I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s-Chapter 266: Let’s Set a Child Betrothal

Liu Sanjin saw Shen Meng get off the ox cart, threw away his crutches, pushed through the crowd, and ran all the way over to grab Shen Meng’s hand.

"Dear daughter-in-law, you are truly impressive, you’ve earned the Lu Family some prestige. Are you tired from the journey back? Are you thirsty? Do you want some water? Hurry, hurry, let’s go home. Mom bought meat today, I’ll make you something delicious tonight, hehehe, let’s go home, go home."

Shen Meng: "....."

Your expression changes so fast, just before you didn’t even want to acknowledge me properly.

"Mom, my elder sister-in-law just had a long meeting at her workplace and she’s totally out of energy now, I’ll help her walk."

"No, no, no, she’s not that delicate, not that delicate, I’m still okay. I won’t eat right now, I still have things to do at home, it’s already late, everyone should go about their own business!"

Even Shen Meng, who is thick-skinned, felt embarrassed facing so many eager faces, it felt like everyone was seeing her for the first time, everything so novel.

Yu Xueli was holding Shen Meng’s bag and was also speechless, the village had already heard about Shen Meng earning foreign currency, how could it take so long to treat her like an exhibited monkey? What took them so long?

Wu Xianglan stood beside Shen Meng, holding her head high, extremely proud, especially when she spotted Lu Jiahe in the crowd, she swept a glance and snorted coldly, making the latter shrink her neck without daring to say a word.

Everyone present was a gossipy old lady from the village, Liu Sanjin had lots of words left unsaid, almost being pushed outside.

"Xiao Meng, we only heard about your achievements before, such great achievements, and we didn’t expect you to make it into the newspapers!"

"It’s true, take a look at how nice your photo looks in the newspaper. Shanghai even mentioned our Xiangyang Commune, Lu Family Village, our village has become famous."

"I knew Xiao Meng was no ordinary person since she married into our family, look, haven’t I called it right? I always have good judgment and never bother with the fluff."

"Zhenping is indeed lucky, it’s a pity that Xiao Meng is the only daughter in her family; if there were another sister or something, matchmakers would wear down the doorway!"

"Not only is Xiao Meng a good daughter-in-law, but also a good mother. Look, Mingyang and Mingliang are both well-raised. My granddaughter is pretty and smart, how about, shall we arrange a child betrothal? Mingyang and Mingliang are both fine, we’re not picky."

"What are you talking about, not being picky? Your granddaughter is as dark as a scorched egg and you want her to be a daughter-in-law to Mingyang or Mingliang? Keep dreaming. But my little grandson is good, he’s in the same class as Ming Fang, always talking about Ming Fang, you can tell that boy’s heart is set on Ming Fang, in another ten years they can get married, what do you think, Xiao Meng, when should we have someone calculate the auspicious date?"

.......

Shen Meng’s eyes rounded in surprise; she had anticipated people approaching her for a favor, even for a position at the Head Flower Factory, and certainly for help with various matters. But she never expected anyone to target such young children with the idea of a child betrothal, an outdated feudal practice. Her children were still so little; how could anyone start discussing betrothals?

"Ladies, we really shouldn’t speak nonsense. Mingyang’s children are still so small, we can’t mention such things—it’s like leading them astray. Look, Xiang Lan has newspapers here, everyone can read them. I really just want to head home; it’s been a long day at work, and I’m exhausted. Shirley, help me get home quickly, I need to lay down as soon as possible so I can recover."

"Alright, alright, I’ll support you, let’s hurry on home. Ming Kai waits by the door for you every day after work, he must be getting anxious if we’re late."

While Shen Meng and Shirley were about to move forward, Liu Sanjin grabbed hold of Shen Meng’s clothes.

"Little Meng, did you remember what mom told you? Come to dinner at home tonight; mom specifically bought dough to make you something delicious. You must come tonight, seeing how thin you’ve become; mom needs to nourish you well!"

"Mom, I really don’t want to go back for dinner tonight. If you’re worried about me, just send over a bowl of food. I’m genuinely exhausted and need to get home to rest."

Seeing Shen Meng refusing, Liu Sanjin cursed silently in her heart. Having gained some reputation, she started to act prudish, but with so many people around, she couldn’t say much except to nod and utter some tender words.

As Shen Meng and Shirley walked on, others wanted to follow, but Wu Xianglan, having been pinched by Shirley earlier and learning a lesson, stretched her arms out to stop them.

"Hey, hey, hey, don’t chase after and watch my elder sister-in-law. You’ve seen her before; crowding around her like watching a play, she gets scared. If there’s anything, you can ask me too, I’m just as close to her. Don’t you see? If there’s anything good, she thinks of me too. I bought lots of newspapers; if you wish to read, I can lend them to you, but remember it’s just on loan, you’ll have to return them!"

Shen Meng and Shirley hurried to Xie Jinghao’s doorway, still nervously looking back to see if anyone was following them, feeling relieved to see no one.

"Lord, these older folks really are different—not only are they talkative, but they also dare to touch! Look at your hand, it’s practically rubbed raw."

Hearing this, Shen Meng awkwardly rubbed her hand on her clothes.

"You better take Xiao Ya back home soon, lock up tight for the night, then pop over to the neighbor’s house, give them some stuff and ask them to keep an eye out, lest Lai Zi pulls another stunt."

Shirley sighed. Ever since she took Daya and Xiao Ya to the county, Lai Zi brought Dezi to see her that very day. As expected, a husband and wife’s dispute can’t be easily settled; he kicked Dezi a couple of times at the door, making her cry loudly to soften Shirley’s heart, believing she couldn’t bear to see her children suffer. The two girls were so well cared for, her son must be even dearer to her.

Unexpectedly, she firmly shut her gate, staying inside with the girls, indulging in good food and drink without a glance outside.

Shirley’s heart had turned cold towards Dezi, but still, being flesh of her flesh, hearing her children’s heart-wrenching cries outside, how could she remain completely unaffected?

If anyone was tender-hearted, it was Daya. Hearing her brother cry broke her heart, but being sensible, she never spoke any soft words in front of Shirley; even if tearing up, she ate her meal well, a little habit formed from previous times at Lai Zi’s house, appearing only in tense moments.

Dezi tried to resist crying, but seeing his mother and sisters not come out, and increasingly being bullied in the village, as he grew more sensible, his heartache deepened. Later, as Lai Zi dragged him away, he was unwilling to go; a child without a mother is bullied by everyone, harboring resentment towards his parents and grandparents.