“Mom, how’s the wedding prepration going? Have you seen the girl yet?” Gao Guihua called out as she stepped into the courtyard, her voice sharp and impatient.
Old Mrs. Gao, who had been fretting over her son’s marriage for days now, turned around with a scowl etched deep into her face. Seeing her daughter arrive, she grumbled angrily, “No, not yet. We were supposed to meet her today. Everything was arranged… and then the girl’s family suddenly canceled at the last minute, claiming she was too busy with work. ‘We’ll reschedule,’ they said.”
She scoffed, clearly unconvinced. “I think it was intentional. They’re playing games.”
If it weren’t for the girl’s good family background, she wouldn’t have put up with this humiliation. But the more she thought about her son falling head over heels for a girl he hadn’t even formally met, the more her heart burned with resentment. That girl must be a fox spirit! Luring her son before even stepping through the door—how could she possibly bring such a disaster into the family?
From the beginning, she didn’t like Xu Qiuye. Not one bit.
When Gao Guihua heard the excuse, she sneered. “Busy with work? Seriously? Is that girl’s name Xu Qiuye? Fair skin, tall build, oval face, and double eyelids, right?”
Old Mrs. Gao was startled. She turned to her daughter in surprise. “How do you know what she looks like?”
She had gone to peek at the girl a few days ago. The girl was indeed pretty—no wonder her son was so obsessed with her.
Gao Guihua’s face darkened. “How do I know? I saw her today—with a man. They weren’t just friends, Mom, they were close. That’s her partner, I’m sure of it.”
Her voice grew sharper. “You’ve been fooled, completely. She already has someone, and she’s still dragging my little brother along. Mark my words, she’s never planning to meet him.”
Just as she finished speaking, Gao Yang came home from work. Hearing his sister’s words, he stepped forward with confusion in his eyes. “Sister, who are you saying already has a partner? Are you talking about the girl who doesn’t want to meet me?”
Gao Guihua turned to her younger brother, her voice turning affectionate despite the sharp message. “You’re back from work? Look, I’m not trying to be mean, but I’m telling you this for your own good. That girl already has someone. She’s just stringing you along.”
Gao Yang froze in place. “You mean… Qiuye has a boyfriend?”
“She came to our restaurant today,” Gao Guihua said, sighing helplessly. “The guy with her is the second brother of that new kitchen girl—Xu Ying, . They looked like a couple to me.”
The more she thought about it, the more she realized Xu Ying wasn’t someone to mess with. That girl was sharp—probably good enough to take over once Chef Ge retired. She wasn’t someone they could afford to offend. She had even thought about arranging a job for her brother in the kitchen of a state-owned restaurant, but now? Not if it meant crossing paths with Xu Ying.
“Gao Yang, there are so many good women in the world. You don’t have to fixate on this one.”
But Gao Yang shook his head, his tone resolute. “I don’t care how good other women are. I only like Qiuye. It’s her or no one.”
“You’re unbelievable! Mom, look at him! The girl hasn’t even married into our family yet and she’s already turning everything upside down!” Gao Guihua rolled her eyes in exasperation and turned to her mother. “She’s going to be trouble if this marriage actually happens.”
Old Mrs. Gao looked at her son and felt her heart clench. She was satisfied with the girl’s background—her father was the factory’s accountant, and she had a proper job at the supply and marketing cooperative. The matchmaker had sung her praises endlessly. If this marriage worked out, it would be a blessing. The girl’s stable job meant convenience and access—who wouldn’t want a connection to the supply and marketing cooperative?
“Daughter, don’t you see? She’s a regular worker, and your brother’s just a temp. If we can get him married into that family, it’ll be a golden opportunity. We’d get benefits too. Buying things through the cooperative would be so much easier,” she said, unwilling to let go of what she saw as a fat piece of meat.
Seeing her mother’s stubbornness, Gao Guihua didn’t bother arguing further. She had come to deliver the truth—that was all.
“Mom, do whatever you want. I’m just telling you what I saw.” She dusted off her clothes and walked away.
Gao Yang remained standing there, his face overcast. “Mom… you said you could get me a job with the transportation team. Was that true?” he asked eagerly, like a drowning man clinging to hope.
If he could just get that job, he’d be worthy of pursuing Qiuye.
Old Mrs. Gao patted his arm, her tone confident. “Your father saved that man’s life back in the day. A job is nothing in return for that kind of favor. It’ll work out.”
That was exactly what she told Accountant Xu when she proposed the match—her son was going to be a driver for the transportation team.
Gao Yang’s eyes lit up. “Then please hurry, Mom. And when can I finally meet Qiuye?”
He still believed he had a chance. Maybe Qiuye would change her mind. As for this supposed boyfriend… he would get to the bottom of that tomorrow.
Meanwhile, at the Xu residence, Xu Shengcai pedaled the bicycle steadily as he took Xu Qiuye home.
Once at the gate, he lifted the gifts he’d brought and entered the courtyard.
Qiuye’s mother beamed when she saw him. She had always known her daughter and Shengcai were in love. Although her husband disapproved, she quite liked the boy.
“Shengcai, you’re back. Have you eaten yet? Come have dinner with us.”
But the moment her voice fell, Accountant Xu’s expression turned thunderous. He sat in the living room with a face like a storm cloud and didn’t say a word to greet the guest.
Sensing the chill in the air, Shengcai bowed politely to Qiuye and quickly excused himself. He didn’t dare overstay his welcome.
Once he was gone, Qiuye’s mother turned toward her husband with frustration. “What’s wrong with you? The boy was just here. Couldn’t you at least put on a better face?
If you didn’t approve, then why did you agree to let Qiuye be with him in the first place?”
Accountant Xu let out a cold snort, refusing to answer. Who would have guessed this boy would pass the exam and become a formal employee?
As Qiuye passed by the living room, she saw her father still fuming. She offered a soft statement , “Dad, I’m heading to my room.”
“Stop right there,” Accountant Xu’s voice cracked like a whip.
She froze.
“That marriage I mentioned today—you’re going to meet the boy. Find a time and go.”
“Dad,” Qiuye’s voice trembled with barely restrained emotion, “I’m not going. I’m already with Shengcai. I won’t see anyone else. I’ve chosen him for life—and I won’t marry anyone but him.”
Her tone was unwavering.
Accountant Xu’s hand trembled as he gripped the chopsticks. With a furious bang, he slammed them onto the table. “Fine! Your wings have grown, and now you’re flying beyond my control! You don’t want to meet him? Then get out of this house. From this moment on—I have no daughter!”
“Old Xu! What are you saying?!” Qiuye’s mother cried out in shock. She rushed to her daughter and shielded her protectively. “Don’t listen to him, sweetheart. He’s just angry—nonsense, all of it. This is your home. You’re my daughter. I dare anyone to throw you out!”
This was the first time she had ever spoken to Accountant Xu like this. She had always deferred to him in everything. But tonight—tonight she stood firmly with her child.
Even Accountant Xu was stunned. His wife had always put him first. When had she ever defied him?
He felt his chest burn with indignation.
“Dad,” came a young voice from the side. Xu Wenbing, Qiuye’s younger brother, stepped out quietly. “My sister’s grown up now. She has the right to choose for herself. She really loves Brother Shengcai. Please, just let them be together.”