Chen Lan followed Sister San and entered the house. As soon as she stepped inside, like Sister San and the others, she took off her snow boots and put on slippers. Then, she, Sister San, and the Yulia sisters, all women, sat in the living room chatting. Sister San's two daughters-in-law brought out freshly made pastries and a pot of lemon black tea from the kitchen. Sister San, knowing Chen Lan preferred yogurt, asked Yulia to get her a fresh cup from the kitchen.
Grandpa Ivan, Sister San's husband, seeing the house full of women, left the living room to his children and grandchildren and went out to find his old friends.
Then, the women happily ate, drank, and chatted. Because Sister San's two daughters-in-law weren't very familiar with Chen Lan and couldn't speak the Northeastern dialect, they didn't stay to chat with Chen Lan and the others. After saying hello to Sister San and Chen Lan, they went to the kitchen to prepare lunch.
Chen Lan continued to chat with Sister San and her two daughters. As they talked, Chen Lan naturally steered the conversation towards the customs and traditions in Pogranichny town. This then naturally led to discussions about marriage customs and bride prices in the area. Chen Lan took a sip of yogurt and casually asked, "Auntie San, are the marriage customs here in Pogranichny town different from those in our hometown in the Northeast?"
Sister San smiled and replied, "There aren't many differences. It's still dictated by parents and matchmakers! The groom's side prepares the bride price, and the bride's side prepares the dowry."
As they talked, Sister San naturally brought up Yulia. Sister San sighed and said, "Alas! Mira, to tell you the truth, Yulia and Milana are getting older by the day, and I'm worried!"
Upon hearing Sister San talk about them, Yulia and Milana became a bit shy, their delicate faces flushing red.
Sister San patted their hands and said, "Don't be shy, you two. Mira isn't an outsider. To be honest! I wasn't in a hurry to marry you off because I wanted you to marry back to our hometown in the Northeast. But I heard that our hometown has been suffering from a drought these past couple of years, so I temporarily abandoned that idea. I haven't been back for two or three years, and I haven't had the chance to discuss this with your aunt, so your marriages have been delayed."
After speaking, Sister San turned to Chen Lan and said, "Mira, Auntie isn't afraid you'll laugh at me, but this is a mother's heart!"
Chen Lan was deeply moved by Sister San's words. She never imagined things would progress so smoothly. She immediately replied, "Auntie San, what are you saying? I completely understand your concerns. I'm also a mother, and I have four daughters. My eldest daughter is already fourteen this year, and she'll be married in a couple of years. How could I laugh at you?"
Sister San patted Chen Lan's hand and continued, "Yulia, Milana, you two don't visit your maternal grandmother's home often, so you don't know Northeastern men. Northeastern men are hardworking, considerate, and most importantly, they deeply cherish their wives. Unlike the men here, who are very lazy. Besides not being diligent, they don't support the family and have a penchant for drinking and fighting. Honestly, I regretted marrying here the moment I arrived. I especially don't want my precious daughter, Chang San Mei, who I've raised with such care, to suffer the same fate as me in another family. That's why I still want you to marry back to our hometown in the Northeast. With your two maternal uncles looking out for you there, I believe you'll have a wonderful future!"
Chen Lan seized the opportunity to interject, "That's right! Northeastern men are indeed the best at being considerate and doting on their wives. They are also very diligent and are single-mindedly focused on providing a good life for their wives and children. In our Northeast, men handle the outside work, and women manage the household. Their lives are truly vibrant and prosperous!"
After taking a breath, Chen Lan felt that today's opportunity was incredibly rare. She wondered if Heaven, knowing her deep desire, had arranged for Sister San to reveal her true feelings to fulfill her wish. If she missed this chance, it would truly be gone forever.
So, Chen Lan smiled and said, "Auntie San, Yulia, Milana, I have something I'd like to say. If I say anything wrong, I hope you mother and daughters won't mind!"
Sister San chuckled and patted Chen Lan's hand, saying, "Mira, why are you being so polite with Auntie? Say whatever you want. Auntie won't be angry!"
Chen Lan swallowed and said with great solemnity, "Auntie San, Yulia, what do you think of my older brother, Xi Ge? Although we don't share the same birth mother, we were nursed by the same mother. We grew up together, and I know him very well. I heard my mother say that ever since he knew I was his younger sister, he always let me have my way. I believe he will be a good husband who dotes on his wife! Would you consider my older brother? Although he's not young anymore, he just hasn't opened up yet. But don't worry, the bride price will be generous, and all procedures will be conducted according to the highest standards of Pogranichny town."
Yulia listened to Chen Lan's words, her face blushing as she lowered her head.
Sister San smiled and patted Chen Lan's hand again, saying, "Mira, what are you saying? Whom else would we trust if not you? To be honest, considering your older brother's and your family's conditions, they are a rare find. However, marriage is a lifelong matter for two people. I think it's best to let the two of them spend some time alone to see if they truly get along. Mira, don't you think so?"
Chen Lan grinned happily and nodded repeatedly, saying, "Yes, yes, that's right. Let them get to know each other well, and we mothers can discuss the bride price."
Sister San chided, "You child, what bride price and all that. I, Chang San Mei, am marrying off a daughter, not selling her. As long as they can live a good life together and visit me every few days, I'll be content."
Chen Lan thought that this simple request might be difficult to fulfill for Sister San, so she decided to be truthful. She then said, "Auntie San, to be honest, our home is in the valley of Panzi Ridge, not in Suifenhe, and it's quite far from Suifenhe. But I can tell you one thing truthfully: our family has no worries about food and drink. However, returning here is not easy. But I can guarantee you that every two to three years, I will definitely urge them to visit you."