Hearing all this, Deputy Factory Director Jiang's mind raced as he cursed He Hua's family over and over again.
At this moment, no matter how unwilling he was, he had to make a decision immediately. If the police really got involved, his career would be at risk—and his son might even end up with a criminal record.
As for Su Yun… that could wait. Once he dealt with the He family, he could settle things with her family anytime.
Damn troublemakers!
Putting on a smile, Deputy Director Jiang said to He Hua's mother,
"Dear in-law, you're being too serious. The children are in a free relationship—this is a good thing."
"How about we find some time to sit down and discuss how to handle this matter properly?"
But He Hua's mother was not so easily fooled.
She immediately replied,
"Dear in-law, my daughter He Hua has always been pampered. I raised her this way so she could marry into a good family. Now that your son has wronged her, let's not waste words—you must come tomorrow with a betrothal gift."
"I'm not asking for much. Just follow the current custom: the 'three turns and one ring,' plus 200 yuan…"
Before she could finish, Jiang's wife snapped sharply,
"What? For a girl like her? Even if you sold her, she wouldn't be worth 200 yuan! At most, five yuan—take it or leave it!"
He Hua's mother's face immediately darkened.
"Fine. Then we'll wait for the police to arrive."
Deputy Director Jiang shot his wife a warning glance and quickly soothed He Hua's mother.
"Three turns and one ring, plus 200 yuan—I can give you all that. But you must write a guarantee stating that my son and your daughter are in a consensual relationship. You must also promise never to report him to the police for any reason in the future."
Hearing that he agreed, He Hua's mother was overjoyed and nodded immediately.
"Deal!"
"Not happening!"
Jiang Guangzong suddenly spoke.
He glared viciously at He Hua.
"This ugly woman dares to frame me, and I'm supposed to give you a betrothal gift? Dream on!"
"I won't give you a single cent! If you insist on entering the Jiang family, then bring your own bundle and come over yourself—I won't pay a penny!"
Just as his words fell, He Cheng rushed in with two police officers.
"Officers, it's inside…"
He Hua's mother immediately let out a loud wail and ran over, shouting,
"Officers, you've finally come! I want to report the son of the deputy director of the steel factory, Jiang Guangzong—he—"
"I'll pay! Three turns and one ring, plus 200 yuan—I'll pay!"
At the sight of the police, Jiang Guangzong's legs went weak, and he immediately caved.
Hearing this, He Hua's mother instantly changed her tone and cried to the officers,
"Officers, I want to report these shrews in our courtyard! They gang up and beat my in-law. Look at her—her hair's been practically torn out!"
Gao Damao and the others: "…"
In the end, the two officers sternly lectured the women involved in the fight.
According to procedure, they were supposed to help Jiang's wife seek compensation. However, Deputy Director Jiang stepped in at the right moment, said a few kind words on behalf of the courtyard women, and declared that his family would not pursue the matter. Only then was the situation settled.
After the Jiang family and the police left, Gao Damao and Wang Damao led the others in giving He Hua's mother a cold snort.
Unbothered, she pulled He Hua back into the house, acting as though she was about to rise above everyone else and no longer needed to care about them.
Feeling guilty, Chen Xiue said many kind words to Gao Damao and the others.
After returning home, she said to Su Yun,
"Xiao Yun, tomorrow go ask Gu Hai if he can help buy a bag of apples. I'll pay him the market price. Today, Gao Damao and the others helped our family but ended up getting lectured by the police. Even if they don't say anything, we can't let them suffer a loss."
"I'll give a few apples to each household tomorrow as a token of thanks."
Su Wenshan nodded.
"That's right. But apples are expensive—do we have enough money?"
Su Baoguo quickly chimed in,
"Dad, what are you saying? If Mom buys a few apples from my second brother-in-law, would he really charge her?"
Su Yun: "…"
It was all Su Baoguo's fault—constantly spreading rumors and calling Gu Hai her "second brother-in-law."
To the point where even she found it oddly reasonable.
And to be fair, Gu Hai was indeed reliable. After Jiang Guangzong's earlier claims, most people in the courtyard didn't believe him—mainly because the contrast between him and Gu Hai was so stark.
Anyone with eyes wouldn't believe she would choose Jiang Guangzong!
With that thought, Su Yun gave up explaining and said to Chen Xiue,
"Mom, Xiao Wu is right. Gu Hai has money—it's just a bag of apples. I'll have him bring it directly."
Chen Xiue shot her a look.
"You child, you don't understand. It's one thing for Gu Hai to be generous, but you shouldn't take advantage of him. Otherwise, he'll look down on you."
"Your father just received a 20-yuan reward recently. We can afford apples. Just ask Gu Hai if he can help."
In truth, Chen Xiue had her own intentions.
This way, Su Yun would have an excuse to meet Gu Hai. And once he brought the apples, Chen Xiue could invite him over as thanks.
After a few such interactions, wouldn't it only be a matter of time before he became her son-in-law?
Su Yun had no idea about her mother's scheming and simply nodded obediently.
"Alright, leave it to me."
---
The next morning, just after the first rooster crowed, He Hua's mother was already up.
By the time the rest of the courtyard woke, they found the area outside He's house spotless. Both mother and daughter were freshly dressed, hair neatly combed, wearing their best clothes—completely different from their usual shabby appearance.
Jiang Yuling came out holding a cup to brush her teeth. Seeing He Hua's mother's proud expression, she teased,
"Well, Aunt He, have you finally come to your senses? Up early to sweep the courtyard yourself instead of ordering He Hua around?"
He Hua's mother grinned smugly and said loudly,
"My He Hua is now a bride-to-be! Her fiancé is a truck driver, and her future father-in-law is the deputy director of the steel factory. She's destined for a life of comfort! The Jiang family is coming today with the betrothal gifts, so I must make sure she's well taken care of—she can't suffer even the slightest harm!"
Jiang Yuling scoffed.
"What comfort? She still has to clean the public toilets. The neighborhood office said if she dares to slack off, we can report her and get a reward of fifty cents."
Choked by the remark, He Hua's mother stiffened her neck and said,
"Then I'll do it for her today!"
Chen Xiue, wearing an apron, stood by the kitchen door and listened for a while before shaking her head.
"This woman—she wants the benefits of marrying off her daughter, yet keeps offending the Jiang family. Even if He Hua marries into that family, I doubt she'll live well."
As people left for work, they saw He Hua's mother sitting on a stool at the entrance of the courtyard, clearly waiting for the Jiang family to arrive with the betrothal gifts.
She bragged to everyone she saw, but hardly anyone paid her any attention.
Gao Damao and Wang Damao, in particular, stood united and spat in disdain several times as they passed by.