Yang Mimi was similarly startled, and she nodded slightly. "I really didn't expect to see you again so soon."
The matchmaker's joy leapt to her eyebrows, and she nodded secretly to herself, thinking that this deal was very likely to succeed.
"You two really look like a couple. Did you know each other before? Since you're old acquaintances, I don't need to make any more introductions, do I?"
Yang Mimi thought of their encounter in the forest, the stripping and the embrace, and her cheeks turned pink, revealing a shy expression.
"Auntie Wang, speaking of which, Big Bull Brother is my lifesaver. In fact, we've just met today. I was surrounded by a group of punks on my way to Peach Blossom Village, and it was thanks to him showing up in time to save me. Otherwise, the consequences... the consequences are unthinkable."
"Hero saves the beauty! That's great, this must be fate from a past life." The matchmaker clapped her hands in succession, eager to seal a good match while the iron was hot.
"Come on, hold hands, then you are truly meant for each other."
The matchmaker led their hands together and placed them into each other's.
With the soft and tender touch at his fingertips, Wang Daniu just felt very comfortable, and if he kept holding on, it was quite exhilarating.
Upon holding hands again, Yang Mimi felt a sense of security, having a man to rely on truly beat struggling alone.
"Big Bull Brother, I don't even know how to thank you for your great kindness."
Yang Mimi's eyes brimmed with affection, looking tenderly at Wang Daniu.
"Yang... Sister, it was just a helping hand, don't take it to heart. I, Wang Daniu, would take on those punks every time I see them."
Wang Daniu spoke with righteous indignation, but he couldn't help worrying inwardly; after hearing from those no-good kids in the back mountains that she was a widow, why was she still considering marriage?
"Wow, it really is a hero saving a beauty."
"Our Big Mimi is the famous beauty around here, beautiful with just one word, and though she's a widow, she's the apple of the eye for countless men."
The matchmaker seemed to sense Wang Daniu's doubt and stirred her persuasive tongue.
Wang Daniu stole another glance at Yang Mimi, indeed, she looked as tender as a ripe peach, especially her figure made his heart pound.
If he could hold this beautiful woman in his arms under the covers, achieving seven rounds in one night wouldn't be too bad.
"You're so beautiful, why did you want to have a matchmaking meeting specifically with me?" The spark in Wang Daniu's heart was igniting.
"Brother Daniu, her fancying you is a fortune for your family. Countless others are still waiting for a chance like this... you can't miss out..."
The matchmaker was still ready to praise Yang Mimi's qualities.
But Yang Mimi interrupted her, speaking very sincerely, "I am indeed a widow, and I don't want a tablet of chastity. I want to find a man to live an ordinary life with. Is there anything wrong with that?"
Wang Daniu's heart throbbed violently, the situation reminded him so much of him and his sister-in-law.
The joy of men and women is but human nature, yet subject to so much criticism, which just isn't fair.
"You're also a widow?" Wang Tiegun, who had been over the moon just moments before, suddenly felt less enthusiastic as he sized up Yang Mimi.
The matchmaker was about to speak when Yang Mimi cut her off, "Auntie, let me say it."
The matchmaker's face turned awkward, as if she had done something deceitful, and her eyes darted about.
"Grandpa, Brother Daniu, I'll just say it, I've sought three men before, and none lasted long..."
"What? You've jinxed three men to death?" Wang Tiegun's eyes nearly popped out.
Yang Mimi nodded, gathering her courage, "The fortune teller said I have an extremely inauspicious life, so I've jinxed three men to death in succession. Only Wang Daniu can suppress my husband-jinxing fate... so... so..."
"Oh dear, my little ancestors, you've just dropped a bombshell with that statement—are you still interested in this marriage or not?"
Matchmaking always emphasizes the positives, but Yang Mimi seems intent on sabotaging her own prospects. The matchmaker, Wang, is as frantic as ants on a hot pan.
Wang Tiegun slumps into a chair, glaring resentfully at Matchmaker Wang: "This won't do! You're just trying to steamroll us, aren't you?"
"Oh, Mr. Wang, just hear me out," pleads the matchmaker.
Matchmaker Wang wants to explain further, but Yang Mimi takes a deep breath, her eyes brimming with tears.
Raising her voice, she says, "No need to explain. Brother Daniu saved my life, and I won't impose. It's just that we're fated to meet but not destined to be. I'll leave immediately."
Wang Daniu feels a storm surge in his heart, eerily similar to the recent situation where his grandfather had pressed him into a corner, threatening life for the sake of love.
In deference to his grandfather, he had compromised, and now he admires Yang Mimi's stance even more.
Both suffering the same plight, their souls take one step closer together in an instant.
Wang Daniu thinks to himself that, since there's no chance with his beloved Jiang Yinwa, especially with his grandfather meddling, leading to nothing but sneaking around, it's pointless.
Instead of all three of them enduring torment, it's better for him to cut through the chaos decisively. Since he cannot guarantee happiness for Jiang Yinwa, perhaps he should save this unfortunate woman instead.
If he can't be with the woman he loves, then so be it if fate dooms him.
Besides, his and Yang Mimi's experiences seem almost preordained. She is virtuous and sensible, and easy to get along with. Upon reflection, she seems like a decent choice.
At that moment, Grandfather Wang Tiegun waves a dismissive hand: "Go on, get out of here. Our child is bound for a single marriage, and he will not agree."
Knowing the match is no longer viable, Matchmaker Wang turns away with a cold huff, "Paupers wanting to marry a pure maiden—like a toad lusting after swan meat."
She then turns to look at Yang Mimi, indignant.
"You disaster-bringer, get out of here quickly and stop ruining my reputation."
"Hold on!" Just as the two are about to leave, Wang Daniu steps forward and blocks their path.
The matchmaker is startled, fearing Wang Daniu is looking for trouble, and says grudgingly, "Brother Daniu, this has nothing to do with me, it's this wretch who deceived me, I had no idea..."
Wang Daniu grins: "This marriage—I agree. Get it arranged quickly."
These words leave everyone in shock.
Not only does Yang Mimi stop crying, but even the grandfather is stunned, having not expected this ruffian to suddenly agree, especially after he had just been making life-threatening demands for Jiang Yinwa.
The first to recover is Matchmaker Wang, her face unfolding into a broad smile.
"Did I hear that right? Big brother, you truly are a rare talent!"
"I mean it, I agree to this marriage—the sooner the better!" declares Wang Daniu, loud and resolute.
"Done, I'll go arrange it right away. Big brother, your marital bliss is in my hands now."
Matchmaker Wang gleefully leads Yang Mimi out, her face immediately breaking into a smile.
"Wait!" Wang Daniu's sudden shout startles Matchmaker Wang.
"What else do you need, big brother?" she asks, frightened, as Wang Daniu approaches with a dark expression, wondering where she might have offended him.
"Matchmaker Wang, listen well. From now on, she's my wife, and if I hear anyone calling her a disaster-bringer or a wretch again, don't blame me for being impolite!"