With Madam Zhou’s generous gesture, coupled with her and her daughter’s attire, some people’s thoughts began to stir. They complimented Madam Zhou in a roundabout way, praising Wufu for growing up so well and saying it was time for her to find a match.
Over the past decade or so, Madam Zhou had seen mostly the scornful looks and disdainful slurs behind her back.
Today was the first time she experienced such warmth from others, and although she was a bit overwhelmed and slow to react, she ultimately felt some joy.
A few young girls gathered around Wufu, chattering away, interested not in anything else but the little bead flower she wore in her hair, their envy was plain to see.
Zhou Xiuer watched from a distance, biting her lip tightly.
Today, Wufu and her despicable mother had really stolen the spotlight.
After dining at the Old Zhou family’s celebration feast, Madam Zhou took Wufu home without having the gall to stay for dinner, although she was the auntie in name.
On the way, Madam Zhou asked Wufu what those girls had said to her, and if she had made any close girlfriends.
Wufu found it amusing and said, "Mother, we only spoke a few words, how could there be any close friends?"
Madam Zhou also realized her hastiness and changed her inquiry, "How about someone you got along with?"
"No," Wufu replied honestly. Mainly because, although she was but a fourteen-year-old girl, inside, she was an adult. When she died, she was about the same age as Madam Zhou, how could she get along with these girls?
Besides, these girls talked of nothing but clothes and jewelry, and the flattery and envy in their words became tiresome to her ears.
Madam Zhou was somewhat disappointed and said, "If there is someone you get along with, you should socialize more." She saw Wufu as a loner without playmates and worried she might be lonely.
"Mhm, if there’s someone I get along with, I’ll definitely socialize with them." The question was getting along.
"Oh, this is the purse Aunt gave me." Wufu pulled the purse from her waist and handed it to Madam Zhou.
Madam Zhou carefully examined it and praised, "The stitching is indeed fine, and the embroidery is exquisite. I’ve heard that your Aunt’s needlework is exceptional, and it seems to be true."
"If you like it, you wear it, Mother. I have this one," Wufu said, patting another purse that Madam Zhou made for her.
Madam Zhou chided, "Your Aunt gave it to you as a token of affection, how could I take it?" With that, she reattached the purse to Wufu’s belt.
As the mother and daughter walked on, Madam Zhou hesitated for a moment and cautiously asked, "Wufu, were you angry in the main room today?"
"Are you worried, Mother?"
"I’m just afraid that if you made a scene at that time, your reputation..."
"Mother, reputation is not an issue. But whoever makes me unhappy, I’ll make sure they are displeased as well," Wufu interrupted her.
"But there were many elders present at the time, and if they spoke ill of you, it could complicate your future marriage prospects!" Madam Zhou was quite worried.
Wufu smiled, "Mother, do you think I’d marry into their family?"
Madam Zhou was taken aback.
"It’s not that I’m arrogant or overreaching, if I marry, it will definitely be to someone I admire, someone who catches my eye and is promising," Wufu declared. "For an ordinary person to want to marry me, they would need the capability to handle me!"
Madam Zhou’s heart skipped a beat, and she swallowed hard.
This was serious; her daughter having such thoughts filled her not with joy but with anxiety. Her aspirations were indeed high.
"Speaking of this is too early now. Mother, I haven’t even come of age, and you’re already eager to send me off?" Seeing her mother’s worry, Wufu grasped her arm and said, "Don’t worry, Wufu won’t have trouble finding a husband, don’t think too much about it."
Madam Zhou managed a faint smile, sighing softly in her heart. She wondered whether her daughter’s confidence was a good or bad thing.