Li Wu Wei decided to learn Xu Da Mao’s technique of stealing the show, in three steps: First, he would chat up the opponent and denigrate them; Second, he would send gifts and invite them to dinner; Third, he would make an appointment at a small motel. Wasn’t that all it took?
“I, I’m from the countryside, my name is Qin Huai Ru, and I’m here to meet Jia Dong Xu from your courtyard.”
Qin Huai Ru answered honestly, but there was a touch of anxiety in her brow.
“Jia Dong Xu? Why would you want to meet him? Not that I’m saying anything, but anyone in this courtyard is better than him.”
Li Wu Wei directly used the first step, denigrating his opponent. Seeing Qin Huai Ru stunned for a moment, he continued: “Jia Dong Xu is just a workshop apprentice, not a regular worker. He only gets a little bit of salary every month, and he has to support his mother, Jia Zhang Shi.”
“Let me tell you, Jia Zhang Shi is anything but a good person. She has a bad temper, she scolds everyone she sees, and she even gets physical. Jia Dong Xu has been beaten up by her many times.”
“Jia Zhang Shi is lazy and doesn’t work, but she controls the family’s finances. If you marry into that family, you’re in for a lot of hardship.”
“And also, the Jia family only has one room. If Jia Dong Xu marries a wife, how are you going to live?”
“What about when you have children? How will you fit them in?”
“With his little salary, they’re already struggling to make ends meet. They can’t even afford meat for several months, and any good food goes straight into Jia Zhang Shi’s stomach. Otherwise, how could she have gotten so fat?”
Hearing these words, Qin Huai Ru was so shocked she forgot about needing to use the bathroom. She said blankly, “But the matchmaker didn't say that.”
“What did the matchmaker say? Don’t worry, let’s go to the side and talk slowly.”
Li Wu Wei was worried that someone would enter the courtyard and disrupt his scheme. If he didn’t succeed, any commotion would be troublesome.
“Big Brother, can you wait for me to go to the bathroom first?”
After the shock wore off, Qin Huai Ru really couldn’t hold it anymore.
“Of course. Go ahead, I’ll wait for you in the corner over there. I just think you look nice and don’t want you to fall into the fire pit.”
Li Wu Wei couldn’t block someone from going to the bathroom, but he could wait outside and not give up until he succeeded.
“Alright!”
Qin Huai Ru responded, her face slightly red as she hurried away.
She came out of the bathroom a moment later, her cheeks still flushed.
Li Wu Wei waved from the corner of the alleyway. As expected, Qin Huai Ru came over.
“Big Brother, the matchmaker said the Jia family is well-off and has a lot of money. If I marry in, they’ll buy me a sewing machine, so I won’t have to work and can just live a good life.”
Qin Huai Ru was still naive at this point, but she wanted a good life. She felt that someone like her shouldn't spend her life farming in the village.
Since she had the chance to marry into the city, she couldn't give up, but she didn't want to jump into a pit of fire either.
Li Wu Wei shook his head, “You were tricked. The Jia family’s wealth is the compensation from the steel mill after Jia Dong Xu's father died in a workplace accident. It’s just two hundred yuan.”
“After buying a sewing machine, what will be left? Besides, are they buying the sewing machine for you? They just want you to make clothes for them.”
“Ah!”
Qin Huai Ru exclaimed in surprise. Thinking carefully, it seemed like what he said was true.
Li Wu Wei didn’t dare to waste time. People might come anytime.
He quickly said, “My name is Li Wu Wei. I live in the backyard, and my family has two rooms. I’m a level one fitter at the steel mill, and my monthly salary is thirty-three yuan.”
“That’s not the point. The most important thing is, do you know what my grandfather, well, my maternal grandfather, does?”
“Li Big Brother, who is your maternal grandfather?”
Qin Huai Ru looked at the man in front of her. He was much better-looking than Jia Dong Xu. His physique looked strong, unlike Jia Dong Xu who gave off a sickly feeling.
“My maternal grandfather was the owner of a dried fruit store in East Glaze Factory before. His family ran factories. He had dozens of employees just in the shop.”
“My grandfather passed away recently, and I inherited all his assets. He left me three stores, a three-courtyard mansion, and another small courtyard, all with independent entrances.”
“I was just about to go and take over the courtyard and stores today. How about you come with me, and we can talk more about it.”
Li Wu Wei thought to himself: “A wealthy and handsome guy like me, would I not be able to get a Qin Huai Ru? If that’s the case, I’d have to kneel and slap myself in the face.”
“Besides, I’m not looking for love with Qin Huai Ru. It’s pure lust, well, I’ve fallen head over heels for her at first sight.”
“Big, Big Brother, that’s not good. I’m here for a blind date. The matchmaker and Jia Dong Xu are waiting for my answer.”
Qin Huai Ru’s heart was stirred, but she had to maintain her composure.
“What’s wrong with that? You’re on a blind date, not getting engaged. Besides, you haven't given your answer yet, right?”
Li Wu Wei thought it was all set. Hopefully, he could complete all three steps today.
“Not yet. Who answers in person anyway?”
Qin Huai Ru quickly stated her position. She just wondered if Li Big Brother was married.
“That’s settled. I’m single, and I won’t harm you. Come on, I’ll take you to see the three-courtyard mansion. I tell you, that courtyard used to house a Hanlin scholar. It’s a place only high-ranking officials could enter.”
Li Wu Wei reached out to grab Qin Huai Ru's arm, and after a slight struggle, she followed him.
He brought her to the three-courtyard mansion and unlocked the gate with his key. He had been here in his memories, but it still felt good to see it again.
It was bigger, but not smaller, than a courtyard, and it hadn't been remodeled. It was built entirely to the specifications of a courtyard, and it was well-preserved.
“Qin Huai Ru, how is it? Did I lie to you?”
Li Wu Wei felt the benefits of being rich. It was so simple and honest.
“Li Big Brother, this courtyard is amazing!”
Qin Huai Ru looked at the spacious three-courtyard mansion in front of her. There were dozens of rooms. Compared to the Jia family’s single room, this was a no-brainer.
“Of course. This is all mine.”
“Qin Huai Ru, you just arrived in the city, you haven’t had time to explore. I tell you, the Wangfu Street is bustling. They sell everything. I’ll take you to buy a new outfit, one that befits you.”
Li Wu Wei reached out to grab Qin Huai Ru’s hand. Although she struggled a bit, he held on.
“Li Big Brother, that's not right!”
Qin Huai Ru hesitated to leave the courtyard. She hadn't had enough time to look around.
“What's wrong with that? I’m unmarried, and you’re unmarried. To be honest, I’m interested in you.”
“If you follow me, you’ll live a life of luxury. My parents are both gone. I’ll bring your parents here, and we’ll all live a good life together.”
Li Wu Wei would just brag first and figure out the details after he got her.