"Why don't …" Zhao Baolin looked at the sobbing Chai Hong and thought for a long time before asking …
But before he could say anything, Chai Hong shook her head desperately. "Take it! Take it all! No matter what, we can't delay the child! I just can't bear to part with him. I feel terrible … Don't mind me. Just cry for a while. "
Zhao Baolin sighed, unsure of what to say.
Chai Hong cried the entire night. Her heart ached for the money, but she was more worried about the future. After all, how could one live without money? Unlike the cities, where there was income every month, they only relied on the bit of food they sold at the end of the year. Once there was no more money in between, it would be difficult to earn some extra money, very difficult, very difficult …
But no matter how terrible she felt, she would pay for it.
The next day, Zhao Baolin, Chai Hong, and Zhao Yuhe set off. They met his sister, Meng Huimei, in Songwu County. Then, Meng Huimei brought them to Liu Family Village to meet Han Xiaoran's parents, Han Kunyan and Zhou Shaoxia.
When they entered, Zhao Baolin felt uneasy, afraid that he would mess things up.
But after meeting them, Zhao Baolin realized that the family was extremely amiable and warm. When the two families gathered, it didn't take long for them to chat and laugh.
"Brother, I've finally seen your child. Although he's deaf and mute, his eyes are the windows to the soul. I can tell. He's a good child. These days, there are many people who know how to earn money, but few have good hearts, "said Han Kunyan with a long sigh as he held his cup.
These words made Zhao Baolin feel good as he hurriedly raised his cup. "There's no need to say anything else. Brother, cheers!"
"Cheers!" Han Kunyan followed suit.
After drinking a cup of wine, Han Kunyan continued. "I've taken a liking to the child, but as you know, even though we are from the village, the villagers care more about their reputation. Marriage is a huge matter, so it can't be a small matter. You have seen my daughter. She's the only daughter of mine. Her marriage is a huge matter. Therefore, the scene must be grand, and the face must be acceptable. "
What else could Zhao Baolin say with Han Kunyan's sincerity? All he could do was nod.
Meng Huimei sat by the side and said, "Brother Han, tell us. what do you plan on doing? Our family will definitely pay the necessary amount, but if it's too much, it won't be easy to take it. "
Meng Huimei had spoken out Zhao Baolin's thoughts. It could be said that Zhao Baolin's every word was on his side and helping him. He was extremely grateful to Meng Huimei and his eyes turned a little red. He was just a distant cousin, but he treated him so well … Zhao Baolin felt warm in his heart! Therefore, he would nod his head whenever Meng Huimei said anything. He believed that Meng Huimei definitely wouldn't trick him.
Han Kunyan said, "Don't worry. My family is dutiful and honest. We have never thought of selling our daughter like a lion. Let's follow the average standard. What others have, we have too. What others don't have, we don't want either. We don't want to be high and mighty, but we don't want to lose face. "
"Brother, your words have touched my heart. Cheers!" Zhao Baolin was touched and raised his cup!
Another cup was emptied.
Han Kunyan said, "Let's follow the village's rules. The meeting fee is two thousand, and the change fee is three, six, six, and nine. We don't want nine. As for the betrothal gift, I believe that if we have the ability, we can settle down in the city. If we can't, we can settle down in the village. As for the one in the city, let the child work hard. As for the betrothal gift, Brother, be straightforward. How much can you give? "
Han Kunyan was straightforward and did not ask for much. Zhao Baolin was grateful, and with the alcohol kicking in, Zhao Baolin had the principle of not letting a good person suffer a loss. "Sixty thousand!"
"Pfft!" Chai Hong, who was eating at another table under the kang, spewed out her food.
"Sis, what's wrong?" Zhou Shaoxia patted Chai Hong's back to soothe her.
Chai Hong chuckled dryly. "I'm fine. I choked on the spiciness."
"That's good. Sis, have some food." Zhou Shaoxia picked some food for Chai Hong as she nodded. However, the food did not taste as good no matter how she ate it. She was filled with worry. A deposit of thirty thousand, a betrothal gift of sixty thousand, and everything else, it was impossible to afford without more than a hundred thousand! Where was her family to get that much money?
Zhao Baolin continued. "We have to prepare the money for the child. She needs to be presentable after her marriage."
Then, Zhao Baolin took out thirty thousand yuan and placed it on the table. He took out twenty thousand and pushed it over. "Brother, this is the deposit for the lass."
"Twenty thousand?" Han Kunyan was a little astonished when he saw that. Typically, deposits in rural villages were just for show. It was common to see ten to twenty thousand, but few would reach twenty thousand.
No one noticed that Zhao Baolin's brows relaxed when he mentioned sixty thousand and handed over twenty thousand. It was as though he had thought things through.
"Brother, it's a nice one!" Han Kunyan did not stand on ceremony and accepted it.
Chai Hong heaved a sigh of relief when she heard that Zhao Baolin had only given her twenty thousand. She thought to herself, "Thankfully, this fellow isn't a complete fool."
However, she heard Zhao Baolin say, "Sis, this matter was all thanks to you. This ten thousand is your reward for your hard work."
Chai Hong's hands trembled when she heard that. However, she held back and did not say a word. She had to give face to her man when they were outside. Besides, it was useless to object. Apart from quarreling and causing a ruckus, what else could they do? It would not be worth it to ruin her son's marriage.
When Meng Huimei saw the money and heard that, she instantly beamed. She hurriedly said, "Aiyah … Brother, you … Sigh, if not for my family being in trouble and being in urgent need of money, I really wouldn't have accepted this money."
"Something happened to your family?" Zhao Baolin asked in astonishment.
"That's right. Your brother-in-law had surgery a while ago and still owes a debt of eighteen thousand. I was worried about it, but I never expected my hands to hurt from taking this money. Let's do it this way. Consider it a loan from me. I'll return it to you in the future, "said Meng Huimei.
Zhao Baolin hurriedly shook his head. "Don't. You're treating me like an outsider. We are siblings. If you don't have enough money, you can tell me. I'll help you think of a solution. "
When Meng Huimei heard that, her eyes clearly trembled. She seemed to be thinking of something or struggling with something. Even the speed at which she took out the money slowed down. However, she eventually smiled and let it go. She took the money.
With the money paid, everyone was happy. The two families chatted into the middle of the night.
Zhao Baolin and Meng Huimei stayed at Han Xiaoran's place for three days. During these three days, Han Kunyan's family treated Zhao Baolin's family extremely well. They showed great concern for their well-being and treated them like family. When they were about to leave, Han Xiaoran's mother, Zhou Shaoxia, would tug at Chai Hong's clothes, refusing to let her leave. She cried her heart out. Finally, Han Xiaoran's cousin and other relatives pulled her back.
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