Chapter 16: The Losing Investment

Li Yonggang’s parents and Li Aimei were discussing the marriage between their children. This union was not merely the joining of two individuals but the blending of two families. Li Yonggang’s parents, beaming with joy, meticulously deliberated over the wedding details with Li Aimei, who, however, maintained a notably cautious demeanor.

In this countryside, marriage is never just a matter between two people; it is a family affair requiring the elders’ approval and blessings. Lin Junsheng’s family situation was somewhat complicated. His father had passed away years ago, leaving a large family to care for. Despite the absence of the family’s pillar, Li Aimei had taken on the responsibility of supporting the household. Yet, such a significant occasion still demanded the involvement of the elders.

Fully aware of this, Li Aimei gently requested Li Yonggang’s parents to return in a few days when she would gather the uncles and senior relatives to discuss the matter together. As the saying goes, a daughter who marries out is like water spilled—once gone, she belongs to her husband’s family. The village still held strong patriarchal views; otherwise, Lin Junsheng’s sister would not have died from severe bleeding after childbirth in a past ordeal.

Li Aimei could not make decisions alone and had to consult Lin Youcai, the eldest and most respected elder in the family. Lin Junsheng’s father had a sister, Lin Huijuan, and a brother, Lin Guodong. Lin Huijuan, the eldest sister and a nurse by profession, had married Liu Guoan, a doctor in the county town, leading a comfortable and stable life. Her children excelled: her eldest daughter Liu Siting was a workshop supervisor at a textile factory, her son Liu Zhiyu served as a county police officer, and her youngest daughter Liu Siyao worked at the county cultural center. After Lin Junsheng injured his leg, most medical expenses were generously covered by this aunt’s family.

In contrast, Lin Guodong’s family was more modest. His children all lived in the countryside; though not wealthy, they were hardworking and honest. His eldest son Lin Junxiang and second son Lin Junren were genuine farmers, while his youngest daughter Lin Junwei had just entered high school and was the family’s hope. However, Lin Guodong disliked his daughter because schooling was expensive.

The villagers’ ingrained belief was that a daughter who married out was no longer their concern. Lin Guodong would have long ago forced Lin Junwei to quit school and marry early to collect the bride price if it weren’t for Lin Huijuan’s promise to let her live and study at her home. This would save living expenses.

That evening, Li Aimei prepared a hearty meal of traditional braised noodles and golden fried eggs. She personally invited Lin Youcai and Lin Guodong to her home, hoping they would oversee Lin Junwei’s marriage arrangements and offer advice—especially regarding the bride price and wedding details. The customs in this countryside were numerous and complex. It was essential to consult the elders and deliberate carefully.

At the dinner table, the steaming noodles exuded a tempting aroma, and the golden eggs glistened invitingly under the light. As Li Aimei warmly served the elders, she broached the topic of the marriage. After a brief silence, Lin Youcai finally spoke.

He recounted the traditional wedding customs, each solemn and intricate. When the subject inevitably turned to the bride price, the atmosphere briefly stiffened. “I heard that when Li Fugui’s daughter married off in the neighboring village, they received three hundred yuan, plus a brand-new Phoenix brand bicycle and a Sanlu brand tape recorder,” Lin Youcai said, his tone tinged with comparison and consideration as his gaze unconsciously fixed on Lin Junwei.

Li Aimei’s lips curled into a faint, bitter smile, as if weighing the matter carefully. “Though Li Yonggang’s family is somewhat better off than ours, it’s not by much. We must be realistic. Three hundred yuan plus those items is no small sum for their family.” This amounted to over six hundred yuan—equivalent to a year’s harvest for Li Yonggang’s family.

At that moment, Lin Guodong’s voice rang out at the table, carrying an unyielding authority. “Aimei, marriage is no trivial matter; it demands the utmost caution. If the groom’s family cannot meet these bride price demands, then perhaps we should consider other suitable candidates.”

Hearing this, Lin Junsheng’s face darkened instantly, a heavy weight clogging his heart, making him deeply uncomfortable. Silently, he gritted his teeth, thinking: If things continue like this, won’t the happiness of my sister Lin Junwei and me be ruined by these outdated customs?

“There’s also Wang Dayong’s family in our village; they gave five hundred yuan and a Butterfly brand sewing machine for their bride,” Lin Youcai added. At this moment, Lin Junwei’s eyes seemed to hold countless unspoken words, which melted into a barely perceptible trace of grievance and helplessness, shimmering just within her tear-filled gaze.

Girls in the countryside held little status. Knowing their weak position, their words often fell on deaf ears. Her small hand quietly reached out, like a willow branch swaying in the breeze, gently brushing her brother Lin Junsheng’s sleeve. That silent touch spoke louder than a thousand words, as if pleading, “Brother, how am I to endure this? Please help me find a way!”

For a moment, the atmosphere at the table grew palpably tense. Lin Junsheng’s eyes swept over the faces around him, settling on those filled with either expectation or cold indifference. He did not rush to decide but took a deep breath and spoke slowly: “Uncle, Second Uncle, the whole village is indeed aware of my sister and Li Yonggang’s situation. But the Li family has not backed down; they even took the initiative to propose marriage. Such sincerity is rare. However, regarding the bride price, I believe we should act within our means. Li Yonggang’s family is not wealthy, and an excessive bride price would only plunge both families into hardship.”

His words were gentle yet firm, seeking a balance between family tradition and reality. Yet Lin Guodong seemed unconvinced, his words sharp like a blade: “Hmph, isn’t this all little Wan’s own fault? A reckless girl, not learning properly, running around with those improper behaviors, hiding in the grass! Just saying it makes me ashamed!”

Upon hearing this, Lin Junwei’s tears fell like broken pearls down her cheeks. Unable to bear the humiliation and grievance, she ran out crying.

“What are you saying, Guodong?” Li Aimei’s heart was a tangled mixture of pain for her daughter and anger toward this unforgiving brother-in-law.

But Lin Guodong seemed ignited with fury. He stood up, slammed the table heavily, and shouted, “It’s all because of these worthless children! None of them give us peace of mind; they’re just causing trouble!”

Seeing this, Lin Junsheng’s gaze turned icy. He clenched his fists tightly, suppressing his anger, and said sternly, “Second Uncle, on what grounds do you insult little Wan? We invited you here because you are an elder in the family, not to let you lord it over us with your age!”

Lin Junsheng’s injury kept him from borrowing money from Lin Guodong, his second uncle. Some relatives are worth cherishing, while others exploit the thin ties of blood to act recklessly.

“Uncle, look at what kind of children Aimei has raised,” he added quietly but firmly.