Drama Couple in the 80s

Chapter 24

He Dacheng getting married? Shao Chunlai scoffed.

What nonsense! He doesn't even have a partner.

Not just Shao Chunlai, but no one in the family took him seriously. At heart, they still saw him as that fool.

Having won the argument with his mother, He Cheng couldn't help but sigh again. What a predicament! With the urgency of his future father in law while the awaited gestures from the groom's side and yet this was the state of affairs at home.

While He Cheng didn't dare rely on these opportunistic relatives, he knew he had to handle matters with his future in laws first. Otherwise, the Jiangs would lose face, and the marriage could still fall through, forcing Jiang Ya into open conflict with her family.

Despite their talk, eloping wasn't truly feasible. In ancient times, people emphasized proper rites and procedures, believing "marriage begins with betrothal." Although running away together might be thrilling, it wasn't considered appropriate in this era.

"Mother," said He Cheng, "I've told you before, I intend to marry Jiang Erya. If you want to address this properly, follow the customary steps—engage a matchmaker if necessary. But if you choose to ignore it, that's your prerogative; I've already made my intentions clear."

With that, he turned and headed back to the west room, leaving Bao Lanxiang seated there without any reaction.

Behind him, Shao Chunlai rolled his eyes dramatically. "Tsk tsk, still going berserk over a woman. Must have driven himself mad thinking about her. Mother, looks like big brother's illness never really healed after all."

"Does he usually interact much with the Jiang family's second daughter?" Shao Baokui pondered aloud. "I've seen them talking to each other."

"Father, you can't be serious," Shao Chunlai said. "That girl thinks way too highly of herself and her nose is practically pointing at the sky. She wouldn't even consider someone from our village. This isn't his first bout of such delusions either. Before, he claimed that the Jiang family's eldest agreed to marry him, causing immense embarrassment for us all."

It was a busy night, and they didn't climb into bed until well past midnight. He Cheng slept fitfully and eagerly sought out Jiang Ya early the next morning.

As usual, the commune members gathered at the village entrance. He Cheng pushed through the crowd and before reaching Jiang Ya, the team leader announced that for the entire day, the male laborers would continue plowing fields while women and older folks finish planting sweet potato seedlings in the morning and tend to their private plots in the afternoon with this announcement, the crowd dispersed.

"How did last night go? After I left, did your father give you any trouble?"

"Hmph, my mother scolded me half the night." Jiang Ya pointed to her eyes, revealing panda-like dark circles. All thanks to him!

After He Cheng departed the previous night, Old Man Jiang, furious, ignored her entirely, while Song Shixia berated her relentlessly for hours. However, Jiang Ya remained steadfast, embodying Wang Baoyuan's unwavering determination despite the criticism.

Song Shixia had angrily predicted, "You'll have plenty of suffering ahead."

"I heard arguing at your place last night. What were you fighting about with Shao Chunlai again?"

"Nothing serious, he just needed a good scolding." Jiang Ya's gaze hinted discreetly towards the men gathering nearby. "The guys are leaving soon; why don't you head over first? We can talk later."

He Cheng glanced at the group of male laborers—some leading livestock, others carrying plows and hoes. Just then, Old Man Jiang emerged with cattle gear, hastily said to He Cheng, "I'm heading out for work now. Meet me during lunch break."