In terms of beauty among all the women Erniu had ever seen, this woman could at least rival Ao Susu, which meant she could share the top spot. Hence, a flicker of indecision crossed Erniu's mind.
Such a stunning woman, not to chase her would be a sin!
Seeing Erniu looking as if his soul had been hooked, Jiang Li scolded him, "Erniu, what are you staring at her for? She's talking to you."
"Ah... right, right! I'm Erniu."
Erniu chuckled sheepishly, somewhat embarrassed as he scratched his head.
Upon seeing this, the matchmaker laughed heartily, "Erniu, look how lucky you are, lad! If it weren't for me finding you such a beautiful bride, you'd never get one in this life. When it's settled, you'd better thank me!"
Erniu could only offer a sheepish smile.
"Are we done with the pleasantries? I think we should talk about serious matters first," the woman interjected suddenly, finding a seat for herself. She crossed her long, fair legs, captivating Erniu so much that he couldn't look away.
Jiang Li, however, felt a bit uneasy, replying with a forced smile, "Right, let's sit first, business is more important."
While this woman was exceptionally attractive, there was a rebellious look in her eyes. Jiang Li feared that if she really married into their family, Erniu's younger brother might not be able to handle her...
Erniu served hot tea to the matchmaker and the woman, and the matchmaker took the opportunity to introduce the stunning companion.
This woman was named Zhang Yupan, a young widow from the neighboring Taohua Village, merely in her mid-twenties.
Erniu hadn't expected that this woman was also a widow.
But on second thought, it made sense; a woman as striking as her would have no shortage of men vying for her.
Smiling, the matchmaker said, "Though she's a widow, people can't help but fall for her charm. Besides, the Zhang Family is quite wealthy. Do you know how many men from the surrounding villages are clamoring to marry her?"
"But Yupan refuses to marry anyone except you by name. You sure are lucky, lad."
The matchmaker's words were indeed true.
Zhang Yupan, though brought here by the matchmaker, had insisted on her own to marry Erniu.
It left the matchmaker baffled—Erniu, known in Canglong Village for being a simpleton, and there Zhang Yupan was, inexplicably fixated on him, disregarding all the eligible bachelors for this foolish fellow.
Hearing this, Erniu also began to wonder. Could such good fortune be real?
He certainly didn't recall meeting such a beautiful woman before.
However, before Erniu could speak, Jiang Li's expression turned serious, "Hold on, Matchmaker Wang, I think we can't agree to this match. I suggest you take her to another family."
Her words left the other three shocked.
Erniu was the most surprised.
His sister-in-law had just been encouraging him to find a wife—why the sudden change?
Even the matchmaker appeared puzzled, "Xiao Li, why? What's the reason?"
"Matchmaker Wang, this Miss Zhang next to you must be the same widow from Taohua Village who married seven men and all of them died, right?" Jiang Li's face darkened, not having expected such a coincidence.
Hearing this, Zhang Yupan's expression turned dark.
Embarrassed, Matchmaker Wang gave an awkward laugh, effectively confirming it.
Indeed, Zhang Yupan's marrying seven men who all met with untimely deaths within a month of the wedding had become such an eerie incident that word of it had spread through all the nearby villages.
Many secretly cursed, calling Zhang Yupan an unlucky star, a husband-killer.
At that moment, Erniu could hardly believe it. He felt lucky not to have hastily agreed—it was too sinister.
"It seems I guessed right, Matchmaker Wang, please take her back," Jiang Li said. She had no intention of cursing her brother-in-law; although she was a widow herself, Zhang Yupan's track record of dooming seven husbands was too much for anyone to gamble on. If the marriage went through, Erniu could become the eighth.
Matchmaker Wang was visibly troubled, "This..."
"I don't agree," suddenly, the silent Zhang Yupan coldly interjected, "This matter concerns Erniu and me. Besides, my mind is made up. I will marry no one but him."
"What?" Erniu was baffled.
This... originally, there was no such thing, and he was quite happy to hear it. After all, a great beauty insisted on marrying him. Anyone would be delighted to hear that, but now it's different!
Isn't Zhang Yupan blatantly trying to kill him now?
He didn't have any grudge with her, did she really have to marry him just to finish him off…
Jiang Li also didn't expect Zhang Yupan to be so persistent and asked, "Miss Zhang, what do you mean by this?"
"Okay, I'll tell you the truth. My family has calculated the life patterns of all the able-bodied young men for miles around. Only your Erniu can suppress my 'Heavenly Evil Lone Star' life pattern, so I am determined to marry him," Zhang Yupan spoke with a tone of finality.
This also surprised Jiang Li and Erniu. They hadn't expected this at all.
Erniu thought, could his life pattern really be that formidable?
First was the Heavenly Maiden Ao Susu arriving at his doorstep, and now, out of nowhere, the stunningly beautiful Zhang Yupan, both hurrying to become his wife. He couldn't help but believe it now!
At this moment, the old matchmaker also spoke up to persuade, "Jiang Li, since it's like this, I think this arrangement might not be impossible to achieve. Don't you agree?"
"No, even if it's true, I don't agree with this marriage."
Jiang Li still felt it was unreliable. What if Erniu couldn't suppress it? Wouldn't that be the end of it?
Moreover, there were other girls in the area, not just her.
"Why not? You're just his sister-in-law, not his mother. Could it be that you fancy him?" Zhang Yupan scoffed coldly, managing to make Jiang Li blush with embarrassment, "Erniu, what about you? Do you agree or not?"
For a moment, Erniu felt quite embarrassed.
On one side was his sister-in-law, and on the other the beautiful widow, Zhang Yupan. Whichever choice he made, he'd regret it.
"Brother Erniu, as long as you marry me, I will be yours for life. Whatever you want to do, you can do, and I will abide by your wishes, okay? Otherwise, I'll have to remain a widow my whole life, and I couldn't stand that."
Zhang Yupan's voice was soft and seductive, her snow-white leg gently rubbing against Erniu's under the table.
The way she said it made even Jiang Li beside them flush with heat, let alone a young man in his prime. To get Erniu to marry her, Zhang Yupan truly pulled out all the stops, even resorting to seduction.
At that moment, the Dragon Ball was wreaking havoc, and Erniu felt an itch he couldn't scratch.
If it weren't for Jiang Li and the old matchmaker being there, he might have flipped the table already.
Seeing Erniu on the verge of giving in, Zhang Yupan was smug with triumph.
Just a foolish young lad, so easily manipulated by her.
"I think you should leave now!"
At that, Erniu unexpectedly declined.
Zhang Yupan was shocked, having not anticipated that Erniu would be able to resist, "Brother Erniu, you…"
"That's enough! Don't say any more. Since my sister-in-law has said no, naturally, I won't agree either. You better leave now and let's not talk about this matter anymore."
Although Erniu's heart was itching, after all, with his sister-in-law present, he understood what mattered more, and so, with a heavy heart, he had to speak these words.
What a pity! Otherwise, he could have married a beautiful wife!
Seeing the turn of events, the old matchmaker had no more to say and could only offer a sheepish smile, "Since that's the case, we'll take our leave. Jiang Li, don't take it to heart. I was just trying to facilitate a match. It's common for some not to work out!"
Jiang Li nodded, without saying a word.
Zhang Yupan, though reluctant, had no choice but to stand up angrily.
"Hmph! Brother Erniu, even if you do not agree now, I am set on you. If not today, I will come again some other day, until you agree. Sooner or later, I'll make you a son-in-law of the Zhang Family!"
With that, Zhang Yupan glared at Jiang Li, then stalked off in her high heels.
Erniu was left not knowing whether to laugh or cry by this episode.
My goodness... it seems his days wouldn't be peaceful from now on.