master that he would support him in transitioning to local business if he married Lin Qiao as agreed.

Since he had shown his sincerity, Lin Qiao needed to express her stance as well. "You already know my situation, so I won't say much more. After marriage, I'll find a job and prepare for the college entrance exam. I won't hold you back or interfere with your life. If there’s something in the future that you need help with and others don't understand, I'll stand by your side unconditionally..."

In the early 1980s, anyone who gave up an iron rice bowl to venture into business instead would be ridiculed.

And Ji Duo's career wasn't just an iron rice bowl—it was a golden bowl with a bright future.

Ji Duo listened but recalled that when he entered the study, the Old Master had first asked him, "You’re not into men or... incapable, are you?"

He interrupted Lin Qiao. "Is there something I need your unconditional support for?"

"Nothing?" Lin Qiao paused, feeling that his tone sounded bad.

Considering their current relationship, he probably wouldn't tell her if there were something. She immediately changed her approach. "Well, if there's something in the future, you can come to me. I just wanted to tell you that we're a team, and I'll always stand by your side no matter what."

It was unclear how much of this was true or false, and since she hadn't said it explicitly, he couldn't press for clarification.

For the first time, Ji Duo felt that the nine-year age gap might pose a communication challenge, but since they were getting married, they would have to work things out gradually.

He moved past the topic. "Is there anything else you'd like to ask?"

"That's about it." Lin Qiao had very modest requirements for her partner. "What about you? Is there anything else you'd like to add?"

Ji Duo also had nothing more to add.

Lin Qiao was a smart person who knew what she wanted and would definitely not make any major mistakes regarding the big issues. With the main issues clear, the remaining details were minor and could wait.

When the man remained silent, Lin Qiao stood up and offered her hand, "I hope we have a pleasant collaboration."

Since she often worked with her hands, her hands were not particularly delicate, and there was a thin layer of calluses on her fingertips. Her hands, however, were beautifully shaped—slender fingers, full nails neatly trimmed and rounded, with a faint pink hue.

Ji Duo's gaze swept over her hands. "You call this a collaboration?"

"Does it not sound right?"

When Ji Duo didn’t move, she started to withdraw her hand, but her fingertips were gently touched by his warm hand.

"Not really." Ji Duo lightly touched her hand and then let go, his tone calm as he said, "I hope we have a pleasant collaboration."

In the end, a loveless marriage was just about sharing a life, not much different from a collaboration.

By this point in the conversation, the two of them had already reached a consensus. The remaining matters, including wedding preparations, would need to be discussed with Old Master Ji and Xu Li.

The clock chimed close to one. Outside, Aunt Zhang had already prepared the meal, but neither felt like eating just yet.

Seeing the two emerge, Xu Li first glanced at her son's face, which remained expressionless, then turned her gaze to Lin Qiao.

Lin Qiao, however, smiled, "Sorry to keep you and Uncle Ji waiting. I'll go put something away and be right back."

Calling him Uncle Ji at that moment felt slightly awkward. But given her attitude, it was clear they hadn't fallen out.

As long as they were still in agreement, that was what mattered. The form of address could be changed later after the wedding.

Xu Li smiled and nodded in response. Just as she was about to look away, she noticed something and examined Lin Qiao's hands more closely.

"Did you go back to your room for this?" she asked her son in a low voice.

Lin Qiao's pocket was too small for the passbook, so she had to carry it by hand. But since Ji Duo had given it to her, there was no need to keep it hidden.

Xu Li was speechless.

She had been worried that her son might be unwilling and would intimidate the young girl. But instead, he had directly handed over the passbook...