Ch 247: Get Lost, You Bastard!

While Bai Yi and Chu Tingting were trudging along the muddy road, things were quite lively on the other side of the mountain. The men, young and old, were gathered together, not for any ordinary reason, but because the village’s richest man, Zhao family, was holding a wedding celebration.

The Zhao family’s courtyard was brightly decorated, with two large cauldrons set up and over a dozen tables arranged beside them. Many people were already seated, their enthusiasm undiminished despite the recent rain. They chatted and laughed, while several children played nearby.

In Yangyang’s family, there’s a tradition of holding a grand engagement ceremony before a wedding. This ceremony, meticulously prepared by the Zhao family, was ostensibly that; however, it was really just a way to collect more wedding gifts.

Rural weddings are always boisterous affairs, but the Zhao family, a prominent local household, ensured even their engagement ceremony was grand and impressive.

A group of older women were seated in the Zhao family’s courtyard, engaging in the typical rural gossip—spreading rumors, regardless of their truthfulness, as long as they found it interesting.

This time was no exception. Several middle-aged women gathered around a table, having already claimed their seats and prepared their takeaway bags before the food even arrived. Idly chatting, one woman holding a child looked around and whispered, “Tell me, did Yangyang’s family really agree to this?”

“No way?” a woman nearby immediately showed interest, and the women began their lively chatter.

The woman holding the child, seeing someone respond, excitedly said, “You wouldn’t believe this, but Zhao family’s son is a gambler and womanizer. He apparently got a woman pregnant while studying away from home, and Old Man Zhao had to pay to settle it.”

“Yeah, Old Man Zhao is like that, and his son is no better. Like father, like son,” an older woman interjected scornfully.

The woman with the child continued, “Did you see Yangyang yesterday? She’s so pretty. Would you marry your daughter off to the Zhao family?”

“Keep your voice down,” another woman said, looking around. “Don’t you know? The Wang family owes the Zhao family a significant debt, and they can’t repay it. What choice do they have but to marry off their daughter?”

“What a waste of a good girl. A beautiful flower planted in a pile of dung.”

“Not dung, a cesspool!”

The women continued their lively gossip.

Despite the idle chatter, today was indeed a joyous occasion for Zhao Liumang. The old man was beaming.

However, he seemed to notice something amiss and said to his listless son, “Where’s your wife? Why hasn’t she arrived yet? You can’t even keep an eye on your wife for a day. What are you going to do in the future?”

Zhao Liumang’s son, Zhao Shoucheng, felt displeased at being publicly reprimanded by his father.

Zhao Shoucheng, however, was dressed flamboyantly, standing out conspicuously in the rural courtyard. His thin frame was encased in a mismatched suit, complemented by a garish red tie.

His style was reminiscent of those depicted in 1970s calendars.

His appearance was extremely awkward.

Zhao Shoucheng, annoyed by his father’s scolding, stamped his foot and shouted, “How would I know where she is? She has her own legs; she can go wherever she wants.”

“Damn it, you’re getting too big for your britches. Let me tell you, after you get married, don’t spoil her. Does she think she’s a missy? What is she?”

Zhao Liumang snorted and continued to scold his son, “Look at you, so useless, you can’t even control your own wife. I’m telling you, stop your studies, get a job at home after the wedding, and don’t get into any more trouble.”

Zhao Shoucheng hastily nodded and said, “Yes, yes, let’s just eat, let’s not wait for her.”

Seeing his son’s spinelessness, Zhao Liumang was furious, scolding him, “All you think about is eating! You’re so useless, how did you even manage to find a wife?”

Zhao Liumang’s voice was loud, and the diners nearby stole glances at the father and son, but Zhao Liumang seemed unconcerned. His status in the village allowed him such liberties.

“She’ll probably be here soon.”

Zhao Shoucheng said, looking towards the entrance.

“You’re spoiling her. When she arrives, we’ll see what she does.”

Zhao Liumang said angrily.

What was Yangyang doing on this engagement day?

Most villagers able to walk were at the Zhao family’s banquet, leaving nearly every house empty. However, one house stood out—the most dilapidated mud house in the village. Its wattle fence was overgrown with green weeds, the yard contained some sprouting vegetables, and several beautiful flowers bloomed faintly in the corner.

A window was open in the dilapidated mud house, and from within came muffled sobs.

Indeed, it was Yangyang and her mother, Wang Ruoshui, weeping.

Wang Ruoshui was sitting on the kang, crying heartbreakingly, while Yangyang rested her head on her mother’s shoulder, her eyes red but dry.

Perhaps her tears had dried, perhaps she was being strong, or perhaps something else entirely. It didn’t matter; she had to face it.

Wang Ruoshui was no longer young; she seemed to have aged significantly overnight. Her eyes were swollen, tears leaving deep streaks on her cheeks. She kept blaming herself, “It’s all my fault. It’s all my fault.”

Seeing her mother, Yangyang forced a smile through her pain and softly said, “Mom, it’s okay. As long as you’re okay, I’m really fine.”

Seeing her daughter say this, Wang Ruoshui was even more heartbroken.

Wang Ruoshui knew her daughter was being forced to marry Zhao Shoucheng, but she was powerless. The debt had spiraled beyond her ability to handle.

The debt was a type of rural high-interest loan, now almost extinct.

Wang Ruoshui wiped away her tears, made Yangyang sit opposite her, and solemnly said, “Daughter, leave. Go anywhere, just don’t come back.”

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