Chapter 379 Dowry and Betrothal Gifts

After being woken up, Shen Xiaoxiao, still half asleep, followed Ma Aning and Shen Zishan to buy groceries.

When they arrived at the supply and marketing cooperative, they found a very long queue. Shen Xiaoxiao couldn't help but wonder, "With so many people, I wonder when it will be our turn!"

After a long wait, it was finally Shen Xiaoxiao's family's turn.

She looked at the few vegetables left on the vegetable stall; only radishes, cabbages, and leeks remained.

Although the selection was limited, she still bought a little of everything, since having something is better than having nothing.

Next, they went to the meat stall.

Ma Aning bought a pound of pork belly to make braised pork, and also some pork bones to make soup. When she saw the large intestine, she hesitated for a moment, but ultimately decided to buy it anyway, since it would be a dish after all.

Looking at the vegetables in her hand, Ma Aning said with heartache, "This little bit of greens cost me more than two yuan. We can eat these at home all we want; they're everywhere in the fields!"

Shen Xiaoxiao quickly comforted her, "Mom, the city is different from our hometown. It's already pretty good that we were able to buy these."

After buying groceries, the three of them returned home carrying a full basket of vegetables.

As soon as she entered the door, Ma Aning started to get busy. She took out the dried mushrooms she had brought from home to soak, and also took out some dried vegetables.

In addition, she also brought out a piece of cured pork, a dried pheasant, and a large piece of roe deer meat.

Ma Aning's cooking skills were superb; soon, an enticing aroma wafted from the kitchen.

Around noon, there was a knock on the door.

When Shen Xiaoxiao opened the door, she saw that Dai Xingyun had come to visit with his grandparents and parents.

When the two sets of parents met, Ma Aning was a little reserved at first, after all, it was her first time meeting the groom's parents.

However, as the conversation progressed, she gradually relaxed and began to communicate with Dai Xingyun's family.

The Dai family was very direct; they immediately claimed to be in-laws upon their arrival, which surprised Shen Zishan and his wife, but they did not refuse.

This also shows that they are very satisfied with their daughter, otherwise they would not have agreed to the marriage so easily, after all, their family is a prominent and wealthy family.

At the dinner table, everyone sat together, enjoying the dishes prepared by Ma Aning.

"This must be roe deer meat, right? I haven't had this kind of wild game in ages. I'm so lucky to have it today thanks to my in-laws!" Grandpa Dai picked up a piece of meat, put it in his mouth, chewed it carefully, and said with satisfaction.

Shen Zishan quickly gave a thumbs up and praised, "Amazing! You guessed it right away! We caught it ourselves on the mountain."

"Try this one too. It's a wild pheasant we hunted ourselves in the mountains. It's incredibly delicious."

Shen Zishan used serving chopsticks to pick up a piece of chicken and put it in Grandpa Dai's bowl.

"Yes, this dish is indeed very well stewed, with a rich flavor," Grandpa Dai said, nodding with satisfaction as he tasted it. "My mother-in-law's cooking skills are truly excellent."

Liang Xinxing quickly chimed in, "Yes, Mother-in-law, your cooking is absolutely superb! My Xingyun always raves about your dishes whenever he comes back from the countryside. Today I finally have the chance to taste them for myself, and they are indeed delicious!"

Hearing this, Ma Aning smiled somewhat embarrassedly and said modestly, "You flatter me. These are just some home-style dishes, nothing special. I'm glad you like them."

Liang Xinxing responded enthusiastically, "Yes, of course we love it! We all love to eat it."

Everyone enjoyed the meal; the atmosphere was harmonious, and both hosts and guests had a pleasant time.

After the meal, Liang Xinxing took the initiative to help clear the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen and dining room with Ma Aning.

After tidying up, everyone sat around in the living room, brewed a pot of tea, and chatted while enjoying the tea.

Liang Xinxing paused briefly, then got straight to the point: "My dear in-law, the main reason we're here today is to discuss something important with you."

"As you can see, our whole family adores Xiaoxiao. That's why we've come here today specifically to ask for her hand in marriage."

She paused for a moment, then said, "Don't worry, I will definitely love and cherish Xiaoxiao as if she were my own child."

“As long as the child is happy, we parents agree,” Ma Aning replied with a smile.

After spending the morning with the Dai family, Ma Aning had a very good impression of them.

Through observation and communication, she could basically tell that the Dai family members were of good character, kind and honest, which made her feel very at ease.

"That's wonderful, in-laws!" Liang Xinxing said happily. "Look, regarding the bride price, we plan to give 1888 yuan, plus three turns and one sound."

"In addition, his father and I own two houses, one of which we will transfer to the young couple's names."

Upon hearing these words, Ma Aning couldn't help but be surprised: "Isn't this too much?"

Liang Xinxing quickly waved her hand and explained with a smile, "It's not much, it's not much. This little girl deserves such good treatment." As she spoke, she affectionately took Ma Aning's hand.

Seeing the worried looks on her parents' faces, Shen Xiaoxiao immediately understood what they were worried about.

She knew that her parents must be worried about not being able to repay the dowry after receiving such a high betrothal gift.

Shen Xiaoxiao reached out and took Ma Aning's hand, a smile on her face, and said to the Dai family, "Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle, Aunt, I'd like to have a few words with my parents alone first."

"Okay, no problem," the Dai family member replied quickly upon seeing this.

The family of three entered the room. Shen Xiaoxiao turned to face her parents and asked directly, "Mom and Dad, are you worried about the dowry?"

Shen Zishan lowered his head somewhat embarrassed and said softly, "Yes, your mother and I are just ordinary farmers. With such a high bride price, I'm really afraid we won't be able to afford a sufficient dowry."

Shen Xiaoxiao quickly comforted them, "Mom and Dad, don't worry about that. The Dai family is very understanding; they know our family's situation."

"Besides, look at this courtyard house, isn't it mine? This can be considered a decent dowry."

Hearing his daughter's words, Shen Zishan breathed a slight sigh of relief, but still said with some unease, "But this courtyard house isn't worth that much money..."

Ma Aning chimed in from the side, "Oh, old man, don't think so much about it. Let's talk things out with our in-laws, I'm sure they won't hold it against us."

Shen Xiaoxiao nodded in agreement: "Yes, Mom and Dad, although our family's conditions are average, we're not too bad either."

"Moreover, the dowry is just a formality; what matters is my relationship with Xingyun."

After some persuasion, Shen Zishan and Ma Aning finally relaxed a little.

After the family of three left the room, the Dai family members immediately looked over expectantly, waiting for their reply.