Wealthy Beauty in the 60s
Chapter 83 - 82 The Toad Covets the Swan’s Flesh

Chapter 83: Chapter 82 The Toad Covets the Swan’s Flesh

Lin Xuebi grew more and more passionate as she spoke, even persuading Old Lady Gao, who then said, "Alright, you go and talk to Zheng Xianghong."

"Mom, wouldn’t it be better if Guofu went to talk to Third Brother? He and Third Sister-in-law never really got along, so I might not be able to convince them," Lin Xuebi suggested.

"Alright," Old Lady Gao agreed briskly, "then let Guofu do it. We can’t let the water flow into someone else’s field. If Jiazhi is not interested, we could introduce Jianhua."

"Okay." Lin Xuebi’s face broke into a smile immediately—Grandma was so easy to convince, which made all her years of service worthwhile.

Gao Guoqiang was at a loss for words when he heard about Gao Guofu’s purpose, asking, "What do you want me to say?"

"Brother, since it was Yongfang who made the introduction, it might be easier to talk to her," Gao Guofu said.

"They’re looking to marry into our family?" Gao Guoqiang asked again.

Gao Guofu replied, "Isn’t that the point, not to marry in? If possible, they should start dating first and see. Whether they click or not is up to the two of them." As Gao Guofu said this, he was thinking that if Teacher Wang really took a liking to his younger son, it would be alright if she married in since he had two sons anyway.

Of course, Gao Guofu was clever enough not to share this thought with Gao Guoqiang, as it would surely irritate him. Unlike his brothers, Gao Guofu didn’t have the same level of ability. He had been spoiled by Old Lady Gao from a young age, but he was exceptional at reading and flattering people, which is why Gao Guoqiang was also very good to this younger brother.

"Then you go talk to Yongfang about this. I want no part in it," Gao Guoqiang shook his head.

Gao Guofu left, feeling helpless.

Lin Xuebi was not very happy after hearing Gao Guofu’s response, but for her younger son’s future, she immediately went with Gao Guofu to the city to find Gao Yongfang.

Gao Yongfang nearly lost her temper when she heard what Lin Xuebi had to say.

Ever since she was young, Gao Yongfang detested the people of the Gao Mansion. If Old Lady Gao was the most disliked, Lin Xuebi was the second. Now they wanted her to matchmake Lin Xuebi’s son, and it was such an excellent match, at that—Gao Yongfang felt extremely unwilling.

"Yongfang, if Jiazhi is not willing, you can’t force him. Jianhua is your brother too. He’s getting old and can’t find a wife. If Teacher Wang were to marry Jianhua, it would benefit you too."

"It’s Brother Jianhua who’s too picky," said Gao Yongfang, though what she really thought was that Lin Xuebi was the picky one.

Lin Xuebi laughed and said, "Just mention it to her. Whether she’s willing or not is up to Teacher Wang. If you make this marriage happen, you’ll benefit even more. Who knows, it might even improve your relationship with your maternal family. You won’t miss out on the perks."

Lin Xuebi’s words struck a chord with Gao Yongfang. She cared little about her own family between her husband’s family and her maternal family, but now that her family looked down upon her, Gao Yongfang was deeply troubled.

After Gao Guofu and Lin Xuebi left, Gao Yongfang urgently sought out Gao Jiaxing. She did want to return to her maternal family, but if she went back, Gao Guofu and Lin Xuebi would definitely find out. Thus, Gao Yongfang once again ambushed Gao Jiaxing on the road after school.

"Jiaxing, stop for a moment, I need to talk to you," Gao Yongfang said, grabbing his clothes.

"Gao Yongfang, can’t you give it a rest?" Gao Jiaxing said, clearly annoyed.

"I’m your sister," Gao Yongfang glared.

"You call this being a sister? Have you ever cared about my studies, whether I’m fed and clothed warmly? Have you ever cared about our family, about mom’s situation? All you think about all day is how to push Wang Xiumei into the Gao family, so your man can have a good future, completely disregarding the wishes of your parents and siblings at home. How can I see you as a sister?" Gao Jiaxing paused before speaking his piece.

"I’m doing this for your own good," Gao Yongfang said with a great sense of grievance.

"That’s what you think is good," Gao Jiaxing replied.

"Today, my uncle and aunt came to see me, asking me to introduce Teacher Wang to Gao Jianhua," Gao Yongfang said with clear reluctance. Gao Jianhua and Gao Yongfang were the same age, but he was slightly older by months.

Facing Gao Guoqiang and Lin Xuebi, Gao Yongfang could call him ’brother’, but she couldn’t bring herself to address Gao Jianhua in the same way when it came to Gao Jiaxing.

Gao Jiaxing’s brow furrowed instantly. The Gao Mansion still wanted to meddle? Gao Yongfang immediately said, "You don’t like it either, right? With Gao Jianhua’s ways, how can he compare to Jiazhi? They really think too highly of themselves. Jiazhi at least finished high school, whereas Gao Jianhua couldn’t even get through seventh grade, and he dares to set his sights on Teacher Wang. That’s like a toad lusting after swan meat."

"It’s like a flower stuck in cow dung," Gao Jiaxing continued Gao Yongfang’s sentiment. Even though he didn’t like Teacher Wang, the indolent Gao Jianmin disgusted him even more.

Gao Yongfang nodded, "Exactly, which is why I think it’s better that Jiazhi agreed to date Teacher Wang, to prevent Gao Jianmin from benefitting and getting even more pretentious in the future."

"Are there no other men aside from the Gao family? There are plenty of cousins at your husband’s side too," Gao Jiaxing pointed out.

"Those who are decent looking over there are already married. The unattractive ones can be forgotten," Gao Yongfang said, leaving unsaid the fact that if there was a good match on her in-law’s side, her family wouldn’t even be a contender.

"I’ve introduced Teacher Wang to plenty of people already, but she’s set on marrying Jiazhi. What can I do?" Gao Yongfang couldn’t help but complain in front of Gao Jiaxing.

"Well, that’s up to you. My brother isn’t interested, and he’s the one getting married, not you. If my brother is reluctant, don’t bother anymore. As for the old mansion, as long as they don’t mess with our family, let them do as they wish." Having stated his position, Gao Jiaxing left.

Gao Yongfang stomped her feet in anger as she watched Gao Jiaxing walk away, "I’ll just introduce her to the ones from the old mansion, you’ll regret this."

Though not wanting the old mansion’s people to have the last laugh, since things weren’t working out with Gao Jiazhi, Gao Yongfang had no choice but to set up Teacher Wang with Gao Jianmin.

When Gao Jiaxing got home, he told his family about what Gao Yongfang had said. Gao Guoqiang and Zheng Xianghong didn’t show any reaction, whereas Gao Jiazhi commented, "Let them be."

At the old mansion, Gao Yongfang’s agreement pleased Lin Xuebi greatly.

By now, Yang Hua felt she was close to giving birth and said, "Jianmin, I’m scared. I want to go to the hospital to give birth."

Upon hearing this, Lin Xuebi immediately expressed dissatisfaction, "Does going to the hospital not cost money? Who in the village goes to the hospital to have a baby? It’s a waste of money."

Gao Jianmin also said, "Yes, the midwives in the village are very experienced. Look at how many people in the village have had babies, and they’re all fine, right? Besides, the hospital is far from the village. Going back and forth is too much trouble, and it’s better to give birth in the village."

Lin Xuebi was visibly displeased with her son for talking so much and explaining things to Yang Hua. She moved her lips, wanting to say more, but seeing Yang Hua’s belly, she swallowed her words.

Grandma valued this unborn grandson very much, so for now, she was putting up with Yang Hua, or else Lin Xuebi would not be so easy to speak with.

That night, Yang Hua went into labor. The village had two midwives who specialized in delivering babies, and the women of the village who had given birth could also help.

However, Yang Hua’s condition was not good. Well into the night, there was still no sign of the baby. There was an old granny in the village who practiced medicine, but when they sent for her, she had taken a fall on the road and couldn’t make it.