The False Heiress In The 1980s

10. The Betrothal Discussion

As Lin Yuqi sat at the dining table, she couldn't help but notice the amusing sight in front of her.

Xia Tian and the four-year-old boy, Zhang Wei's nephew, were both eagerly digging into their food.

Their eyes wide, chopsticks moving at lightning speed, and cheeks puffed out as they chewed, they were the picture of gluttony.

Lin Yuqi smiled at the funny similarity between the two of them—both totally absorbed in their meal, looking like twin food-loving warriors. (￣～￣)

Across the table, Zhang Wei sat quietly, feeding the little girl who was perched on his lap.

Though his expression remained serious, there was a certain tenderness in his movements as he carefully fed her small spoonfuls of porridge.

The girl ate happily, her chubby hands clutching her father's sleeve as she savored each bite. Zhang Wei glanced up briefly, catching Lin Yuqi's eye.

"Thank you for making porridge for her," he said, his voice low but sincere. "She seems to like it."

Lin Yuqi nodded, offering a small smile. "I'm glad she's enjoying it."

The room was filled with the quiet sounds of a family enjoying a good meal, the clink of chopsticks and bowls blending with the soft murmurs of conversation.

Mother Xia and Father Xia both praised Lin Yuqi's cooking, their faces full of surprise and delight.

"I didn't know river snails could taste this good!"

Father Xia exclaimed, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

Mother Xia nodded in agreement. "Yuqi, you have a real talent in the kitchen. We're lucky to have you."

Lin Yuqi smiled modestly, though she knew part of the meal's success was due to the spiritual spring water she had added.

It wasn't much, just a small touch to support the Xia family's health, especially with Father Xia and Xia Tian doing such hard work as farmers.

She was happy to help in her own small way.

After a few moments of quiet eating, Lin Yuqi decided it was time to open up the conversation she knew they couldn't avoid.

She set down her chopsticks and looked at Mother Xia.

"Mom," she began gently, "about the betrothal..."

Mother Xia tensed, glancing nervously at Zhang Wei, but she nodded.

"Yes, about that..." she sighed and began to explain.

"The engagement agreement was originally between Zhang Wei and Xia Ning, but... since she returned to the Lin family, the engagement now falls on you."

Zhang Wei sat quietly, his expression unreadable as Mother Xia continued.

"Zhang Wei gave us 1,000 yuan as a betrothal gift when the engagement was first arranged.

Most of it was used to cover your father's hospital bills when he had his accident at the farm... and... well, Xia Ning took the remaining 200 yuan when she left for the Lin family."

At that, Lin Yuqi's eyes widened.

She bit her lip, feeling a surge of anger.

Xia Ning had not only abandoned her betrothal but had the nerve to take what little money the Xia family had left?

How shameless!

She clenched her fists under the table, her mind briefly filled with the image of flipping a table. (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻

Before Lin Yuqi could voice her thoughts, Zhang Wei spoke up for the first time, his deep voice calm but firm.

"I know this situation is sudden, and I don't expect much from you, Lin Yuqi," he said, looking her directly in the eye.

"But I promise to treat you with care if you agree to the marriage."

He shifted slightly, adjusting the little girl on his lap.

"These are my niece and nephew. My elder sister and her husband died in an accident, leaving me to take care of them. I adopted them as my own, and they need someone who can look after them."

Zhang Wei paused for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts.

"I won't ask much from you. All I ask is that you treat them with kindness, as their stepmother. I'm often busy with the pig farm, working with the butchering and deliveries. That's why I need someone who can take care of the children while I work."

Lin Yuqi listened carefully, her eyes drifting over to the two children.

They were so young and innocent, and she could see the responsibility weighing on Zhang Wei's shoulders.

He might not be the most expressive man, but there was a quiet strength in him, and a deep sense of duty.

"I know you're an educated woman," Zhang Wei continued.

"And I won't stand in the way if you want to return to school. I'll support you in whatever you choose to do."

He glanced at her again, his tone softening slightly.

"You seem like a good person. And that's what matters most to me. The children need someone who will care for them, and I need a wife who can help with the family."

Lin Yuqi felt a strange warmth at his words. He wasn't asking for love or affection—at least, not right away.

What he needed was a partner, someone to share the burden of caring for the children and running the household.

His views were traditional, in line with the times, but there was also a modern sensibility in how he viewed his responsibilities and his business.

Zhang Wei leaned forward slightly, his expression serious.

"I know this isn't easy, but if you agree, I'd like for you to come back with me to the farm tomorrow. There's much work to be done, and the children need someone to watch over them while I handle the business."

For a moment, the room fell silent.

Zhang Wei held his breath, his gaze steady as he waited for Lin Yuqi's answer.

He had a feeling that choosing Lin Yuqi as their stepmother would be the right decision for the children.

As for his feelings, well... those could be cultivated in time.

Lin Yuqi looked around the table once more—the happy faces of the children, the warmth of the Xia family, and the quiet strength of Zhang Wei.

This was the kind of family she had longed for.

And in this world, in this era, marriage wasn't just about feelings.

It was about security, partnership, and building a life together.

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