Chapter 2: A Meeting of Eyes

After speaking, she turned to leave, unwilling to sit there and watch the Jiang mother and daughter quarrel.

Whether or not she married truly didn't matter to her—she'd lived most of her life already, and, truthfully, it would be for the best if she didn't. If she stayed home and ran a small business, her days would only grow more comfortable.

But her mother was in poor health, and her marriage was a constant worry gnawing at her mother's heart. If she dared say she wouldn't marry, her mother would sooner die than see it through.

Seeing she was really about to leave, Caiyuan hurried up and shoved the marriage documents into her hand as if tossing away something filthy. “Little sister, here are the birth dates and marriage contract from the Wen family.”

Jiang Mi: …

Just how desperate was she to pass this marriage off?

As soon as Jiang Mi took the marriage contract, Caiyuan could hardly wait to push her out the door, while Second Aunt Jiang stamped her foot in anger behind them.

Once back at the Jiang house, the family shut the door and gathered around the Eight Immortals table, staring at the marriage contract laid in the center.

Father Jiang was the first to speak. “To be fair, this is a good match—certainly better than marrying into the Chen family.”

“But if it’s such a good match, why would Caiyuan give it up for Mi’er?” Mother Jiang fretted, unable to shake the feeling that something was off, as if the Wen family was some sort of pit of fire.

Since childhood, Caiyuan had always competed with Mi’er, snatching up anything good. If this were truly a fine match, Caiyuan would never have given it to Mi’er.

After thinking for a moment, she said, “Let your eldest brother make some inquiries about the Wen family in town before we decide.”

Jiang Mi, however, was calm. “Grandfather owes them a debt of gratitude. Whether it’s the Chen or the Wen family, I’m bound to marry into one of them.”

So regardless of the Wen family’s situation, if Caiyuan refused to marry no matter what, then she would have to.

Father and Mother Jiang were instantly downcast, but Jiang Mi tucked away the marriage contract and stood up. “Earlier, when you thought I’d marry into the Chen family, you acted as if the sky was falling. Now, with a city match, you’re still not satisfied? For a village girl like me, this is already the best one could hope for.”

Life in the city brought more opportunities, and with the reforms just around the corner, marrying into a city family would let her plan ahead.

Opportunities always favored those who were prepared.

Compared to her last life, where she supported her husband in business, only to retreat behind the scenes as a housewife after he made it big, in this life Jiang Mi was determined never again to be someone else’s stepping stone.

She would be strong for herself.

On the sixth day of the eighth month, the Wen family arrived in Jiangshui Village, driving a private car loaded with gifts.

These days, an engagement was a simple affair—bring over the betrothal gifts, a few chickens, fish, meat, and eggs, sit down with the other family, and the marriage was settled.

But for the Wen family to arrive in a car—this was a first for Jiangshui Village. The villagers gathered to gawk and chatter as if witnessing a spectacle.

Early that morning, Second Aunt Jiang saw the car pull up to the old man’s house and rushed home to yank Caiyuan from bed. “Get up and get ready to go to your grandfather’s place—the Wen family is here!”

“Why should I go? I’m not the one getting married.”

“Are you out of your mind? The Wen family—wealthy people with their own car! Are you possessed, passing up the chance to marry into a family like that and be a stepmother?”

“Enough, Ma. Just wait until I marry into the Chen family and live the good life as the richest woman in town!” she said, full of certainty.

Madness...

Second Aunt Jiang was nearly beside herself with anger, but there was nothing she could do. She hurried out again to watch, stewing with frustration.

Such a good match—it was supposed to be for her family!

At the Jiang family’s old house, Jiang Mi had changed into a set of new clothes her mother had made—a pale blue top embroidered with white flowers, paired with simple black trousers. Her jet-black hair was braided into two thick, glossy plaits.

Her face was fair and delicate, her smile radiant, and her features were nothing short of outstanding.

It was just a pity she was so thin.

The moment Madam Wen stepped out of the car and saw her, her eyes lit up. But after one look at Jiang Mi’s slender waist, a flicker of dissatisfaction crossed her face.

Why so skinny? Hadn’t the matchmaker said she was supposed to be plump and healthy, good for childbearing?

After greeting the old patriarch, Madam Wen put on a warm smile and approached. “Ah, old sir, I should have visited you long ago, but there was never the time. If this isn’t fate, I don’t know what is; we’re about to become in-laws!”

After the customary pleasantries, Madam Wen smiled and asked, “And this must be our Caiyuan, yes?”

The Jiang family looked a little awkward, but Jiang Mi kept her composure, offering a gentle smile and saying sweetly, “Auntie, my name is Jiang Mi.”

Jiang Mi? What’s going on? Weren’t they told her name was Jiang Caiyuan?