Chapter 283

"Isn't it too hasty to settle the marriage today?" Emily Johnson thought to herself, stealing glances at Daniel River across the table. The man in question hadn't uttered a word the entire time.

Though arranged marriages weren't entirely blind these days, discussing marriage at the first meeting still felt uncomfortably rushed.

"Does your daughter fancy my son?" Martha River cut straight to the chase.

The girl's mother's eyes darted shrewdly. "Will they live separately after marriage?"

Emily immediately understood—they were banking on Daniel's uncle being the production team leader.

"Right after the wedding," Martha replied breezily. She'd long planned for both sons to establish separate households once married, scoffing at the outdated notion that elders must live with one child.

"Let's be frank—the bride price must be clarified," the girl's cousin interjected, her gaze flickering between both families.

Mary Stone smiled. "We'll follow village customs."

Martha suddenly turned to Emily, her words laced with implication. "My sister-in-law is truly blessed. When Michael married, not a penny was spent on the bride price. In fact, her family sends money and gifts every month."

Emily stiffened. The seemingly complimentary remark was clearly a power move to intimidate the other family.

Sure enough, the cousin's probing look seemed to ask: What kind of bride pays to marry these days?

"My third son treats his wife exceedingly well..." Mary hurriedly smoothed things over.

"The thirty-six-legged furniture set is non-negotiable," the mother stated her terms.

"Naturally."

"Eighty for the bride price."

Eighty? Emily barely stifled a gasp. Though Daniel had earned some money working away last year, this amount was exorbitant.

Mary restrained the fuming Martha with a hand, smiling. "And the dowry?"

"Two quilts."

Seeing negotiations teetering, the matchmaker hastily mediated. They finally settled on the furniture set, sixty-eight for the bride price, plus a new outfit for the bride—while the girl's family would provide two quilts, a washbasin, and a slightly defective thermos.

Emily sat stunned throughout. The marriage was decided—just like that? The speed left her reeling.