Back to 1984: Earning Money, Raising Kids, and Keeping the Household Busy

Chapter 326 Engagement and Dating
Xu Fangfang was most afraid of this kind of forced matchmaking, but she couldn't refuse too directly, so she could only smile awkwardly and say, "Grandma, I just got divorced and I haven't thought about remarrying yet!"

The old woman looked disapproving. "Teacher Xu, a woman can't wait to get married. The longer it's delayed, the harder it will be for her to find a husband. I only wanted to meddle because I saw how hard you're working. Let me tell you, the person I'm introducing you to is really good! You two are definitely a good match."

The old woman spoke with absolute certainty, which made Xu Fangfang find it even more amusing. "Grandma, you don't even know me, how do you know it's definitely a good match?"

The old woman patted her chest and assured her, "I swear, the person I'm introducing to you is no stranger. You know this person too; he's the owner of this house, Li Jianbing."

"Master Li?" Xu Fangfang was completely taken aback, her expression showing surprise and shock.

The old woman nodded meaningfully, "Let me tell you, I've watched Jianbing grow up since he was a child. I know him inside and out, he's the most upright person, and he's also very kind and warm-hearted. After he came back from the army, he helped the village a lot, and no one asked for a single penny."

And another thing, his ex-wife was unfaithful; she secretly had a child with another man, and she still wants to keep it a secret and continue living with Jianbing. Don't you think his conditions are very good?

Upon hearing this, Xu Fangfang's eyes widened in surprise.

Seeing her like this, the old woman immediately lowered her voice and muttered, "Jianbing is also divorced, just like you, but the fault lies with that woman, not him. If that woman's lover hadn't come to the door with the child and made a scene, insisting that the woman get a divorce, Jianbing would never have known about this."

The whole Xiatian community knew about it. Jianbing was furious. Most men would have beaten their wives to death in this situation, but he didn't. He just brooded and drank heavily outside before calmly talking to his wife when he got back.

His wife kept repenting and begging for forgiveness, but Jianbing's parents refused to accept her as their daughter-in-law no matter what they said. Jianbing didn't want to get entangled with her and insisted on divorce because the woman had cheated on him first. In addition, Jianbing didn't have much property under his name at that time, and the woman left with almost nothing.

However, Jianbing still gave her some money, saying it was out of consideration for the years she had helped him take care of his parents. Tell me, what bad intentions could someone like that have?

Xu Fangfang nodded repeatedly in agreement.

The old woman smiled with satisfaction and continued, "Ever since that incident, his parents' health has deteriorated. They started feeling unwell every few days. The old couple gritted their teeth and tried to find him another wife, but Jianbing refused, saying they wanted to wait a while."

Over the years, his parents passed away one after another from illness, and no one helped him find a wife. He didn't seem to care, and so he kept putting off getting married. Let me tell you, even though he's over forty and quite a bit older than you, older men tend to be more caring. Besides, Jianbing has earned a good amount of money over the years, so he's not short of cash. Living with him will definitely be good.”

Xu Fangfang smiled awkwardly and agreed.

Looking up, they saw Li Jianbing arrive. Everyone felt a little awkward, except for the old lady, who seemed quite pleased with herself. She even acted as a matchmaker in front of the two of them, making them wish they could disappear into a crack in the ground.

Seeing Xu Fangfang at a loss, Li Jianbing quickly stepped forward, put his arm around the old woman's shoulder, and led her into her yard. "Grandma, thank you for your kindness. Don't worry, I will consider what you said carefully, okay? It's getting dark, don't wander around outside, the road is difficult to walk on."

"Then you'd better think it over carefully. Let me tell you, Teacher Xu's offer is really good."

"I know, I know, Teacher Xu is really good, very good!"

"You know that's enough. If your parents hadn't passed away, I wouldn't have to worry so much."

The conversation abruptly stopped.

Li Jianbing practically fled in panic.

Upon exiting the door, they found Xu Fangfang still standing there in a daze, so they quickly called her to run outside.

The two left Shimodasha one after the other, and both breathed a sigh of relief.

Li Jianbing scratched his head sheepishly, "That's just how kind-hearted the old lady is. She likes to play matchmaker. Don't take it to heart." Xu Fangfang shook her head understandingly, "I know. Grandma sometimes brings me some of her homemade snacks. She's a very kind person."

Li Jianbing secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The two of them were walking together in a somewhat awkward manner, so he suggested that he invite Xu Fangfang to dinner.

It was lunchtime, and after Xu Fangfang refused twice, she went to eat as he suggested.

By the end of August.

After finishing her last class at the tutoring center, Xu Fangfang's part-time job also ended. She immediately contacted Li Jianbing to return the house keys to him and invited him to dinner to express her gratitude.

Over the past two months, the two have tacitly avoided mentioning dating and have been interacting like ordinary friends. They have become quite familiar with each other and their relationship has become increasingly harmonious.

She was showing signs of a romantic relationship, but Xu Jiahui was even faster.

Before National Day, he called Xu Fangfang to tell her that they were getting engaged.

Xu Fangfang rushed to Xu Jiahui's house as soon as she got off work, and saw Xu Kang busy in the kitchen. Well, she understood without asking anything.

Xu Fangfang pulled Xu Jiahui into the room and whispered, "When did you two get together? How come I didn't know?"

With a blush, Xu Jiahui told him everything about the two of them.

“We already knew each other. We got to know each other more because of your situation, and her mother liked me. Over the past six months, she intentionally or unintentionally created opportunities for us to get to know each other, and that's how we got together.”

Xu Fangfang asked excitedly, "So, your mother-in-law took a liking to you first?"

Xu Jiahui nodded, finding it somewhat amusing. "He's just like his brother, a bit dim-witted, and doesn't have any ideas about relationships. Fortunately, he's a decent person, responsible, and comes from a well-off family."

I thought, "I'm going to get married anyway, so what difference does it make who I marry? Besides, he's from the same hometown as me, and his sister-in-law is my best friend and roommate. If I missed out on such a good match, I'd be struck by lightning!" So I agreed.

Xu Fangfang gave a thumbs up, sincerely wishing Xu Jiahui and Xu Kang all the best.

Li Jianbing arrived before the meal was served.

Xu Fangfang was pleasantly surprised, "Why are you here?"

Xu Jiahui explained, "I invited Master Li over. We're all friends, so please make yourselves at home."

The two stayed at Xu Jiahui's place until very late before leaving.

Li Jianbing offered to walk Xu Fangfang home, and only when they were almost at her rented apartment did he speak: "Ms. Xu, I've thought about this carefully these past few days. Would you...would you be willing to try dating me?"

Xu Fangfang, sitting on the back of the motorcycle, felt her heart race and her face turn bright red. "You know my situation. My in-laws say I can't have children. Don't you mind?"

Li Jianbing shook his head, "If I really cared about this, I wouldn't be single now. For two people to live together, they need to get along well, discuss things, support and understand each other. Children are secondary."

"If we have one, we have one; if not, we won't force it. If we really want a child later, we can adopt one. These are all minor issues."