Chapter 100: Reactions 

Since Zhou Huaishan was a man, Cheng Wu’s mother didn’t go in directly but stood at the door and called out.

Zhou Qing came out upon hearing the noise. "Auntie, what brings you here? What’s the matter?"

Cheng Wu’s mother smiled, her eyes narrowing. "I have something to discuss with your father."

Zhou Qing stepped aside. "Come inside, it’s quite cold outside."

Cheng Wu’s mother entered with a smile, her eyes constantly scanning the room.

This place, even the clan leader’s house isn’t as nice as this.

It seems like Qing really made a lot of money selling silk flowers last time.

If she marries into our family, the dowry will surely be substantial.

Marrying a virtuous wife is important, and this daughter-in-law seems quite capable.

But... 

If only Zhou Qing hadn’t been kissed by that young boss in public, everything would be perfect.

Thinking of that moment when Zhou Qing was kissed by Shen Li in front of everyone, the smile on Cheng Wu’s mother’s face became stiff, and she felt a thorn in her heart. Looking at Zhou Qing now, everything about her seemed irritating.

Zhou Qing didn’t notice her change in demeanor and simply turned to pour her a cup of hot tea.

Zhou Huaishan, who was trying to avoid studying, immediately put his book down when he realized someone had come to visit.

Cheng Wu’s mother took a sip of tea and then said to Zhou Qing, "I need to speak with your father, so you should leave the room."

Zhou Huaishan, being an experienced man, quickly connected the dots, recalling how Cheng Wu had behaved towards Zhou Qing before. His mind clicked, and he immediately understood the situation.

"There’s no need for her to leave. Go ahead and say it. Besides, this matter involves Qing too. It’s better if she’s here."

After all, marriage is a major decision, and a daughter’s opinion matters most.

After all, she’s the one getting married, not him!

Cheng Wu’s mother looked shocked.

Since when is it appropriate to discuss marriage proposals in front of the girl herself?

What does this have to do with me?

Zhou Qing, curious, looked towards Cheng Wu’s mother.

Seeing Zhou Qing’s gaze made Cheng Wu’s mother even more uncomfortable.

What a shameless, immodest girl.

Clutching the teacup, she wasted no time and got straight to the point.

"Qing is getting older, and my boy, Wu, has been close to her since they were young. Even after that public scene with the engagement, he doesn’t mind at all. He’s been pestering me every day to come and propose to you."

With that, she pushed the box of pastries she’d brought toward Zhou Huaishan.

"These pastries were specially bought by Wu from the county’s pastry shop. He truly wants to marry your daughter."

Proposing?

Zhou Qing looked at the box of pastries in surprise, then at Cheng Wu’s mother.

"Cheng Wu wants to marry me?"

Such a big girl, and she says these things without even blushing?!

Suppressing her irritation, Cheng Wu’s mother smiled. "Yes, so what do you think? Are you willing?"

Zhou Qing simply shook her head and said directly, "No, I’m not."

Cheng Wu’s mother’s carefully maintained smile froze instantly.

"Not willing?"

Her voice suddenly rose by several octaves, cracking a bit.

The smile vanished from her face as she glared at Zhou Qing.

"You’re not willing?"

The disbelief on her face made it look like she’d been struck by lightning.

Zhou Huaishan calmly replied, "Marriage should be based on mutual consent. If my daughter doesn’t want to, what’s the problem?"

Cheng Wu’s mother had considered the possibility of rejection, but she never imagined Zhou Qing would outright refuse.

Wu had clearly said Zhou Qing had feelings for him.

Could it be that Zhou Qing had been secretly leading him on while also eyeing that young boss?

Glaring at Zhou Qing, Cheng Wu’s mother snapped, "You won’t marry my boy, but you’re still hoping that young boss from the county will marry you? If he really wanted to, he would’ve proposed the day he kissed you."

Why speak so harshly?

What did I do to offend you?

"Auntie, our families have always had a good relationship, and I’ve been friends with Cheng Wu since childhood. As the saying goes, ‘business is business, friendship remains,’ so there’s no need for you to get so angry."

Cheng Wu’s mother hadn’t been thrilled about this marriage proposal from the start. If it weren’t for Cheng Wu’s insistence and the supposed benefits, she wouldn’t have come at all.

But after hearing this, she couldn’t keep her temper in check. She quickly got off the heated bed.

"Angry? Me, angry? If you hadn’t been leading my Wu on every day, do you think I’d come here, offering you a proposal, to a second-hand woman?"

Zhou Huaishan immediately grabbed the teacup at hand and threw it at Cheng Wu’s mother.

Damn it!

You’re the second-hand one!

Your whole family is second-hand!

Cheng Wu’s mother, still glaring at Zhou Qing, couldn’t react in time and was hit on the shoulder by the teacup, causing her to grimace in pain.

Hearing the commotion, Zhou Ping rushed in.

He had heard everything while practicing with his bow in the yard.

Pointing at the door, he said, "This is our house. Get out. Whether my sister gets married or not is up to her. She already said no, so leave. What are you waiting for? Lunch?"

Zhou Yao also came over.

"Everyone says marriage requires parental consent and a matchmaker, but I’ve never heard of an auntie acting as the matchmaker! When did you take up that profession?"

Her heart pounding from nervousness, Zhou Yao managed to deliver the lines she’d practiced, feeling immensely satisfied afterward.

Zhou Yao’s soft words struck Cheng Wu’s mother like a slap, turning her face blue and white.

Zhou Huaishan, with a dark expression, pointed at the door. "Leave now, or you’ll be asking for a beating."

Seeing the family’s unified reaction, Cheng Wu’s mother gave a bitter smile.

Turning to Zhou Yao and Zhou Ping, she warned, "You two still have to marry and settle down one day!"

The meaning behind her words was clear: Zhou Qing’s reputation would drag theirs down too.

Zhou Yao rolled her eyes. "Don’t worry, Auntie. When I get married, I won’t ask you to be the matchmaker. Wouldn’t want you ruining the proposal."

Cheng Wu’s mother nearly spat blood in rage.

With a face ashen with anger, she turned to leave but suddenly spun back to snatch up the box of pastries from the bed before stomping out.

After she left, Zhou Huaishan turned to Zhou Qing.

"Don’t be upset, daughter. It’s not worth it. There’s always a gap between people."

Zhou Ping added, "Exactly, sis. You wouldn’t even consider someone as talented as my senior brother, so of course, Cheng Wu doesn’t stand a chance. They think their son’s a treasure, but in reality, he’s not worth a dime."

My senior brother is amazing!

He’s well-read, skilled in martial arts, wealthy, and handsome.

Most importantly, he knows exactly what I want!

Whenever I need something, he gives it to me.

There’s no one better than my senior brother!

After all, Shen Li had earnestly promised to take responsibility and marry Zhou Qing properly. It was her who turned him down.

Zhou Yao looked at Zhou Qing, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Sister, don’t worry about her. Someone like that, who only cares about men, can’t understand our perspective. We see much more than just men."

Zhou Qing looked sharply at Zhou Yao.

Yao gave her a knowing smile and a nod. "I’m off to read."

Then she left.

Once Zhou Yao was gone, Zhou Ping also went back to practicing archery.

Why did Zhou Yao’s words just now sound so strange?

---

At the Cheng Wu household.

Cheng Wu was pacing nervously in the courtyard, face flushed and palms sweaty, constantly glancing toward the gate.

_____

TL/N: Happy 100th! Just 392 more to go, lol. It looks like we've reached where the manhua has stopped, so early chapters will be available to supporters. Don't worry these chapters will still be available on this website every Mon and Fri!