Chapter 2 (Part 1): The Culinary Tycoon

Old Leftover

Upon hearing Chang Hao mention “marriage,” Yu Qingze, who naturally preferred men, thought that this era might have a more open-minded and accepting attitude towards same-sex relationships. He hadn’t realized yet the differences in this world.

In Yu Qingze’s eyes, Chang Le was still so young and handsome. Even if he were to get married, it wouldn’t be to an old widower in his fifties or sixties. But judging by Chang Hao’s reaction, there seemed to be some hidden secrets that were not meant for outsiders to know.

“Hey, what do you, a little kid, understand? Don’t block my way, move aside. This is an adult matter, children shouldn’t get involved! Brother Le, come out quickly, I know you’re at home…” The middle-aged man scolded Chang Hao for a few moments and then shouted.

Yu Qingze, as an outsider, didn’t feel it was appropriate to continue watching this situation unfold. He stood up, intending to go back to his room. However, on the other side, Chang Hao was like an enraged little leopard, pushing the middle-aged man and trying to drive him out. His expression seemed as though he would bite at any moment.

Caught off guard, the middle-aged man took two steps back, growing irritated. He reached out and grabbed Chang Hao’s little arm.

Yu Qingze was stunned. Chang Hao’s reaction was too intense. Afraid that something might happen, he stood still, thinking he could lend a hand if needed.

Chang Le heard the commotion and hurriedly came forward to pull his younger brother away.

Chang Hao wanted to chase after the man, but Chang Le held him back, rendering him immobile. He could only glare fiercely at the middle-aged man with his angry round eyes.

“Oh, Chang Hao, this kid, is becoming more mischievous and unruly as he grows older! Brother Le, you too, you should manage and teach him properly. This lack of manners is unacceptable. How can things continue like this?” The middle-aged man scolded the two brothers while straightening his clothes.

Chang Le, feeling displeased that his beloved younger brother was being scolded, had a dark expression on his face. He furrowed his brows as he looked at the middle-aged man. Even without asking, he knew why the man had come.

Seeing Chang Le’s less-than-pleased expression, the middle-aged man chuckled and immediately changed his demeanor. Softly, he asked, “Brother Le, the person from Majia Village has sent someone to inquire again. How are you considering it? What do you mean?”

Chang Le shook his head blankly, gesturing refusal with his hand.

Seeing this, a hint of disdain flashed in the middle-aged man’s eyes, but he quickly covered it up, pretending to be patient and concerned. “Brother Le, it’s not just me saying this. You know your situation. If you can’t speak, that’s one thing, but your appearance is also a concern. The color of your cinnabar mole is so dim. How can a young man’s family agree to it? Which man wouldn’t want a handsome and fertile partner? Besides, you’re already twenty-two, soon to be twenty-three. Each year, you’re getting older. It’s not easy to find a man who would want you. Do you think it’s easy to find a suitable partner?”

After those impolite words were spoken, there was a moment of silence.

Chang Le lowered his head, not saying anything, while Chang Hao couldn’t help but tear up.

Although those words were all true, he couldn’t stand anyone saying anything negative about his brother. In his heart, no one’s brother could compare to his!

He jumped out from behind Chang Le, gritting his teeth and shouting, “My brother is the best! We don’t need you to meddle! Leave, hurry up! Get out!”

“Hey, you little brat, don’t tug at my clothes. I just had them fixed a few days ago! You two don’t know what’s good for you. That man from Majia Village may be a bit older, but he doesn’t have any children. His family conditions are good, and he lives in a tile-roofed house. He can even provide a dowry of ten taels of silver! To put it bluntly, how many more years can he live? Once he’s gone, won’t everything be yours? You’re foolish. Where else can you find such conditions…?”

“You leave! Go away!”

“…”

The quarreling continued over there, but Yu Qingze was somewhat astonished.

This man’s words were too harsh, and his thoughts were difficult to comprehend. He was openly exposing people’s scars and sensitive spots right in front of them, especially with an outsider like Yu Qingze present. It was truly difficult to feel favorably toward him.

In Yu Qingze’s opinion, not being able to speak might be inconvenient, but it didn’t mean one couldn’t live. As for appearance, it wasn’t such a big deal for men. Abilities and character were more important. Moreover, although Chang Le’s skin was a bit tanned, he was still handsome, and he didn’t… Yu Qingze paused and looked at Chang Le’s thick bangs…

Yu Qingze’s gaze swept across Chang Le’s bangs, feeling a bit puzzled. However, his focus quickly shifted to two other strange aspects in the middle-aged man’s words.

In ancient times, it was common for people to marry early, which Yu Qingze was aware of. However, what did he mean by “cinnabar mole” and “fertility”? Also, why did he switch between “man” and “gerr”? Based on the middle-aged man’s words, could Chang Le still have children? Was it because the color of his birthmark/cinnabar mole was dim, so he wasn’t considered fertile?

A man being able to have children?

Confused, Yu Qingze deeply felt that there might be something important about this world that he hadn’t figured out yet.

The middle-aged man left, grumbling all the way, and from afar, one could still hear him complaining about the lack of vision and discernment of the two brothers, Chang Le and Chang Hao.

The two brothers stood silently for a while. Then, Chang Le patted Chang Hao on the shoulder and gestured to him, seemingly comforting his younger brother.

Chang Hao looked up at his brother, wanting to say something but hesitated. However, in the next moment, he lowered his head and muttered, “Brother, I’m fine. I’ll go and collect the harvested grain.” After saying that, he quickly took a few steps and started picking up the dried rake to collect the grain.

The middle-aged man was the wife of the two brothers’ uncle, named Wen Li. Since Chang Le turned fifteen, he had been enthusiastic about introducing potential marriage prospects to Chang Le. However, every time he introduced someone, they were either widowers or had questionable character or physical defects. They were definitely not suitable matches.

Chang Le rejected every one of them. On one hand, his younger brother was still young, and on the other hand, their grandfather was in poor health and he couldn’t rest assured. Moreover, his own physical condition was also a significant obstacle. Chang Le was well aware that over the years, he hadn’t considered his own marriage anymore. He only wanted to take care of his grandfather and younger brother, and live a good life as a family.

That was his thinking, but Wen Li didn’t understand. He continued to search for those unsuitable matches.

At first, Chang Le thought Wen Li was doing it for his own good and was grateful to him. However, he and his brother accidentally overheard a conversation between Wen Li and their uncle, and that was when he realized Wen Li had ulterior motives.

Chang Le looked at his brother, sighed lightly, and prepared to go back to the kitchen to continue cooking. But as he turned his head, he met Yu Qingze’s gaze.

Chang Le: …

Yu Qingze: …

Now, it was truly awkward, as no one wanted others to witness their embarrassing moments.

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