Rebirth: Not Being a Waste - Chapter 37

After burning the tower, the women of the household have already prepared the meal. When Zhang Shu and Grandpa Zhang return home, Grandma Zhang is serving the last dish.

Compared to lunch, dinner is much more lavish. Grandma Zhang even brings out the osmanthus wine she brewed earlier, pairing it with the large crabs she bought from the villagers. The flavor is distinctly different.

The family sits in the courtyard, enjoying their meal while admiring the bright, silver-plated moon in the sky.

After dinner, no one hurries to clean up or go to bed. Instead, they take out the snacks Zhang Shu bought the day before, along with some fruit, and place them on the stone table to share while they chat.

There are no young girls in their household now, otherwise they would need to worship The Moon god at night—a ritual only girls can perform. No matter how poor a family is, they still set up an incense table for their daughters, praying for them to grow up clever and capable.

…

The matchmaker arrives early the next morning.

When Zhang Shu returns from his morning run, he sees an elderly man sitting in the main hall, chatting happily with his grandmother. The man has a kind appearance and wears a faded blue cloth shirt.

As soon as Zhang Shu enters, the old man’s gaze locks onto him, scrutinizing him carefully. His look isn’t offensive, but it makes Zhang Shu feel slightly uncomfortable.

After a long moment, the old matchmaker finally looks away, smiles, and nods at Grandma Zhang. “Your boy is a fine one,” he says. A broad forehead, a straight nose, and clear eyes—he’s obviously an upright and good-natured young man.

Grandma Zhang smiles as well. Though she says nothing, the pride in her eyes is unmistakable.

“Elder Lin, when do you think we should go?”

“Young man, go take a bath and change your clothes,” Matchmaker Lin instructs Zhang Shu, then adds, “Prepare the gifts and bring along his birth characters, and that will be enough.”

Zhang Shu hurries to the kitchen, fetches a bucket of water, and takes a quick bath. He then changes into the new clothes Li Mujin sewed for him. He secretly tried them on before, and they fit perfectly.

After dressing, Zhang Shu ties up his slightly messy hair, pulling it high on his head, which makes him look even taller.

When he steps out of his room, he is met with two admiring gazes. His features have always been handsome, but in the past, his timid demeanor made it easy for people to overlook them. Now, his entire presence is different—proving that a person’s bearing is just as important as their looks.

For today’s marriage proposal, he doesn’t need to bring too many things. Zhang Shu prepares a wooden comb, two hairbands, two pairs of shoes, and a few lengths of fabric.

Once both families agree, the matchmaker will take their birth charts to a yin-yang master to confirm compatibility before officially proceeding.

Carrying the prepared items, Zhang Shu follows behind Grandma Zhang and Matchmaker Lin with his head held high. The villagers, recognizing Matchmaker Lin and seeing Zhang Shu’s fine new clothes and Grandma Zhang’s beaming expression, immediately understand—there is a joyful occasion ahead.

People begin offering their congratulations. Some, a little more curious, whisper among themselves, wondering which family Zhang Shu is proposing to.

The villagers actually have a good impression of Zhang Shu. In the past, when he hadn’t yet established himself, they only saw his family’s wealth. Now that he has proven himself, they realize he is a decent person, too.

A hardworking and responsible young man from a well-off household—aside from lacking parents, there isn’t much to criticize about him.

A few people regret not speaking up sooner—if they had, perhaps their own families would be the ones welcoming such a fine son-in-law.

But it’s too late for that. Zhang Shu and his family have already arrived at the Li family’s doorstep.

Since Grandma Zhang and Li Aba arranged for the proposal today, neither Li Yan nor Father Li went hunting. Instead, they change into formal clothes and wait in the main hall.

Li Aba opens the door with a broad smile when he sees Grandma Zhang and Matchmaker Lin. And when his gaze lands on Zhang Shu—standing straight and looking imposing—his smile widens even further.

“Come in, come in, have a seat in the main hall.” Li Aba ushers them inside and invites Grandma Zhang and Matchmaker Lin to take the place of honor.

Zhang Shu steps into the house with a nervous heart, scanning the room quickly. His spirits dampen when he realizes—Jin’er isn’t there.

Li Yan, observing Zhang Shu’s reaction, smirks inwardly. Fortunately, he blocked the door to his brother’s room with firewood that morning. Otherwise, Li Mujin would definitely try to sneak out. That little brat has never stayed put when it comes to matters concerning his own marriage.

For the most part, only Li Aba, Grandma Zhang, and Matchmaker Lin carry the conversation in the main hall. The three younger men sit silently, staring at each other with nothing to do.

Once the formalities are settled and the birth charts handed over to Matchmaker Lin, Zhang Shu still hasn’t caught a glimpse of Li Mujin. Reluctantly, he accepts the return gifts and follows Grandma Zhang back home.

…

Meanwhile, Li Mujin is inside his room, scratching at the walls in frustration. Not only is his door locked, but even the windows are blocked!

If someone didn’t know better, they might think his family is planning to sell him off!

Of course, he knows he can’t be present during the marriage proposal, but at the very least, he could have watched secretly! Is that too much to ask?!

When Li Yan finally remembers his brother, he strolls over and removes the firewood blocking the door. The moment it opens, Li Mujin shoots out like an arrow, pouncing on Li Yan with a furious glare.

Li Yan dodges easily. When he grows tired of avoiding the attacks, he simply reaches out and holds Li Mujin’s head in one hand, keeping him at arm’s length.

“I did this for your own good,” he says lightly. “If you had run out there, people might have thought you were desperate to get married.”

“Aba, look at him!!” Li Mujin’s face flushes with anger as he turns to call for their father’s help.

Li Aba frowns and scolds Li Yan, “Why are you still bullying your brother? He’s about to get engaged! And you, as his older brother, aren’t worried about yourself? I thought I’d be marrying in a daughter-in-law to manage things, but now I’m getting a son-in-law. When do you plan on finding someone, huh?”

Li Mujin smirks in victory. His brother might be able to dodge his attacks, but there’s no escaping their Mother’s nagging!

Li Yan sighs in frustration, finally letting go of Li Mujin and allowing him to land a few triumphant punches. Then, gathering his things and some dry rations, he announces, “I won’t be back for lunch!” and walks out the door.

Li Aba’s face darkens. “Listen to that attitude! He just does whatever he wants! And you never discipline him properly! I’m always the bad guy while you let him get away with everything—”

Before Li Aba can shift his frustration onto him, Li Mujin quickly finds an excuse to slip away. He knows that once their Aba starts, there’s no stopping him!