Huang Wenming saw the main person now and was finally sure that Gui Xiang didn't dislike him. Otherwise, she would have driven them away long ago and wouldn't have brewed擂茶 for them to drink.
Thus, Huang Wenming boldly confessed:
"Young Master Gu, don't just talk about tea, help me with the important matter."
Gu Qingcheng was speechless.
You want me to help you pursue my own wife?
Helplessly, Gu Qingcheng said:
"Gui Xiang, we are here today for a matchmaking session. Mr. Huang is incredibly knowledgeable and accomplished, of excellent character, truly a learned individual rarely found in Phoenix Village.
He greatly admires you and harbors secret affection. He has come to meet you today. Do you have any interest in forming a marital union with him?"
Gu Qingcheng had never experienced such a situation before, so he decided to be direct and state their purpose.
Gui Xiang took a sip of tea, and upon hearing Gu Qingcheng's words, she almost choked on the tea.
She coughed for a while, her face flushed, unsure if it was from holding her breath or from embarrassment due to Gu Qingcheng's words.
Before she could answer, Huang Wenming, emboldened, said:
"What Young Master Gu said is exactly what I want to say. Gui Xiang, you are knowledgeable and virtuous, gentle and贤淑. I admire you and wish to marry you. If this union is blessed, I, Huang Wenming, vow to be with you alone for my entire life, and I will never betray you. If I speak falsely, may lightning strike me dead!"
Wow, this is so intense!
Gu Qingcheng didn't expect Huang Wenming to be so bold!
Who says people in this era are reserved?
When faced with genuine passion, they too are open and unrestrained!
Gui Xiang remained silent for a long time.
A brief silence fell upon the hall.
Huang Wenming wanted to say more, but seeing Gui Xiang's shy and charming demeanor, Gu Qingcheng said:
"Mr. Huang, don't ask further. If Gui Xiang didn't fancy you, would she have offered you tea? She would have chased you out long ago!"
"Mmm, mmm, yes!"
Only then did Huang Wenming realize that women are generally shy and reserved, and one shouldn't press them too eagerly.
As there were no elders or other relatives at home, Gui Xiang had to entertain them herself.
Before the natural disaster, if a family was complete, and they came for a matchmaking session, parents and other relatives would naturally come forward to host. Gui Xiang herself would only be able to observe him secretly from the inner chambers. If she was satisfied, further discussions could proceed. If not, she would simply offer tea and see them out.
Of course, those who were normally invited for a matchmaking session had usually had their elders discuss the matter quite thoroughly beforehand. It was rare for them to be offered tea and see out.
The current situation made Gui Xiang's awkwardness understandable.
Fortunately, Gu Qingcheng's few words diffused the tension.
Huang Wenming then smiled honestly and said:
"If that is the case, I understand. I promise I will not fail Gui Xiang in the future. Please bear witness to this."
Gu Qingcheng continued to dutifully act as a matchmaker and inquired about the date for the formal proposal.
Gui Xiang could no longer remain silent and said with a blush:
"That depends on a good day."
This was Gui Xiang's way of agreeing to Huang Wenming's proposal.
Huang Wenming was overjoyed and said: "No problem, I'll take care of it. I'll go ask Uncle Kang about it later."
With both parties in agreement, a good match was settled. Gui Xiang offered to have them stay for a meal, but they declined.
After all, it would be troublesome for Gui Xiang to cook for so many people alone. After the disaster, everyone cherished food and wouldn't casually eat someone else's rations.
Moreover, today was just a matchmaking session. It would be appropriate to stay for a meal during the formal proposal.
After leaving Gui Xiang's house, Gu Qingcheng invited everyone to her house for a meal, letting Mi Guo showcase her culinary skills.
Huang Wenming was naturally delighted. He was still buzzing from the proposal and eager to discuss it with others.
Like a young child who has just confirmed their relationship, he wanted to tell everyone and announce it to the world.
Regarding the wedding process, he, as a man, wouldn't normally ask a woman about such details. Fortunately, He Hua and Mei Xiang were experienced, and he could consult them during the meal.
His first marriage was arranged by his parents and facilitated by a matchmaker. He had merely followed his parents' instructions without much personal investment, so he was naturally unclear on some details when it came to handling it himself. He needed to ask many questions to understand them clearly.
Gu Qingcheng's invitation to her house for a meal provided him with this opportunity to "consult," and Huang Wenming was naturally happy.
Mei Xiang and He Hua were also looking forward to visiting Young Master Gu's home, as they hadn't been there before.
Seeing Gu Qingcheng's sincere invitation, they happily agreed to go.
Young Master Gu was wealthy and wouldn't be afraid of them eating him out of house and home.
Therefore, they had no psychological burden about having a meal at Young Master Gu's place.
Gu Qingcheng's house was similar to those in the village, a wooden structure with a fence wall in front of the yard. Some young saplings were planted in the open space.
Mei Xiang squatted down and recognized them as loquat saplings, as well as pear and lychee saplings. These were collected by Dai Fa when he went down the mountain, and some were dug up by villagers from the mountains and given to Gu Qingcheng. She had planted them all, intending to transplant them when they were larger.
Gu Qingcheng was curious how Mei Xiang could identify the varieties of these saplings at a glance.
Mei Xiang explained that her husband's family was in the nursery business, and she also helped manage it, so of course, she knew.
Gu Qingcheng never expected to have a hidden expert in the nursery business by her side and thus said:
"Mei Xiang, how about you specialize in nursery cultivation from now on? Our village is in great need of such personnel.
I will establish a sapling cultivation team, and would you be its leader?"
Being a team leader meant a higher salary and an improved status. Since she would be doing something she was skilled at, Mei Xiang readily agreed.
However, she had a concern. "What about the communal canteen work? Originally there were over ten helpers, and now with me, there are only four permanent staff. If I leave, there will be one less person."
Gu Qingcheng glanced at He Hua beside her and smiled, "Isn't the person taking over right here? He Hua, how would you like to take over Mei Xiang's canteen duties?"
He Hua had also helped in the communal canteen before, but she wasn't a "formal member." She only appeared when they were making salted eggs or helped with washing dishes and vegetables during busy times, doing odd jobs.
Now, with Gu Qingcheng's suggestion, it was equivalent to her being officially employed, and her salary and other benefits would greatly increase.
How could He Hua refuse? She quickly accepted.
She had also interacted with Gu Qingcheng recently and knew that Young Master Gu was straightforward; he liked things to be clear-cut and disliked people being hesitant. Therefore, she accepted openly and honestly.
Gu Qingcheng was indeed pleased and said:
"He Hua, I see you are also a diligent and clean person. When making salted eggs, you always wash the shells spotless. When washing dishes, you even wipe away water stains. People like you are most suited for canteen work. I appoint you as the canteen leader.
Before, I noticed that the selection for the canteen was quite chaotic. Even slovenly people were hired to cook. Some would go to the restroom without washing their hands and then cut vegetables, others would wipe their noses and then knead dough, which was quite disgusting!"