Wealthy Beauty in the 60s
Chapter 97 - 96 Mom, Where’s the Clam Oil?

Chapter 97: Chapter 96 Mom, Where’s the Clam Oil?

Xia Xiao was certainly picky about her suitors, she didn’t even give Liu Haiguo a second glance, and among all the men at Youth Point, none caught her eye," said Zheng Xianghong. "So frankly, giving Yang Xuehua a chance means that Jiaxing’s odds are even slimmer now."

Gao Jiazhi was at a loss for words. "Mom, it’s completely normal that Xia Xiao isn’t interested in Liu Haiguo. Given what Haiguo is like, it would be strange if she did have any interest in him. But it’s also true that among all the unmarried men in the brigade and at Secretary Li’s, Xia Xiao hasn’t expressed interest, so Jiaxing might still have a chance. Or is it really that you just don’t want Jiaxing to get involved with an educated youth?"

"I’m worried that the educated youths will eventually return to the city. I fear you boys getting involved with them only to be unable to keep them, adding to your heartache. I’m also not optimistic about Jiaxing and Xia Xiao. Jiaxing acts mature, but deep down, he’s still somewhat childish, and although Xia Xiao is young, she’s mentally mature. Jiaxing is my son, but I too think he’s not good enough for Xia Xiao. If Xia Xiao truly takes a liking to Jiaxing, I would be happy, but for the two of them, it’s best to let things take their natural course without my interference."

Zheng Xianghong said, "Emotions are indeed not fully within one’s control; letting nature take its course is best. Jiaxing still needs to grow up. He can become more mature and stable after some life experiences."

"Given your good relationship with Xia Xiao, it’s a pity not to lend a hand. With the way Jiaxing is, I’m afraid he won’t stand a chance even if he’s bursting with hope," Gao Jiazhi remarked.

Zheng Xianghong shook her head. "I won’t meddle. Meddling only spoils things. If Jiaxing and Xia Xiao end up together, that’s fine, but if not, my future interactions with Xia Xiao could become awkward."

"In the end, you just don’t want to jeopardize your relationship with Xia Xiao. If you like her so much, wouldn’t it be better to have her as your daughter-in-law?" Gao Jiazhi still hoped Gao Jiaxing and Xia Xiao would become a couple. On one hand, he saw Xia Xiao as a good person who got along well with his mother, which promised a harmonious mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship. On the other hand, Gao Jiaxing was already interested in Xia Xiao, so Gao Jiazhi naturally wished for a beautiful union.

"Don’t dwell on Jiaxing; he’s still young. Even if he finds someone in a few years, it’s fine. What’s going on with you and Sun Yuhua? Don’t try to dodge the question; give me an honest answer," Zheng Xianghong challenged. She wasn’t oblivious to Gao Jiazhi’s dealings with Sun Yuhua, having seen them grow close. She usually steered clear of the younger generation’s romantic affairs, but as their interactions fluctuated between hot and cold, she felt compelled to show concern.

"I’m pursuing her—that’s what’s happening," Gao Jiazhi said bluntly.

"She’s from a family of officials, right? Someone like us, just ordinary folk, can hardly expect to catch her eye. You’re setting yourself up for hardship," Zheng Xianghong shook her head and sighed softly.

"Mom, how will I know if I don’t try? At least I’m decent-looking, hardworking, and industrious. If they all were going to stay in the city, that would be one thing, but settling here and not able to return, I do have a chance at pursuing her. I have to at least give it my best effort, so I can live with a clear conscience. Even if she doesn’t choose me, I won’t have any regrets," Gao Jiazhi insisted.

"There are so many village girls around, and a good number of them are quite attractive," Zheng Xianghong lamented. "But you boys only have eyes for the city girls. Ah," she sighed again, "it’s also because village girls are less educated and worldly. Compared to the city girls, they just don’t have the edge."

Gao Jiazhi nodded. The village girls were more down-to-earth, but in the village, people valued sons more than daughters. Their place was so poor and remote that very few girls got the chance to study, and they simply couldn’t hold a conversation on the same level.

Gao Jiazhi had noticed Sun Yuhua for a long time, harboring a quiet affection for her. He knew he was out of her league and had never dared to hope, but since Sun Yuhua had taken the initiative to approach him and strike up conversations, something came alive in Gao Jiazhi’s heart.

And now, with the knowledge that the educated youth were unable to return to the city and had the freedom to choose spouses in the production brigade, Gao Jiazhi saw hope.

Gao Jiaxing rushed to the entrance of the production brigade, scanning the rugged mountainous road that no longer bore any trace of Xia Xiao, and not a single ox cart in sight. He kicked a stone at his feet in frustration.

Back at home, upon seeing Gao Jiaxing return, Zheng Xianghong said, "You didn’t run into her, did you?"

Gao Jiaxing didn’t say a word. Seeing Gao Jiaxing’s sullen expression, Zheng Xianghong slowly said,

"Xia Xiao has high standards. If you want to pursue her, you at least need to become a college student so you can compete with the male educated youth. We’re just country folks, it’s incredibly hard to chase after city girls. Plus, Xia Xiao and the others come from big cities, not like our small county town. Your mom went to a big city once, it was incomparable even to our provincial capital.

If you don’t study hard, what will make Xia Xiao take a second look at you? You’re not smooth-talking either, you’re not like your brother who knows how to please Sun Yuhua. You’ve always been awkward and stubborn; nothing’s changed. If you manage to pursue Xia Xiao, I’ll set off firecrackers to celebrate."

"She’s just petty and holds grudges. I just said one thing that day, telling her to mind her own business in the future, and after that, she started ignoring me," Gao Jiaxing grumbled, feeling that Xia Xiao could be quite annoying at times.

"That’s why what mom said about you isn’t wrong. You’ve always been obstinate like that, awkward with words. With you saying things like that, how could Xia Xiao be happy? I think you should forget about Xia Xiao. Study hard, and in a few years after you get into college and find a job, just find a decent girl to marry."

As soon as Zheng Xianghong finished speaking, Gao Jiaxing said unhappily, "Mom, are you really my mother?"

"Why wouldn’t I be your mother? If I hadn’t given birth, would you even be here?" Zheng Xianghong replied.

"You don’t ever take my side." Gao Jiaxing complained. He didn’t know when he had started to care about Xia Xiao. Maybe it was after he offended her, or after the night he carried Xia Xiao on his back, or after she started ignoring him.

In any case, Gao Jiaxing just felt out of sorts now, with Xia Xiao constantly on his mind. He found her pettiness and grudge-holding over just one wrong word and cutting ties with him utterly depressing.

"When you’re finding a partner, it’s not me who’s finding one. You can’t even charm a girl, what’s there to like?" Zheng Xianghong cursed bluntly, wishing she could hit her son on the head with a mallet.

Gao Jiazhi laughed and said, "Jiaxing, you really need to learn a bit here. Look at Liu Haiguo, he’s quite good at it, though he suffers from not being handsome enough."

Gao Jiaxing nodded. Xia Xiao certainly judged by appearances; Liu Haiguo didn’t stand a chance with her. But himself?

Gao Jiaxing touched his own face, feeling insecure about his looks for the first time.

Thinking about He Xuebing’s delicate features, Gao Jiaxing felt disdain. Such a feminine face; he couldn’t understand what Xia Xiao saw in him, thinking he wasn’t as handsome as He Xuebing.

"Mom, where did you put the Clam Oil I bought for you before?" Gao Jiaxing asked.

"It’s in the storage bucket. What do you want it for?" Zheng Xianghong asked.

Gao Jiaxing replied, "None of your business," and went into Zheng Xianghong’s room to look for it.

When Gao Jiazhi saw that Gao Jiaxing hadn’t come out for a long time, he went into the room to see what was going on and saw Gao Jiaxing with his face smeared with Clam Oil. He immediately burst out into thunderous laughter.

Hahahahaha...