Ch 77: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

Xiao Jun was completely dumbfounded by Shen Yunxuan’s suggestion of a “fake marriage.” He stammered, “F-fake? How can a marriage be fake?”

Shen Yunxuan, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, replied, “Of course it can. Legally, we’d register the marriage, so it’s real on paper. But privately, we’d agree to just be partners or comrades, not a real couple. You help me escape my family, and I help you deal with yours. If either of us finds someone we truly like in the future, we can just divorce. Isn’t that a great deal?”

Xiao Jun’s eyes widened even further. In his twenty years of life, he had never encountered anyone so casual about divorce. Weren’t women supposed to fear divorce the most? His mind struggled to process her boldness.

Standing calmly before him, Shen Yunxuan asked, “Can’t handle the idea? That’s fine. But since you know a lot of people, can you recommend someone who fits my criteria? Someone with good character, willing to agree to a fake marriage, and able to be a reliable partner.”

Xiao Jun blinked and then burst out laughing, his eyes bright as he looked at her. “Your criteria… So, you picked me because you think I have good character? Seriously? Doesn’t everyone say I’m a scoundrel? How did you decide I’m a good guy?”

Shen Yunxuan was surprised. Out of everything she said, that was what stuck? She chuckled. “I asked around and heard that you’re loyal and kind. There’s even a story about you carrying a friend’s grandmother to the hospital one New Year’s after she fainted from a fall. If it weren’t for you, she might not have survived.

That’s what I call integrity and kindness—qualities that matter most. I trust you to be a good partner. I also heard your family is decent and comes from a good environment. That’s rare and a huge plus.”

For the first time in years, Xiao Jun felt genuinely praised. His ears turned red, and he awkwardly cleared his throat, trying to suppress the grin creeping across his face. He felt lightheaded, and in a moment of impulsive warmth, he said, “You’ve got a good eye! Fine, let’s do it!”

Amused, Shen Yunxuan asked, “You’re agreeing to marry me? Are you sure?”

Xiao Jun hesitated for a moment. It was a bit impulsive, but as he looked at Shen Yunxuan, he realized she was offering a way to solve his family’s pressure to marry. Plus, if he ever met someone he genuinely liked, they could divorce without issues. She was courageous enough to propose this; why shouldn’t he agree?

With newfound resolve, he nodded firmly. “I’m sure! Let’s go back and tell the elders.”

As they walked back, Shen Yunxuan quietly explained her situation to Xiao Jun—how her family had refused to let her continue her education, worked her to the bone, almost married her off to a fool, and now expected her to marry into the Xiao family so they could benefit. She also mentioned her plan to sever ties with her family and requested that his family avoid letting the Shen family exploit them for money or resources.

Although she believed the Xiao family was a good opportunity—especially in this pre-economic reform era where a stable family was a safe harbor—she was honest with Xiao Jun. If he felt her situation was too much to handle, she would find another solution, even if it was more complicated.

Her calm and collected demeanor made Xiao Jun angrier on her behalf. To him, the Shen family’s behavior was despicable—exploiting her for years, keeping her at home for free labor, and planning to marry her off to a fool just to get a bride price. His protective instincts kicked in, and he declared, “You’ll marry me. From now on, I’ll protect you. Let’s go inside, and don’t say a word. Leave it to me.”

Surprised but amused by his indignation, Shen Yunxuan smiled. Though she hadn’t interacted much with the Xiao family before, this meeting left her with a positive impression.

Inside, the atmosphere at the table was tense. The four elders—Shen Weiguo, Fang Fang, Xiao Zhijun, and Yu Hong—all looked displeased. Shen Weiguo and Fang Fang were awkward, knowing how absurd it was to suddenly switch daughters for the engagement. Meanwhile, Xiao Zhijun and Yu Hong were visibly angry, feeling deceived. They had almost agreed to the match with the younger, fair-skinned, high school graduate Shen Xuewei, only to have her replaced with the older, darker-skinned, middle school-educated Shen Yunxuan. To them, it felt like a bait-and-switch.

There was no way the Xiao family would agree to this.

Then Xiao Jun entered. Ignoring the tension, he pulled out a chair for Shen Yunxuan and gestured for her to sit. He placed a large chicken drumstick in her bowl and said warmly, “Eat more. Look how thin you are. My dad’s cooking is amazing. After you’re done, I’ll pack two boxes for you to take home.”

Xiao Zhijun and Yu Hong were stunned, their gazes shifting to Xiao Jun in surprise. Even Shen Weiguo and Fang Fang were taken aback. Hadn’t Xiao Jun been visibly resistant and annoyed during the previous meetings? Why was he now actively taking care of Shen Yunxuan? The four of them instinctively looked at Shen Yunxuan but couldn’t discern anything unusual about her.

Xiao Jun spoke up bluntly, “Dad, Mom, I’ll marry Shen Yunxuan. But let’s be clear—your family suddenly swapped daughters without reason or integrity. Don’t expect us to agree to the previous terms. Do you think my family is that easy to fool?”

Yu Hong quickly tugged on Xiao Jun’s sleeve, whispering urgently, “What are you saying? This isn’t your place to negotiate! Be quiet.”

Xiao Jun brushed her hand aside and said boldly, “Didn’t you plan for the bride price and dowry to go toward setting up our new home? Then why can’t I negotiate? Forget the bride price. Instead, provide the ‘three rounds and one sound’ appliances and put them in our new home. Also, add 100 yuan in dowry, two sets of new clothes, two sets of bedding, a full set of pots, pans, and bowls, and a thermos with enamel cups.”

“What? No bride price and you want us to provide a dowry? Absolutely not!” Fang Fang’s voice rose in disbelief.

Xiao Jun raised his eyebrows, feigning surprise. “Didn’t you hear me mention the ‘three rounds and one sound’? How many families can afford that? Be grateful. Or is it that you’re trying to sell your daughter and don’t want the bride price to benefit her?”

That remark made Shen Weiguo and Fang Fang’s faces darken. “What do you mean by ‘selling a daughter’? That’s just a traditional custom!”

Xiao Jun shrugged. “We’re just negotiating, aren’t we? Families that care about their daughters give the bride price and dowry to them. Why not yours? I’m only asking for 100 yuan, and you’re still getting a good deal. Plus, your sudden daughter swap doesn’t seem like the most honest move. Don’t you feel guilty about that? If you’re unwilling to negotiate, there’s no point in continuing. I thought your family was decent and imagined our families getting along well in the future. My elder brother could even help your son. But if you’re insincere, then forget it. I’m not the one in a hurry here.

Look at my family. My dad works at a state-run restaurant, my mom’s at a textile factory, my sister-in-law’s with the supply and marketing cooperative, and my brother’s a high school teacher. Why would I be desperate?”

Yu Hong had been tugging on Xiao Jun’s sleeve the entire time, and both she and Xiao Zhijun were mortified. This brat was practically boasting about his family while leaving himself out as the unemployed troublemaker. It was embarrassing to hear him talk like that, yet it was clear he was intentionally making things difficult for the Shen family, hoping they’d back out.

Meanwhile, Shen Yunxuan didn’t even look up, continuing to eat. She had to admit that Xiao Zhijun’s cooking was excellent. Having eaten mostly roasted sweet potatoes since her rebirth, she deeply appreciated a good meal. For now, she stuck to Xiao Jun’s earlier advice to stay quiet and enjoy the food.

Shen Weiguo and Fang Fang, flustered by Xiao Jun’s bluntness, turned to see Shen Yunxuan eating happily. Fang Fang slapped her on the shoulder. “All you know is how to eat! Are you starving at home? Can’t you say something?”

Shen Yunxuan replied coldly, “Don’t I often go hungry at home? It’s rare to eat a good meal, so why shouldn’t I enjoy it? What do you want me to say? Should I introduce our family?”

She turned to the Xiao family and said, “Uncle, Aunt, I’ve always ranked first in my class. My IQ is higher than Shen Xuewei’s, but my family made me drop out to do housework. Over the years, I’ve done more chores inside and outside the house than Shen Xuewei. I’m more hardworking and capable. My appearance? That’s just from being overworked, malnourished, and sunburnt. A little care, and I’ll look better than Shen Xuewei.”

Fang Fang shouted, “Shut up! What nonsense are you spouting?”

Shen Yunxuan frowned. “Uncle, Aunt, you seem upset about the sudden switch. Didn’t they want me to explain why I’m a better choice than Shen Xuewei? What else should I say?”

What else? Of course, she should talk about the bride price—about how her family raised her with great difficulty, and she should be grateful to her parents, leaving the bride price to them! Instead, she had aired all their dirty laundry, leaving the Shen family utterly humiliated.

Xiao Zhijun and Yu Hong exchanged surprised glances. This girl was sharp-tongued and clearly strong-willed. If what she said was true, she had indeed been mistreated. Between the two Shen daughters, one resembled a pampered lady while the other looked like a servant. They couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for Shen Yunxuan, though pity alone wasn’t reason enough to proceed with the marriage. They were already preparing to end the meal on polite terms.

But Xiao Jun interrupted. “Look at her—she’s malnourished. Do you know how much meat and rice it’ll take to nurse her back to health once she’s in my family? That’s not cheap. I’m already being generous by not asking you for compensation. Wait—are you favoring sons over daughters? Are you marrying her off to pay for your son’s education? Otherwise, how could you treat your daughter so badly? I should visit your son’s teacher and find out how he’s doing in school.”

“What? What does my son have to do with this? Xiao Jun, why would you go talk to my son’s teacher?” Shen Weiguo panicked immediately.

Xiao Jun replied matter-of-factly, “Schools are responsible for shaping the future talents of the nation. They can’t allow morally corrupt students to stay enrolled. Even Kong Rong knew to give up pears to his elders. Your son just sits back and watches his sister suffer? I remember the last time you brought him around—he was chubby, with smooth skin. He must’ve been eating all the food meant for his sister, right? Isn’t that just bullying? Bad morals don’t deserve an education.”

Shen Weiguo and Fang Fang were stunned into silence. Rural folks often feared city people, especially those with jobs and connections, as even a single remark could carry a lot of weight. They couldn’t afford to offend Xiao Jun. Looking at Xiao Zhijun and Yu Hong, they sputtered, “What’s the meaning of this? If you don’t want the match, fine, but why bully us like this?”

Realizing their tone was too harsh, Fang Fang quickly switched to tears. “It’s our fault. We shouldn’t have swapped daughters at the last minute. We didn’t have a choice—Weiwei fell into the river and was rescued. We were afraid of gossip, so we brought Yunxuan instead to see if it might work. If you’re not willing, let’s just drop it. But why bring up Xiao Jie?”

Yu Hong felt embarrassed and was about to explain when Xiao Jun crossed his legs and rolled his eyes. “Because I’m a person of integrity, obviously. I can’t stand injustice. This is a new society, and the leadership says men and women are equal. But your family made the elder daughter drop out of school to serve the younger son, starving her to the point of malnutrition while he’s well-fed and pampered. What’s this? Turning the elder daughter into a servant like some old landlord? Of course I’d report you.”

“No, no, no, that’s not true!” Shen Weiguo and Fang Fang were genuinely terrified. Memories of landlords being paraded and executed during earlier political movements flashed vividly in their minds. They also knew Xiao Jun was unpredictable and might actually report them. Their faces turned pale with fear, their minds a mess.

Xiao Zhijun coughed heavily, glaring at Xiao Jun. “If you don’t know how to talk properly, stay quiet.”

Xiao Jun shrugged. “I’m just speaking the truth. Not trying to scare anyone. If they haven’t mistreated Shen Yunxuan, then don’t use her as a pawn for a bride price. We’re already offering plenty. Uncle, Aunt, we’ve already told our relatives about the engagement. It can’t be called off now. But if you’re switching daughters, then it’s settled as I’ve outlined—bride price, dowry, and all. I’m being fair and not demanding too much. Is that a problem?”

“No problem, no problem,” Fang Fang replied instinctively before freezing. “Wait, what? You still want the marriage?”

After all this drama, who would still want to go through with the wedding? Was Xiao Jun out of his mind? If he liked Shen Yunxuan so much, why was he being so rude to her parents? Fang Fang and Shen Weiguo exchanged confused glances, unable to process what was happening.

Even Xiao Zhijun and Yu Hong were surprised. Xiao Jun turned to them and winked. Knowing their son well, they quickly realized that he must have taken a liking to Shen Yunxuan. They glanced at her and saw her eating braised fish.

Outwardly, she was indeed dark-skinned and thin, with little to recommend her appearance. Had Xiao Jun discovered something in her character while they were outside? Watching her eat with poise and an oddly pleasant air, they noted that she had a certain grace. People with good manners and demeanor usually had decent character. Perhaps she truly had qualities they hadn’t yet seen.

Considering this, Yu Hong whispered with Xiao Zhijun for a moment before turning to Xiao Jun. “You’re really set on this?”

Xiao Jun nodded firmly. “Absolutely. As I said, it’s settled.”

Yu Hong began to feel pleased. Xiao Jun had always resisted marriage, but now that he’d chosen a bride himself, perhaps he’d start taking life more seriously. If he married someone he picked, he’d have no one to blame later. This might not be a bad arrangement after all.

Smiling, Yu Hong started discussing the terms with Fang Fang. As a workshop supervisor at the textile factory, Yu Hong held a higher social status. Fang Fang felt intimidated, especially since she wasn’t as sharp as Yu Hong. Before long, it became clear that the Shen family was in a weaker position. Fang Fang didn’t want to agree, as marrying off Shen Yunxuan to Xiao Jun would yield no monetary bride price. She couldn’t help but think about how marrying Yunxuan to someone else could fetch 300 yuan instead. This deal felt like a huge loss.

Meanwhile, Shen Yunxuan, full from her meal, interjected calmly, “Uncle, Aunt, my parents are willing, but they haven’t discussed it with my grandmother yet. It’s hard for them to decide on the spot. How about we go home and talk it over, then give you a final answer tomorrow? Does that work?”

Her poised and straightforward suggestion eased the tension in the room, giving everyone a graceful way out and leaving no room for delay. Yu Hong’s impression of her improved further. Smiling warmly, she said, “That works. Let’s settle it tomorrow then. By the way, how was the food? Did you enjoy it?”

Shen Yunxuan gave a big thumbs-up. “So delicious! No wonder Uncle is a head chef—it’s even better than the best cooks in our village. City folks are amazing!”

Xiao Zhijun and Yu Hong chuckled at her praise, humbly brushing it off. Xiao Jun raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself that this girl was something else. In just a few words, she had his parents laughing and no longer resistant to the match. Yet he was still puzzled—how could such a sharp and pragmatic girl have been so mistreated by her family all these years?

Hearing Shen Yunxuan’s compliments, Shen Weiguo and Fang Fang began reevaluating their stance. City folks really were impressive, far superior to those in the countryside. Giving up this match over dowry negotiations might not be worth it. After all, wasn’t the point of Shen Xuewei’s marriage into the Xing family to bring benefits to the Shen family later on?

Although Xing Kai’s military career hadn’t yet brought any advantages to the family, the Xiao family was right in town. If the match succeeded, they could enjoy perks like reserved supplies from the supply and marketing cooperative through the Xiao family sister-in-law. Xiao Jie, when attending high school, could also be placed in a good class with help from the Xiao family’s teacher brother, who could personally guide his studies. If anything happened in town, the Xiao family, with so many connections, could lend a hand.

Moreover, future meals at the state-run restaurant wouldn’t require money or ration tickets, thanks to Xiao Zhijun. And with Yu Hong as a workshop supervisor at the textile factory, wouldn’t fabric for clothing be easily accessible?

Xiao Jun glanced at them, then stood up. “Dad, Mom, we should leave. Their family doesn’t seem willing. Let’s go check out Aunt Lin’s coworker’s niece instead. Don’t forget to let Aunt Lin know what kind of people she introduced us to.”

Aunt Lin, the matchmaker between the Shen and Xiao families, was a distant relative of the Shen family and their only connection in town. The Shen family often relied on her, so offending her would cut off any future favors. Moreover, the Xiao family indeed had other options. This marriage was more of a favor to the Shen family, and losing it would be a shame.

Seeing that the Xiao family was truly about to leave, Shen Weiguo and Fang Fang, now panicking, quickly said, “Wait! Let’s sit down and talk this through. We’ve thought it over—let’s do as Xiao Jun suggested. If the young couple can live well, we as parents will be happy too.”

Yu Hong glanced at Xiao Jun, then resumed discussing details with Fang Fang. They agreed to choose an auspicious wedding date, but Xiao Jun suddenly interrupted, “I heard Shen Xuewei is getting married in three days. Let’s make it a double celebration and have my wedding with Shen Yunxuan on the same day. It’s festive! My mom and sister-in-law can handle the arrangements. If you can’t buy the dowry items, just prepare cash and tickets and get them from the supply and marketing cooperative through my sister-in-law.”

With everything finalized, the two families left the restaurant and went their separate ways. On the way home, Yu Hong pinched Xiao Jun’s ear and scolded, “You’ve always refused marriage, and now you want to get married in three days? What’s the rush?”

Xiao Zhijun frowned. “Why are you acting so strangely today? What’s going on in your head?”

Xiao Jun grinned and rubbed his ear. “Well, I like her. I don’t want Shen Yunxuan staying in that toxic environment any longer. The sooner she’s out, the better.”

“Shut up! Calling her family a ‘toxic environment’—be careful she doesn’t turn against you!” Yu Hong glared at him, exasperated.

Xiao Jun chuckled. “Not a chance. She’s already made it clear she won’t let her family take advantage of us. Mom, make sure to tell my sister-in-law to stick to the agreed amount for the dowry. No extra benefits for the Shen family. Oh, and I’ll talk to my brother about not helping Xiao Jie, that little troublemaker.”

“Xiao Jun! Get back here!” Xiao Zhijun shouted as Xiao Jun dashed off, leaving him both angry and amused. Turning to Yu Hong, he asked, “Did she really say she wouldn’t let her family take advantage of us?”

The two exchanged a glance, feeling puzzled. Could this girl be trying to trick them, waiting for them to lower their guard before seeking favors for her family? But that didn’t make sense. Helping relatives was normal, so why go to such lengths?

Perhaps she really didn’t get along with her family. Based on what they’d seen, it seemed true. Since their son had chosen her himself, they decided to dig deeper. They visited her old school and confirmed she had been the top student in her grade. They also asked Aunt Lin about Shen Yunxuan’s character and learned more good things, gradually feeling more assured. In the end, they decided to go ahead with the marriage.

Meanwhile, Shen Yunxuan, determined to strike while the iron was hot, told Shen Weiguo and Fang Fang as soon as they left the restaurant, “Let’s go to the newspaper office and publish a severance statement. If it’s not published, I won’t marry.”

“We’re giving you the dowry and bride price, and you’re still causing trouble? Can’t you learn from your sister?” Shen Weiguo glared at her.

Without breaking stride, Shen Yunxuan replied coldly, “Shen Xuewei has set me up countless times. She’s pushing me to marry Xiao Jun now. I don’t trust her. I need to sever ties first to feel secure.”

Fang Fang, seething with anger, retorted, “Stop accusing your sister! How has she ever set you up? What could she possibly gain from it?”

Shen Yunxuan said, “Let’s hurry, or the office will close. Did you see how annoyed Xiao Jun was earlier? He’s probably worried you’ll take advantage of me. Cutting ties will reassure him, and he’ll treat me better in the future. He’s definitely afraid you’ll try to squeeze money out of me and bleed his family dry.”

Fang Fang was so furious she trembled. Saying they were “bleeding others dry” felt like an insult. Both Shen Weiguo and Fang Fang wanted to teach her a lesson, but seeing the busy street, they held back, fearing the embarrassment if anyone they knew witnessed a scene. Besides, Shen Xuewei had already assured them that severing ties was just for show and wouldn’t cause any real issues. They decided it was better to go along with Shen Yunxuan for now and focus on preparing for the wedding.

With only three days until the wedding, time was tight. Their family was marrying off two daughters at once, so they couldn’t afford to be laughed at. Since they didn’t think much of the severance announcement, they followed Shen Yunxuan to the newspaper office.

Seeing her plan succeed, Shen Yunxuan smiled to herself. While such announcements didn’t hold legal weight, they were extremely effective in this era. Back then, many people didn’t even bother registering their marriages, believing that hosting a wedding banquet was enough to be considered a couple. In small towns and villages, these informal practices carried great weight.

Once the severance notice appeared in the newspaper, everyone in the village and town would assume she had no further ties to the Shen family. Even if her family came looking for her, no one would side with them. It was similar to concerns about adopted children reconnecting with their biological parents—this severance notice was a clear-cut solution.

Since there had never been a case like this in their area, the Shen family didn’t fully understand its implications. Trusting Shen Xuewei’s assurance that it wouldn’t matter, they agreed to publish the notice. They only felt a slight sting from the cost of placing the ad, thinking it wasn’t a big deal since few villagers read newspapers and even fewer townsfolk knew them well enough to notice.

As for any legal obligations to support them in old age, Shen Yunxuan wasn’t concerned. That was decades away, and whether they’d even be able to find her by then was uncertain. Besides, providing the minimum legal support wouldn’t cost much. Her priority was enjoying her life in the coming years without being burdened by their interference.

When they returned to the village, passersby curiously asked why the Shen family had gone to town with Shen Yunxuan.

Now that the match was set, regardless of how humiliating the process had been, the marriage was a social climb for the Shen family. It was something they could boast about. Fang Fang, beaming with pride, said, “My eldest daughter is marrying into a town family. From now on, she’ll be a city resident.”

The villagers were shocked, their eyes wide. “What? Your eldest daughter is marrying into a town family? What kind of family?”

“The Xiao family. The head chef at the state-run restaurant is my in-law. His wife is a workshop supervisor at the textile factory. Their elder brother is a high school teacher, and their sister-in-law works at the supply and marketing cooperative. My daughter’s excellent personality caught their eye right away!”

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆