Chapter 15: Let Them Size Each Other Up
It was her wedding day, but Jiang Ting just couldn't feel happy.
By the time they were seeing the guests off, she was already wearing a forced smile.
She had lost count of how many people had asked whether Jiang Yu was married.
Everyone seemed puzzled about why the Fu family had chosen her instead of Jiang Yu.
Even Fu Xiangyang seemed absent-minded, and Jiang Ting, who had been by his side all day, knew exactly what he was thinking about.
That night, after Jiang Ting had washed up and gone to bed, she coldly remarked, "Don't think about it. There's no point in regretting it now; we're already married!"
Fu Xiangyang was startled, "What are you saying?"
Jiang Ting sneered, "Do you still think you can hide it? Aren't you regretting why it wasn't Jiang Yu who went on that blind date with you instead of me?"
Feeling exposed, Fu Xiangyang was embarrassed. He lay down on the bed, closed his eyes, and tried to sleep.
"You're thinking too much."
Jiang Ting scoffed, "I'm not overthinking; you've got something to hide."
"Are you finished? We got married today, and you're already looking for trouble, huh?" Fu Xiangyang shouted impatiently.
He was feeling annoyed, and even the thought of intimacy couldn't lift his mood.
Jiang Ting felt stifled. She certainly didn't want to argue, but today was her wedding night, and she was angry because of Jiang Yu!
Even though Fu Xiangyang was now her husband, she still felt unsatisfied.
"I'm not finished! Let me tell you, I didn't steal Jiang Yu's marriage opportunity. This marriage was always mine."
Since she wanted to argue, Fu Xiangyang sat up.
"Then tell me, your older sister isn't married yet. How did you end up going on the blind date before her?"
Jiang Ting's eyes widened, and it was clear she had hit the mark. He really did feel regret!
"She's only a few minutes older than me. What difference does it make whether it's her or me? Fu Xiangyang, you have no heart. You've already married me off, yet you're still thinking about Jiang Yu!"
That night, no one in the compound slept. Everyone was eavesdropping on their argument.
After eavesdropping on the argument, He Feiyan quietly returned to the south house.
"Big brother, I heard there's a fight going on in the north house. Didn't Xiangyang just get married? Why are they already fighting?"
He Tingyue gave her a warning glance, "Mind your own business."
He Feiyan sulked, dissatisfied, "They were talking about the new sister-in-law and her older sister."
"Stop being so nosy!" He Tingyue scolded lightly.
He Feiyan didn't dare to say more, muttered under her breath, and went back to her room.
He Tingyue looked out the window, and Jiang Yu's delicate features flashed before his eyes again.
The morning after her wedding night, Jiang Ting felt extremely wronged. She had been holding in a lot of anger since the night before, and now her mother-in-law and sister-in-law were complaining that she hadn't gotten up early to make breakfast.
Not daring to talk back to her mother-in-law, she forced a smile and hurriedly made breakfast.
Only after making Lin Hongxia happy did she find a spare moment to leave the house.
She bought a ticket and boarded the bus, planning to return to the countryside.
Yesterday, Jiang Yu had made quite an impression in front of many people, and Jiang Ting suddenly realized that with Jiang Yu's good looks, it wouldn't be hard for her to marry someone from the city.
Jiang Ting felt a deep sense of resentment; she absolutely couldn't let Jiang Yu stay in the city!
Jiang Yu should suffer like she did in her past life, hiding away, bearing and raising children for a man, becoming a worn-out, neglected wife.
As soon as she got off the bus, she sprinted towards South River Village.
Having married into the city, Jiang Ting was now a popular figure in the village.
Along the way, many people greeted her, but she ignored them.
"Tch! She just got married yesterday, and now she's back at her mother's home? Was she chased back by her in-laws?"
"It sure seems like it; Jiang Ting looks really anxious."
"I wonder why it wasn't Jiang Yu who got married; she's much prettier than Jiang Ting."
Ignoring what the villagers were saying, Jiang Ting rushed home.
"Mom! Mom!"
Wang Meili hurried out of the house, surprised, "Why are you back? It's not time for you to visit yet!"
Without answering, Jiang Ting asked, "Where's Jiang Hao?"
Wang Meili pouted, "What other proper business does he have besides looking for Du Juan?"
Jiang Ting stomped her foot. "Find him now!"
Wang Meili ignored her; dealing with her problems every day was exhausting.
"You should go back to your in-laws' house. Next time you visit, don't show up empty-handed. Bring some extra meat; your brother needs it."
Jiang Ting looked extremely impatient, "I know. Just call Jiang Hao back first. I need to talk to him."
Just as Wang Meili was about to scold her, she saw Jiang Hao coming back.
Jiang Ting quickly pulled Jiang Hao into the house and closed the door to speak in private.
"Has Du Juan agreed to your marriage?"
Jiang Hao brushed her hand away, already annoyed.
"No, she refuses to see me now. She insists that our elder sister marry her second uncle before she'll agree to marry me. But our elder sister has gone to the city, and our parents definitely don't want to agree to a marriage swap."
Jiang Ting secretly scolded him for being useless but had no choice but to placate him. "When I return to my parents' home, make sure to invite Second Uncle Du Juan over. I'll bring Jiang Yu back, and we'll let them meet and size each other up. Then Mom and Dad can decide on the wedding."
Jiang Hao was taken aback. "Will that work?"
Jiang Ting gave him a dismissive glance. "Why not? She's your elder sister. It's only fitting that she helps with your marriage! Just listen to me on this. Also, when my brother-in-law's factory hires temporary workers, I'll let you know first."
Jiang Hao was completely convinced that his second sister genuinely cared for him.
Jiang Ting needed to hurry back to the compound to make dinner, so she didn't have time to say more. She only repeatedly instructed Jiang Hao before hurrying off to catch the bus.
In the end, she still arrived late. By the time she got back to the compound, Lin Hongxia had already prepared the meals.
Feeling uneasy, Jiang Ting entered. "Mom."
Lin Hongxia gave a cold snort. "Where did you go?"
"I went back to my parents' home."
Lin Hongxia was even more displeased. "The first day after your marriage, and you're already returning to your parents' home? What do you mean by that? Do you think my son isn't treating you well, so you need to complain to your family?"
"Of course not! Mom, Xiangyang treats me very well. Marrying him is a blessing I've earned over many lifetimes. I didn't go back to complain; I had some errands to take care of," Jiang Ting explained hurriedly.
Lin Hongxia couldn't be bothered to argue. "Eat quickly and clean up the table afterward!"
Jiang Ting finally breathed a sigh of relief, only daring to eat some vegetables, not daring to touch a piece of pork fat.
The more Lin Hongxia looked, the more dissatisfied she became. "You went back to your parents' home and didn't even bring back any vegetables?"
Everyone wanted to run to the city, not knowing it was even harder there. You couldn't grow your own food, and even vegetables had to be bought. Every penny had to be stretched.
Jiang Ting didn't even bring back any vegetables after returning from her parents' home. Truly ungrateful.
Jiang Ting lowered her head. "When I return to my parents' home, I'll ask my family to prepare some."
Lin Hongxia snorted and said no more.
After the meal, Jiang Ting cleaned up the dishes and then quickly ran out again.
This time, she went to find Jiang Yu.
"Mom said that when I visit my parents' home, you'll come back with us."
Jiang Yu was puzzled. "You're returning with gifts; why should I go with you?"
Jiang Ting said fiercely, "You haven't been home for days. Do you really think you're a city person now and don't plan to return? I've delivered the message. Whether you come or not is up to you."