Cheng You walked to the door with a sullen face. Before she could speak, she was met with a barrage of congratulations.
She pulled at the corner of her lips coldly, "Congratulations on what? I didn't know I was getting married?"
Someone asked, "Didn't you go on a blind date with the son of Deputy Director Qian's family?"
Cheng You scoffed, "Is Cheng Tianhua telling you that? He tried to trick me into going, but it wasn't his son at the state-run restaurant, it was Deputy Director Qian himself. I think today isn't for his son's proposal, but for himself, isn't it?"
The crowd gasped in surprise.
If Cheng Tianhua truly married Cheng You off to Deputy Director Qian, it would be no different from selling his daughter.
With Deputy Director Qian's appearance and age, standing next to Cheng You, it would be embarrassing to even call them father and daughter.
Just as people were whispering, Cheng Tao spoke up, "Cheng You, did you misunderstand something? It's Deputy Director Qian's eldest son you're supposed to marry. How could we possibly offer Deputy Director Qian to you? That wouldn't be a suitable match either."
Song Yulian added with a smile, "If you don't believe us, ask your father."
Cheng Tianhua and Deputy Director Qian came out from inside. If it weren't for the crowd, he would have disciplined Cheng You.
"Don't talk nonsense. The proposal is for Deputy Director Qian's eldest son, he's your age and a distinguished gentleman! Look at these gifts, they are all for you!"
The doubts in everyone's minds were dispelled. Such a good marriage was not something to be envied.
Cheng You didn't argue with them. It was impossible to make them believe her, whether she spoke the truth or not.
"Then let me tell you clearly, I will not marry either him or his son! Marriage is advocated to be free now; that old feudal system is no longer popular."
Cheng Tianhua said angrily, "The words of parents and the arrangements of matchmakers are the traditions of the ages. What marriage freedom? It won't work with me! With such a good marriage, you don't want it, what kind of man do you want? Cheng You, don't be ungrateful!"
Cheng You sneered, "If that's the case, then why didn't you say anything about the engagement my mother arranged for me?"
Cheng Tianhua was momentarily stunned by her words, his anger growing.
"Cheng Tao is already married to Zhao Yunlin, and you have been compensated for what you were owed. You don't need to act as if everyone has wronged you! Your marriage is up to me. It's settled today, there's no room for negotiation!"
Cheng You's eyes darkened, "Since that's the case, I'll tell you clearly too, I'm not getting married. If you dare to take my household registration book and marry me off without my consent, under the charge of filial impiety, I will also make a scene at the police station and sue you in court. Don't test me!"
Cheng You's words were too harsh, startling many people, who began to persuade her.
"Cheng You, it's not necessary to go this far. He's your father after all!"
"Bones are connected by flesh. Do you really think you can sever ties with him just because you move out? That's not how it works."
"The son of Deputy Director Qian's family, many people would envy this marriage, but you, you're still holding a grudge."
Cheng You didn't even look at them, "If you want to get married, you might as well marry off your own children."
Deputy Director Qian squinted his eyes. She was indeed spirited, and he liked that.
The process of taming her would be rewarding.
He smiled and walked out, asking, "Cheng You, are you not satisfied with something? Is there anything missing from these gifts? Tell me, and I'll buy it all for you."
This statement once again put Cheng You at the center of the vortex.
Everyone's gaze towards her changed. Were these gifts still not enough?
His gaze made Cheng You feel utterly disgusted.
He didn't feel guilty proposing under his son's name.
"I don't need anything. No matter how much money you give or how many things you buy, I don't care. Deputy Director Qian, take your gifts back. Consider me ungrateful, or you can try and see if Tashan Commune is a place you can control with impunity."
Deputy Director Qian smiled coldly, patting his large belly, and looked at Cheng Tianhua.
"Tianhua, it seems your daughter is not very willing."
Cold sweat broke out on Cheng Tianhua's forehead. He wished he could kill Cheng You.
What was wrong with marrying into the Qian family? Eating well, dressing in gold and silver, wasn't that better than her current situation?
"Her household registration is still with us, so her marriage is naturally my decision. There's no unwillingness."
In any case, the marriage had to be settled today.
Cheng You's eyes reddened with anger. Everything they were doing made her utterly despise them.
Then, a resounding voice filled with righteous indignation was heard: "Cheng Tianhua, do you really think you're a local tyrant, forcing your daughter to marry? This old societal practice, aren't you afraid of being dragged away?"
Cheng Tianhua was startled. It was Old Mother Li who had come out.
Although she leaned on a cane and couldn't see, her spirit was very strong.
People hadn't seen her for a long time and consciously made way for her, greeting her.
As soon as Old Mother Li spoke, Cheng Tianhua couldn't stand up straight.
Because she had saved his life, he was destined to owe her.
"Auntie, why have you come out?"
Old Mother Li snorted, pointing at Uncle Li beside her, "What's the saying? A teacher for a day, a father for a lifetime. My son is Cheng You's master, so she has to call me Grandma. Since you are arranging her marriage, we can certainly come and have a look, can't we? Girl, come here."
Cheng You pouted and walked to her side with red eyes, "Grandma."
"Tell me, are you satisfied with this marriage?"
Cheng You shook her head, "I'm not satisfied. They said the person they were seeing was Deputy Director Qian's son, but it wasn't. Cheng Tianhua wanted to marry me to Deputy Director Qian. His age is old enough to be my father, his head is balder than Uncle Li's, and his belly is eight months pregnant. Who could like that?"
Uncle Li: "..."
If it weren't for the important matter at hand, he would have slapped her.
"You're talking nonsense!" Cheng Tianhua roared.
From beginning to end, he had never considered marrying Cheng You to Deputy Director Qian.
He still had pride!
Cheng You let out a laugh, sarcastically saying, "Don't pretend. That day at the state-run restaurant, Deputy Director Qian himself said that if I married him, he would promote you to be the head of the brigade, and your official career would flourish."
Deputy Director Qian naturally denied, "I never said that. Cheng You, you can't frame me. Tianhua, since your daughter is unwilling, then forget it. Arranging a marriage is not about making enemies. Don't ruin our friendship."
Although he said that, Cheng Tianhua knew that if this marriage didn't go through, there would be no friendship left.
"Director, don't worry. Cheng You is just a little sudden. I'll talk to her and it will be fine," Cheng Tianhua tried to appease him.
Deputy Director Qian feigned distress, "Looking at her, she doesn't seem like someone who can be reasoned with. If the marriage falls through, it will damage my reputation. I haven't considered remarrying for so many years, how could I possibly marry this young girl?"
Cheng Tao sneered, "Exactly. Cheng You, you really shouldn't think too highly of yourself."
As soon as her voice fell, a roar was heard: "How is it impossible? Qian Dingzhong, you are truly something else!"