Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space novel Chapter 332

Chapter 332: Chapter 257: Gossip (Part 2)

As everyone chatted, they all coincidentally talked about the village’s selection for the women’s director. Everyone looked at Ye Zi.

Ye Zi looked at them embarrassedly, "Don’t talk nonsense. My husband said I can’t do it. I need to take care of our home first and sort out family matters."

"Can your husband really decide for you? Who doesn’t know he loves you the most? Ye Zi, tell everyone how your husband pampers you?" A wife said, making everyone laugh out loud.

"You’re so cheeky. Watch me tear that mouth of yours."

Zhou Jiao quickly changed the topic, afraid they might start talking about inappropriate things, "Xiu’e, has your little brother-in-law found someone yet?"

Everyone looked at Xiu’e, waiting for her to talk about her little brother-in-law’s situation.

Chen Xiu’e laughed heartily, "Last time that kid didn’t like a girl because she was chubby. Oh my, we were all amused by him. He said he must find someone slim who doesn’t take up too much space in bed. This time he likes Zhou Xiaoling from the neighboring village, and both families have agreed to marry by the end of the year. I think my little brother-in-law had been eyeing her, and once the matchmaker brought it up, he agreed immediately."

"That girl’s very popular. There must be quite a few people wanting to marry her. How much bride price did your family offer?"

Chen Xiu’e gestured with her fingers, "Our Zhang Family Village, especially at the foot of the North Mountain, never lacks brides. We gave two hundred yuan as a bride price. They liked our yard because our neighborhood relations are good."

Everyone nodded in agreement, as they were all once young girls themselves. When it came to marriage proposals, it was first about the family background, then the young man. Compared to those houses made of earth bricks where a big family lives cramped, their spacious courtyard with small couple quarters means they weren’t afraid of not finding a good bride. Two hundred yuan for a bride price was quite a lot; even county town girls would marry in.

Zhou Jiao listened to them talk about bride prices but didn’t say anything. Her eight hundred bride price was one of the highest in the county. She wished they would all forget about that.

Actually, back when Zhang the Second got married they offered a five hundred bride price. The initial agreement was to bring back three hundred yuan, but who could have predicted they wouldn’t follow through? When Zhang Guoqing got married, her in-laws could offer eight hundred yuan; first, they valued her, and second, the Zhou Family’s Zhou Xue had a five hundred bride price.

Zhang Guoqing personally added two hundred yuan, so technically the Zhang Family only gave six hundred yuan as per their family’s account, one hundred more than the second eldest.

Thinking about Zhou Xue’s five hundred yuan bride price, Zhou Jiao couldn’t help but sneer, feeling no guilt about the Wang Family’s situation. Just the fact that they could offer such a high bride price while holding a village chief’s position, proves they’re not good people.

Huang Cuilan and Lin Juhua both looked towards Zhou Jiao. Zhou Jiao smiled, "We’re not really sure, let him ask Xiao Wu directly. Recently, a few families have agreed to build yards together. I estimate it wouldn’t cost much, mostly needing labor. The most cost will be the mason’s fee, then the carpentry work and buying some tiles. For labor, stone, mud bricks, and timber you can prepare yourself. If you plan to start building in April or May next year, you need to prepare food beforehand."

"Haha... You say you’re not sure, yet that’s quite clear. With what you said, I now have a plan. When my mother-in-law talks about separation, I know what to prepare."

Ye Zi reminded her from the side, "Also, get the foundation approved early. Don’t build in the village. I’ve heard some families are inquiring about this plot."

Qingshan’s wife nodded repeatedly, "Listen to Ye Zi. There are quite a few elders eyeing this area. Uncle Tian’s house has cracks but they won’t repair it, just waiting till May next year to build a yard in front of my house. They’ve already got the foundation approved."

"Thanks to your reminders. Sigh... Back then no one wanted to come to the North Mountain Foot, and now everyone’s eyeing it. Isn’t the village just fine?"

Everyone teased, suggesting she try living in the village. Women have many topics to talk about, and soon enough they were chatting about what was sold at the market and how much was earned. Discussing which market was the busiest, and how much extra money was made from selling insoles.

Zhou Jiao listened intently to their gossip, realizing there were many ways to make money. She pondered whether she should suggest making some hair accessories, or selling some red couplets and window decorations. Let her two sisters-in-law earn some pocket money. Currently, the situation still allows for earning, but once next year’s markets close, it will be hard to make money. In the few days before the end of the year, with big and small markets constantly happening, it wouldn’t be noticeable. Making things secretly at home, and being wrapped tightly in the winter, they wouldn’t fear anyone bringing up old debts later.