Chapter 24: The Li Family's Terms

Lin Yang’s eyes brightened at once. He hurriedly leaned toward Zhao Guixiang and asked eagerly, "Mom, when did you learn to play this game? Tell me, what exactly did Aunt Li say?"

Watching her son’s anxious expression, Zhao Guixiang couldn't help but laugh and tease, "Our family’s pig has finally figured out how to root for the cabbage."

Her expression then shifted, becoming slightly more serious. "However, your Aunt Li said that even if you offered to be their son, they wouldn't be interested."

"Why?" Lin Yang’s heart tightened as he quickly asked.

Zhao Guixiang curled her lip and retorted, "Why else? Obviously, she’s afraid her daughter will be wronged in the future! You used to be so obsessed with that Sun girl, acting like you were under a spell. Who’s to say you won’t be lured away by some other woman later on? That girl is a good one, and she can’t just be entrusted to someone unreliable."

She shot Lin Yang a sidelong glance, her eyes filled with both resentment toward his past behavior and worry for his future.

Lin Yang hurriedly patted his chest in assurance. "Mom, you saw it yourself yesterday—I stood right in front of Sun Xiaorong and cursed her out, finally venting all the frustration I’d been bottling up. It’s absolutely impossible for there to be any connection between us again. I swear it on my life!" His gaze was firm, as if declaring his resolve to the entire world.

Zhao Guixiang was actually quite happy about her son’s change, but she pretended to be unimpressed. "Your Aunt Li said a man’s mouth is like a ghost’s promise—not to be trusted. Unless..." She deliberately drew out the sound, squinting at Lin Yang to gauge his reaction.

Lin Yang understood that his mother was setting a trap for him, but he was more than willing to jump in. "Mom, don't keep me hanging! Just tell me. I really have my heart set on Xiaowan. As the saying goes, there is no comparison without contrast. I admit I was once head-over-heels for Sun Xiaorong, and I did all sorts of stupid things for her, but she broke my heart completely. I’ll remember that for three lifetimes!"

"Look at Xiaowan, who has always been devoted to me. I only truly understand her value now, and I wish I could slap myself. I was blind before, not knowing how to cherish such a wonderful girl." Lin Yang spoke with deep regret, his face mirroring the remorse in his heart.

Seeing that the timing was right, Zhao Guixiang pushed the fish and shrimp paste toward Lin Yang, took a cornmeal bun, and bit into it, pretending to be annoyed. "You’d better learn your lesson this time! How did I give birth to such a fool? Must have inherited it from your father. Your dad was a hot-headed blockhead in his youth, too, and he gave me no shortage of trouble."

Lin Yang felt a mix of laughter and tears. Just then, Lin Dahai reached for the fish and shrimp paste with his bun, only to have his hand swatted away by Zhao Guixiang’s chopsticks. "Eat, eat, eat! All you know is eating! Do you have any idea how much trouble it is to make this paste? All that oil was saved up with such difficulty," she snapped.

Lin Dahai shot her a glare but didn't reach for the paste again. There was a mix of frustration and helplessness in his eyes; after all, he knew the family lived on a tight budget and every drop of oil was hard-won.

"Dad, the fish and shrimp paste is so fragrant. A bun with this paste is a real delicacy! Just have some," Lin Yang said, scooping a large spoonful into his father’s bowl to ease the tension between his parents.

"I can't eat this much," Lin Dahai muttered, trying to scoop some back.

"If your son gives it to you, just eat it. You're taking advantage of him!" Zhao Guixiang said, though she felt a pang of heartache. Making this paste was laborious—the fish had to be fried until the bones were crisp before being stir-fried with the sauce. She only used that much oil because Lin Yang wanted it.

Lin Yang scooped another large spoonful into his mother’s bowl and took the opportunity to ask again, "Mom, what else did Aunt Li say? I can't wait." His eyes were full of anticipation, like a child waiting for a gift.

Thinking of what her son had said yesterday, Zhao Guixiang ate the savory paste, feeling a sweetness in her heart. After finishing her bun, she said, "Your Aunt Li said you must first write a formal guarantee that you have cut all ties with Sun Xiaorong and will never have anything to do with her again. Furthermore, it must be written clearly, and you must press your thumbprint on it so that everyone knows your resolve."

Lin Yang replied without hesitation, "No problem! That’s what I intended to do anyway. I’ve long wanted to be rid of her. A written guarantee is perfect—it will put Aunt and Uncle Li at ease."

Seeing his determination, Zhao Guixiang felt relieved and continued, "I took the initiative and said our family would provide a betrothal gift of two hundred yuan, plus the 'three items and one sound' (a bicycle, a sewing machine, a watch, and a radio). Listen here, you brat: if you dare to have any contact with Sun Xiaorong again, don't wait for your Aunt and Uncle Li to act—I’ll break your legs myself! Don't think I'm joking." Her gaze held an unquestionable authority, drawing a clear red line for him.

Lin Yang beamed, full of confidence. "Mom, don't you worry. Even if Sun Xiaorong knelt on the ground and begged me, I wouldn't spare her a second glance. My heart is only for Xiaowan now, and I will treat her well." A heavy stone finally lifted from his heart.

He had been worried that his uncle and aunt held a poor impression of him, and given his past foolishness, anyone would have seen him as a pathetic sycophant. Fortunately, things had taken a turn for the better, and he felt as though he could see a bright future of happiness with Li Xiaowan.

After breakfast, seeing that his mother was out, Lin Yang quietly slung the tools he had prepared yesterday onto his back and slipped out of the house, moving like a thief for fear of being caught. He didn't dare let his mother see what he was carrying; if she knew he was heading into the mountains again, he would certainly be treated to a beating with the rolling pin, and he had no desire to experience that again.

Once outside the village, Lin Yang ran toward the mountains. He hadn't brought a bow and arrow today; instead, he had crafted a slingshot from materials he’d gathered yesterday. In his previous life, after guns were banned, he had moved from air rifles to slingshots. He had become surprisingly skilled with them, hitting his mark almost every time within thirty meters. He wasn't using ordinary pebbles, but discarded steel ball bearings he’d bought from a bicycle repair shop. Their trajectory was more stable, and their consistent weight greatly improved his accuracy.

As soon as he entered the mountains, Lin Yang activated the system's prey-locking skill. However, the system provided few prompts, mostly just birds in the trees. Occasionally, there were squirrels or field mice, but nothing he was looking for.

Just as Lin Yang was about to head deeper into the coniferous forest to try his luck, a notification sound chimed in his mind. He was slightly startled, but his face quickly lit up with surprise.

"A lucky start! Looks like I’ll have a good haul today." Following the system’s prompt, Lin Yang softened his footsteps and crept forward with great caution.