Incident
Manbao carefully selected her best outfit and happily held her mother's hand as they made their way to Dali Village.
Since Qian's health had deteriorated, she rarely left the village. However, walking was not difficult as long as she took it easy and didn't rush.
The matchmaker had already informed the Fang family, and she was waiting at the entrance of Dali Village. Upon seeing the Zhou family of three, she greeted them and said to Qian, "The young lady from the Fang family is at the meat stall today. When the time comes, let the people from the Fang family take a look at your son."
Qian agreed.
This blind date was arranged with numerous excuses, and formal communication would only take place if both parties were satisfied.
Since they were meeting outside, Zhou Silang lacked the courage to show his true feelings and instead dressed in his own clothes. However, he had washed his hair and carefully cleaned his face early in the morning, looking quite presentable.
Even Manbao couldn't help but steal a few more glances at her son.
She had given birth to six sons, and the fourth and sixth sons were the best-looking ones. However, not all the sons of the Zhou family were unattractive. After all, didn't she fall for Zhou Jin's face back then?
Ahem, Qian blushed slightly and led her son and daughter to the meat stall.
Today, there were many people at the Fang family's meat stall. Not only was the butcher Fang present, but also his wife Cheng, his eldest son Fang Dalang, and the main character, Fang Xiaoniang.
A large number of people came to purchase meat. "Lao Fang, why are there so many people at your place today?"
Fang the butcher coughed uncomfortably and said, "Isn't it a festival today?" "There are more people buying meat, so I asked them to help out."
Is it really that many?
It was only a little more than usual, not enough to attract so many people, right?
Before he could ask, Fang the butcher suddenly plunged the boning knife into the wooden board with a "snap," startling him.
Not only was he startled, but also Zhou Silang, who was about to step forward to buy meat with money in hand.
He was startled by Fang, the butcher, and then, under his piercing gaze, nervously stepped forward, "I… I'll buy two pounds of meat."
Fang the butcher looked him up and down before pulling out the boning knife and asking, "Which cut of meat do you want?"
Zhou Silang stared at the knife, swallowed, and said, "I'll have the tendon meat."
Qian held Manbao's hand and stood aside, smiling as she watched.
Fang, the butcher, slowly cut the meat and asked, "Which village are you from?" "Why do I feel like I've seen you before?"
Before Zhou Silang could speak, someone waiting to buy meat on the side laughed and said, "Lao Fang, you have such a bad memory." This is Zhou Si from Qili Village. He is a frequent customer at your meat stall, purchasing meat every few days. How can you not remember?
Fang the Butcher:...
Zhou Silang:...
Fang Xiaoniang, blushing, stepped forward and snatched the knife from her father's hand, saying, "Dad, let me do it."
She skillfully cut the meat for the person next to her. However, when it was Zhou Silang's turn, she hesitated and did not immediately cut the meat.
Only then did Qian step forward and strike up a conversation with her, "Young lady, you're really capable." "Do you often help out at home?"
Cheng finally found a chance to shine and immediately pushed her husband aside to engage in a conversation with Qian, saying, "Yes, my family is small, with only one son and two daughters." Her older sister got married early, and when the family is busy, she comes out to help.
Cheng smiled and said, "I used to be angry with her father. She's a good girl, but I let her come to the meat stall." It's not good for her reputation. "Who would want to marry her?"
Qian smiled and said, "A girl who cares for her family like this, how could no one want to marry her? It's just like working in the fields for us..."
"Exactly, I realized that later." "My daughter doesn't have any other advantages; she's just efficient at work," Cheng praised her daughter and then looked at Zhou Silang. "Sister-in-law, this is your son." "Isn't he handsome?"
Otherwise, her daughter wouldn't have set her sights on him and insisted on him.
Qian smiled and said, "Yes, this is my fourth son." He has a handsome face. I have many sons in my family, so it's a bit challenging, but fortunately, they are not lazy. Otherwise, I would be worried…"
The conversation continued in this manner.
Manbao was short, with only her head visible above the meat stall's counter. She watched as the two mothers conversed back and forth.
Cheng: My children are few, so don't underestimate my daughter just because she's a girl. We dote on her.
Qian: My family doesn't have any other advantages, just many children, and they're all good. The fourth son may not be outstanding, but he's not bad.
Cheng: My daughter is skilled in both the hall and the kitchen; she can butcher meat, manage a stall, and work in the fields.
Qian: My fourth son can work in the fields, fish, do business, has a sweet tongue, and can endure hardship.
Cheng: My daughter is obedient.
Qian: My son is filial and polite.
Cheng: My daughter is not bad-looking.
Qian: My son is handsome.
As the two mothers argued, Manbao's head swiveled from side to side. Zhou Silang, watching from the side, was afraid she would turn her head too much, so he couldn't help but reach out and press her head to stop her.
Fang Xiaoniang blushed as she listened and secretly watched Zhou Silang. When he reached out, she noticed.
She lowered her gaze and finally saw Manbao.
She blinked and asked, "Who is this?"
Zhou Silang immediately withdrew his hand and whispered, "This is my sister."
Manbao tiptoed to make herself appear a little taller and said, "Sister, my name is Manbao."
Fang Xiaoniang smiled at Manbao and said, "You're so cute."
At first, you didn't find me cute.
But Manbao was a polite and well-behaved child, so she complimented back, "Sister, you're also very beautiful." "Brother, don't you think so?"
Fang Xiaoniang looked at Zhou Silang.
Zhou Silang blushed under the gaze of the two girls.
Cheng and Qian, who were standing on the side, did not miss the commotion.
Their exchange came to a temporary end, and Cheng felt a bit disappointed. She thought her daughter was too eager. Even if she had developed an interest in someone, she should have been more reserved.
Qian also felt a bit disappointed in her son. After all, he was a grown man. Why was he blushing? His sister had opened the conversation for him, and now it was his turn to compliment the other party.
But they couldn't continue their conversation because they had been standing there for too long, and someone had noticed and was walking over.
Qian took out money to buy meat, and Cheng promptly took the knife from her daughter's hand to cut the meat for them. After the exchange of money and goods, the two mothers shared a glance, smiled slightly, and then parted ways.
Qian led her two children back home.
Zhou Silang scratched his head, wanting to ask a question, but unsure of how to begin, so he continued to gaze at Manbao.
Manbao remembered the grudge he held against her for touching his head, so she pretended not to see.
Qian decided to have a detailed conversation with her son when they got home. She gave him a glance and said, "You're both adults, why are you so impulsive?" "Let's talk when we get home."
As soon as they returned home, Old Zhou immediately shouted at Zhou Silang, "Kneel down for me!"
Zhou Silang was startled and was about to retort, but when he looked up, he saw Zhou Wulang and Zhou Liulang kneeling in the courtyard. It was like a bolt from the blue, and he seemed to have realized something. He hesitated to run, but with a snap, he knelt down on the ground.