Chapter 8: Spring Liquor Town

In Chunjiu Town, the Ye family’s daughter and her son grew up together, making them childhood sweethearts in the truest sense of the word.

As a young girl, Rui had a fair, clean face, a dainty nose, and eyes like dark, lustrous grapes—she was beautiful and spirited. Sun Guiyun had watched this girl grow from a lovely child into a stunning young woman. By now, Rui’s beauty was flawless, the kind that struck straight at one’s heart. It is no exaggeration to say that in a radius of ten miles, Sun Guiyun had never seen or heard of a young woman more beautiful than Ye Rui.

Beyond her looks, the girl had a wonderful temperament. She was a diligent worker at the distillery, never once acting delicate. Because of this, Sun Guiyun held her in high regard, feeling that such a girl was a rare find, truly worthy of her son, Qingyuan. When the two young people confessed their feelings and began dating, Sun Guiyun was delighted and eager to finalize their marriage. When the elders met to discuss the engagement, the Zhou family readily agreed to the Ye family’s terms, hoping only to welcome the girl into their home as soon as possible.

In Sun Guiyun’s mind, Rui was both beautiful and capable; once married, she would surely manage the Zhou household with ease, even assisting at the traditional Chinese medicine clinic. Thinking of her future daughter-in-law, Sun Guiyun could not help but beam.

Her nephew, Huo Fang, had traveled extensively and seen much of the world. Yet, Sun Guiyun was convinced that even in the city, one would be hard-pressed to find a girl as exceptional as her new daughter-in-law. So, in front of her nephew, she couldn't resist proudly asking for his opinion on his future sister-in-law.

Huo Fang, holding a soup bowl in his large, calloused hands, paused at her question. He replied in a steady tone, "The two of them are very well-matched."

Hearing this, Sun Guiyun and Zhou Qishan smiled. Sun Guiyun looked at her son, Zhou Qingyuan, and said with pride, "Exactly! Everyone in the village says the Ye girl and your brother are a perfect match, a pair made in heaven! It’s a first-rate marriage—you couldn't find a more compatible couple even if you searched with a lantern!"

Listening to his mother boast before his older brother, Zhou Qingyuan felt a sweet joy at the thought of his beautiful, spirited fiancée. However, he remained reserved, saying only, "Mom, can you let Big Brother eat? The noodles will get cold."

Zhou Qishan added, "That’s right. We know you're happy, but don't keep the boy from his meal."

Realizing she had been too busy chatting to let her nephew eat the chicken noodle soup she had prepared, Sun Guiyun waved her hand with a laugh. "Look at me, just rattling on."

Huo Fang remained composed. "It’s a happy occasion for the family, Aunt. Please, keep talking; I’m listening."

Sun Guiyun beamed. While Huo Fang ate, she continued to chatter about every aspect of the upcoming engagement ceremony. Her plan was to go to the city tomorrow to buy the traditional three gold pieces, then pick an auspicious date for both families to gather for a meal. That would mark the official engagement, allowing them to proceed with wedding preparations.

Hearing her plans, Huo Fang set down his empty bowl and said thoughtfully, "I came back specifically to attend Qingyuan’s wedding. Uncle, Aunt, if there is anything you need my help with, just say the word."

Seeing their mature and steady nephew, the couple accepted his offer without hesitation. Sun Guiyun then teased, "Your brother’s affairs are almost settled, but what about your own life? Is there a fine young woman you’re seeing?"

"Work is busy," Huo Fang replied. "I'm not seeing anyone."

Sun Guiyun was stunned. She looked at her handsome, sturdy, and tall nephew, unable to believe he wasn't even dating. "How can that be? We know people in the city marry late, and we don't pressure you, but you should at least have a companion. It’s not right to be alone." She spoke earnestly, "You aren't young anymore. You need to consider your future. If you find a good woman while you're away, settle down as soon as you can. You can’t stay single forever. People in the city might not say anything, but back here in town, if you're not married at your age, people will talk."

She continued like a machine gun, "Once your brother’s wedding is over, let me find you a nice girl from the village, alright?"

Huo Fang narrowed his eyes and refused firmly, "No need. I won't be in Chunjiu Town for long. Matchmaking is pointless."

Sun Guiyun grew anxious. "You don't date while you're away, and now you won't let me introduce you to anyone back home? I’m not bragging, but there are lovely, well-mannered young women among my own relatives. Can’t you at least meet a few?" With his parents gone, she felt a duty as his aunt to help manage his life.

Huo Fang didn't speak.

Zhou Qishan chimed in, "Your aunt is right. You can't stay alone. When it's time to marry, you marry. Just meet the girls she suggests; it’s for your own good."

Zhou Qingyuan, sitting to the side, hadn't expected the conversation to turn into an intervention for his brother. Thinking of his own beautiful fiancée, he couldn't help but feel a subtle sense of satisfaction. Recalling his mother’s relatives, he felt none of them could hold a candle to his own bride-to-be.

"Yes, Brother," Zhou Qingyuan added with a faint smile, nodding along with his parents. "My wedding is almost ready, and Mom only wants what's best for you. Just meet them..."

The living room was filled with the trio urging Huo Fang to agree to a blind date with one of the Sun family girls. It was like watching a play. Anyone else might have grown annoyed, but Huo Fang sat back in his chair, his expression unchanging.

Finally, he turned his head and looked at his aunt with calm, steady eyes. "Aunt, you want to introduce me to a girl for a blind date, is that right?"

Sun Guiyun’s face lit up. "Of course! We’re worried about you. There are suitable girls in the Sun family. Once we’re finished with this busy period, you’ll meet them."

"Fine," Huo Fang said. "But I’m a person who values first impressions."

"That’s not unusual," Sun Guiyun replied. "But what kind of person leaves a good impression on you?"

Huo Fang said, unhurried, "I find my sister-in-law to be someone who leaves a good impression on me." His gaze remained calm and wave-less. "If you want to introduce me to a girl, Aunt, then introduce me to a Sun family girl who leaves the same impression on me as she does."