Huang Hao, the eligible bachelor, found himself in utter despair after a meeting arranged by his family.

Marriage preparations were made hastily, and Liao Tingyu, who was caught off guard, couldn’t fathom how things escalated so quickly.

Upon the successful engagement, he finally met with the cheerful Huang Hao.

“You once said you’d rather wait a few more years to find someone you love. How did you suddenly decide to get married?” Liao Tingyu asked, looking at his friend seriously.

Huang Hao replied with a solemn expression, “My father told me that I need to have children as soon as possible, and those born later can only be the younger siblings.”

Liao Tingyu couldn’t help but widened his eyes, a sudden realization dawning upon him.

Why didn’t he think of this before?

Liao Tingyu rushed out without saying a word, and Huang Hao watched him trotting away with a triumphant smile.

When he snapped back to reality, he regretfully hit his head with a fan. How could he have said such things to his own friend?

Huang Hao was heartbroken and blaming his stupid head.

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When Liao Tingyu arrived at the shop, Liao Shi was busy working. “Er-di, why the rush? Take it easy. You’re all sweaty.”

Even though Liao Tingyu understood the importance of not rushing, he felt an anxious. He must do it now.

“Brother, I can’t talk with you now. Where is mother? Is she here?” Liao Tingyu asked impatiently.

“They just returned and are busy in the backyard,” Liao Shi replied.

“Alright, I’ll go find my parents, and you can continue your work here.”

Mother Deng was still in the garden, picking vegetables.

She touched her chest after being shocked by her youngest, “Son! Why didn’t you announce your arrival? You startled me by popping up out of nowhere.”

Liao Tingyu tried to calm himself. “It’s nothing.”

“Why are you so anxious?” mother Deng stood up and looked at Liao Tingyu.

Liao Tingyu had already started but suddenly found himself at a loss for words. He looked at his mother, hoping she could read his mind by his eyes.

But…

Mother Deng observed her son, who stared at her for a while without speaking. “What is it?”

“That… that…”

“Which one?”

Which one? Liao Tingyu’s face turned red. He took a deep breath and finally said, “I’m getting older, and all my classmates are married. I feel like it’s time for me too.”

Mother Deng looked at her son, who had gathered his courage to utter such words. She wanted to laugh but refrained herself, thinking that her son deserved some dignity.

He was indeed a young man who couldn’t even utter these words without blushing.

Holding back her laughter, mother Deng finally responded, “Well, you’re not a child anymore. It’s time to consider these matters. Do you have someone in mind? If so, I can arrange someone to visit.”

Liao Tingyu’s red face finally faded away. “Yes, there’s someone. He’s the son of a local businessman. Because he’s the only child, he’s been pampered and spoiled. He’s also my classmate’s cousin.”

Mother Deng was pleased with this situation. In her eyes, what mattered was her son’s happiness.

“Is it a girl or…”

“He’s a ger.”

Mother Deng nodded knowingly. A “ger” in their town, whether sensible or not, usually had more common sense than delicate young ladies.

Mother Deng recalled delicate girls who was fragile and boneless, the way they held things. She couldn’t help but shudder.

They were overly picky. If you were so choosy, don’t buy it. Yet, they just loitered at the store and wouldn’t leave.

When he finally revealed his true intentions, mother Deng became worried, fearing that the good son she had raised would end up with such a wife.@@novelbin@@

What does it look like? She either doesn’t eat or drinks a man’s blood.

Apart from his knowledge, this of hers can’t do anything straining or carrying things on his shoulders.

In terms of practicality, he was like a piece of tofu.

“It’s fine if you like him. But I’m not sure if he can withstand hardship.”

Liao Tingyu looked at his mother in surprise. “Their family has a thriving business, and I am also quite capable. He won’t have to suffer.”

Mother Deng tilted her head and looked at her son, realizing that their definitions of hardship were different.

It was alright! She could see it for herself!

.

Mother Deng decided to visit the address provided by Liao Tingyu. She initially had little hope but, to her surprise, everything fell into place.

Although they had never met before, she knew from her son’s description that this person surrounded by servants must be the one.

As she headed home, her thoughts grew increasingly positive.

She tugged at Liao Ming and said, “The second child has really good taste. You don’t know how impressive the mansion of that family is. The child is also quite good-looking. What’s more, he is down-to-earth and sincere.”

Liao Ming caught the undertone in her last words, indicating her disdain for a delicate girl.

“As long as you are content with it. These two youngsters make a good match. If you’re pleased as well, why not consider find a matchmaker to arrange a meeting.”

Mother Deng nodded, “We can’t afford to delay any longer. Children are growing up quickly. The other people’s grandchildren are already crawling and running around, and we’re lagging behind.”

Mother Deng spoke with great conviction and immediately sought out the most reputable matchmaker to assist in making the arrangements.

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The matchmaker gladly accepted the task. After all, arranging a marriage for two young people in love is a wonderful opportunity. This was simply a sure hit money.

Huang Zilan was tending to his flowers when he suddenly saw Xiao Liu rushing in a state of panic.

“What’s the matter? Why are you so flustered?”

“Young Master, Young Master,” Xiao Liu panted, “Liao-xiucai came here to propose marriage, and the matchmaker are here.”

These simple words instantly transformed Huang Zilan’s blooming flowers into a disarray. He disregarded his cherished roses, which he cared deeply and would be sad about for a long time.

But right now, he didn’t care at all.

“You said a matchmaker is here.” Huang Zilan said as he set down his scissor, addressing Xiao Liu.

Xiao Liu nodded promptly. He was genuinely delighted for his young master.

The greatest fortune in a person’s life is finding a soulmate.

Huang Zilan slowly settled onto the stone bench, feeling somewhat overwhelmed.

He was very uneasy now.

“Xiao Liu, he hasn’t seen my true self yet. Do you think he will regret this after the marriage?”

Xiao Liu understood his master’s anxiety. However, he also knew Liao-xiucai cared about his own young master. “No, Liao-xiucai isn’t concerned about that. He’s a laid-back person.”

Huang Zilan waved his hand, dismissing Xiao Liu, signaling that he wished to be alone for a while.

He now regretted why he had always suppressed himself and prevented that person from seeing his true self. He wouldn’t be as anxious like now.

Huang Zilan gazed at his hands, which bore some scars.

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Huang Yujin didn’t overthink it. He believed that his child would take excellent care of his future husband, and he had great confidence in Huang Zilan.

Mother Deng also held faith in her son, and the two parents shared their happiness and mutual understanding from different perspectives.

At the end of afternoon, the atmosphere in the room was lively, even the servants had smiles on their faces.

After the two families agreed on the arrangements, Huang Yujin opened his private treasury to calculate the dowry he would prepare for his child.

No matter how he arranged it, he couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t splendid enough or extravagant enough. After all, it was his one and only child, and now it was time to hand him over with grandeur.

For this reason, he personally traveled to the south of the Yangtze River, an area known for its fine silk, to purchase exquisite silks that weren’t available in their town. As Huang Zilan touched the shiny and beautiful silk, his face reddened.

“Why did you purchase something so eye-catching? I usually don’t wear such colorful attire.”

“It’s different at home. When you marry into another family, wearing finer clothes is fitting. Besides, not all of these are for you. Some are for your future husband,” Huang Yujin replied.

“I haven’t seen him wearing such bright colors.”

“It suits him. I’m telling you; I’ve got a good eye for people. He’ll look great in this color.”

“Also, take a look at this. It’s my gift to you. Order it with care. I remember that this item was prepared when your mother was here. Whenever he spotted something nice, he’d save it for you, ready to pack it up as part of your dowry. Unfortunately…”

Huang Yujin picked up an object and reminisced about its origin, while Huang Zilan sounded somewhat melancholic as he thought of his mother, who had always put him first. He was always concerned that he might marry the wrong person.

That night, Huang Zilan gazed at the moonlit garden. He sought blessings for his future happiness and reassured his mother that the person he was going to marry was genuinely kind to him. He had every intention of leading a happy life.

His father had endured many challenges over the past few years. He longed for his mother who had left him. There had been many people in the house since his departure, but no one could fill the void he had left behind.

“Mother, how are you doing?”

The night passed uneventfully, and the following day seemed unchanged, but there was an air of anticipation.

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Most people in town had heard about the newly appointed Chief Liao, who had an engagement. Although the status wasn’t the highest, it wasn’t the lowest either. Everyone believed it was a suitable match.

In combination, Huang Yujin’s reputation was well-known throughout the town. It was common knowledge that Huang Yujin had only one child from his first wife.

Nonetheless, as a ger, marrying him was akin to inheriting the lifetime efforts of Huang Yujin.

Li Ji, who had experienced a sudden bankruptcy due to an unknown dispute, had intended to oppose the engagement but realized that it was futile. His family better take advantage of the auspicious time to return to their own village.