Because of this matter, the villagers who had previously held some grievances against The Second Lin's family now changed their attitude.
Forget about mockery; now they were rushing to their doorstep to curry favor.
They were afraid they wouldn't be able to buy meat from the Zhou Family in the future.
The stream of people coming to offer New Year's greetings nearly wore down the Lin family's doorstep.
Who doesn't like a lively atmosphere? Since there were no major grudges, Lin's mother couldn't very well say much.
Si Nian was especially surrounded by a crowd, every auntie looking at her with eyes gleaming like gold.
Everyone knew Si Nian was highly regarded by Zhou Yueshen. It was said he not only bought her a car but even did her laundry.
In all the surrounding villages, what man would do his wife's laundry?
Let alone someone known as the aloof, hard-to-approach "Cold-faced Marshal" Factory Director Zhou, whose single glance could make a child cry.
Si Nian had now become the benchmark figure for women in all the surrounding villages.
It was said that after this news spread, men in every household suffered the cold shoulder from their own wives.
They were told that not only did they not earn as much as Factory Director Zhou, they couldn't even wash clothes.
The village men, facing this unforeseen calamity, found it hard to argue.
Of course, those with better attitudes knew to cherish their wives and started helping out.
This also made everyone realize that men weren't incapable; it was just that the women hadn't known how to train them properly.
The village's famous matchmaker, Liu, also came. Originally, she didn't get along well with The Second Lin's family, having previously introduced Lin Sisi to the divorced Factory Director Zhou, who had three children and was known to be difficult.
Who would have thought this mismatched arrangement would, by accident, turn out well?
Although Lin Sisi didn't marry him, the beautiful Si Nian did.
Now Factory Director Zhou doted on her, treated her well, and was willing to spend money on her, buying her whatever she wanted, it was said.
Everyone in the surrounding villages was envious.
Because of this, her own somewhat tarnished reputation as Matchmaker Liu was instantly cleansed.
Lately, many people had been seeking her matchmaking services.
She used to be on good terms with Wang Cui and had even introduced a city man to Wang Cui's daughter.
The bride price was a bit low, but at least the man's background was clean.
Who knew Wang Cui would ruin it.
She returned home angrily and then heard that Wang Tao had offended the Zhou Family, and many people were visiting the Lin family.
She worried whether The Second Lin's family, because of her past friendship with Wang Cui, might refuse to sell pork to her family in the future?
Matchmaker Liu shuddered violently. No, she had to get on good terms with Lin's mother.
Matchmaker Liu brought fruit and eggs for a visit, only to find Si Nian surrounded by everyone, impossible to squeeze through.
Spotting Lin's mother busy with hospitality nearby, she immediately stretched her face into a smile, looking utterly ridiculous.
"Second Lin's wife, so busy! Let me help you."
These words not only startled Lin's mother but also made everyone else in the yard stare at Matchmaker Liu in astonishment.
Everyone in Lin Family Village knew Matchmaker Liu and Lin's mother didn't get along. What was going on?
Lin's mother also looked at Matchmaker Liu suspiciously. What was she up to?
Back when proposing the match for Lin Sisi, they had originally disagreed.
After all, even though she didn't get into university, Lin Sisi was still a high school graduate, which made her quite a catch.
She shouldn't have to be someone's stepmother.
If Lin Sisi hadn't agreed, they wouldn't have approved this marriage.
Later, a series of events happened, and the Lin family had truly hit rock bottom.
Fortunately, Zhou Yueshen wasn't as terrifying as the rumors said; he was a good man, so they felt somewhat at ease.
But she still held no fondness for this troublemaker Matchmaker Liu and remained silent now.
Matchmaker Liu, being a matchmaker after all, had thick skin.
She wasn't embarrassed at all.
She even pretended to wipe away tears: "Second Lin's wife, this old aunt was wrong before. I shouldn't have always mocked you for being an outsider."
"When I proposed that match for your Sisi, I meant no harm. By sheer accident, it even helped you find your birth daughter, Nian Nian. I shouldn't have listened to your sister-in-law's instigation and caused you trouble before. Let's let bygones be bygones, can you forgive me?"
After saying this, she stepped forward, wanting to grab Lin's mother's hand, wearing an expression of deep remorse.
Everyone in the Lin family yard stared wide-eyed at Matchmaker Liu. The village's thickest-skinned Matchmaker Liu was actually apologizing?
Was this some kind of ghost story?
The corner of Lin's mother's mouth twitched. She didn't like Matchmaker Liu, but one doesn't hit a person who comes with a smile.
For the moment, she couldn't very well say anything harsh.
"Matchmaker Liu, since you put it that way, let's consider those matters in the past."
Although this old woman was unpleasant, Lin's mother wasn't a pushover either. They usually traded insults on equal footing, and Lin's mother hadn't suffered any real grievances.
She was just utterly surprised the other party could swallow her pride like this.
Hearing Lin's mother's words, Matchmaker Liu immediately wiped her tears: "Wah, you really are a good person! In the past, it was this old sister who was wrong. I'm sorry. From now on, you are my good sister."
Lin's mother: "....." A cascade of black lines ran down her forehead. This woman was really getting into it.
"Well, alright, alright, it's all in the past."
Matchmaker Liu twitched the mole on her mouth, thinking of the Wang family, whom she was close to but who had harmed her, and then looking at Lin's mother, whom she had offended but who forgave her so easily. Her eyes reddened, overwhelmed by sudden sorrow.
"Miao ah~ You are truly kind-hearted and magnanimous. No wonder everyone says you're a good person. Sister Miao, you are such a wonderful person."
Lin's mother's original name was Zhang Miao, but few people called her by her name.
Lin's mother got goosebumps.
Not just her; everyone in the yard shuddered. Good heavens, this old woman was too nauseating.
Lin's mother couldn't take it either and quickly found an excuse to go out shopping.
Who knew Matchmaker Liu still hadn't given up? But her legs weren't good, so she couldn't catch up to Lin's mother. She followed her all the way to the gate, still waving her hand and calling out: "Miao Miao ah, your old sister's legs aren't good, so I won't go with you. Don't worry, I'll help you entertain the guests inside. Come back soon!"
