Chapter 142: Relatives

Chapter 142: Relatives

"Mom, I'll do as you say," Zhang Xue said as she worked.

She knew her mother-in-law wouldn't shortchange her. In the past, when the family was poor, her mother-in-law would prepare many things for her to take back to her parents' home every year.

Miao Cuifang was calculating the family's money, planning to give Zhang Xue fifty yuan to take back home.

Miao Cuifang wasn't being stingy, but this money was given every year, and it was better to increase it gradually. If she gave a large amount at the beginning and then less later, it wouldn't be good.

Besides, fifty yuan was a significant amount back then.

It was about a month's wages for many workers.

...

After another week at home, New Year's Eve arrived.

In the evening, the village lit up with fireworks.

The chilly air was tinged with the scent of sulfur.

Ye Xiaoxiao lit a sparkler in the yard too, but she hurried back inside because it was too cold outside.

Inside the house, although there was no TV to watch, the radio Ye Xiaoxiao bought was tuned to broadcasts.

This radio was just what Ye Jianguo had wanted, and he spent an hour listening to it every night.

Baishi Village had limited radio reception, but it was enough to keep him entertained.

"We don't need to stay up late in our family. If you're tired, kids, head to bed early and get up early tomorrow to wish everyone a Happy New Year," Miao Cuifang said with a smile, noticing that Ye Xiaoxiao was dozing off.

Half-asleep, Ye Xiaoxiao mumbled, "Then I'll go to sleep."

She had never pulled an all-nighter before.

Ye Xiaoxiao returned to her small room and, before drifting off, she briefly wondered what Lu Hanchuan was doing now.

It must be livelier than here, at least the Lu family had a TV to watch.

But Lu Hanchuan might not make it home, maybe he was still stationed with the army.

Thinking about it, Ye Xiaoxiao fell asleep.

Early the next morning, she got up to wish her grandparents, uncles, and aunts a Happy New Year.

The first stop was Ye Jianye's house, followed by other relatives.

Children from other families also came to Ye Jianguo's house.

In the afternoon, after finishing the New Year greetings, Ye Xiaoxiao and the others stayed home to make dumplings.

A distant aunt arrived with her kids to wish everyone a Happy New Year and, upon seeing Ye Xiaoxiao, took her hand.

"Oh my, Xiao Xiao is wearing a ring. Are you married or engaged?"

This relative had quite a sharp eye.

Ye Xiaoxiao shyly withdrew her hand, "No, I'm just wearing it for fun, that's all."

The aunt's smile widened even more, "Xiao Xiao, you're so beautiful. Do you have a boyfriend? I could set you up with someone."

Ye Xiaoxiao felt awkward.

Why was she being pushed to get married?

"Aunt, I'm not in a hurry to get married, and I already have someone."

"You have someone? What's he like? Xiao Xiao, you're so pretty, you should aim for someone from the city, not just anyone from our little mountain village."

"Third sister-in-law, why don't you have some tea?" Miao Cuifang timely interrupted the aunt's words.

Ye Xiaoxiao finally felt some relief.

But the third sister-in-law wasn't one to give up easily; she had another agenda.

"Cuifang, I've got some good news for you."

Miao Cuifang smiled and asked, "What is it?"

The aunt said, "Cuifang, your boys are about the right age to settle down. I have a relative from my mother's side, a young girl who's quite a looker, twenty years old, and she'd be just right for your third son."

Ye Changning, who had been watching the scene, almost choked on his tea.

"Third aunt, no thanks, I'm heading out after the New Year. Don't mess up her chances."

Ye Changning had planned to leave after finishing his driving lessons, but now it looks like he’ll head to Beijing first.

It’s also fine to learn driving in Beijing—there are more instructors there.

That doesn’t stop you from meeting the girl. If the third son doesn’t like her, there’s still your fourth son, right?

Miao Cuifang: “Our fourth son is still studying, so we’re not considering this for now.”

The aunt still wouldn’t give up and tried to persuade Miao Cuifang further, “What about your second son? Isn’t he coming back for the New Year?”

Miao Cuifang: “The second son has a girlfriend—they met in the army.”

From Ye Changan’s letters, it’s clear their relationship is very stable, and they might get married soon.

Miao Cuifang has already started saving for the second son’s betrothal gifts.

The aunt finally left, disappointed, with the children. She thought if she could marry her relative into the Ye family, the good days would never end.

Miao Cuifang isn’t a harsh mother-in-law, and Ye Jianguo doesn’t meddle in family matters—he’s very capable outside the home.

The sister-in-law also has a good temper, so there’d be no need for arguments after marrying into the family.

The Ye family’s courtyard is the cleanest and nicest in the village. Each child has their own room, unlike other families where everyone is crammed onto one kang.

The Ye family’s children are also doing well—some are in the army, and others are studying.

The aunt is still considering whether to bring her relative over to see if there’s a match.

At the Ye family.

Ye Changning patted his chest and said, “Why is the aunt so eager? Is her relative having trouble finding a husband?”

Miao Cuifang: “Don’t talk nonsense. You haven’t even seen the girl—how do you know she can’t get married? Your aunt is just being kind.”

Ye Changning scratched his head and said, “I don’t want to find a wife so soon. Let the second son and Jun get married first.”

Miao Cuifang: “It’d be great if the aunt’s relative could introduce someone to Changjun, but after his last failed blind date, he’s been pretty resistant to them.”

Ye Changning: “So you’re not going to push him?”

Miao Cuifang: “These things can’t be forced.”

Ye Changning: “Then don’t push me, either.”

Miao Cuifang paused…

“No one’s managing you—you could stay single for life if you want.”

Ye Changning raised his head and said, “Mom, look at my face—I can’t stay single.”

If nothing else, he’s got that confidence.

Miao Cuifang really doesn’t know who the third son takes after—how can he be so full of himself?

Even Ye Xiaoxiao couldn’t help but laugh.

“Xiao Xiao, are you and Xiao Lu still getting along well?”

Miao Cuifang suddenly turned to Ye Xiaoxiao and asked.

"It's going well," Ye Xiaoxiao replied immediately.

Ye Changning pouted, "Lu Hanchuan being with my sister is a bargain for him, okay? He wouldn't dare to play around and then leave her."

Ye Changning was way too confident.

Miao Cuifang ignored him and continued talking to Ye Xiaoxiao, "That's good. You don't need to worry about whether your brothers are getting married. If the time is right, you and Lu Hanchuan can get married first."

Ye Xiaoxiao thought to herself that Lu Hanchuan better not hear this, or he would be eager to submit a marriage application immediately.

Ye Xiaoxiao could only say, "Mom, I still have several years of school left. Other things aren't urgent."

Miao Cuifang: "These days, even college students can get married."

Ye Xiaoxiao: "Mom, I think I'll pass. I don't want to be having a baby while in college."

The next step after marriage is having a baby, and Ye Xiaoxiao still thinks it's better to take this step slowly and carefully.

Miao Cuifang: "Yes, we're not in a hurry. Mom's just giving you some advice. Studying is definitely the most important."