Chapter 1342: Chapter 1343: The Little Widow of the Courtyard 70 Zhang Yu pushed her bike home listlessly and noticed a strange girl coming out from Zhao Fu’s house. She couldn’t help but be taken aback. What’s going on? Did Zhao Qi successfully find a match? Ever since Zhao Lin got injured hunting in the mountains, the delay and the lack of proper care for his wound meant that even with treatment at the hospital, he was left with lasting issues in his leg. When standing still, you can’t really tell anything’s wrong; things seem pretty normal. But once he starts walking, you immediately notice something’s off, and he limps. Originally, Zhao Lin had missed the opportunity to take the test and work at the machinery factory. Learning about his condition only made him more gloomy. Whenever a girl came over for a match, there was always some sort of trouble. With all this drama, which family would want their daughter to marry Zhao Qi? Even though he has a job, the conditions are not very good. After several attempts, Zhao Qi and Zhao Lin became quite famous. Even with Zhao Fu and his wife making all kinds of guarantees and offering high prices to matchmakers, no one introduced a match to Zhao Qi. As time dragged on, those around Zhao Qi’s age were already married, some even parents. Even Zhao Juan, who got married last year, already has a child, while Zhao Qi remains single. Thɪs chapter is updated by novel{f}ire.net Zhang Yu slowly made her way home, opened the door, and went inside. She couldn’t help but think about how familiar that girl looked, but couldn’t remember why. “Qin Pandi,” Zhao Lei said as he entered, equally puzzled. Qin Pandi? That’s right! Zhang Yu finally understood why she seemed so familiar. This girl is something of a local celebrity. Her father is an electrician at the machinery factory, quite skilled, with a monthly salary of around 60 or 70, more than enough to support a family of three. Their life should be comfortable, but the Qin couple desperately wanted a son, becoming obsessed with it. Unfortunately, since the birth of Qin Pandi, Mrs. Qin had no more pregnancies. To have a son, she frequently visited the hospital, resorted to various home remedies, and even consulted so-called masters and shamans. Despite their decent income, the numerous expenses meant the family ate poorly and dressed in shabby clothes. Though Qin Pandi was their only daughter, she stopped studying after graduating from elementary school to babysit, do chores, and earn money, as Mrs. Qin, due to the remedies, had poor health and spent a lot. Last year, somehow they heard about a master in Jin City reputed to help childless couples have twin sons. Thrilled, they took leave to visit Jin City for treatment, but whatever skill that master had, the couple died on their way back to Capital City. Qin Pandi’s life, already hard, worsened after her parents’ death. Everyone thought she’d take her father’s position, but her grandparents and uncle’s family from the countryside came and took over his job. Qin Pandi continued doing odd jobs, handing over all her earnings, barely having enough to eat. Zhang Yu once heard people mention that Qin Pandi’s uncle and aunt were planning to trade her marriage for food. Could it be that Zhao Fu chose her as Zhao Qi’s bride? Zhang Yu knew many found Qin Pandi desirable; she’s hardworking, has no parents or relatives to rely on, and would be more obedient. However, people also thought of her as unlucky, blaming her for her parents’ deaths and hindering their chance of having a son. This frightened off many, except those in less wealthy situations, only longing for a wife to warm their bed. But Qin Pandi’s uncle and aunt wouldn’t agree, wanting to sell her at a high price. Zhang Yu knew Zhao Fu placed great faith in these beliefs and wouldn’t ignore them. While stoking the fire to heat water for a bath, Liang Zhaodi strolled over and lifted her chin, “Noticed there’s someone new in the yard?” She was the wife Du Zhong married last year. Since Zhao Juan’s wedding, he had given up hope and, with the encouragement of colleagues, married Liang Zhaodi from the same factory. She’s a factory fitter, possibly a third or fourth-level worker, slightly lower skilled than Du Zhong. Choosing Du Zhong was due to his having a house, no in-laws, and not minding her continuing to care for her mother and brother after marriage. For some reason, she never seemed to like Zhao Gui and Zhao Fu; if a chance to see them embarrassed arose, she wouldn’t miss it. Zhang Yu initially thought it was due to Zhao Juan. Everyone in the compound knew Du Zhong had a crush on Zhao Juan. But watching Liang Zhaodi chat and laugh with Zhao Juan, she learned it wasn’t so—and found out from a conversation that Liang Zhaodi just thought Zhao Gui was disgusting. Clearly, she didn’t fancy Du Zhong, but to make him compliant and support her family, she’d occasionally give him hope. As for Zhao Fu’s involvement, he likely played a minor role. Zhang Yu saw Liang Zhaodi as shrewd; Du Zhong’s discipline and progress were indicators. Zhang Yu hoped that Zhao Lei might similarly marry a good wife. “Qin Pandi is Zhao Qi’s bride?” Zhang Yu asked softly, “Haven’t heard a hint about it.” In these times, secrets don’t stay secret—word spreads quickly after matches. “Even today at work, I didn’t hear Zhao Qi mention it. You don’t know, Zhao Fu and Liang Zhaodi came back, and Zhao Qi was stunned.” “They’ll register their marriage tomorrow.” Zhang Yu thought Zhao Qi’s successful match was due to exceptional secrecy to prevent Zhao Lin causing a scene. She was surprised Zhao Fu and his wife were so thorough; even Zhao Qi was kept in the dark. “Zhao Lin didn’t cause a scene,” Zhang Yu thought this curious. Liang Zhaodi nodded, “No commotion.” Other neighbors saw Zhang Yu and Liang Zhaodi chatting and came over to join in. Zhao Lin watched Qin Pandi bustling about, “Big brother, look at Dad’s choice for you—a wife .” “Everyone says Qin Pandi is unlucky, bringing misfortune,” Zhao Lin couldn’t believe Zhao Fu found such a daughter-in-law for his favored son. Zhao Qi looked somber; he had imagined plenty about his future wife but never thought she’d be Qin Pandi. Without meeting her, without opposition, she’d be brought home today and married tomorrow. “At least I have a wife,” Zhao Qi wanted to say something, but noticing Qin Pandi busying about, he swallowed his dissatisfaction. “Do you have a wife?” Zhao Qi sneered, “You might never marry.” “You call yourself a cripple with no job,” Zhao Qi resolved to live well with Qin Pandi, determined to spite Zhao Lin.