Volume One, Chapter Four: The Old Woman No One Wants

Lin Jingsheng was momentarily stunned, seemingly not expecting Yu Yaxuan to agree so readily. But now that matters had come to this point, as the head of the family, it would be unreasonable for him to go back on his word.

Yu Yaxuan left early that morning without preparing breakfast for the family. In fact, even the dinner from the night before had been made by Huang Xiulan. Although Huang’s cooking was decent, it still felt like something was missing.

“Son, what’s wrong with you? You’ve been distracted all day. Don’t tell me you still can’t let go of that woman? I’m warning you, her temper’s worse than ever now. You can’t afford to mess up at such a critical moment!”

“If she gets a hold of you, you’ll never be able to hold your head up again in this life!”

Lin Jingsheng, irritated, exhaled a smoky ring and his thoughts wandered: “Mom, you know well enough that back then we had someone take her child, and you lost the child too. I feel I owe her a lot after all the suffering she’s been through…”

Wang Guihua immediately looked around defensively: “Son, wasn’t it you who, feeling sorry for Xiulan after her divorce and losing her child, suggested we give her our child? The child got lost, but it wasn’t on purpose. Who would’ve thought she’d be so useless and give birth to a girl? We’ve told her for years that she gave birth to a son to make things right. Luckily, Xiulan was more capable and gave you a big, healthy boy!”

“If anyone’s to blame, it’s her for not being able to produce a son!”

“Don’t worry, an old woman like her, no job, no connections, and no more childbearing value — no man will want her.”

“If you really feel you owe her, just treat her better from now on.”

After a while, Lin Jingsheng sighed deeply, “I guess that’s all I can do…”

Meanwhile, Yu Yaxuan had contacted several matchmaking agencies, only to be rejected by all. Though she was somewhat attractive, her age left her with little market appeal. It was impossible to find a husband within a single day.

She began to regret agreeing to this so readily.

“What’s wrong with you? Don’t you take yourself seriously? Arranging your whole future in one day? Even a rocket can’t be that fast.”

Worried, Yu Yaxuan could only rely on her close friend: “Can you help me, Canxia? I really want a divorce. Just find someone decent. I don’t ask for much — someone nice to me, and faithful.”

“I’m scared of you, really. I’ll help you set it up.”

Bai Canxia made a few calls, then smiled and nodded: “Go to this place at one this afternoon. I have other things to do, so I won’t be with you. Remember, it’s a man wearing a Zhongshan suit and glasses.”

“Got it!”

At one o’clock sharp, Yu Yaxuan arrived at the café. She kept repeating “Zhongshan suit” in her mind and sure enough, in the corner sat a man dressed exactly as described.

He looked to be in his forties or fifties, with streaks of gray in his hair, yet his clothes were impeccably neat. His handsome face and tall stature exuded a sharp, commanding presence.

Yu Yaxuan confirmed several times that he was indeed wearing gold-rimmed glasses before daring to approach.

“Hello, are you here for matchmaking?”

Cheng Zhengchu glanced at the woman before him. She wore a light purple sweater paired with simple black pants, her makeup light and refined, her demeanor gentle and elegant. Time seemed to have left no trace on her, only adding a touch of charm.

There was also a faint scent of tea about her, oddly comforting.

So this was the match his daughter had introduced?

“Yes,” she answered.

Relieved, Yu Yaxuan said, “Hello, I’m just looking for a companion to share life with. I don’t have high financial expectations — just enough to cover basic expenses for the two of us.”

“Don’t worry. After marriage, I won’t just sit at home enjoying the benefits — I’ll work too, and we’ll strive together to live well.”

Basic expenses?

Hadn’t his daughter told her about their family situation?

Their family owned a business empire; supporting one like her was nothing, let alone ten thousand.

“Sir, do you have any concerns?” Yu Yaxuan asked, meeting his cautiously hopeful gaze.

Cheng Zhengchu came back to himself: “No concerns. Let me introduce myself. I’m an electrician, earning twelve thousand a month. I own a small apartment and have a daughter.”

“Though I can’t offer a luxurious life, I can cover basic expenses.”

Twelve thousand?

Yu Yaxuan was surprised — she hadn’t expected her friend to be so reliable. She thought men her age looking for marriage would offer three or four thousand at most, but this was twelve thousand.

“Don’t joke, sir. For ordinary people, twelve thousand a month is already a lot. You’re too modest.”

Was twelve thousand really a large sum?

In his family, a single plate could cost more.

But the girl knew to hide his wealth — probably afraid he’d find a gold-digger.

If it weren’t for his daughter’s insistence, he wouldn’t bother looking for a wife at all.

But to satisfy his daughter’s wish, he had come.

After all, he only had this one daughter and didn’t want to worry her.

“Sir, I have one condition. Not sure if you’d agree…”

Could she be about to reveal a hidden flaw?

Cheng Zhengchu frowned; his fondness for the woman vanished, but he maintained his composure: “Please go ahead.”

“My ex-husband cheated on me. I couldn’t bear it and asked for a divorce. He demands that I find a husband today if I want his consent. May I ask how you feel about me? Would you be willing to marry me?”

He had expected a serious conversation, but it was just this.

Cheng Zhengchu softened his expression, meeting her worried eyes: “Alright.”

“Then shall we meet at the civil affairs bureau at eight tomorrow morning?”

Yu Yaxuan breathed a sigh of relief, cautiously testing the waters.

“That works.”

Hearing this, Yu Yaxuan smiled brightly — she hadn’t expected things to be settled so simply.

Besides, the man carried an impressive aura. Though an electrician, he looked like a young executive.

His appearance was beyond reproach, far superior to Lin Jingsheng in every way.

“Let’s exchange WeChat so we can stay in touch tomorrow.”

...

Humming happily, Yu Yaxuan returned home in high spirits.

“Where have you been? And you still come back?” Lin Jingsheng’s accusatory voice startled her. She glanced at the man sitting alone on the sofa.

He was the only one in the living room — as if waiting for her?

How strange that this man would wait for her to come home?

She had never experienced such treatment before.

It was always her waiting for him.

She never imagined being waited for could feel so delightful.

“Of course, I went matchmaking. Don’t forget to go to the civil affairs bureau tomorrow.”

Yu Yaxuan was about to retreat to the guest room when Lin Jingsheng grabbed her.

His grip was strong, disbelief shining in his eyes: “You spent the whole day matchmaking? You found someone?”

“Obviously. My match may not be as rich as you, but he’s far more reliable. Stop wasting words; we both have to get up early tomorrow.”

Lin Jingsheng’s grip tightened, his teeth clenched with hatred.

Hadn’t he said no man would want a middle-aged woman?

How had she found someone so quickly?