He didn't look like he was from around here; his attire had a bit of an urban flair.
The Zhang family watched as they pulled Wen Ying to the front row. Seeing Wen Ying looking around, they said, "Those are photographers invited by the director, it seems. Our event this time is going to be reported!"
For the people here, making it to the newspaper means it's a big deal, it's fame!
So when I heard about being reported, I felt very happy and honored, just like an ordinary person appearing on television.
"Auntie, what exactly is the event?"
"The singing and dancing competition!"
Wen Ying, "..."
Looking at these aunts and older ladies, what kind of song and dance could they be performing?
Could it be a square dance?
Wen Ying felt an inexplicable sorrow.
"Xiao Ying! Don't be fooled by everyone's age; when it comes to square dancing, we absolutely cannot lose! This is the pride of our neighborhood!"
Sure enough, it was a square dance.
"This is little Ying, right?"
"Little Ying is indeed the prettiest on our street!"
"Xiao Ying, do you have a boyfriend? I have a good relationship with your grandmother. How about I help you find a match?"
"Xiufang, just let it go! What kind of conditions does Xiaoying have, and what kind of conditions can you find? Are you worthy of the care Grandma Wen gave everyone back then?"
The woman called Xiufang looked somewhat embarrassed at Wen Ying, "Wasn't I just anxious for a moment? Little Ying is already over twenty, right?"
"Alright, there's no need for everyone to worry about Xiaoying. Xiaoying is my daughter now. If you want to introduce someone to her, talk to me first. Only if I approve can you approach Xiaoying."
Aunt Zhang directly stopped those older women from continuing to push for a match.
Everyone saw Aunt Zhang say this and, for once, did not argue back.
Aunt Zhang had a bad temper and would start scolding if she didn't like something. They didn't want to deal with such trouble.
It's just a pity to see Wen Ying staying here at such a young age.
"Alright, alright, we won't introduce ourselves, but you should let Xiaoying interact more with the young people, okay? Quite a few young folks have come today, and it seems like some TV station is coming to film us too!"
"Yes, yes, yes! I heard that too. A relative of mine works at the TV station, and he said that our streets have a bit of a retro feel, which is perfect for promoting in today's concrete jungle society. I don't really understand all the details, but basically, our place is going to be on TV!"
"I never thought I'd live to see our street become famous! Does that mean my house will be worth more then?"
"The Li family has a whole row of houses! How much must that be worth?"
In a place like this, these elderly aunties gathered together, naturally chatting about the everyday affairs of the Zhangs and the Lis, and at this moment, there were even more people.
"Xiao Ying, don't pay attention to them. You're still young for dating, no need to rush! Auntie sees the young people are over there, do you want to go and chat with them?"
Aunt Zhang had just finished speaking when she suddenly stood up, took Wen Ying by the hand, and walked towards the group of young people.
"Are you the young man from Zhang Haisheng's family?" Aunt Zhang looked in surprise at the most handsome young man in the crowd before her. Most importantly, she remembered that the youngest son of Zhang Haisheng's family had been admitted to a good university!
They were the best performers in their area!
But children change so much as they grow up!
It's only been a year or two, and you've already grown so handsome?
Full of vigor and vitality!
Zhang Wenliang nodded, "Auntie, it's me!"
"Aha! I knew it was you! This is my daughter Wen Ying, she might be a year or two older than you! She's also your Grandma Wen's granddaughter! When you were applying for college, your parents even asked Grandma Wen to help you out, do you remember?"
Zhang Wenliang nodded again, "Auntie, I remember, hello Sister Xiaoying."
The boy appeared to be gentle and courteous, standing out remarkably among the group.
Sure enough, there were some girls gathered around.
Aunt Zhang picked out a few familiar faces and asked around. They were all kids who had grown up on the street, but many had moved to the city in recent years, so she hadn't seen them in a long time.
I didn't expect everyone to come back this time.
"Xiao Ying, his name is Zhang Wenliang. He's the most promising student in our area, got into a really good university, and it's a prestigious one too! The young man looks quite decent, doesn't he?"
Wen Ying looked at Zhang Wenliang and sighed inwardly.
I didn't expect to find such a handsome little brother here. It would be even better if I could reach out and pinch his cheek, but unfortunately, I can't.
"Wen Ying, you also graduated from a prestigious university, right?"
Zhang Wenliang took the initiative to speak, causing Aunt Zhang, who had been worrying about finding an excuse, to beam with joy.
I knew this kid had an eye for things!
"It's not a prestigious university, just an ordinary one," Wen Ying thought for a moment, not intending to draw attention.
"Wenliang is from a prestigious university!" a girl nearby said, seemingly displeased that Zhang Wenliang took the initiative to ask Wen Ying.
Wen Ying glanced at her without speaking, only hearing Zhang Wenliang look at the girl and say, "Sorry, who are you?"
"Sister Xiaoying, do you know her?"
Wen Ying shook her head. Zhang Wenliang frowned, then relaxed, "I don't know them either. I didn't expect so many people to come today."
"Wenliang, it's me, Xiaohui! I used to live next door to you when we were kids! Your parents really liked me back then and even said they wanted me to marry you when we grew up!" The girl was a bit displeased, but her face turned red with embarrassment as she spoke.
It seemed to want to declare sovereignty.
"Are you the second daughter of Zhang Daya's family?" Aunt Zhang stared at the girl and asked.
"Auntie, it's me!"
"Weren't you off making money in some flashy place? Looks like you've earned quite a bit! Your parents bragged a lot back then, saying you found yourself some rich husband! Did you bring him back? Let your aunt have a look and broaden her horizons!"
Aunt Zhang's words instantly deflated all the girls' arrogance.
"Xiao Liang, why don't you come over to Auntie's place and chat with your sister Xiaoying? You two are about the same age, so you'll definitely have things to talk about."
Zhang Wenliang followed Aunt Zhang, walking with Wen Ying towards their original spot.
"Zhang Hui! Why are you saying so much? Now look what happened! Wen Liang has gone off with that vixen!"
"Exactly! If it weren't for my parents saying Wen Liang was back, I wouldn't have come back to this poor place! And now look at this! You really are more trouble than you're worth!"
"Alright, everyone, stop arguing. It's clear that Zhang Wenliang isn't interested in any of us. We're the ones crowding around him. What's the point?"
"You talk a good game! But didn't you come too? Zhang Wenliang is the most promising one among us! My parents say he will definitely make big money in the future! It seems he has already participated in some invention at school and even won an award! I don't believe you all are content with that kind of man!"
Zhang Wenliang sat on the stool next to Wen Ying. For some reason, despite not planning to fall in love, the moment he saw Wen Ying, he felt a fondness for this older sister.