C15 How Much Is the Betrothal Gift?

"If there's nothing else, Zhou Xin, perhaps you should head back. There's no need to keep gossiping; I have no interest in listening."

"And have you resolved your own family issues? Why come here to pick a fight with me?"

Wu Ge might not be the most talkative person in the neighborhood, but that doesn't mean he's got a short fuse. Seeing Zhou Xin's relentless nagging, Wu Ge had no desire to engage further.

"Just the other day, I heard your daughter-in-law hasn't been treating you well."

"People say she's reluctant to have you over at their place. Now it's clear there's a reason for that. Instead of constantly bemoaning others' faults, maybe you should reflect on your own behavior."

Wu Ge, with his arms crossed, gave Zhou Xin a piece of his mind from start to finish.

Zhou Xin, with trembling fingers, pointed at him furiously, her eyes flashing with anger.

She probably never expected the usually quiet Wu Ge to confront her like this.

"My son is far more successful than you! If you were so great, why are you still without a wife? Picking through trash like this, you're likely to remain single for life!"

He spoke his venomous thoughts, his eyes bristling with spite. Wu Ge walked a few steps, then turned back to face Zhou Xin.

"I heard your younger son is seeing someone? Your house has been chaotic these past few days, probably over the betrothal gift money, I suppose?"

"What's it to you? This doesn't concern you!"

Zhou Xin sensed that something was amiss.

She looked at Wu Ge with suspicion, puzzled by his sudden comment.

Just then, a couple walked towards them, all lovey-dovey. It was Zhou Xin's youngest son and his fiancée.

Wu Ge didn't hold back, leaving no room for Zhou Xin to save face.

"What I'm saying is, it's quite questionable for you to demand a betrothal gift from your daughter-in-law, given that she's scrimped and saved for years, only for you to take it all. You haven't even considered asking your own son."

"What kind of situation will your youngest son face when he marries?"

Wu Ge cast a meaningful glance at Zhou Xin's daughter-in-law, whose face turned pale upon hearing his words. She hesitated for a moment before releasing her boyfriend's arm.

Zhou Xin's son picked up on his girlfriend's reaction and turned to look at her, then with a frown, he faced his mother. "Mom, can't we discuss this back at home? Why come here and embarrass yourself?"

He continued to chastise Zhou Xin, who had been boasting in Wu Ge's presence just moments ago but now found herself speechless, managing only an awkward smile before shuffling away.

The girl, now on guard after overhearing their conversation, stepped back when Zhou Xin's son reached out to her. With uncertainty in his eyes, he confronted his boyfriend, "Wasn't everything settled with your family before? Why are you demanding his personal savings now? Were you aware of this?"

Her pride wouldn't stand for such indignities.

Wu Ge, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle, noticed Zhou Xin glaring at him, likely thinking he was speaking out of turn. He spoke up slowly, "I have an alternative proposal. If your family truly can't afford a bride, perhaps you could consider giving her to me. He may not be able to meet the dowry, but I certainly can."

Zhou Xin had a habit of belittling him at every opportunity, and today's events felt like just retribution.

Unflustered and steady, Wu Ge slid his phone towards the girl as Zhou Xin looked on in a mix of panic and fury. The bank balance displayed on the screen was impressive. "Take a look; there's more than enough here for the dowry, and I'll keep earning more. Compared to his younger son, I'd say I'm the better catch."

"Think it over and give me a call when you've made up your mind," Wu Ge said with a smirk, then hefted his sack and headed back to his house, completely ignoring Zhou Xin's furious foot-stomping and shouts.

He wasn't actually interested in stealing Zhou Xin's son's girlfriend; he simply relished the chance to turn the tables on a family that had long looked down on him. This was his moment of triumph.

The young woman standing at the base of the building silently observed the commotion unfolding before her. After a moment, she stepped back, distancing herself from Zhou Xin's younger son.

"I think there might be some unresolved issues between us. Let's address them later."

"I'm heading back now. We can discuss this further tomorrow."

With those words, he turned and strode away. Zhou Xin's son stretched out his hand in an attempt to grab his arm but missed. Frustrated, he turned and glared at Zhou Xin.

He pondered Wu Ge's words and realized there was nothing left unclear.

"Mom, can't you just behave for once?"

"I've overlooked your antics in the past, but this time, you've driven my girlfriend away! You're always criticizing Wu Ge. Why don't you focus on yourself for a change?"

In the past, when Zhou Xin would gossip about Wu Ge, he found it amusing. But now that he was directly affected, he felt the urgency of the situation.

All he felt now was regret. If only he had taken the time to explain things to Wu Ge properly.

But Wu Ge's actions had already impacted his interests, and he narrowed his eyes in annoyance.

He wouldn't say anything this time, but he hoped not to encounter Wu Ge again.

Wu Ge arrived home, thrilled. Recalling Zhou Xin's sour face, he was filled with glee.

"Being the butt of his jokes for days, I've finally got my revenge!"

Indeed, every encounter with Zhou Xin had been a test of his patience.

Surely, he must have learned his lesson this time?

His eyelids felt heavy, nearly impossible to keep open.

Wu Ge hurriedly freshened up and climbed into bed. Soon, he drifted off to sleep.

In his dream, he was a force to be reckoned with. Everyone who had ever wronged him was now apologizing, including the irritable Zhou Xin, who begrudgingly acknowledged him. Wu Ge was so delighted he nearly woke himself up laughing.

When he awoke, daylight filled the room. Glancing at his watch, he realized it was already past ten.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Someone was pounding on the door, the knocks betraying the visitor's foul mood.