Chapter 327: Can't Be Unrestrained

Wu An was at a loss, saying, "It definitely needs washing."

"The new clothes I bought yesterday are all in the room."

"I plan to change into them after I finish washing my hair."

Seeing his sister‑in‑law already raise her hand to hammer him, he quickly explained.

Mei Yueqin gave him a white‑eyed glance and handed him a towel.

Wu An went to the bathroom, took a shower, changed into the newly bought clothes, just finished drying his hair, his sister‑in‑law called him to the room, applied hair wax for him, and styled his hair by hand.

Sister‑in‑law said satisfied, "Alright, now it looks proper."

Wu An glanced at the mirror.

"Yo."

"He's a handsome guy."

He still looks quite upright; before he was vague and lacking spirit, now it's different—still the same face, but it feels like a complete transformation.

He walked out of the room.

Wu Yingwei and Wu Ping looked at him and nodded directly.

Seeing the time was about right, they went to fetch the matchmaker, and the group headed straight for the town.

They arrived at the restaurant.

They entered a private room and sat waiting.

Wu An received a call from Gu Anran, and the whole family hurried to the doorway to greet them.

They gave full respect.

Only the elderly lady from the Gu family arrived; Wu Yingwei kept calling her "Auntie" repeatedly, and during the meal made various assurances, saying they'd treat Gu Anran like their own daughter and wouldn't let her suffer any grievance in the Wu family.

The elderly lady listened happily.

Originally Wu An and Gu Anran were in a love marriage, both sets of parents were quite satisfied, and the elderly lady also knew Wu An had already bought Gu Anran gold ornaments worth over a hundred thousand.

For this marriage, she couldn't find any flaw at all.

She was worried, however, whether the Wu family might have some opinion about Gu Anran because of her.

This meal was, of course, enjoyed by both host and guests.

In the conversation, his and Gu Anran's marriage was preliminarily settled, and the elderly lady also made a request: to arrange the engagement as soon as possible.

She checked the dates.

A week later would be an auspicious day.

Most importantly, on the engagement day, Gu Jianfa was still detained and hadn't been released.

Wu Yingwei was somewhat stunned.

The elderly lady, reading the atmosphere and noticing a slight misunderstanding, quickly said, "I have a son to support in old age; if Anran marries over there, she'll become part of the Wu family."

This was to reassure Wu Yingwei that she, as an old woman, wouldn't be a burden.

Wu Yingwei promptly followed up.

He, of course, had no objection; after returning home, they'd prepare properly, and tomorrow they'd have the matchmaker come over to formally discuss the engagement.

The meal lasted over three hours, from 11 a. m. to 2 p. m.

Mainly it was chatting.

At the table, Wu An and Gu Anran sat together, hardly getting a word in, and no one paid them any attention; Wu An also didn't make any deliberate display.

He whispered to Gu Anran and played with her little hand under the table.

Gu Anran's face turned red; she had also been drinking, but no one thought much of it.

After the gathering dispersed.

Wu An didn't leave.

He went to Qin Zong's office.

He knocked.

Footsteps sounded from the room; Qin Zong opened the door, smiled and welcomed him in, saying, "I was wondering why you wanted to set a meeting today."

"So it's about the engagement."

"When the wedding comes, I'll definitely give a big red envelope."

Wu An smiled, "By then our guesthouse should be open, so we'll use the earnings to put together a red envelope; it doesn't need to be huge, just the thought counts."

"We're not outsiders."

"Besides, I don't know how to return the gift this time."

Qin Zong laughed heartily, raised his hand and tapped him, "Alright, alright, have a seat; Boss Gao will be here soon."

Not long after.

Gao Qiangqi arrived.

Upon learning Wu An was about to get engaged, he was also surprised.

Wu An invited, "You must come to the engagement banquet."

"It probably won't be a big ceremony, just a meal with relatives and friends."

"I don't have many relatives; you can help make the scene lively."

Gao Qiangqi and Qin Zong naturally agreed enthusiastically.

"It's a joyous occasion; I'll definitely be there."

Gao Qiangqi added, "If you need any help, just let me know."

Qin Zong quickly added, "Once the date is set, tell me in advance and I'll reserve a banquet hall."

Wu An nodded, "Then I really won't be polite."

Signed the contract.

Wu An was just about to go home when he got a call from Chen Zhuren, saying to come to the village committee.

Arrived at Zhenzhongcun.

Met Mai Hangyu at the intersection, and the two walked together to the village committee.

Wu An asked: "Do you know what it's about?"

Mai Hangyu shook his head.

Arrived at the village committee.

Chen Zhuren poured a cup of tea and got straight to the point: "The village committee evaluated the homestay project; your investment will probably need several million."

Wu An nodded.

"Can you disclose how much funding you currently have?"

"I already have fifty percent of the startup funds."

"Really?"

"Chen Zhuren, I have no need to lie to you; honestly, I wish I could cry poor, hoping the village could give some support."

"Crying poor is fine; you're investing so much in the village, bringing economic benefits and solving villagers' employment." Chen Zhuren talked at length, finally taking a sip of water: "The village can help you apply for an interest‑free loan, up to 500,000."

Wu An stared wide‑eyed in surprise.

Is there still such a good thing?

Chen Zhuren said: "Of course, but you also have to guarantee the investment amount, including the number of jobs created."

Wu An suddenly understood.

He felt it was no problem.

Originally, he didn't plan to use outsiders for the homestay project; he would definitely train local villagers, and Gao Qiangqi kept reminding him to tightly bind Zhenzhongcun.

Only then would Zhenzhongcun safeguard the homestay, and in the foreseeable future competition, the village would favor them.

Chen Zhuren took out a document and said: "First look at this material; later, prepare the required documents according to the requirements."

"The village will help with the rest."

"The exact amount that can be approved still depends on the outcome."

Wu An picked up the document, glanced at it, quickly thanked him, took a sip of tea, then got up to leave.

He left the village committee.

Wu An handed the document to Mai Hangyu to look at and asked: "Tell me, what have you been busy with in the village?"

Mai Hangyu scratched his head: "How do you know it's me who's busy?"

Wu An said: "Otherwise, could this filling really have fallen from the sky?"

"Well done."

"I should give you a bonus, or rather, give you shares."

Mai Hangyu widened his eyes: "Brother, are you serious?"

"Do I look like I'm joking?" Wu An patted his shoulder and said: "Work hard, you'll definitely get your share."

Casually drew a pie.

Basic operation.

Mai Hangyu was extremely excited.

Went to the construction site to check; the road had already been repaired, not too troublesome, and he had already settled the roadwork wages with Li the foreman.

Originally, the homestay company's account had almost no money, but the funds from Gao Qiangqi and Qin Zong would arrive at the latest by tomorrow.

Now everything is ready, just waiting for the design draft to be finalized.

Returned home.

The house was still lively; Father, elder brother and sister‑in‑law, Lao Meng, Li Juan, and A Qing were also there.

Everyone sat chatting, naturally talking about his engagement.

A Qing was not very interested.

Wu An asked him.

A Qing said: "After you get married, you won't be able to bring me along to play."

"Why?"

"Those who are married in the village are all like that."

"I'm not."

"Your sister‑in‑law will boss you around."

"Don't think too much about it." Wu An rubbed his cowlick, smiling: "I guarantee that after I get married, when you also get married someday, our brothers' lives will definitely be carefree, not like others who lose freedom after marriage."

A Qing grinned: "I believe what you say, Brother."