In a split second, Lianshan saw a fist as big as a bowl coming straight for his face. If it landed, there was no way to explain away a black eye. Liu Shouren quickly ducked and barely avoided the blow, watching as his brother-in-law swiftly grabbed Uncle Wu to stop him from chasing after. Before he could even celebrate, he saw the old man widening his eyes in a threat, warning his brother-in-law to let go or else they’d both get a beating—oh no, he meant sparring! The moment Liu Shouren heard the word ’sparring’ equate to getting beaten by Uncle Wu, he felt a pang in his teeth. It’s just that the old man was not only of an older generation, but his martial prowess was quite formidable. As someone who couldn’t win a fake fight and certainly not a real one, not daring to strike dirty tricks due to respect for his seniority, he had been taught quite a few lessons by him. The phrase ’lingering fear’ wasn’t even enough to describe his feelings! To avoid his well-intentioned brother-in-law getting the innocent bystander treatment and worrying his little sister, or causing trouble himself, Liu Shouren waved a white flag with a pained expression, saying, "Misunderstanding, misunderstanding, Uncle Wu, let me explain, hear me out before deciding whether to continue sparring, okay?" Wu Liguo glared as if he had something to say, but was stopped by Shuzhen calling him "Uncle Wu" affectionately: "I know, Uncle, it’s because you’re worried about my sister Yinghong and eager to side with her. But some things can’t just be resolved with brute force. Marriage is a major event, concerning two people’s lifelong happiness. At least, Uncle Wu, listen to my brother’s explanation, okay?" Hearing this, Lianshan quickly nodded, supporting his wife: "Exactly, exactly. Even those who commit murder and arson are allowed to explain themselves before being judged. Uncle Wu, you might as well offer some sentiment and hear out my brother’s explanation, sure?" Wu Liguo snorted: "Fine, for the sake of my niece and her husband, I’ll listen to what you’ve got to say. If your explanation is reasonable, Old Wu will apologize. Otherwise, the sparring won’t be just three rounds!" The accused Liu Shouren choked but had to follow the steps laid by his sister and brother-in-law. He let out a bitter laugh: "Uncle Wu, you’ve misunderstood. Yinghong is like a swan flying high in the sky; even if she’s in a slump now, she’ll spread her wings again someday. Being liked by her is something that makes me excited and delighted and not at all disgusted!" Wu Liguo nodded, wasn’t it just like that! Shows you’re a sensible kid! But, Yinghong clearly said you didn’t fancy her? When it comes to his precious daughter, Wu Liguo wouldn’t doubt her at all. Could it be that this kid is trying to get out of a beating by lying? Never patient with roundabout ways, Wu Liguo went straight to the point. Liu Shouren sighed deeply: "Heaven and earth’s conscience, I was merely afraid that being older and divorced, being together would wrong her!" "But I’m not afraid of it; I cherish being with a mature and steady man who gives me a sense of security. Are you willing to marry me, love me, and live well with me?" Yinghong, fearing that her father’s fierce search for her brother Shouren would turn a small hardship into a big beating, rushed over to Shuzhen and inadvertently heard these words. Without thinking, Yinghong asked these two questions. Wu Liguo was stunned, hardly believing the bold and straightforward girl could be his precious daughter. Shuzhen and Lianshan were all smiling, eagerly waiting to witness how their fierce sister-in-law would win over her reserved brother. Hearing his true feelings and being questioned this way, Liu Shouren almost blurted out his willingness, but when he thought of his past and present situation, his hopes were quickly suppressed by logic: "I, I’m older than you..." "Yes, I know. But my dad says men being a bit older are better at cherishing someone; he’s eleven years older than my mom. With my dad’s fiery impatience, he hasn’t let my mom down all these years. With your good temper, you surely wouldn’t bully me." Yinghong shied away infinitely, her face rosy. In her heart, she thought: Just nine years, if I count my previous life’s age, I’m way older than you! "I’ve been divorced, and I have..." "Everyone’s life encounters a bit of disappointment, right? I also had a childhood sweetheart before you! What matters is your present and future, what does your past have to do with it? Don’t think of divorce as a stain on your life. Without those experiences, you wouldn’t be the you now, and you might not have caught my eye!" Yinghong shrugged, casually saying: "Is there more? Are there reasons you find us suitable yet can’t be together? If so, tell me, and I’ll kick away all those stumbling blocks!" Seeing the overwhelmingly confident Yinghong sister, Liu Shouren was a little dumbfounded: Both of the hardest issues were addressed, what else is there? He had no parents, no children to care for, his siblings were all understanding and considerate. To remarry, all that was necessary was for him and his future spouse and their parents to consent, right? With his future sister-in-law brave to this extent, the next step is to see how the in-laws will respond. With her parents long gone and her second brother not present, Shuzhen felt it was her duty as the little sister. She cheerfully invited her second aunt, who was inside entertaining children, to serve tea and host her uncle-in-law and sister-in-law, and then instructed Lianshan to slaughter chickens and catch ducks, ensuring the in-laws enjoyed a feast. She herself respectfully welcomed Wu Liguo and his daughter into the house. Once her second aunt had prepared the tea and snacks, she personally poured tea for Wu Liguo: "Heh, since my little sister-in-law came to our Liu family’s village, I’ve admired her straightforwardness, her clear distinction between love and hate, and her filial and polite nature. I imagined more than once how if my brother married her, I’d laugh even when dreaming. Who would have thought that this dream would come true today! Uncle Wu, you see my brother isn’t young anymore, and so is sister-in-law who’s turning twenty-two. Since they mutually fancy each other, let’s waste no time and make our families even closer right away! If we get started now, with the harvest, we can plan the wedding. If all goes well, by this time next year, Uncle Wu, you’ll experience the joy of playing with grandchildren!"