Heartfelt romantic Stories: matchmaking love
Kong Fang was known as the prettiest girl in her village and the surrounding areas. She was well-educated, having graduated from university, and had a high-paying job as an accountant at a large company. Coupled with her tall stature and beautiful appearance, her family had no shortage of suitors.
In Shangshuijian, before a girl got engaged, her family had to visit the prospective groom’s family, a custom known locally as “checking the family.” If the girl stayed for lunch at the groom’s house, it indicated her acceptance; if she didn’t, it was a clear rejection.
On a particular weekend, Kong Fang’s mother led the family to visit the Zhao household. Old Zhao, a retired deputy district chief, had a son, Xiao Zhao, who worked at the city’s tobacco monopoly bureau and was quite handsome.
Old Zhao had made thorough preparations for the Kong family’s visit, confident that his son’s match with Kong Fang was more than suitable. He believed the Kong family couldn’t have standards higher than theirs. The Zhao family lived in a villa and drove luxury cars, so they spent the morning chatting, feeling there was nothing more to prove.
Old Zhao’s wife gave 500 yuan red envelopes to each of the children accompanying the Kong family, leaving everyone smiling.
“It’s lunchtime, let’s eat,” Old Zhao suggested, noting the time. The meal was pre-ordered from a high-end restaurant and could be delivered immediately.
“No rush, let’s talk a bit more,” Kong Fang’s mother replied, though she kept glancing outside.
“Are you expecting someone else?” Old Zhao asked concernedly.
“No, no,” she answered, but continued to look outside.
An hour passed, and Kong Fang’s mother went outside five times, but never agreed to stay for lunch. By almost noon, her face darkened, and she urged everyone to leave. The Kong family, understanding, left the red envelopes on the table and left.
The next weekend, the Kong family visited the Qian family, the owners of the company where Kong Fang worked. Mr. Qian’s son, a recent returnee from abroad, had just proposed. The Kong family’s relatives assumed this visit was a mere formality, as they wouldn’t refuse their daughter’s boss.
Mr. Qian thought the same, giving each child a 2000 yuan red envelope. As they chatted, lunchtime arrived, and Kong Fang’s mother started wandering around the factory entrance. Mr. Qian, puzzled, followed her around.
“It’s getting late, let’s eat while we talk,” Mr. Qian suggested, trying to gauge her reaction.
“No rush. My daughter has worked here for two years, and this is my first visit. I want to see more,” she replied, continuing to stroll around.
By noon, Kong Fang’s mother abruptly said, “Mr. Qian, we should leave now.”
“How can you leave? You’ve come all this way; at least stay for lunch,” Mr. Qian insisted, sensing something was wrong but unsure what.
“No need to trouble you,” she said, turning to leave. The rest of the Kong family followed, leaving the red envelopes on the table.
Kong Fang had no strong feelings towards either Zhao or Qian’s sons. She had attended both meetings under her mother’s pressure. To her surprise, her mother rejected both matches before she could even express her own opinion.
“Mom, what were you looking at outside during those visits?” Kong Fang asked curiously. Both families had been hospitable, and her mother had shown no sign of discontent initially. Why did she decide to leave just before lunch each time?
Her mother looked at her but said nothing.
Just as her mother was about to arrange a third match, Kong Fang’s university classmate, Xiao Sun, returned from the south and found a job nearby. He quickly started dating Kong Fang.
“You gave up a 500,000 yuan annual salary for a 5,000 yuan monthly job to be with me. Don’t you regret it?” Kong Fang asked Xiao Sun.
“No regrets. I fell in love with you in university but didn’t dare express it. After working for two years and gaining experience, I built up the courage,” he replied half-jokingly.
“I’m afraid you won’t pass my mother’s test,” Kong Fang said worriedly, explaining the local custom to him.
“Isn’t it just checking the family? I’ve just bought a house and have a job here. What is there to worry about? I’ll invite my parents over when your mother agrees to visit. It’ll be fine,” Xiao Sun said confidently, though he was nervous inside.
“Have your parents visit my house first to confirm the date for the family visit,” Kong Fang suggested, trying to get a hint from her mother to ensure everything went smoothly.
Xiao Sun promptly brought his parents over, and they visited Kong Fang’s home. Her parents readily agreed to visit the Sun family.
That evening, Kong Fang tried once again to find out why her mother had rejected the Zhao and Qian families.
“You’re doing this for Xiao Sun, right? A grown daughter can’t be kept at home!” her mother teased.
“Mom, just tell me,” Kong Fang pleaded.
“Alright, I’ll tell you. I’m not afraid of Xiao Sun preparing in advance,” her mother began, mentioning a name. “Do you remember Taiping?”
“Taiping?” Kong Fang was puzzled, then recalled, “Is he the fool who came to beg for wedding wine at my university celebration?”
She remembered that wherever there was a wedding, Taiping would show up in his ragged clothes, asking for wine without bringing any gifts.
“Yes, that’s him. He lost his mother early and his father died in an accident while working on a reservoir. Being mentally challenged, the local villagers pitied him and would inform him about any wedding so he could get some food,” her mother explained.
Kong Fang suddenly understood, “Mom, you rejected the Zhao and Qian families because Taiping didn’t show up?”
“Exactly,” her mother smiled.
“Why?” Kong Fang was still confused.
“Both families are local. For a local wedding, someone would have told Taiping. If he didn’t show up, it’s either because he was afraid of those families or they mistreated him before. Either way, they’re not kind-hearted. Would I dare send my daughter to such a family?” her mother replied.
“What if Taiping was just sick at the time?” Kong Fang asked.
“He wasn’t,” her mother said firmly.
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
