#30: A Marriage Proposal?

On Wednesday, Huang Yuanbao announced, “It’s decided. We’ll start filming with your Fourth Brother and save you for last.”

“Ah, congratulations!”

“Same to you.”

Huang Yuanbao was busy as always, her phone in hand wherever she went. Jiang BeiBei glanced over and spotted something on the corner of her screen. “Yuanbao! What’s that on your phone wallpaper?”

“It’s just one of your brothers—well, technically, it’s just a dog. How can you even recognize it?” Huang Yuanbao laughed. “Impressive.”

“This is Da Miao! I’d recognize him even if he were ashes!” Jiang BeiBei paused, stunned. “Wait… are you… interested?”

“Huh?” Huang Yuanbao looked confused.

“Why do you have Song Da Miao on your phone?!”

“I took pictures of it last time I visited—it’s so photogenic!” Huang Yuanbao enthusiastically scrolled through her photos, showing them to Jiang BeiBei. “The legend of the Husky holds true—they’re all clowns. Da Miao is both clever and silly at the same time—it’s so adorable!”

“Last time? When was that? Are you saying that besides discussing work, you’ve been to Fourth Brother’s shop… to take pictures of his dog?”

She suddenly understood why Fourth Brother had been taking the dog everywhere lately.

“Da Miao is hilarious. When I said I was leaving, it bit my pants leg and wouldn’t let go. Song Lang joked, ‘That pair of pants is really expensive—you’d have to sell Da Miao just to afford replacing them.’ As soon as it heard that, Da Miao immediately let go, looking so pitiful with those big eyes…”

Huang Yuanbao went on and on about the dog, while Jiang BeiBei stared in disbelief. “…I never thought you’d actually fall for the dog.”

________________________________________

When Jiang BeiBei returned home, she ran into Qin Yuan’s mother coming back from grocery shopping at the stairwell.

Qin Yuan’s mother asked, “BeiBei, it’s been a while since we’ve seen you. Come over for dinner—we’re having braised pork today!”

To be honest, Qin Yuan’s mother was an excellent cook, and Jiang BeiBei was a glutton who couldn’t resist good food. But she was lazy and didn’t want to put on a show of being the polite, considerate child at Qin Yuan’s house just for a meal.

Just as Jiang BeiBei was about to decline, Chu Yao’s mother opened their door. “BeiBei, come over! Your uncle has prepared something delicious!”

“Eh? Auntie Yao, you’re back?”

Qin Yuan’s mother realized belatedly, “Ah… right, BeiBei is now part of the Chu family.”

“Then go to their place for dinner!” Qin Yuan’s mother smiled warmly, carrying her bags upstairs.

Once she left, Jiang BeiBei stood awkwardly in place, mumbling softly, “Auntie, Grandma already cooked dinner…”

Since starting her relationship with Chu Yao, Jiang BeiBei hadn’t yet spoken directly with Chu Yao’s parents. Now, running into them like this, she felt a strange mix of guilt—as though she’d stolen their son without letting them know she was the “culprit.”

“Come on in,” Yao Lan waved her over. “Here, I have something good for you.”

At these words, Jiang BeiBei shuddered. The phrase reminded her eerily of when Qin Yuan’s mother tried setting her up with someone—”BeiBei, I have some good news for you.”

In an instant, countless thoughts raced through Jiang BeiBei’s mind. Amid the chaos, a voice inside her head whispered, You’re with Yao Ge now. Do his parents approve? You’re not exactly the kind of girl everyone loves—lazy and greedy. They’ve taken care of you out of respect for your late parents, but would they really accept you as a daughter-in-law?

Chu Yao’s mother pulled Jiang BeiBei inside and handed her a box of pastries. “This is from Yao Yao’s grandmother for you. It’s almost the New Year—take it and enjoy.”

Jiang BeiBei immediately pushed aside her chaotic thoughts, accepted the pastry box with both hands, and held it close to her chest. “Wow!”

“And this too!” Chu Yao’s mother produced a thick red envelope from somewhere.

“It’s also from your grandmother—New Year’s money. Take it!”

Still in a daze, Jiang BeiBei froze as she watched Chu Yao’s mother place the red envelope on top of the pastry box.

Chu Yao’s mother continued, “And this… your grandmother gave this as well.”

She brought out a gold-locked necklace and placed it on top of the red envelope.

“…Huh?” Jiang BeiBei was at a loss for words.

“What… how…”

“Calm down, don’t get too excited. These are all gifts from your grandmother—for her granddaughter.” Chu Yao’s mother patted Jiang BeiBei’s back gently. “Your grandmother said that BeiBei has grown up, so giving a necklace is perfect. Whenever you find a boy you like, just slip it around his neck…”

“Don’t teach her nonsense,” Chu Yao’s father emerged from the kitchen, drying his hands. He pointed to two square boxes on the coffee table. “Don’t forget these.”

Chu Yao’s mother slapped her forehead. “Oh! I almost forgot. These are from me and your uncle.”

She stacked the two heavy boxes on top of the pile and said, “They were originally meant as dowry items, but now we’re giving them to you as New Year’s gifts. Take them happily. Happy New Year, daughter. Consider it a gift from your parents.”

Jiang BeiBei was utterly dumbfounded, her tongue tied, unable to utter a single word. She could only stare blankly at the stack of things in her arms, wondering if she’d accidentally walked into the wrong house.

This… was completely unexpected.

“We’ll give you our red envelope during the New Year when the younger ones come to pay their respects,” Chu Yao’s mother added. “Let me think if there’s anything else…”

“Auntie…” Jiang BeiBei finally managed to untangle her tongue and regain her ability to speak. “No, no, no… I can’t accept this…”

“Nonsense! Why not? It’s just blessings from the elders for the younger generation during the New Year!” Chu Yao’s mother winked. “Don’t worry! Accepting blessings brings good luck. Take it happily, smile!”

“Um…” Jiang BeiBei’s brain was still in disarray, her thoughts paralyzed on both sides. Without thinking, she blurted out, “Auntie, but… I’m with Yao Ge… we’re together…”

“Who cares who you’re with!” Chu Yao’s mother waved her hand dismissively. “Take it! This is a gift for our daughter this year. It’s your zodiac year, so we’re giving you extra. After the New Year, we’ll prepare your dowry. As for you and Yao Er… when you two decide to get serious—with sincerity stronger than gold—we’ll discuss the details of becoming a daughter-in-law and son-in-law.”

“Huh?”

Not a daughter-in-law? Auntie, Yao Ge is your son!

“Take it,” Chu Yao’s mother urged, pushing her gently. “There aren’t many days left until the New Year. Happy New Year!”

Jiang BeiBei was completely flustered, like a shrimp abruptly thrown into boiling water. She stood bent over, her face flushed crimson, dazedly clutching the pile of “New Year gifts” as she stumbled back home.

When she opened the door, she saw Grandma Liu had come again, and half of her haze cleared.

The two elderly women were sitting in the living room watching TV and sorting vegetables. When they turned around and saw her holding a stack of boxes of various sizes, Grandma asked, “What did you buy this time?”

With great effort, Jiang BeiBei mustered some rationality and stammered, “...Grandma, Auntie Yao and Uncle Chu… gave me these… New Year red envelopes… and also from Yao Yao’s grandmother…”

She remembered what Chu Yao’s mother had said—that it was a gift from her parents for the New Year—and her vision slowly blurred, her nose prickling with emotion.

Jiang BeiBei silently scolded herself: Why am I so weak? Why do I always cry at moments like this?!

Grandma froze for a moment, then shuffled over. Seeing the items, she smacked Jiang BeiBei lightly on the arm. “Oh my goodness! How could you dare accept this!”

Grandma Liu, who had been staring with her mouth half-open, finally came to her senses and chimed in, “This girl is so scatterbrained—how could you just take whatever they give you? Oh dear, Sister Li, look at this red envelope—it’s not small at all…”

Jiang BeiBei felt like an idiot for bringing these things home without thinking twice.

Now, stuck in place, she didn’t know what to do.

Grandma Liu opened one of the boxes and saw the jade bracelet inside. After a brief pause, she whispered, “BeiBei, are you dating their son?”

Jiang BeiBei nodded. “Hasn’t Grandma told you yet?”

Grandma Liu exchanged a knowing glance with BeiBei’s grandma and sighed deeply. “You silly girl—they’re trying to get you to marry into their family!”

“Huh?”

“Tsk tsk, they’re truly cunning… Knowing how hard it is for their son to find a wife, they’ve already secured you first. Oh my, just look at this couple and the careful plans they’ve made…” Grandma Liu slapped her thigh. “BeiBei, how can you be so foolish!”

Grandma remained silent, seemingly pondering how to return the gifts.

“But… Auntie Yao said this was a New Year gift…”

“You foolish girl! Have you ever seen anyone give gold or jade as a New Year gift?” Grandma Liu picked up the red envelope, pulled out the cash, and held it under BeiBei’s nose. “Look at this! This red envelope alone must be worth tens of thousands. This isn’t just any gift—it’s for a future daughter-in-law!”

“But…” Jiang BeiBei shook her head dumbly. “But I’m not married yet…”

“That’s why I’m calling you foolish!” Grandma Liu exclaimed. “Their son works in such a profession—finding a wife would make their ancestors proud. If you date him, his family will surely rush to seal the deal. You’ve fallen right into their trap! Hurry, Sister Li, we need to return these things—don’t let her keep them!”

She turned back to BeiBei. “BeiBei, your Auntie Xiao wants to introduce you to a Chinese expatriate whose hometown is here. He earns tens of thousands of US dollars every month. Auntie Xiao even said that if this match works out, you won’t have to work anymore—you can just immigrate to America and live as a housewife!”

Before Grandma could stop her, Grandma Liu finished her rant. The air froze as everyone turned to look at BeiBei, whose face had gone completely dark.

Anger surged to the top of Jiang BeiBei’s head. For a moment, she didn’t know which part of what Grandma Liu had said made her angrier.

Was it the insult to Chu Yao caused by her outdated matchmaking views? Or was it the implication that becoming a housewife was the pinnacle of happiness?

A tear slid down her cheek. Staring wide-eyed, her whole body trembled.

But she couldn’t lash out at Grandma Liu—not after seeing the shocked look in her eyes. Her heart ached.

Clenching the gifts tightly in her hands, she said firmly, “I’ll keep these gifts. Auntie and Uncle said they’re on behalf of my parents, so I’ll take them!”

She turned and went into her room, closing the door behind her. Leaning against it, she wiped away her tears.

Grandma whispered softly to Grandma Liu, “Sister Liu, enough. She’s stubborn just like her father…”

Grandma Liu fretted, “What are we going to do with this girl! We only want what’s best for her. In a few years, when she gets married, she’ll understand what’s good for her. By then, it’ll be too late to regret!”

A soft knock sounded at the door.

Grandma Liu opened it absentmindedly and saw Chu Yao standing there, dressed in black. She froze for a moment.

Chu Yao: “Is BeiBei back?”

Before Grandma could call out, Jiang BeiBei emerged from her room, still wearing a sullen expression.

Grandma dragged Grandma Liu away, signaling her to leave the matter alone. BeiBei closed the door, leaning against it as she looked up at Chu Yao, saying nothing. Her lips drooped, her eyes red, and she looked utterly pitiful, like someone who had been wronged.

Chu Yao: “What’s wrong? Why are you unhappy?”

Jiang BeiBei hugged him tightly, took a deep breath, and gradually calmed down.

“Do you still want a kiss?” Chu Yao asked softly.

Jiang BeiBei nodded.

He closed his eyes, gently brushed his lips against hers, and when he opened them again, something cool hung from his forehead—a small golden lock dangling over his brow.

Tears still clinging to her cheeks, Jiang BeiBei burst into laughter.

The necklace was too small—it was likely meant for a child, prepared by Chu Yao’s grandmother. It seemed that Chu Yao’s mother’s suggestion about using the necklace to “snare a lover” was just playful nonsense.

“What is this?”

“Mine,” Jiang BeiBei said firmly, glaring at him through gritted teeth. “Chu Yao, you’re mine!”

“Do you want to bite it to make sure?” Chu Yao teased lightly. “Take a bite, and you’ll feel reassured.”

“Go home. Don’t take this off!” Jiang BeiBei pushed Chu Yao away. “Go tell your parents… thank you, Mom and Dad.”

“Hmm?” Chu Yao rarely failed to understand what she meant.

“Thank you, Mom and Dad. Starting this year, I’m determined to live the life I want—and I will!”

Jiang BeiBei watched Chu Yao walk home. Five seconds later, she heard Chu Yao’s mother’s laughter echoing through the walls.

“Hahahaha… You silly boy! That was from your grandmother for BeiBei, and you brought it back here!”

“Eh? I didn’t think… I’ll go return it again…”

“Stop right there! Just leave it like that! Silly son! Hahahaha…”