Educated Youth in the Countryside: She is the Village's Embroidery Queen!-Chapter 106: Might As Well Be Dead

Selling off Liu Xiaocao would clear the debt.

They called it marriage, but it was more like selling her.

Because they demanded an outrageous bride price of three hundred yuan.

This condition scared away many interested parties.

But one wouldn’t retreat.

It was the foolish family from the commune with dual-working parents.

However, the fool being a fool didn’t mean his parents were foolish.

They weren’t pushovers, so of course, they wouldn’t agree to the high bride price of three hundred yuan.

Coincidentally, the fool’s sister had polio, which made her marriage difficult at the "old age" of twenty-five.

Though Liu Xiaocao’s brother was not of good character, he was handsome with thick eyebrows and big eyes, highly deceptive.

The fool’s father took a fancy to him at first glance.

So he discussed with Liu Xiaocao’s parents that since they were to become in-laws, they might as well solve the marriage issues for both son and daughter together.

Thus, the original plan to sell the daughter turned into a marriage exchange.

Liu Xiaocao would marry the fool, and Liu Xiaocao’s brother would marry the fool’s sister.

There would be no bride price of three hundred yuan, but the fool’s family agreed to repay Liu Xiaocao’s brother’s debt and arrange a temporary job for him at the commune’s meat processing plant.

Whether he could become permanent depended on his performance.

In these times, rural folk were desperate to move to the city.

Though the commune was not as good as the county or city, it was much better than the countryside.

Even a temporary job was something for Liu Xiaocao’s family to be proud of.

Moreover, with both children’s marriage issues resolved, Liu Xiaocao’s parents had no reason to disagree.

Even though Liu Xiaocao was marrying a fool, they were only pleased.

Because it was a move up the social ladder.

But Liu Xiaocao, who had gone to her grandmother’s house, was unaware until she returned to find her brother’s debts paid, and both siblings’ weddings scheduled.

Then Yi Chichi found her attempting suicide.

After hearing the full story, the crowd was left speechless.

They truly didn’t know about this; it was strange that Big Mouth had kept quiet about such a big event, not leaking a word.

"Are you talking about that fool from the Lu Family in the commune?"

Liu Xiaocao nodded, eyes swollen and red, "I just went to grandma’s, and when I came back, it was like this, boo hoo hoo..."

Overwhelmed with sorrow, she started crying again.

Liu Xiangqian and the others felt a headache coming on.

Huang Xiuying said, "What did your mom say?"

"She’d rather I die than agree to call off the wedding."

It’s a difficult situation; they talk about marriage freedom, but parents in rural areas still have a lot of authority, and even if it’s arranged, it’s unlikely to turn into a real conflict.

As village officials, they couldn’t possibly incite people to revolt against their families.

However, the issue at hand needed to be resolved; they couldn’t just stand by and watch Xiao Cao die.

Spring planting was soon, and they didn’t have the time to watch her constantly.

"When is the wedding scheduled?"

"April 15."

Oh wow, that’s really tight timing, even in time for spring planting.

Was this meant to be a hushed affair, sending her off quietly?

With that thought, Liu Xiangqian spoke sternly, "Let’s go to your house now!"

Liu Xiaocao didn’t want to go back; thinking about her future tied to a fool made her feel she’d rather die.

If they could solve it, great, but if not?

Seeking comfort, she looked with her swollen eyes, pleading, "Uncle, can it be resolved?"

As she spoke, a hint of determination flashed in her eyes.

Liu Xiangqian and the others saw it and felt a chill; if they didn’t resolve this for Xiao Cao, the child would find another opportunity to seek death.

"We’ll manage it, even if it means having you live separately, we’ll get it done," said Liu Chengqi, setting the tone. Liu Xiaocao, who could grasp the point, brightened her eyes, "Can I live separately?"

If she could live apart, then she could go back.

"Yes, as long as you’re determined enough."

"Then I’ll go back with you."

She instantly got up as if energized, Liu Xiangqian exchanged a glance with the others, and they went home together.

Yi Chichi didn’t want to get caught up in the follow-up commotion, so she veered off to take a shortcut to the cattle shed.

"Grandpa, Xiao Jiu!"

Standing at the side door and looking in, she saw her great-uncle chopping wood with an axe.

Despite his age, he was still strong, splitting each log in two with a single blow.

A pile of chopped wood lay on the ground, with Mrs. Song leading Qin Jiu to stack the wood against the wall.

Hearing her voice, the old man paused, looked up, and saw her.

"Why are you here at this time?"

He put down the axe and quickly came to open the door for her, followed by an excited Qin Jiu.

As Yi Chichi entered, Qin Jiu hugged her leg and called her ’Aunt.’

"I missed you all, so I came to see you."

She picked up Xiao Jiu and greeted Mrs. Song and the others.

"Go inside to talk, don’t stay outside; too many eyes around will affect you," Mr. Song urged them inside. It wasn’t Yi Chichi’s first visit, and though everyone wasn’t very familiar with her, she wasn’t a stranger either.

They didn’t want Yi Chichi to be impacted by their circumstances.

So every time she came by, they ushered her inside while keeping watch outside for her.

Yi Chichi was used to it, and with Xiao Jiu in her arms, she followed the old man inside the house.

After inquiring about the well-being of the old and young, checking Qin Jiu’s school progress and supplies, she got to the point, "Grandpa, Wen Shi and He Yunsong asked me to look after you. Is there anything you need?"

The old man suddenly widened his eyes, "Did you tell them about our relationship?"

"No, I didn’t."

Good, that was a relief for him.

The old man let out a sigh of relief, "We’re not in need right now, the hardest winter has passed, and Mr. Liu has sent over plenty of supplies, so don’t worry too much about us."

"No way, what the captain sent is what he sent; I’ve promised Wen Shi to take care of you, took the money and tickets."

With that, she pulled out a banknote and a thick stack of tickets from her coat pocket, "Look, this is what they left."

"If you need anything, just tell me, don’t save money for me, because it’s not my money or tickets being spent."

She was straightforward, and the old man speechless, felt helpless yet again by his grandniece’s personality.

However—

"We need wine, can you get some?"

Yi Chichi’s mouth twitched; when she was shopping for New Year supplies, she bought cigarettes, candy, and pastries but no wine.

"Have you been wanting wine since then?"

"Great Grandpa likes to drink wine!"

Qin Jiu raised his little hand to report, "The captain and the others brought wine over, but it was gone after a few days."

Yi Chichi looked at the old man, who shrugged, a bit childishly, "Don’t you know to buy wine when you buy cigarettes?"

"Buying wine requires a ticket, and I don’t have any."

She replied confidently, causing the old man some urgency, "Then quickly check if there are any wine tickets in the tickets Wen left."

He indeed craved alcohol.

It wasn’t just him; probably all except Mrs. Song and Qin Jiu craved it.

"Alright, let me check."