The Cheng family head’s heart sank, then he chuckled and said, "This is probably not appropriate, Brother Jin. Our friendship goes without saying, but if the people of our two families were to merge, I’m afraid everyone would feel uncomfortable."
He looked at the Jin family head with a smile. Although he was timid and feared death, he wasn’t a fool and understood that joining forces for survival was not a good strategy.
What a joke.
The current Jin family, apart from some gold and jewelry, had no resources and very few people. All they had left were three carriages and a few sickly horses.
What else?
There was his own bulky physique, three concubines, and a cart full of daughters.
All waiting to be fed.
So many mouths to feed was truly daunting.
How could he possibly agree?
His own grain reserves were scarce.
What else?
He looked at the Jin family’s servants, each looking half-dead.
What strength could they possibly contribute?
The Cheng family head, being a businessman, didn't need his son and daughter-in-law to remind him; he understood the pros and cons. However, their reminder made him react even faster.
Seeing his immediate refusal, the Jin family head understood his firm decision.
He still wanted to say something.
The Cheng family head interrupted with a laugh, patted his shoulder, and signaled that there was no need to say more.
The Jin family head naturally understood.
He was annoyed.
But he dared not show it, as he still wanted to follow the Cheng family’s convoy.
Let alone for other reasons.
Just their good luck and smooth journey on the road made him determined to follow.
The Cheng family head had refused his joining, but he didn’t refuse his accompanying them.
"Of course, that’s good. Another person means another person to look out for. After all, we are old acquaintances; we are much more reliable than others. We can even bluff others on the road!"
"Precisely. It's just a pity we don't have good wine and meat right now. Otherwise, we would definitely have a drink together! How about this, if we find a city to settle in later, I will definitely treat you well. It's my treat!"
Whenever he needed something from someone.
He always said this, but he never once kept his promise.
The Cheng family head listened to the Jin family head’s bold words, didn’t expose him, and readily agreed with a smile. The two began to reminisce and chat, enjoying themselves.
Cheng Fengtai and Cheng Kaichun also chimed in occasionally, getting acquainted.
Ji Bo also quietly came over, bowed, and asked Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao, "Young masters, should we take these wild rabbits and bamboo rats down to be processed?"
Su Miaomiao heard this and said, "It's probably too late now. Let's save them for lunch. Uncle Ji, please have someone clean them up. I’ll stew them later! At noon, let everyone have a taste of my cooking..."
Cheng Hao, standing nearby, shivered reflexively, then coughed twice.
Su Miaomiao cooking?
Wouldn't that poison everyone in the convoy?
Cheng Hao quickly said, "Uncle Ji, just do as she says."
In reality, he would have to be there to supervise, otherwise, everyone in the convoy would be gone.
Seeing his little childhood sweetheart so enthusiastic, he knew he couldn't dissuade her and could only fix the mess.
It wasn’t the first time.
He was used to it.
His cooking skills were useful for saving the day, and he could prevent her from being disappointed.
Alas.
What else could he do?
He had to indulge her.
Ji Bo had intended to try and persuade them again. Why would they need to cook themselves?
But seeing the young couple seemed quite interested,
He nodded in agreement.
After speaking, he reached out to lift the string of game, but for the first attempt, he couldn't lift it.
The old man was stunned.
He hadn't expected it to be so heavy, but upon careful consideration, he realized it should be this heavy.
After all, two large rabbits and a plump bamboo rat would weigh at least thirty catties. It was only because Su Miaomiao had carried them so effortlessly that Ji Bo mistakenly thought they were light. But feeling the substantial weight, he knew it was real. He put in more effort and finally lifted them.
He was also happy.
With so much meat, they could eat for two meals, and there would be enough for everyone.
The Jin family head had noticed this and offered to purchase some, as his convoy hadn't had a proper meal in days.
"I haven't brought much else, but I have plenty of gold and jewels. Money is no object. You name your price, or rather, see what the niece-in-law likes and pick it out! I'll have my servants open the treasure chests for her to play with!"
As soon as these words were spoken,
Everyone present was astonished by this display of wealth, their mouths agape.
Cheng Kaichun was the most excited. He clenched his fists, his nails almost digging into his palms, his heart pounding. He saw the Jin family head adorned with gold and silver, wearing a thick gemstone necklace that didn't seem to weigh him down, its gold shimmering and dazzling the eyes.
It was truly blinding.
If anyone else had said this, Cheng Kaichun would have thought they were joking. But seeing the Jin family head's attire, so glittering and golden, he felt he wasn't joking. He believed he could truly do it and was extremely envious.
At that moment, Cheng Kaichun only wished he were Su Miaomiao. Then, he could experience the joy of casually picking out treasures. It would surely be exhilarating.
Just hearing about it made his breathing quicken and his scalp tingle with excitement.
But alas, it wasn't for him.
Those who knew the truth,
The Cheng family head, however, just smiled and didn't respond. He knew the Jin family head's stingy nature. He said such things now, but later, before it was finalized, he would start making excuses.
How could he possibly give it away?
And the person involved,
Su Miaomiao directly said in a clear voice, "No, we are too many people, not enough to go around. But if I catch more prey next time, I can sell you some if there's extra!"
She wasn't coy at all, nor was she afraid of strangers. She directly stated it was not possible.
If there's one, there's another.
Nowadays, food was the most precious thing, and she was reluctant to sell it.
However, after the pleasantries,
The Cheng family head once again looked at the young girl with admiration, feeling she was indeed his daughter-in-law, just like him, a woman of her word. If it was no, it was no.
"Hey, I'm really sorry, sorry. This child is a bit too straightforward. She means no harm. Brother Jin, please don't take it to heart. I'll give you my share to eat!"
The Cheng family head also mentioned that there were plenty of game nearby and that the Jin family head's men could hunt freely; it was a gift from the mountains, and anyone could hunt.
It was about each person’s own ability.
The Jin family head finally understood this meaning, and his smile diminished.
Rejected again and again.
Even if he were slow-witted, he understood now.
The other party didn't want to befriend him that much. Naturally, he was unhappy.
He couldn't take advantage of them.
How could he be happy?
But he still tried to maintain some dignity, and in the end, he couldn't sit still any longer.
He got up to take his leave.
He swept away in a huff,
Strutting as if he were a large toad, one adorned with gold and silver.
The Cheng family head felt a bit conflicted, but thinking about his own resources, resources were still more important. What good was a companion compared to resources? Resources wouldn't get angry with you! Thinking this way, he felt much better and decided to proceed like this.
Cheng Hao and Su Miaomiao, seeing that their objective was achieved, secretly exchanged smiles.
They held hands again.
Jiang Xiyue, having lost face last night, was only relieved that no one had heard the details. But at this moment, she couldn't sit still and desperately wanted to distance herself from those two.
However, it was impossible.
They were right in front of her, flaunting their affection day in and day out.
Jiang Xiyue saw their constant little gestures: sitting shoulder to shoulder, legs touching, hands intertwined incessantly.
She was truly green with envy.
Her eyes hurt.
She closed her eyes tightly to calm herself, but then felt tears welling up in her eyes.
Afraid of making a fool of herself,
She forced herself to hold back the tears, and the regret and anger in her heart only intensified.