Chapter 2

When I got home, it was dinner time.

"Dad, Mom, Brother," I greeted each one.

Seeing my brother and his new girlfriend was a bit of a surprise.

"Hi, hi, I'm Angel, Jack's sister. Make yourself at home!"

They seemed surprised to see me, their chopsticks frozen in mid-air, and the atmosphere felt a bit tense.

"What's up? Didn't I text you that I'd be home today?"

I looked at my silent family, feeling a bit strange.

"No, uh, my phone broke, didn't see it." My mom awkwardly smiled, pointing with her chopsticks.

"You've eaten, right? We’re halfway through our meal, you... want some more?"

I looked at the leftover food, a bit helpless: "I sent the message to the family group chat."

My dad's face darkened, frowning as he scolded me: "Just come home, it's not a big deal!"

"Daughter."

My mom quickly stopped him and then hesitated to stop me from getting more dishes.

"Yeah? What is it?"

"Well, Mom's phone broke, and I'm getting old, don't understand these electronic products. Can you buy me a new one?"

"Sure."

I didn't catch any hidden meaning and agreed readily. Since I started working, they've often asked me for gifts.

She finally showed a smile and went to get me some dishes.

"Daughter, it's good you're back. We all missed you!"

"While everyone's free for the New Year, I've arranged for you to meet your aunt and a few other men introduced by relatives. One every hour! Just check them out, pick one, and aim to get married this holiday."

"You're still young, you have choices. Wait a couple more years, who will want you then?!"

I was so shocked that I dropped my food, the beef roll falling back into the hot pot, quickly picked up by my brother, who glared at me.

"This year? Are you kidding?"

Seeing their serious expressions, I put down my chopsticks and addressed a reality check about marriage.

"Marriage requires a lot of preparation, especially financially."

"For example, how much are you expecting in dowry? How much are you giving me as a bride price?"

My mom gave me a pinch of cabbage, giving me a playful look.

"You young people love shortcuts, hoping to get rich through marriage! Cars and houses will come in time! Don't fuss over these! A reliable man is what matters most!"

My dad's face was grim, displeased with my questions.

"We're not selling our daughter, why ask for benefits? You want people to gossip about us?"

My mom quickly filled his glass, soothing him.

"Listen to Mom, money isn't important in life. When your dad and I got married, we didn't care about these things. We had nothing but still made it work."

Seeing I wasn't moved, she began tearfully lamenting how hard it was to raise me, and how not getting married would be an eternal shame, leaving them restless forever.

I got fed up with the pressure, recalling the words that made them quiet before, ready to use the same trick.

"It's not that I don't want to get married, but marriage involves living together, buying a house, a car, having kids, needing a stable financial base, right?"

"Before... you kept calling at inappropriate times, ruining several contracts, and now I've been fired. The client is demanding compensation, and I'm in debt by millions. Who would dare marry me? Marry me and share my debt?"

The familiar tense atmosphere returned, broken by my dad slamming his chopsticks down.

"Who are you trying to fool? You agreed to buy the phone for your mom without hesitation, how can you be in debt?!"

"Don't think we don't know your little schemes!"

"You just don't want to get married! How are we supposed to hold our heads up in the village?"

I stared in disbelief.

Were they testing me from the start, setting a trap?

No way, we're family, right?

I shook my head, pushing the odd thought away.

"Take out a loan! If you're deep in debt, what's one more? If you're covered in lice, you won't feel itchy!"

I said casually, trying to continue eating, but my brother blocked me, so I gave up, not caring anymore.

"Anyway, I'm deep in debt now! No job! Anyone who marries me is unlucky! Definitely can't get married!"

"My focus next year is to find a good job, then work for promotions and raises! Be filial to you, alright?"

"As for marriage, I'm not considering it for now. Don't rush me. I'll marry when I find the right person!"

They stared at me, seemingly confirming the truth of my words. Finally, after a moment, my mom clutched her chest, trembling, and began crying again.

My image of being obedient and honest since childhood was deeply ingrained, so they probably believed me.

But what they didn't know is once someone starts working, they learn to tell little lies with ease!

Watching my mom cry, I felt at a loss. Is not marrying at 23 such a big deal? Is it worth crying over?

"So you're blaming us..."

"You want us to pay your debts?"

My mom pointed at me, crying as if she was about to faint.

"How did I give birth to such a debt-collector?!"

Chapter