Chapter 326: Engaged

Wu An does not approve of Father's words.

The two families really are at odds, but if he offers a high price, Wu Yingjin would definitely rush to sell to him.

If Wu Yingjin doesn't sell, it can only be said the money wasn't sufficient.

Of course, he's not a dupe; he wouldn't spend a lot of money on a homestead plot.

Nowadays the village's homestead plots aren't worth anything and no one buys them; Wu Yingjin's plot lies abandoned there, essentially worthless, so if he is willing to spend money to buy it, Wu Yingjin is already getting a bargain.

Spending more money is absolutely impossible.

Even an extra dime on this matter would feel like a big loss to him.

Mei Yueqin said, "You mentioned wanting to buy Wu Yingjin's homestead plot; I heard rumors that Wu Yingjin seems to be selling something."

"All mysterious."

"He suddenly returned to the village; it must be something."

Wu An nodded, "Alright, I'll look into it."

He has feelings for Lao Wu, so he doesn't really want to move.

In his previous life he was wandering, and this life he wants to make up for it double; he grew up around Lao Wu, and this is his root.

Otherwise he wouldn't still be living in Lao Wu after Father has reaccepted him, unwilling to go home.

Moreover, living near Lao Wu is more comfortable; the location is good, not far from the sea, and a bit away from the village, so it's quiet and rarely disturbed.

Fan Laoshi's student designed a five‑story villa, with an indoor‑outdoor pool added on the main floor, so you can swim while seeing the sea—quite an interesting idea.

First try to buy Wu Yingjin's homestead plot; even if Wu Yingjin refuses to sell, it doesn't mean it can't be sold.

There must be a way if you think about it.

If it really doesn't work, he'll stay in the village and find another feng‑shui auspicious spot to build a house.

Wu Yingwei quickly stepped aside, took out his phone and called someone, apparently the matchmaker.

Soon after, the matchmaker arrived.

Wu An glanced and saw one of the few older women in the village; by seniority he would call her "old grandma."

This old grandma isn't just senior; according to Mei Yueqin, she lives in the same village as Gu Anran's grandmother.

The elderly lady sat down, called Gu Anran's grandmother by her childhood nickname, recalling that they were friends in childhood and often played together, and now a whole lifetime has passed.

This elderly lady is far more fortunate than Gu Anran's grandmother—she has many children, runs the household well, and her children get along harmoniously, making her a rare model family in the village.

It's clear that Wu Yingwei has really put his mind into finding a matchmaker.

Finding this matchmaker could not be more fitting.

They chatted for a while.

Wu An wanted to say something, but was told not to interfere, leaving him speechless.

Meeting the parents and the engagement are both his business, so why does it now make him feel like an outsider?

When the two had finished chatting, the matchmaker stood up to leave; Wu An quickly fetched some freshly brought seafood, which Mei Yueqin and the elderly lady politely declined.

Wu An, watching from the side, felt his scalp go numb; he truly didn't understand the purpose of this politeness—it was a bit too formalistic.

After the elderly lady left, she still had to visit Gu Anran's house; a matchmaker, after all, is busy on both ends.

This is only the parents meeting for a meal; the real hustle begins when they discuss the engagement.

Dinner in the evening.

Here they take engagements quite seriously; besides many items to prepare, the sense of ceremony is also substantial.

Wu An listened as Father and his older brother and sister‑in‑law discussed the items needed for the engagement ceremony; it felt so troublesome, complex, and tedious.

He really wants everything to be simple.

But as soon as he spoke, he was harshly criticized.

Father disagreed, and his older brother and sister‑in‑law shared the same view; even if it's not a grand affair, they should still hold it like everyone else in the village.

Wu An, being considerate, said no more.

Some of his viewpoints are still somewhat ahead of their time.

Of course, even in the future there won't be much change here.

The items and ceremonies required for engagements and weddings keep increasing, becoming more and more cumbersome.

This also leads more and more young people to refuse marriage, unwilling to bear so many burdens.

After dinner, Gu Anran called.

The two also chatted on the phone, finding it funny that the two parties actually had no say in this matter.

Wu An said nothing, but Gu Anran started to vent, saying that holding engagement and wedding ceremonies is like monkey‑showing, and they are the monkeys being played.

The only thing to be grateful for is that they aren't involved, so they don't have to be busy with it.

Naturally, their families will handle everything properly, and when the engagement or wedding comes, they just need to be good mascots.

After the call.

Wu An returned to the house and saw Father and his older brother and sister‑in‑law looking at the gold ornaments he bought for Gu Anran.

Father and his older brother approved of his action, saying it's something a man does.

His sister‑in‑law said nothing, but her eyes showed a hint of envy.

"When the engagement comes, displaying them will definitely earn face."

"A An did well; so many gold ornaments are also a fixed asset."

"Gold prices keep rising; buying now is definitely more cost‑effective than later."

Wu An, hearing his sister‑in‑law say that, quietly nudged his older brother.

Wu Ping looked up, met his eyes, and said, "Another day I'll take you into the county for a look and get you a set as well."

When they got married, someone also bought gold jewelry, but he didn't.

Mei Yueqin rolled her eyes: "You don't have a damn cent."

Wu Ping was left speechless by the retort.

Wu An remained silent; he also didn't feel right directly helping, letting his older brother go out to sea with him, but the older brother wasn't willing either.

But later there will always be a chance to let the older brother make money.

The older brother and his wife get along well, and with money in hand, their life will be quite comfortable.

He returned home.

Lao Mai's lawyer friend had the contract ready and sent it over.

It wasn't free.

He had paid the fee.

The lawyer sent a message, chatted a few sentences, and praised that he still had plenty of business.

Wu An casually replied with two sentences.

Tomorrow the two families will meet; he had booked a table at Qin Zong's place and, by the way, signed the contract.

The funds arrived in the account.

The design draft was finalized.

Then they could start construction right away; if smooth, it would be completed in half a year, and the inn would open for business next spring—he was destined to be the first to eat the crab.

……

Early the next morning.

The first thing Wu An did after waking up was check his Luck Value; he couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed, glanced at the poor weather outside, and wondered if the Luck Value's good or bad was also affected by the weather.

As he was playing with his phone, Gu Anran called, and his mood gradually improved.

Also, never mind.

Today there are still plenty of things to do; even if his Luck Value increased, he might not have time to busy himself.

After a quick wash-up, he headed home.

In the courtyard.

Father and the older brother and his wife were dressed formally, and the sister-in-law even put on makeup, which was rare.

Seeing Wu An shuffle in wearing flip-flops, Mei Yueqin flared up instantly and couldn't help ruffling his bedhead: "At least wash your hair!"