Fated Deception: How I Accidentally Married a Nine-Tailed Fox

Chapter 20: First Impressions

In a world defined by scarcity, people aged prematurely. Those born in the early 2000s already resembled men in their fifties, with graying hair and stooped postures. This stood in stark contrast to modern societies where proper care allowed forty-year-olds to pass for thirty with minimal effort.

Such was the reality of Lu Yuan’s world. Wang Xu from their compound, barely thirty-seven, carried the weathered appearance of someone a decade older. If city dwellers aged so visibly, rural residents who labored daily under sun and wind fared worse still.

Yet Su Liyan’s mother and stepmother defied this pattern completely. Both possessed extraordinary complexions—fair and unblemished, with only the faintest crow’s feet at their eyes hinting at maturity. These subtle markers of time enhanced rather than diminished their beauty, lending them an air of sophisticated elegance. Judging by appearance alone, they might have been mistaken for noble ladies from the imperial city rather than rural women.

Lu Yuan identified his mother-in-law immediately by the distinctive black fox ears atop her head—identical to his wife’s. Zhao Qiaoer radiated a dignified, almost ethereal beauty that reminded Lu Yuan of sacred goddess murals. Her refined features explained why she was sought after as a chef for every significant celebration in surrounding villages. As Su Liyan had explained, her mother’s beauty transformed even the most basic meal into a coveted experience.

Su Liyan’s stepmother, Jin Meijing, proved equally striking, though in a markedly different manner. As a member of the snake clan, her vertical pupils distinguished her immediately from humans. Jin Meijing possessed a captivating allure that Lu Yuan recognized could dangerously affect men with weaker constitutions.

Despite her appearance, Jin Meijing maintained absolute propriety. Lu Yuan understood that a woman of her caliber could have easily exploited her gifts for personal gain rather than remaining in a modest village.

As the two exceptional women approached, Lu Yuan felt a twinge of sympathy for the village men who must live daily with such unattainable beauty in their midst.

“Mom, Stepmother,” Lu Yuan called with confident familiarity, eliciting immediate joy from Zhao Qiaoer.

From a distance, she had confirmed the matchmaker’s description. Her son-in-law was indeed handsome and tall, carrying substantial provisions without apparent strain—clear evidence of robust health. His blue work uniform suggested steady employment and reliability.

Jin Meijing rushed forward to assist with the packages, her movements causing Lu Yuan to discreetly avert his eyes. The women in this family possessed exceptional genetics indeed.

“No need, I can manage,” Lu Yuan insisted with a warm smile.

Zhao Qiaoer’s approval grew with each passing moment. “Quickly, let’s get you inside and out of this strong sun,” she urged, leading the procession toward their home.

Su Liyan’s family residence, while showing signs of age, was surprisingly spacious—an ancestral home approximately the size of a courtyard house in the city. Though three women alone lacked resources for proper renovation, resulting in peeling paint and minor disrepair, the property remained meticulously clean despite its modest condition.

As they entered the compound, curious villagers followed. Such interest was customary when a daughter brought home a new husband. Lu Yuan displayed his gifts openly before the assembled onlookers, impressing them with his generosity and confirming rumors of his favorable circumstances.

Among his gifts were new shoes and candies for Su Lina, Su Liyan’s half-sister. At nine years old, born in the year of Lu Yuan’s father-in-law’s accident, the child already showed signs of inheriting her mother’s remarkable beauty.

“Thank you, brother-in-law,” she murmured shyly upon receiving her presents.

Lu Yuan patted her head affectionately. “We’re family now,” he assured her. “Next time, tell me what you’d like, and I’ll bring it for you.”

This gesture visibly pleased Su Liyan and both older women. The family’s appreciation didn’t prevent them from observing proper hospitality, however. Su Liyan distributed wedding candies to the women in attendance while Lu Yuan offered cigarettes to the men.

The villagers examined the cigarettes with barely concealed amazement. Great China—a brand costing two yuan per pack!

“This son-in-law,” they whispered among themselves, “is truly extraordinary.”