Sixth Aunt, upon hearing Cheng You was looking for a place to live, immediately thought of her old house.
It would need some repairs, as it hadn't been lived in for a long time.
After inquiring with Cheng You, she thought for a moment and asked, "Is it the one not far from Uncle Li's house?"
Sixth Aunt had been good friends with Old Mrs. Li when they were young because their homes were close.
Later, when misfortune struck the Li family, Old Mrs. Li was deeply affected and stopped going out, refusing to see anyone. Their interactions dwindled.
"That's the one. You and Wen Yu won't need such a large house anyway. You can have someone repair it and divide it with walls."
Cheng You found it feasible. "Sixth Aunt, I'll pay you rent every month then."
Sixth Aunt was displeased. "You just live there, no need for rent. That old house is just sitting empty, and we'll thank you for helping find someone to fix it."
Cheng Xianjing added, "Yes, Cheng You, we're all family. There's no need to talk about money."
Since they were adamant about not accepting rent, Cheng You didn't insist. She could always buy them things every month later.
After finalizing the arrangement with Sixth Aunt, Cheng You eagerly took the key to go see the house.
As Sixth Aunt had said, the side entrance could serve as the main door, and once the inner wall was sealed, it could function as a separate dwelling, complete with a courtyard.
There were three rooms, a kitchen area, and a bathing room. The toilet was outside.
Looking around, Cheng You had a general plan in mind. All that was left was to find someone to do the work.
The first step of moving out of the Cheng family home was going quite smoothly.
After viewing the house, Cheng You returned to the educated youth point.
Sun Xiaowan saw her and asked, "Didn't you go to Uncle Li's house?"
"We were collecting medicinal herbs today and were too tired. I'll help you all cook instead," Cheng You replied.
While cooking, she talked about the house.
Sun Xiaowan was curious, "I'll go take a look after we finish our chores this afternoon."
"That would be great. You can come over for meals at my place in the future."
Cheng You didn't have many friends. It was strange how fate worked. Two people with fiery personalities like theirs actually got along so well.
Meanwhile, Cheng Tianhua had been observing, waiting for Cheng You and Cheng Wen Yu to return and apologize.
As the head of the family, he naturally wouldn't seek them out.
However, all his waiting brought him news of Cheng You arranging for a house to be repaired.
Furthermore, it was Sixth Aunt who provided the house, so he couldn't say anything.
Song Yulian worried, "What should we do? If she refuses to come back, what about the marriage arranged with Deputy Director Qian's family?"
Cheng Tianhua let out a heavy snort. Whether she was willing or not, the marriage had to happen.
Her return home wasn't important; all that mattered was that she went to the commune for the arranged meeting.
The problem now was how to get Cheng You to agree to the meeting willingly.
Song Yulian couldn't think of a good solution and went to ask Cheng Tao.
Cheng Tao said, "She cares most about Cheng Wen Yu. You should find a way! We've already spoken with Deputy Director Qian, and he's willing to proceed with the marriage if Cheng You is the one who marries into his family."
He had only glanced at the photograph before agreeing.
Forget about his current age; even in his youth, he hadn't experienced such a tender girl.
It was a win-win situation: a little incentive, and the girl would be sent over obediently.
However, such a beautiful girl was too precious for his son. He'd rather keep her for himself.
...
With the assistance of Deputy Director Qian, getting Cheng You to go to the commune proceeded smoothly.
San Leng sprinted to Uncle Li's house and shouted, "Cheng You Jie, Cheng Wen Yu's teacher just came to the village. He said Cheng Wen Yu got into a fight at the state-run restaurant and is being held there."
Cheng You, being naturally cautious, was not about to be easily deceived.
"Where is that teacher?"
"He's waiting for you at the village entrance. The state-run restaurant said parents need to pick him up, but he only knew you, so he sent me to find you."
Cheng You believed it to some extent. She had indeed told the teacher that Cheng Wen Yu had no parents and that any issues should be reported to her, his elder sister.
"Uncle, can I borrow your bicycle?"
Uncle Li nodded, "Go ahead, be careful."
When she saw the woman at the village entrance, it was indeed Cheng Wen Yu's Chinese teacher, and Cheng You's suspicion vanished.
"Teacher Zhang, is my brother at the state-run restaurant?"
"Yes, hurry over. Room 201. I heard it from the classmates, but the restaurant owner said there would be compensation, so I came to find you."
Her words were earnest, and she showed obvious signs of anxiety, not like someone trying to trick her.
Cheng You nodded and quickly rode off on the bicycle.
She spent the entire journey wondering why Cheng Wen Yu had gotten into a fight this time.
Concern clouded her judgment. Upon reaching the entrance of the state-run restaurant, before she could even properly park her bicycle, Cheng You rushed inside.
Without a word, she hurried to room 201 and pushed the door open.
Cheng Wen Yu wasn't there, only a man with slicked-back hair and a bulging belly.
Cheng You's first reaction was that she had been tricked.
And the fact that they could convince Cheng Wen Yu's teacher to participate in the deception suggested this man had some influence.
Seeing Cheng You turn to leave, Deputy Director Qian quickly said, "Cheng You, is it? Don't rush off."
Before Cheng You could speak, he introduced himself, "My name is Qian Dingzhong, and I'm a deputy director of the commune. You should have heard of me. Zhao Yunlin calls me cousin."
Cheng You let out a laugh. "Is there something you need? You went to such lengths to get me here, surely it wasn't just for an introduction?"
Deputy Director Qian chuckled, "Of course not. I specifically chose the state-run restaurant for a matchmaking meeting. Did your father tell you?"
He didn't seem bothered by the disgust on Cheng You's face.
Girls always wanted to marry someone young, successful, and wealthy.
But these qualities were rarely found together. Unless there was help from elders.
"Don't mind that I'm old; I'm only a few years older than your father. An older man knows how to dote on you. You'll understand the benefits of age later. I won't use sweet talk. I'll be straightforward. If you're willing to marry me, I'll give two hundred yuan as a betrothal gift, plus a bicycle, and arrange a job for you. I'm a deputy director, after all. Follow me, and you'll live a life of luxury. Serve me well, and I guarantee you'll have food and clothing and can walk sideways in Tashan Commune."
He patted his belly. He had to admit, he liked Cheng You's face more and more.
But now wasn't the time; he couldn't scare her off.
Once he successfully married her, he could discipline her then.
Cheng You was thoroughly disgusted, and she roughly guessed that Cheng Tianhua intended to sell her to him.
"Deputy Director Qian, since you're being straightforward with me, I won't hide anything from you. I've severed ties with my father, and even if he wanted to sell me, it wouldn't be his place! I will not marry you. If you really want to marry a daughter of the Cheng family, then let Cheng Tao divorce Zhao Yunlin and remarry you."
With that, Cheng You angrily pulled open the door and walked out.