The aunties all chimed in, "That's right, girl. Who in our village doesn't know their intentions?"
"I even heard Auntie cursing in the yard last night," one of them added.
"If you ask me, they must have plotted something that didn't work out, and that's why they're venting their anger."
Just as she finished speaking, two young men in their twenties walked into Uncle's yard.
The aunt quickly shouted, "Don't go in there! It's the New Year; how can you just waltz into someone else's yard?"
The two young men looked confused. The taller one spoke up, "We're here to meet."
Everyone present gasped in surprise.
I swallowed hard, incredulous as I asked, "Meet? What are you here to see?"
The shorter boy scratched his head innocently, "Of course, we're here to see you!"
"Auntie said for you sisters to be our wives. Isn't that just making it even closer?"
My sister instantly exploded with anger, "What are you talking about!"
The tall boy wore an innocent expression, "Auntie said you should marry us."
"Besides, your mom can't have sons; won't all the money in the family eventually belong to you?"
"Marrying us is a good deal!"
My sister was so furious she jumped up as if to hit someone.
I quickly held her back.
I couldn't let these idiots drive us crazy.
There were so many aunts watching nearby!
I wanted everyone in the village to know what kind of people the Uncle's family truly was!
After paying respects to our ancestors, people began to disperse in small groups.
Mother rushed over anxiously to check if we were hurt.
After receiving a reassuring answer, she exchanged a glance with my father.
Chen Zhiwen spoke in a deep voice, "What happened here?"
Everyone started explaining the situation in a flurry of voices.
Finally, Aunt Peng Fenglan added with a hint of sarcasm, "On the first day of the New Year, causing such a ruckus is really bad luck."
Uncle's face turned red and pale in succession.
Auntie shot her a fierce glare, "This is our Chen family's business! What does it have to do with you, someone with the surname Peng?"
Aunt Peng Fenglan slapped her thigh, "Oh! I'm just feeling sorry for your family!"
"How could a good girl marry two country bumpkins?"
Auntie was so furious that she leaned back, wanting to say more.
Mother patted her arm, "Sister-in-law, it's the New Year; let's not get upset."
Auntie shot her a sideways glance and turned to Chen Zhiwen, "Zhiwen, I've found a good match for your two daughters."
"Look at these two young men; they are quite reliable. If it works out, we would be related by marriage!"
Chen Zhiwen chuckled innocently, "Since it's my elder brother and sister-in-law who are playing matchmaker, I certainly have no objections."
"This wonderful event of bringing families closer together, I must thank both of you," she said.
Auntie’s expression softened. "Since you agree, let’s discuss the dowry."
Chen Zhiwen slapped his thigh. "How could I forget this!"
"Sister-in-law, you know our situation. All the money is tied up in the company; we really can’t spare any."
The two men who were set up for the blind date exchanged skeptical glances. "Zhiwen Uncle, we can’t believe what you’re saying."
"With so many assets in your family, you can’t afford our bride price?"
Mother chimed in with a smile, "You’re mistaken there."
"There are indeed many assets, but they are meant for Da Zhuang."
"They are daughters; they can’t touch this inheritance."
Mother smiled gracefully. "You’re quite mistaken about that."
At this remark, everyone was left speechless.
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