BXBX NOVEL Chapter 472 - 472: Just You Wait
To avoid complications, Xia He arranged the blind date at Matchmaker Xu’s abode.
He believed that having a matchmaker on hand would ensure that the marriage proposal could not be easily dismissed.
Xia He’s logic seemed flawless, but as half an hour ticked by without any sign of the expected family, his confidence began to waver.
Impatience took hold, and he couldn’t stay seated any longer. Seizing Matchmaker Xu by the arm, they strode towards the door. “Sister-in-law Xu, what is the meaning of the Hua family’s absence? They should have been here by now.”
Matchmaker Xu was just as baffled.
The arrangement had been clear: both families were to meet and likely settle the matter then and there. Why, then, had this snag arisen?
“Brother Xia, don’t worry. I will go to the village chief’s house to call them,” Matchmaker Xu reassured as she headed out.
Though Xia He was known for his sternness at home, he approached the outside world with a careful demeanor.
The current slight, however, did not sit well with him. “Sister-in-law Xu, the Hua family’s disrespect is unacceptable. Our household might not be wealthy, but we deserve common courtesy!”
With an appeasing smile, Matchmaker Xu tried to assuage his worries. “The Hua family wouldn’t deliberately disrespect us. Trust that everything will turn out fine,” she said, before hastening out the door, leaving the Xia family in a state of suspended anticipation.
Xia He paced the floor, muttering threats under his breath. “If this marriage doesn’t get settled today, you can forget about coming back to my house!”
His voice was a mix of disappointment and frustration. “After all the years of raising you, it’s come to this—a struggle to see you married!”
Chen Lian, observing her daughter Xia Ye’s tight grip on the hem of her clothes, attempted to soothe her by patting her hands.
When Matchmaker Xu returned, she was immediately accosted by Xia He, anxious for an update.
“Sister-in-law Xu, what’s the word? When is the Hua family expected?”
Matchmaker Xu glanced at Xia Ye and relayed, “They’ve been delayed by some household issue but assure us they will be here soon.”
She beckoned to Chen Lian, who was quietly consoling Xia Ye, reassuring her that there might be a valid reason for the delay, and instructing her on maintaining composure in front of the Hua family.
With her head bowed, Xia Ye absorbed her mother’s advice.
Upon noticing Matchmaker Xu’s gesture, Chen Lian promptly stood up to join her.
Once out of earshot, Matchmaker Xu revealed her concerns in hushed tones. “There’s talk of Xia Ye having caused a stir in town involving a young man, and word has gotten to the Hua family, causing them to hesitate.”
“Trouble?” Xia He’s voice was edged with a mix of alarm and anger, aware that any scandal could jeopardize the day’s sensitive negotiations.
Chen Lian, puzzled yet defensive, asserted her daughter’s good conduct. “Ye Ye is always well-mannered. What sort of trouble could she have possibly caused?”
Matchmaker Xu pressed her lips together, her voice dropping even lower. “From what I hear, it was a man…
“It influenced the Hua’s decision. It took much persuasion on my part for them to agree to this meeting.”
Hearing this, Xia He shot a piercing look towards Xia Ye. “Speak up! What have you done?”
Chen Lian restrained him. “Let’s not jump to conclusions. We can discuss this at home.”
If the Hua family brings this up, we’d appreciate you speaking on our behalf.”
Matchmaker Xu gave a nod, her commitment to help evident, though she made no promises. “These matters hinge on the two youngsters’ consent. The times of arranged marriages by force are long past, and I can’t guarantee the outcome.”
The gravity of her words left Xia He with a sinking feeling that the matrimonial plans might not come to fruition.
In the midst of the adults’ discourse, Xia Ye’s reaction went unnoticed.
The murmured words didn’t escape her ears; she absorbed every syllable, her mind racing.
She gritted her teeth in deep resentment.
Yesterday’s incident, which she had hoped would fade into obscurity, was now casting a long shadow over her future. And the source of all the commotion? Xia Wan.
Xia Ye’s fingers tightened on her clothes, tearing the fabric in silent fury.
“Xia Wan, just wait. I’ll deal with you at school,” she vowed silently.
The tension was broken an hour later by the arrival of the Hua family.
Xia He’s earlier anxiety had transformed into assertive hostility. “Old Hua, your tardiness is inexcusable. We’ve been anxiously waiting!”
Hua Cheng, unfazed, offered a simple explanation, “Unforeseen matters needed my attention.”
His eyes then settled on Xia Ye.. “And this must be Little Ye! You have grown into quite the beauty!”