Grandma was stunned when I said I wouldn't get involved.
She repeatedly warned me not to cause trouble.
She also said I shouldn't go anywhere for the next couple of days, but to stay home and keep her company.
I agreed outwardly, but was already making plans.
After lunch, I listened to the sounds outside the house while helping Grandma with chores and chatting with her.
But Grandma kept bringing up my future wife.
She said if I got married and had children sooner, she could help look after them.
She mentioned that Gouzi from our village already had a child who could run around.
And that a girl from the next village would be suitable, suggesting I go take a look.
I found it quite exasperating. How old was I really?
I was only twenty, not even of legal age to marry.
Grandma was already eager for me to find a girlfriend.
As for Gouzi from our village having a child.
He got a girl pregnant while working in an electronics factory.
His family paid a lot of money to the girl, asking her to keep the child.
They planned for the couple to register their marriage when he reached the legal age.
The girl had agreed and a wedding banquet was held in the village.
However, after giving birth, the girl ran off.
Now, Gouzi was left as a single father, struggling to make a living in town…
I chatted with Grandma all afternoon.
She was determined to keep me home, afraid I would get into trouble.
She didn't care if I had learned any skills; she just feared I would get hurt.
I understood Grandma's concerns very well.
Therefore, outwardly, I didn't disobey her.
After dinner, as the sun began to set,
I made Grandma a bowl of Shen Yun tea.
Grandma drank it and soon felt sleepy.
In the end, she couldn't stay awake and fell asleep in her rocking chair.
Fearing Grandma would catch a chill, I carried her to bed.
Then, I took a few talismans and left the house directly.
I headed towards Uncle Six's house.
The village was very quiet; it seemed no one was willing to go out.
It felt as if a dark cloud hung over the village.
Soon, I arrived at Uncle Six's house.
Uncle Six had no direct relatives left.
He had two older brothers and an older sister above him.
They were Uncle Two, Aunt Four, and Uncle Five.
All of them were my elders.
According to Grandma, Uncle Six's decision to marry into another family was agreed upon by these three.
The money collected from each household in the village also ended up with these three.
As soon as I reached the entrance, I saw Uncle Six's dilapidated courtyard.
Large red cloths were hung, along with red lanterns.
There were also remnants of firecrackers, and incense and paper money were burning.
Inside the courtyard, conversations could be heard.
I didn't hesitate and walked straight in.
The moment I entered the courtyard, more than ten people inside turned to look at me.
Among them were Village Chief Grandpa San, Uncle Six, Uncle Two, and some helpers for the gongs and drums.
"Hey! Isn't that Ze Wa?"
Village Chief Grandpa San, who was leading the group, spoke first.
"Ze Wa, when did you get back?"
Uncle Two, Aunt Four, and Uncle Five, munching on sunflower seeds, asked with smiles.
I smiled and said:
"Grandpa San, Uncle Two, Aunt Four, Uncle Five, I returned this noon.
I heard today is Uncle Six's big day.
As a junior, I came to see if there's anything I can help with."
I said with a smile, and took out a red envelope from my pocket.
I knew that in the village,
As a young junior, I had no say.
Even if I possessed genuine skills, these stubborn old elders might not trust me.
More importantly, sending Uncle Six to the mountains for a marriage to appease the old spirit.
This was proposed by Village Chief Grandpa San.
Uncle Two, Aunt Four, and Uncle Five could also get a sum of money from Uncle Six.
These were all matters of interest.
If I tried to break them single-handedly, I would surely gain nothing.
In fact, they might directly chase me away.
Therefore, I had to proceed indirectly.
First, I would blend in with the group, and when Uncle Six was sent to the mountains tonight.
There would be more opportunities, apart from this "bride-snatching" old demon.
If the other party's cultivation was too high and I was no match for them.
Then Uncle Six could only pray for his own fortune.
I could only do my best to save him.
To deal with this old demon that was plaguing our village.
And this was my plan.
When the village chief and Uncle Two heard my words and saw the red envelope I produced,
Their expressions towards me instantly changed.
Although this was presented as a joyous occasion, it wasn't a good thing.
Not many people were willing to help; everyone kept their distance.
My主动 offer to help, along with the red envelope,
Pleased the village chief and Uncle Two.
The village chief nodded:
"Ze Wa, it's good that you have this intention.
Since you want to help, then stay!
Go play with your Uncle Six for a while."
He then pointed to Uncle Six, who was wearing a new groom's red outfit and playing with ants in the courtyard.
Uncle Two, Aunt Four, and Uncle Five also hurried over.
Aunt Four snatched the red envelope from my hand:
"Hehehe, Ze Wa, you've become sensible.
I heard from your aunt that you're working in the city now.
Your salary is ten thousand yuan a month.
And you've sent your aunt ten thousand yuan for the past two months."
I gave an awkward smile, tacitly admitting it.
My relatives in the village were all snobbish, looking down on others.
After receiving my red envelope, the three of them,
All smiled and invited me to sit down.
They said there was nothing to do now, and the sending-off ceremony would only start at night.
I waved my hand, and instead, my gaze fell upon Uncle Six, who was still amusing himself with the ants…