SES Chapter 139 Part 1

Chapter 139

Cao Jinhua was a seasoned insurance agent — sharp-tongued, confident, and fluent in every sales pitch imaginable.

“Risk is everywhere,” she said with the dramatic flourish of someone who’d given this speech a thousand times. “Just like the storms in nature — it comes for us all. And what is insurance? It’s the umbrella that shields you from wind and rain, the protection over your head when life turns rough…”

Mu Dai finally found a chance to cut in. “I don’t have any money…”

“Exactly!” Cao Jinhua seized on it instantly. “That’s why you need insurance even more. Think about it — sickness, disasters. The rich can afford to lose a little, but for us ordinary folks? Insurance is the only thing we can rely on.”

Mu Dai tried to resist. “But my Aunt Hong already bought insurance for me before…”

“Insurance,” Cao Jinhua countered smoothly, “isn’t a single thing. It’s a system of protection. What you had before may not cover everything. Accident coverage and critical illness plans are different types. Some don’t even include hospitalization benefits! And those older policies? Full of loopholes.”

Yi Wan San, who’d been sitting on the edge of his seat, inched closer to the door. Inch by inch.

Mu Dai made one last attempt to escape. “Well… I’m still pretty young. Maybe later—”

“That’s precisely why you should buy now!” Cao Jinhua interrupted, eyes bright with zeal. “You’re young — the premiums are cheaper. The same policy that costs a 20-year-old one price will cost a 40-year-old almost double. And after 60? The company won’t even take you!”

Mu Dai realized there was no arguing with her.

She stood up, asked for a pen and paper, and scribbled something quickly — a phone number.

Her tone was earnest, even polite. “You’re right. I do need insurance. But my salary goes straight to my brother. Tell you what — you can call him. If he agrees to pay, I’ll sign.”

Cao Jinhua looked both pleased and worried.

Pleased — because she’d nearly closed the deal.
Worried — because “nearly” didn’t mean “done.” There was no cell signal in Caojiatun village, and convincing the brother later might be a whole new battle.

Still, as the insurance company’s motto went:

“The customer may reject me a thousand times, but I must love them like my first crush.”

Cao Jinhua examined the slip of paper. “And your brother’s name?”

“His name is…” Mu Dai hesitated mid-sentence, then said, “Henry.”

Yi Wan San, who was practically at the door by now, turned his head and gave her a discreet thumbs-up — only to freeze when he met Cao Jinhua’s fiery, suspicious gaze.

Startled, he blurted out, “Her brother’s my brother too! Same brother!”

“Oh?” Cao Jinhua’s eyes darted between them — both tall, both good-looking. Now that she looked closer, they did resemble siblings.

She keyed the number into her phone, added a note beside it: “Henry — three birds with one stone.”

Yi Wan San was already halfway out the door.

Meanwhile, Qingshan’s small courtyard bustled with preparations — wedding supplies piled everywhere, children darting about. One little boy peered up at Yi Wan San and asked, “You from Beijing?”

“What’s so special about that?” Yi Wan San muttered. “It’s not like I’m a caveman.”

Mu Dai came over, speaking softly. “Do you think she’s involved?”

After a thoughtful pause, Yi Wan San shook his head. “Nah. My gut says she’s just a real insurance agent.”

Mu Dai handed him the pen she’d used earlier.

He frowned, confused.

“When I asked for pen and paper,” she said quietly, “someone grabbed this one from the windowsill. Remember the letter — the one with those tiny added words on the back? They were written with this pen.”

Yi Wan San narrowed his eyes, replaying the scene in his head.

Maybe it happened right here — Qingshan wrote the letter, folded it, tucked it into the envelope. Before he could seal it, someone came in, used this pen, and added two quick lines before slipping it back.

But who? The bride-to-be?

Mu Dai looked toward Qingshan, who was crossing the yard. “Qingshan, when can I meet your bride?”

The kids around them started teasing. Qingshan blushed, rubbing his hands awkwardly, his tanned face flushing redder.

He called over a middle-aged woman — Seventh Aunt — and whispered a few words. She turned to Mu Dai with a friendly smile.

“Normally, the bride doesn’t meet outsiders before the ceremony — especially men. But you’re a young lady, and from Beijing no less…”

She beckoned. “Come with me.”

Mu Dai shot Yi Wan San a quick, meaningful glance and bounced after the aunt, feigning cheerful curiosity.

Past the main hall, the noise faded. The back courtyard was quiet — almost eerily so.

Seventh Aunt chatted as they walked. “The bride, Yafeng, doesn’t have many relatives. Most of the wedding guests are from nearby villages. She used to work in the county before she met Qingshan — they didn’t know each other long. But Qingshan’s not young anymore. Around here, most men his age already have kids…”

She knocked on a door. “Yafeng?”

The door creaked open.

On the bed, a young woman flinched as if startled. She scrambled to the corner, clutching the blanket up to her chin. Only half her face showed — and wide, frightened eyes.

She looked terrified — not just of strangers, but even of Seventh Aunt.

“What’s wrong, Yafeng?” the older woman chided gently. “You’re acting so skittish today.”

Yafeng hesitated, glanced at her face, then slowly slid out from under the blanket.

Mu Dai’s heart thudded.

The girl was so young — maybe eighteen or nineteen — small and delicate, with pale skin and downcast eyes. When their gazes met, she looked away quickly, twisting the hem of her sleeve.

Seventh Aunt laughed. “See? She’s being strange today.”

Mu Dai smiled. “The bride’s just shy.”