The Zhou family agreed to the match and even proactively approached the matchmaker to discuss the betrothal arrangements, much to the matchmaker's delight. She had been wondering how to secure the Zhou family’s consent, and now that they were initiating the engagement process, it saved her a great deal of effort!

However, despite her inner elation, the matchmaker did not agree immediately. Instead, she stated she needed to consult the wishes of Wang Laosan’s household. The Zhou family was quite understanding; after all, arranging a marriage wasn't something that could be forced by one side alone.

When Madam Zhang heard the good news brought by the matchmaker, she was overjoyed. The Zhou family taking the initiative made them look considerably better in public. She felt the matchmaker had contributed greatly to this outcome, so she generously rewarded her with a substantial sum of money, which made the matchmaker beam with happiness.

Soon after, the engagement between Wang Caidie and Zhou Ling was settled. Seeing that arrangements were being made for their second daughter, Madam Zhang shed her recent anxious demeanor and was cheerful every day.

The Zhou family placed great importance on marrying into Wang Youtian’s family, not only because they had inquired and found Wang Caidie to be a good woman, but also because it was a rare occasion where their son had agreed to an engagement. Consequently, both Old Madam Zhou and Old Man Zhou showed considerable respect and deference to Wang Youtian’s household, which greatly satisfied Wang Caidie, who had harbored some lingering resentment.

On the Wang side, upon learning that Wang Caidie’s engagement was set, it seemed everyone except Tian Shi was happy for Madam Zhang.

Upon hearing the news, Tian Shi immediately thought of her younger son’s marriage prospects. Youngest son Qing Tong was already past the age for marriage but remained stubbornly unwilling to settle down. She herself wished to press the issue, but alas, she had bungled matters the last time. Therefore, the Old Man and Old Madam absolutely refused to entrust the arrangement of their youngest grandson’s marriage to her. Tian Shi felt utterly helpless in this situation.

With Wang Caidie’s marriage now finalized, Tian Shi could no longer sit still. She quietly sought out an opportunity to gauge the Old Madam’s stance.

Seeing Tian Shi appear as if she had something to say but couldn't quite voice it, and connecting it with recent family matters, the Old Madam guessed the drift of Tian Shi's impending words.

“Whatever you have to say, just spit it out! Stop hesitating like this!” the Old Madam stated.

Hearing the Old Madam’s words, Tian Shi abandoned her pretense and stated her case frankly, “Mother, I’m merely concerned because Caidie’s engagement is settled, and it makes me anxious. After all, there is still no sign of a match for Qing Tong, and Qing Tong is already getting on in years.”

In truth, the Old Madam was already aware of this, and she too was mindful of Wang Qing Tong’s marriage. It was only because of her grandson’s distinct unwillingness, even refusal, that she had refrained from having Tian Shi handle the arrangements. Furthermore, given how poorly Tian Shi had managed the previous affair, the Old Madam was reluctant to entrust matters to her again.

Nevertheless, Tian Shi was, after all, Wang Qing Tong’s mother, and naturally worried about her son’s prospects. Thus, this time, the Old Madam didn't lecture Tian Shi much. “Your father and I have this matter constantly on our minds. We wonder, since Qing Tong has always been against us arranging his match, perhaps it’s because he has already found someone he favors?”

Tian Shi immediately grew agitated upon hearing the Old Madam’s words. “Mother, surely not? Does Qing Tong even have the audacity to have taken a fancy to someone outside without our knowledge?”

“That is not for certain. If he hasn't, why would he refuse to settle his marriage until now?” the Old Madam countered.

“Hmph, some shameless woman must have seduced Qing Tong, it must be so! I am determined to find this person and expose her to everyone so they can see just who this shameless woman is! I’d like to see if she can still remain in Qingshan Town after that,” Tian Shi fumed.

The Old Madam looked disappointed upon hearing Tian Shi’s words. “Use your head. If Qing Tong truly favors a young lady, we cannot act rashly like that. Otherwise, should any trouble arise later, Qing Tong will resent us for life. For now, we can only investigate carefully to find out which family’s daughter occupies his thoughts, and then we can plan accordingly.”

Tian Shi was still unwilling. “But, Mother, what if that girl isn’t a good match?”

“If she truly isn't suitable, then we will have justification to tell Qing Tong to stop thinking of her, won't we? We cannot make a final decision before even seeing if the girl is good or bad?” the Old Madam glared at Tian Shi.

Although Tian Shi still disliked the idea of her son dwelling on some girl, since the Old Madam had made her decision, it was not appropriate for her to openly oppose her.

After discussing the matter with the Old Madam, Tian Shi sought out Wang Qingyun, asking him to pay attention to Qing Tong’s daily activities when he had the chance, as they both worked in town. Additionally, Tian Shi planned to pay a surprise visit to her son’s grocery shop to see if she could discover anything. As for Wang Qingshan, Tian Shi figured he was occupied with tasks for the second branch of the family, so it wouldn't be proper to send him to Qing Tong’s place without cause, so she left him out of it.

At this time, Wang Qing Tong had no idea that his family had already arrived at such a conclusion regarding his situation. If he knew, he would surely cry out that he was wrongly accused. After all, although he hadn't agreed to an early betrothal, that certainly didn't mean he was infatuated with any particular young lady!

Wang Qingyun, upon hearing Tian Shi's instructions, felt quite perplexed. Asking him to watch who Qing Tong might favor? Could Qing Tong actually have… No wonder Qing Tong had always been so resistant to settling down! With this thought, Wang Qingyun felt a heavy responsibility. Consequently, in the following days, he diverted a portion of the energy he usually dedicated to the food stall and focused it on Wang Qing Tong, striving to uncover the person Qing Tong might be fond of.

Wang Qing Tong remained completely unaware. He was only wondering why his second elder brother had been visiting him so frequently lately. Were their food stalls not busy? Moreover, his mother had visited three or four times recently; was something the matter? Yet, Wang Qing Tong thought it over again and again—nothing significant seemed to have happened at home or at the shops these past few days. What was the reason for their abnormal behavior?

Wang Qing Tong racked his brain but couldn't arrive at an answer. One day, he finally couldn't hold back and asked Wang Qingyun, who was visiting yet again, “Second Brother, has anything happened recently?”

Wang Qingyun looked genuinely confused when he heard Wang Qing Tong’s question. “No, what could possibly have happened? How would I not know?”

After hearing his brother’s reply, Wang Qing Tong became even more puzzled. “Then why do I feel that both you and Mother have been acting rather strange lately? Not only are you visiting me frequently, but you’re always looking around everywhere. Of course, I’m not saying you can’t visit, but you never used to come by this often all at once. So, I’m wondering if you are hiding something from me?”

Wang Qingyun felt a touch of embarrassment. He couldn't very well say, We are here to investigate which young lady you are secretly pining for, could he?

Seeing his brother’s expression, Wang Qing Tong knew he had guessed correctly. “Second Brother, just tell me directly, what exactly is going on? Your actions are making me nervous! It’s better to just say what it is, so I don't have to constantly suspect things.”

Wang Qingyun listened to his brother and realized that his and his mother’s actions might lead to misunderstandings. If his brother started thinking along the wrong lines, that would be bad. Thus, he chose his words carefully and said, “Qing Tong, why have you consistently refused to settle your marriage arrangements?”

When Wang Qing Tong heard Wang Qingyun ask this, he assumed that perhaps his second brother and mother had been acting strangely all this time because of this issue. But even if they wanted him to finalize his marriage sooner, there was no reason for them to be running over here every other day. They should have just brought it up directly!

“Second Brother, are you and Mother trying to ask me about this matter?” Wang Qing Tong asked doubtfully.

“Uh… not entirely. First, tell me why you’ve been unwilling to settle your marriage?” Wang Qingyun inquired.

“There isn't any grand reason, really. It’s just that I don't have the inclination right now. Besides, if I finalize the engagement, the family will surely urge me to marry sooner. I was thinking I should earn a bit more money first, and then discuss marriage. That way, when the young lady marries me, she won't have to suffer any hardship, right?” Wang Qing Tong explained.

Wang Qing Tong’s words brought back memories for Wang Qingyun of the period right after his wife, Luo Yin, married him. At that time, he had no steady source of income; everything depended on the support of his elders. He admitted he hadn't possessed his younger brother's foresight back then, realizing his wife must have endured significant grievances because of it. Thinking of this, Wang Qingyun looked at Wang Qing Tong and felt he truly didn't measure up to his brother.

Wang Qing Tong noticed Wang Qingyun’s strange expression and cautiously asked, “Second Brother, what’s wrong…”

“Oh, nothing, Second Brother is fine. Just reminded me of the time just after your Second Sister-in-law married me,” Wang Qingyun replied with a dry laugh, then asked Wang Qing Tong, “But have you decided when you will consider marriage? I think you should give the elders a firm answer to avoid them worrying.”

Wang Qing Tong nodded. “You’re right. I’ll talk to Grandfather and Grandmother when I go back today. Oh, Second Brother, you still haven't told me why you all have been visiting me so often lately!”

“Uh… well, it’s like this. Seeing that you’ve been delaying settling your marriage, the elders have started suspecting that you might already have someone you favor!” Wang Qingyun admitted awkwardly. “Of course, if you explain things clearly to the family when you return this time, they won't misunderstand you anymore.”

Wang Qing Tong had never imagined that this was the reason. Heavens above, where had the family’s thoughts wandered? How could he possibly have someone he favored? He spent all his time managing the shop! Where would he find the leisure time to look for a potential bride? Thinking this, Wang Qing Tong felt even more determined to explain himself thoroughly to his family to prevent any further misunderstandings.