Natural Disaster: Back to the End of the World

Part 18

On the way, Yao Ziqing felt particularly conflicted. Whether Aunt Feng Xiang was matchmaking for his eldest or second brother, he couldn't stay calm. In his previous life, there was indeed matchmaking, but not at this time. It happened in the year he started working.

Back then, despite being new to the job, his years of work experience and impressive appearance easily attracted some wealthy middle-aged women to do business with him. Good performance meant higher commissions. In the village, a job at the bank was considered very respectable and promising. It was during this time that Aunt Feng Xiang came to propose a match for his elder brother, suggesting a girl from the town.

However, the girl didn't even meet his elder brother; she just saw their house at the village entrance and left without a second glance. Although Lei Li didn't know or care about the girl, and wasn't particularly bothered by her rejection, he was disheartened. As the eldest brother, he hadn't been able to provide a comfortable life for his younger siblings and their elderly relatives. He felt very down, thinking about how upsetting it would be if this happened to his younger brothers.

Now, matchmaking had come earlier, and the family was also building a new house. What if it was the same girl again, but this time she actually liked his elder brother? As for the second brother, Yao Ziqing looked at the serious driver through the car window's reflection. He thought that no matter how much he showed his dissatisfaction and rejection, whether his second brother would like someone else or not, the result would be the same. Since he had already lived through it once, why not be a bit selfish? But Grandma would probably hope to see all of them settled down. Thinking of this, a hint of sadness appeared in his eyes.

The mall was a bit less crowded than expected, but with the New Year still some time away, many people only start preparing for it closer to the holiday. The men in Lei family village were generally quite tall and well-built, and as long as their facial features were decent, they were usually quite attractive. The four handsome men with different styles walking together drew a lot of attention. Yao Ziqing was used to such attention from a young age, and Lei Xiao typically didn't care about it. The other two, however, felt somewhat awkward and slightly pleased.

Yao Ziqing noticed the price changes for some items. Not only had rice and flour prices slightly increased, but even salt prices had gone up. However, the increase was minor, and with the variety of goods, it didn't draw much public attention. It was clear that the government had started some regulation, but how stringent it was or what amount triggered their notice remained uncertain. Concerned, Yao Ziqing glanced at his second brother.

On the way back, his second brother mentioned that after the New Year, they would handle a batch of goods, which he implied was related to food. However, he didn't specify how. Since he was in the military with a rank, any actions he took would attract even more attention.

Noticing Yao Ziqing's worried gaze, Lei Xiao turned to see the concern in his eyes. He pulled him closer, avoiding the bumping from passing people. With a calm and focused gaze, he looked at Yao Ziqing, who instinctively avoided his stare.

Lei Lang was oblivious to the exchange between them and was chattering with Lei Zheng at a nearby shelf. Yao Ziqing glanced at them and said to his second brother, "I don't know what the third brother and they are arguing about. Let's go over."

Lei Xiao silently watched him for a moment, then ruffled his hair without saying a word. He followed Yao Ziqing towards Lei Lang, his tall frame blocking many passersby and carts.

"Isn't this Lei family's little Si'er? What a coincidence. Is your school on vacation? Oh, buying New Year's goods?"

The speaker was Kong Jiaoqian, Lei Zheng's aunt. Lei Zheng's parents were honest and straightforward, the second son of the third uncle, inheriting his character. The eldest son of the third uncle, Lei Ji, was sharp and lazy, causing the family conflicts that followed. Lei Zheng's family had to separate and divide the property to support their three children.