Chapter 49 The Song Family's Blind Date: A Feast for the Senses

Chapter 49

When Song Fenfang heard those words, she was still somewhat dazed and asked repeatedly, "Meng Yingying from the Harbin Cultural Troupe?"

"yes?"

The train conductor noticed that she was dressed quite respectably, in an ivory-white Lenin suit, with short hair to her ears, sharp features, and black-rimmed glasses; she looked every bit the intellectual.

Otherwise, the other party wouldn't have patiently answered again.

"If you don't believe me, you can read the newspaper."

The sales clerk handed her a newspaper, saying, "Look, it's all written clearly in black and white."

Song Fenfang thanked him and then took the newspaper, carefully examining every corner of it.

The first photo she saw was of Meng Yingying, an enlarged black and white photograph. The moment she saw Meng Yingying's photo...

Song Fenfang's tears fell instantly. She raised her hand and touched the face in the photo. "This child looks exactly like me when I was young."

Same eyes.

Same nose.

As for Meng Yingying's mouth, it resembles Meng Baichuan's, but her face shape is exactly the same as Song Fenfang's.

It was as if Meng Yingying was a carbon copy of her and Meng Baichuan.

At that moment, Song Fenfang's eyes reddened slightly, and her voice trembled, "Yingying."

Her Yingying.

"Professor, are you alright?"

Du Xiaojuan asked with some concern.

Song Fenfang wiped away her tears, mustered her spirits, and continued reading. She saw in the interview that Meng Yingying wanted to burn the newspaper article published there for her father on Qingming Festival.

Song Fenfang could no longer hold back her tears. She squatted on the platform steps, spread the newspaper on her knees, touched her daughter's face in the photo with her fingers, and tears fell down her cheeks.

"Yingying."

"It's Mom who's sorry."

"Old Meng, why are you leaving so early?"

He raised his daughter so well, but he's gone.

Thinking of this, Song Fenfang felt as if her heart was being torn apart, and tears kept falling down her face.

Du Xiaojuan, who was standing nearby, was shocked and worried when she saw this. She had been assigned to Professor Song's side for seven years.

But I have never seen Professor Song lose his composure like this before.

She is the Iron Lady of the Northwest Base, she sheds blood and sweat but never tears.

This was the first time Du Xiaojuan had seen Professor Song like this. She hesitated for a moment, wanting to help Song Fenfang up, but she didn't dare.

He asked in a low voice, "Professor, shall I help you up?"

Song Fenfang realized she had lost her composure. She wiped away her tears, carefully folded the newspaper into a square, and put it in her pocket.

She got up, wiped her face, grabbed her bag, and rushed out of the station—she needed to find Yingying first, and deal with the rest later.

Seeing that Du Xiaojuan was still in a daze, Song Fenfang turned around, her eyes slightly red, but her tone returned to its usual iron lady manner.

"What are you waiting for? Follow me."

Du Xiaojuan suddenly realized what was happening and hurriedly chased after Song Fenfang, but they hadn't even run two steps.

The moment he stepped out of the station, a young man in military uniform ran towards him, snapped to attention, and shouted, "Professor Song! Urgent telegram from the Northwest!"

Song Fenfang had already stepped onto the stairs, but upon hearing these words, she abruptly pulled her foot back.

"What's the meaning?"

The other person lowered their head, not daring to look Song Fenfang in the eye, and simply handed over the telegram, saying, "You'll understand once you take a look."

Song Fenfang took the telegram, scanned three lines, and her face instantly darkened.

Experiment failed, one dead and three injured, return home immediately.

Upon seeing the words, Song Fen's hand trembled, and the telegram nearly fell to the ground. A gust of wind blew, and a corner of the paper struck the back of her hand, stinging painfully.

She stood there without saying a word.

"Professor Song?"

Du Xiaojuan also looked up and accidentally saw the text on the telegram. She asked cautiously, "So what do we do now?"

Song Fenfang didn't speak. She clutched the telegram and looked out of the station again and again.

She could have seen her daughter if she had just walked a little further, but at this crucial moment, something happened at the Northwest Base Research Institute.

"Telephone?"

Is there a telephone here?

Song Fenfang was not giving up. She wanted to confirm the seriousness of the matter again by phone. If arrangements could be made over the phone, she would continue to stay in Harbin.

Du Xiaojuan subconsciously went to find the salesperson at the display cart next to her.

The salesperson was still a little hesitant.

The young man in military uniform next to him had already handed over his identification, saying, "Comrade, can I borrow the phone at the train station?"

With Chen Zhang paving the way, the phone call was borrowed smoothly.

When Song Fenfang stood in front of the telephone, she took a deep breath, and her face regained its usual composure.

The phone was answered immediately after it rang for three seconds.

"It's me, Song Fenfang. Tell me what exactly happened at the research institute."

The telegram contained only a few words, which were far from sufficient to explain what had happened.

Upon hearing Song Fenfang's voice, Director Ma exclaimed as if it were a lifeline, "Professor Song, I've finally gotten in touch with you!"

"I sent this telegram to Harbin yesterday, and you can receive it as soon as you get off the train."

"Professor Song, after you left, Guo Chao took your place. Because he was unclear about the experimental data, the Dongfeng-4 missile, which was being tested in the Moon Bay Desert, exploded before it was even launched."

Did Guo Chao give a reason?

The experimental data on the ballistics during the launch were obtained by her and her student Guo Chao, and she taught them step by step from beginning to end.

There was a moment of silence on the other end.

Director Ma's voice was hoarse, "Comrade Guo Chao went to check the data with his own eyes to make up for the experimental error. Because he was a second late, a person... a person sacrificed his life."

As soon as she finished speaking, Song Fenfang instinctively gripped the phone receiver tightly, her voice trembling, "What did you say?"

Director Ma said, "Comrade Guo Chao has sacrificed his life. Three other comrades have been sent to Lanzhou City Hospital, and their fate is still unknown."

"Professor Song, one dead and three injured."

"One dead and three injured."

As he said this, Director Ma's voice trembled, "There were four people in total. If we can't save any of these four people..."

"Our base has run out of young talent in this area."

Song Fenfang's hands were trembling, because Guo Chao was a student she had personally mentored. Before she left, Guo Chao had even made a solemn promise to her with a smile.

"Teacher, don't worry, you can go back to visit your family without worry. I will definitely keep an eye on the Dongfeng while you are away."

And it had been less than ten days since he said those words.

A tear rolled down Song Fenfang's cheek. "Guo, Chao."

"At the last moment, Guo Chao threw the erroneous experimental data record book over."

"He was blown away."

That must hurt so much.

That hurts so much.

I'd rather die than fail to salvage the erroneous experimental data record book.

Song Fenfang's eyes were red and her voice trembled slightly, but she quickly suppressed her emotions. Her throat was very sore. "When I get back, I'll review the data again."

"Have people preserve the original appearance of the site and do not damage it."

Director Ma nodded. "Professor Song." He said cautiously, "There's been an accident at the base. The experimental data was flawed, and personnel were injured. The situation at the base is very complicated. The failure of the Dongfeng rocket has caused all our other experiments to come to a standstill—"

What they lack now is time.

It's no exaggeration to say that every second counts.

Song Fenfang knew that he had left unsaid, but he was missing someone.

The experimental base is short-staffed and needs her to return as quickly as possible.

Thinking of this, Song Fenfang took a deep breath, composed herself, and promised, "I'll come back now."

"Have everyone at the base start organizing the data. When I return, I want to see the recorded data of this failed experiment on my desk."

Director Ma, "Received!!"

After hanging up the phone, Song Fenfang stood there, looking out the window, her mind blank, yet she kept issuing orders.

"Chen Zhang, go find the person in charge of the train station and coordinate the train departure time. I need to get back to the Northwest Base as quickly as possible."

Chen Zhang saluted. "Received."

He turned and left.

After Chen Zhang left, Song Fenfang stood there, her once bright and lively eyes now dimmed.

People are also quiet.

The silence was so profound that it made Du Xiaojuan feel uneasy.

"Professor Song."

She called out softly.

Song Fenfang then came to her senses. She looked down at the newspaper she was clutching in her hand, the edges of which were creased from her grip.

She kept that one photo very well.

Seeing Meng Yingying smiling in the photo, Song Fenfang reached out and touched her face. "Yingying, I'm sorry."

"Mom is going to say something she shouldn't have again."

That was true many years ago.

Now it is again.

"professor--"

Du Xiaojuan was somewhat worried, and her voice unconsciously lowered a few decibels.

Song Fenfang shook her head, "I'm fine."

She seemed to have made up her mind, and picked up the phone to dial another number.

After a moment, the phone was answered, and it was Grandma Song's voice.

"Hello."

Song Fenfang said briefly, "Mom, it's me, Fenfang."

"I have two things I need your help with."

That solemn tone made Old Mrs. Song feel as if she had returned to the days when her daughter had just returned and was about to enter the base.

That's how it is.

"Mom, I've gone to the base and won't be able to get out for a while. Please keep an eye on Baichuan for me. If they encounter any difficulties, please help them if you can."

pity.

Although Song's mother agreed back then, she was unable to help him several times due to Song's father's strict discipline.

She never expected that, after so many years, she would hear her daughter's confession again.

Song's mother said, "Fenfang, just say it."

Song Fenfang held the telephone receiver, looking at the daylight outside, her voice trembling slightly, "I missed Yingying when I went to Xiangxi this time. After Baichuan died, he entrusted her to the child of Qi Zhenguo, the person he was betrothed to when they were children."

Song's mother knew Qi Zhenguo, and she was somewhat speechless, "Little Qi?"

She had met Qi Zhenguo and Meng Baichuan back then. In fact, she had her eye on Qi Zhenguo. Although Qi Zhenguo's family background was a bit weak, he was still from Heilongjiang Province and was also a garrison officer. At least he was a good match for her daughter.

But she never expected that her daughter would not fall for Qi Zhenguo, but instead choose to elope with Meng Baichuan, a man from the countryside with only an elementary school education.

"Um."

Song Fenfang couldn't actually remember what Qi Zhenguo looked like; she only remembered a joke they made together back then.

What was once a son-in-law turned out to be Meng Baichuan's last straw before his death.

Because they couldn't contact her, they had no choice but to entrust Meng Yingying to the Qi family.

"It was him. Before his death, Baichuan was worried that Yingying would be bullied by the people in the village, so he sent Yingying to Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, to find Qi Zhenguo's son, Qi Changming, to fulfill their childhood betrothal."

"But something went wrong."

At this point, Song Fenfang's tone became more serious. "The Qi family, from top to bottom, looked down on my daughter Meng Yingying because she came from the countryside. Qi Changming even risked being discharged from the army to escape the marriage in order to avoid it. And then..."

Her heart ached at the thought of the information she had gathered.

"They even threatened Yingying to break off the engagement, but Yingying was clever and used the breakup as a way to get a spot in the Harbin Cultural Troupe."

"Mom, do you know? She passed the exam, she got into the performing arts troupe, but the Qi family still doesn't think that's enough. They think that Yingying staying in Harbin is the biggest threat to them. Qi Zhenguo's wife even threatened Yingying, saying that she would kill her if she didn't leave Harbin!"

Upon hearing this, even Song's mother on the other end couldn't help but slam her fist on the table in anger, "They've gone too far!"

They even killed Meng Yingying!

Do they think they're the rulers of Harbin?

"Hmm." Song Fenfang's tone also carried a hint of anger. "This is the second thing I want you to do: go to the Qi family, whether it's to put pressure on them or to seek revenge, I want to make sure that those who bullied Yingying suffer."

She was fighting desperately on the front lines, at risk of sacrificing herself at any moment, while her family and relatives behind her were not to be bullied.

Song's mother said, "Don't worry, I will handle this matter properly."

No matter what, Meng Yingying was still a member of the Song family.

"There's a second thing."

At this point, Song Fenfang paused, "Go and get today's newspaper and take a look."

Confused, Song's mother put down the phone, turned to the cabinet by the door, picked up the newspaper, and looked at it.

When Song's mother saw Meng Yingying win the championship, her heart started pounding, and she immediately returned to the telephone.

"Fenfang, are you talking about Yingying winning the championship?"

"yes."

Song Fenfang's tone was somewhat bitter, "Mom, something happened here, and I need to go back to the Northwest Base immediately, so I can't go see Yingying."

"you--"

She stammered "you—" twice, but couldn't utter a complete sentence. Song Fenfang, who was decisive and ruthless in her career, was different when it came to her daughter Meng Yingying.

I hesitated for the first time.

"Why don't you go see her first, ask her how she's doing, and if she needs any help?"

"Mom, please try to be more gentle. We were the ones who were wrong. I don't ask Yingying to forgive me or accept me. I just hope that she can have a smoother life from now on."

Song's mother frowned, "Can't you just come back and see Yingying yourself?"

She was her maternal grandmother, and one she hadn't seen for many years. How could she compare to Song Fenfang, her mother?

"I can't go."

“Something’s happened at the base.” Song Fenfang said with difficulty, “If it’s something I can do, I’ll go right now.”

She was originally going to see her daughter, but she couldn't.

There's really no way around it.

Song's mother complained, "It's always the last time. The last time your father and I saw you was ten years ago. I had surgery, and your father was on the verge of death, but you didn't come back."

"It's fragrant again this time."

Song's mother wasn't trying to hurt her feelings, but rather stating the facts: "Relatives also need to maintain contact and nurture their relationships. We are your parents, and we can understand and tolerate it if you don't come back to see us for ten or even more than ten years. But Yingying is different."

"You missed out on her growth process, so at this point, no one can replace you as effectively as you do it yourself."

Song Fenfang knew it too; she lowered her head, her eyes red-rimmed, unable to speak. It was out of guilt.

"Professor Song."

Chen Zhang returned after coordinating the situation. "Stationmaster Ming from the train station said he arranged a train for you that will pass by the train station in three minutes and head to the Northwest."

At this point, he raised his hand to check the time. "You have two minutes left. You need to get to the platform within two minutes to catch this train."

"Otherwise, we'll have to wait until the afternoon to go."

Even if Song's mother wanted to avoid hearing it, it would be difficult for her.

Song Fenfang opened her mouth, "Mom, I'll hang up now. I'll have Du Xiaojuan stay here and keep you company."

Upon hearing this, Du Xiaojuan was immediately taken aback. "Professor, if I stay, what will you do?"

As Song Fenfang's close personal assistant and security provider, she has hardly been separated from Song Fenfang over the years.

Song Fenfang said, "I am capable of taking care of myself, and with Chen Zhang around, my safety is not a problem."

"Xiao Juan, you stay in Harbin and accompany my mother to the Qi family, and also go and see my daughter Meng Yingying for me."

At this point, she swallowed back the words that were on the tip of her tongue, saying, "It's enough to know that she's doing well."

"Let's forget about the rest."

She had originally intended to leave a message, but since she hadn't gone, leaving a message seemed pointless and would only be a burden for Meng Yingying.

Du Xiaojuan opened her mouth, but obeyed Song Fenfang's orders, which was practically the first order she received when she was sent to Song Fenfang's place.

"Received, boss."

They were calling for the leaders, not the professors.

*

The Song family.

"where are you going?"

After reading the newspaper, Song's mother couldn't help but shed tears. She picked up her bag and headed out of the motor factory's apartment building.

The moment she moved, Song's father stood at the door to stop her, asking, "Where are you going?"

Song's mother harbored resentment towards him and glared at him, saying, "None of your business."

She turned to leave.

Song's father said, "I know you're going to find Meng Yingying."

Song's mother paused, turned around, and a hint of mockery appeared on her plump, aged face. "And then?"

"You want to stop me? Old Song, you've been trying to stop me for years. I was afraid of you, dreaded you, and feared you, but I'm not afraid anymore."

"I've figured it out. I'll make sure my daughter Fenfang has a better life in the second half of her life."

“When she was young, we forced her to leave with her husband and children to dedicate herself to the construction of the base. Now that she is old, she wants to come back but can't, and she wants to see Yingying but can't. So I will help her.”

"Even if you want to divorce me, make a scene, or argue with me, I'll accept it."

"If you have any conscience, open your eyes and look at your daughter. Look at the kind of life your daughter has lived all these years?"

“She has a husband and daughter but can’t be with them, they can only be separated. She has parents but can’t be with them to fulfill her filial duties. Even when we were seriously ill and on the verge of death, she couldn’t contact us and knew nothing about it. Now, her husband is dead and her daughter is being bullied. She clearly wants to come back, but she can’t come back against her will.”

"Old Song, this is the life your proud daughter lives."

Do you think she's doing well?

Mr. Song's eyes stung with tears. He retorted, "Isn't this good enough? She has status, prestige, and a successful career. As her parents, we have also gained fame, fortune, and respect over the years because of her."

Song's mother looked at him, full of disappointment, "Did you ask Fenfang?"

"Does she want the life she has now, with fame, fortune, and a career, or does she want a life with her husband and children?"

Mr. Song did not think he was wrong. "If I hadn't been ruthless back then and brought her back, what kind of life do you think she would be living now?"

"Meng Baichuan is dead. He couldn't protect his daughter. Do you think that just because he's dead, he can protect Fenfang?"

"No, you're wrong. Meng Baichuan died, leaving behind a wife and children. Their life in the countryside is the hardest for them."

"At that time, Fenfang was truly helpless, crying out to heaven and earth in vain."

“The current choice is the best. At least she can be Meng Yingying’s support and solve problems for her. If Fenfang didn’t have these abilities and was just a peasant woman in the countryside, would you expect her and her daughter to cry together when they encounter problems?”

"Womanly kindness!"

Song's mother listened, but not entirely. "I'm just being sentimental. I only want my daughter to have a better life in her later years."

"She was a woman fighting her way through a group of men, and her only weakness was her child."

“Her child was being bullied, so I stood up for her.”

"You surnamed Song, if you dare to stop me, I'll divorce you right now."

Mr. Song stood at the doorway, stepping aside. As Mrs. Song passed by, she gave a cold laugh and turned away without looking back.

Watching my lover's figure disappear into the distance.

Mr. Song murmured, "You're the only one who cares about the child. Don't I care about the child too?"

At this point, he chased after her, saying, "Have Song Zhan accompany you."

Song Zhan is their son, but like Song Fenfang, Song Zhan is even busier.

The Song family are all highly skilled professionals in Harbin, but once they reach this stage, they often find themselves without control over their own lives.

Song's mother did hear it.

She thought to herself, "Back then, Boss Song and you went together to kidnap Fenfang. Now, to see Fenfang's daughter, you're asking Song to come along? Isn't this ridiculous?"

Like his father, Song Zhan is rigid and conservative, and now, holding a high position, he rarely smiles.

Let him go?

What if I scare Meng Yingying?

Song's mother didn't greet anyone and waited at the door for a while. Only when Du Xiaojuan arrived did she follow her out.

"Aunt Song, where are we going now?"

Without any hesitation, Song's mother said, "Let's go to the Qi family first."

Beating up the Qi family was her first gift to Meng Yingying, her granddaughter.

*

Since her son Qi Changming and Meng Yingying broke off their engagement, Chen Xiulan has been determined to find Qi Changming a good partner.

It's best to climb the social ladder.

Of course, she is definitely better than Meng Yingying.

Therefore, during this period, Chen Xiulan even lost interest in work and asked around to see if there were any eligible women who were ready to get married, so as to match her with Qi Changming.

For this reason, Chen Xiulan even spent a lot of money to find a matchmaker, who introduced her to three local women from well-off families.

But Chen Xiulan didn't like any of them.

They either complained that the woman's family had too many siblings, or that her family's financial situation wasn't good enough.

In the back and forth, she almost offended the matchmaker. "Yes, your Qi family is well-off, but that's only within your family compound. Go out and look around, in the municipal party committee compound, the motor factory, and the military base compound, how many families with daughters are willing to marry off their daughters to people from humble backgrounds like yours?"

These words nearly made Chen Xiulan furious.

She considers herself a city dweller, with both parents working and having stable jobs, and only two children, so there are practically no burdens on her family.

"Explain yourself clearly, how is our family considered a small, humble household?"

The matchmaker realized she had misspoke and quickly slapped her mouth. After slapping it, she rolled her eyes as if to make amends, "I do have a good match on my end, but I don't know if you're good enough for it?"

Chen Xiulan realized that the matchmaker was trying to win her over, so she said, "Tell me about the other party's conditions first."

The matchmaker then nodded, "Didn't you keep asking me to inquire about families with daughters in the municipal government compound, the motor factory, and the garrison area?"

It can only be said that Chen Xiulan truly lives up to her reputation as a local bigwig in Harbin; when she makes a choice, she always picks the best unit.

She even rejected the daughter of the civil affairs bureau leader, whom she had previously promised to introduce to her son, Qi Changming.

The Civil Affairs Bureau was a quiet place, but it was also a unit without real power, so she looked down on it and naturally set her sights on units with real power.

"Didn't you say before that these organizations weren't suitable?"

The matchmaker thought to herself, "That was before. Now someone is clearly trying to mess with you. I'm just doing this for them, taking their money."

But she naturally couldn't say those words again.

He only vaguely replied, "Previously, with my status, I wasn't even close enough to be associated with the Song family of the motor factory."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xiulan's eyes widened immediately. "The Song family of the motor factory? The Song family with two Song brothers?"

Everyone knows that.

But their house is too far to reach.

The matchmaker nodded, "It's that Song family."

Chen Xiulan's mind immediately became active. She couldn't help but pace back and forth in the living room, going back and forth three times before she had filtered through all the information she knew.

"But I remember that the Song family, which had a Song-Song couple, didn't seem to have any women of marriageable age, right?"

The Song family of the motor factory is a legend in the entire city of Harbin. Da Song entered the municipal party committee, taking a stepping stone every three years. How many years has he been in the party?

He has already risen to the position of a high-ranking leader.

As for Xiao Song, she is even more of a legend. To outsiders, all they know is that she is a lesbian who became famous at a young age.

He was from the same generation as Chen Xiulan, but while Chen Xiulan was still debating which hair accessory looked best, Xiao Song had already shown his talent in mathematics. He was first admitted to Tsinghua University through a special admission program, but later dropped out and returned to Harbin.

After that, news of Xiao Song disappeared. When Chen Xiulan heard about it again, many years had passed. All she knew was that Xiao Song had gone to the Northwest Base.

Moreover, they were extremely important researchers, which is why the reputation of the Song-Song couple spread far and wide.

Even ordinary families like theirs can find out.

Chen Xiulan didn't understand, "Putting aside whether the Song family has any children of school age, even if they do, why would they be interested in our family?"

Chen Xiulan is a very shrewd person. The fact that she can use her son's marriage as a bargaining chip to climb the social ladder shows that she is a very shrewd person.

Such people not only examine their own circumstances but also look up to those above them.

She has her own internal scales.

The matchmaker spoke frankly, "Logically speaking, the Song family wouldn't look favorably upon your family."

Chen Xiulan felt a little uncomfortable, thinking to herself, their family's conditions are average, but her youngest son is outstanding.

"You continue."

But of course she wouldn't say those words aloud.

“Xiao Song has a daughter outside, but she has now returned home. The Song family intends to find a suitable partner for her, which is why this opportunity has fallen to your family.”

"However, it's not just your family. From what I heard from Grandma Song, as long as the man is of marriageable age, has a clean home, and is capable, he is within their range of potential partners."

Chen Xiulan's eyes darted around. "Xiao Song's child outside?"

What does the child's father do?

Matchmaker: "How would I know?"

"They didn't mention the father, and since Xiao Song handed the child over to the Song family, it's clear that the Song family has more influence."

Chen Xiulan quickly analyzed the situation, which meant that the girl belonged to Xiao Song, and that her husband's family's influence was definitely lower than that of the Song family.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have entrusted their child to the Song family, asking them to help with his marriage.

They certainly wouldn't be backward compatible, so they wouldn't be looking for small, insignificant families like theirs.

Of course, it was only in front of the Song family that she referred to herself as someone from a humble background.

"How many matchmaking meetings did the Song family ask you to notify this time?"

Matchmaker Li gave a vague answer: "About four or five families. I've notified them as long as the young men in their families are promising."

Chen Xiulan was so engrossed in the prospect of becoming in-laws with the most prestigious Song family in Harbin that she completely missed the glint in Li the matchmaker's eyes.

She was very confident, saying, "Other families are definitely not as clever as my family."

“My family is well-off, and I am also very capable. I used to be a commissar in the garrison.”

She paused, sounding a little awkward, and said, "Although he has retired from the army and gone to the civil affairs office, this is just a stepping stone for him. In the future, he can still work on the railway and get a stable job."

"Matchmaker Li".

Chen Xiulan took out a ten-yuan note from the box, gritted her teeth, and handed it over, her heart bleeding. "When the time comes, please put in a good word for our elders in front of the Song family."

The matchmaker, Li, beamed with joy as she looked at the money. Without making a sound, she took the money from Chen Xiulan's hand.

Chen Xiulan was reluctant to give it to him, and it took Li, the matchmaker, pulling him twice before she finally got it.

He thought to himself, "No wonder they come from a humble family. They're so stingy when it comes to giving a matchmaker a red envelope for good luck."

However, no matter what the matchmaker Li thought in her heart, she still maintained a friendly demeanor on her face, saying, "Since I've taken your money, I will naturally speak well of you to the Song family."

"But do you have any photos of your children here?"

"I'll take a photo to show the Song family. At least I need to satisfy them in the first round before we can proceed with the matchmaking, right?"

Chen Xiulan thought about it and agreed. She turned around and pulled out a card from under the glass on the table at home.

The photo shows Qi Changming at his post. At that time, Qi Changming had just been promoted to officer. He was wearing a military uniform, with refined and handsome features, looking at the camera with high spirits.

to be honest.

Qi Changming's photo is really impressive. Just looking at his appearance, who wouldn't say he has a dignified appearance?

When the matchmaker took the photo, she was also momentarily amazed. "Comrade Chen, you have indeed given birth to a very handsome son."

She's happier when others compliment her son's good looks than when they compliment her own.

Chen Xiulan waved her hand modestly and said, "This child's appearance is just his least noteworthy advantage."

"A high school graduate, who was stationed in the army and served as a soldier. He was awarded a third-class merit during his service and was promoted to officer."

To be honest, after hearing this, Chen Xiulan herself felt that with her son's qualifications, he could marry even the daughter of the top official in Harbin.

However, she was afraid that if she said this, people would say she was a toad trying to eat swan meat.

Of course, it cannot be said aloud.

The matchmaker, Li, took the photo and, following her words, showered her with compliments before getting up to leave. "Then I'll take your child's photo to show Old Mrs. Song. If Old Mrs. Song likes it, I'll come back and let you know when to meet."

Chen Xiulan nodded and bowed, "Okay, then I'll trouble you."

After leaving the Qi family, the matchmaker went to the Song family to report back. It turned out that after leaving the Qi family, Old Madam Song did not go directly to the Qi family.

Instead, he went to find out about the entire Qi family before resorting to this method.

It was simply a case of giving someone a taste of their own medicine.

Grandma Song sat calmly at home, reviewing the Qi family's information while simultaneously gathering information on Meng Yingying.

When she saw the Qi family, she frowned, but when she saw Meng Yingying, she couldn't help but think with a gentle smile, "What an excellent child."

It's so unfair that such a good child was bullied like this.

From the moment Li the matchmaker stepped into the motor factory compound and saw the Soviet-style apartment buildings, she became more cautious, completely losing the arrogance she displayed when facing Chen Xiulan at the Qi family home.

"Comrade Song, I have already spoken to Chen Xiulan. She is very willing for her son to go on a blind date with your granddaughter."

"This is a photo of her son, Qi Changming."

After saying this, Matchmaker Li handed over Qi Changming's one-inch black-and-white photo.

Song's mother glanced at it and then looked away, without even reaching out to take it. "Then tell her to bring the child over for a consultation at nine o'clock tomorrow morning."

Matchmaker Li said "Yes," then looked up and asked tentatively, "Why don't I see your granddaughter?"

A matchmaker must first assess the situation.

Grandma Song looked up and gave her a nonchalant glance. "Just bring Chen Xiulan and Qi Changming over."

"Oh, right." Grandma Song touched what was written on the document and tapped the table. "Bring the eldest son of the Qi family over as well."

The matchmaker, Li, was terrified by the stare and immediately lowered her head, respectfully saying, "Yes."

However, she didn't understand, wasn't this supposed to be a blind date for Qi Xiaoer?

Why did you bring the eldest son of the Qi family here?

After the matchmaker, Ms. Li, left, Old Master Song came out. He didn't understand. "What are you doing?"

"You didn't even tell Meng Yingying about arranging a marriage for her, but now you've invited that brat Qi Changming to your house for a matchmaking session. What if Qi Changming takes a liking to you?"

"And then there's Meng Yingying. You said you wouldn't let me make decisions on my own, but you're making decisions for the child. That will only make Meng Yingying dislike you—"

Before he could finish speaking, Old Mrs. Song interrupted him, saying, "Don't worry about it."

"I know what I'm doing."

This was a trap.

Isn't Chen Xiulan trying to marry into a wealthier family?

Let her climb!

Make sure she can't reach you!

After leaving the Song family's house, Matchmaker Li stood downstairs and began patting her chest, saying, "These well-off families are really not easy to get along with."

Just standing there answering questions made her feel immense pressure.

Fortunately, it wasn't her son who went to live with her family as a son-in-law.

It's strange that the Qi family isn't bad off, so why is Chen Xiulan so eager to send her own son to be a live-in son-in-law?

Unable to understand, the matchmaker Li gave up and went to the Qi family again.

Qi Changcheng happened to be back today, or rather, Chen Xiulan called him back, as she wanted her eldest son to come back and give her some advice.

When Matchmaker Li arrived, Qi Changcheng was still talking to his mother, and he was quite excited. "Mom, you must find a way to help Xiao Er climb up to the Song family."

He paced around the room, his face glowing, as if he had already envisioned the glory to come.

"If Xiao Er can marry the Song family's granddaughter, you know? Da Song is the top leader of the municipal party committee, and he will also be Xiao Er's uncle and mother-in-law. Xiao Song is a genius who once made everyone in Harbin unable to lift their heads. This kind of powerful person is Xiao Er's mother-in-law."

Do you know?

Qi Changcheng's breathing quickened. "As long as Xiao Er can get his hands on the Song family, his future is definitely bright."

"Even I am."

He's currently stuck in a limbo at work, but with the Song family as a powerful backer, his position might just get a promotion.

There is no bond stronger than that between husband and wife.

Chen Xiulan scolded him, "It's not even close to being settled yet, what's the rush? Let's wait for Matchmaker Li to come and give us her reply first, what if she doesn't like your brother?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than the matchmaker, Li, knocked on the door. "Comrade Chen, are you there?"

Upon hearing it was Matchmaker Li's voice, Chen Xiulan immediately turned around, opened the door to greet her, and said with great enthusiasm, "Matchmaker Li, do you know anything about the Song family?"

As if she hadn't heard their previous conversation, Matchmaker Li smiled broadly and said, "Comrade Chen, your family's chance to rise to prominence has arrived!"

"Grandma Song has taken a liking to your son Qi Xiao Er, saying that he is handsome and capable."

"Then you are to go to the Song family's house at the motor factory for a blind date at nine o'clock tomorrow morning."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xiulan blushed with excitement and immediately gave Li the matchmaker another five yuan.

Matchmaker Li accepted the offer, then added, "However, Old Mrs. Song has one more condition."

"What?"

"They said they wanted your eldest son to come along too."

The room fell silent instantly.

Qi Changcheng frowned, suppressing his joy, "Could it be that Old Madam Song has taken a liking to me instead of my younger brother Qi Changming?"

But he's already married!

Still so popular?

-----------------------

Author's note: Old Mrs. Song: ...Pah!

There will be an extra update this afternoon, wait for me! Please give me nutrient solution!!! Please comment, oh my god, love you all!