Chapter 3: The Ultimate Blind Date (3)
As soon as she stepped into the private room of the bar, Yaran felt a scorching gaze directed at her, prompting her to curiously observe the people inside the room
Do not dwell too much on the past. Memories can bring sadness and can wear down a person's will. However, if there are no memories at all, what kind of scene would her life be like?
Jam naturally noticed the expression on Ye Ran's face and couldn't help but feel pleased. "I see you shouldn't hesitate any longer. At twenty-eight years old, as an old maid, being able to marry a diamond bachelor like me is simply hitting the jackpot!"
Ye then awkwardly smiled at Jiang Hao and said, "I am truly sorry"
Indeed, we are high school classmates and also university classmates, and we were roommates in university as well.
Ye Ran shook his head, forcing himself not to think too much. He raised his glass and downed the remaining cocktail in one go
"Then, to make amends, how about I treat you to a late-night snack?" Jiang Hao said with a warm smile, inviting Ye Ran.
She is very beautiful, but her temper is a bit bad. Jam frowned and said, "So, we broke up"
Ye Ran waved goodbye to Mei Yang, got into a taxi, and after returning home, fell into a deep sleep until Mina called around nine o'clock in the evening to urge her. Only then did she sluggishly get up, put on a light makeup, and head out, disappearing into the night.
You are now a standard yellow-faced woman! When the day comes that you are eliminated, don't come crying to me; I will resolutely not sympathize with you. " Ye Ran made a face.
"Mr. Jiang, don't you think what you are doing is a bit excessive?" Ye Ran's expression was displeased, and her tone had turned somewhat cold
Nana, I don't know what bad luck has befallen me today; I encountered three extraordinary men in one day. My petite frame can hardly bear it! Ye Ran feels that she has been incredibly unfortunate today and does not want to face another awkward blind date later, embarrassing herself and entertaining the public.
After so many years of relationship, it is no wonder that there is a mutual understanding
If I were a man and she a woman, we would certainly be considered childhood sweethearts. Ye Ran smiled as she spoke, feeling proud of her long-standing friendship with Mei Yang and Mi Na. In this era of rampant materialism, pure and profound friendships are rare, and the fact that they have maintained such a harmonious relationship for so many years is indeed remarkable. Furthermore, it is even more precious that this bond will continue in the future.
Ye Ran naturally extended his hand and shook hands with Jiang Hao, smiling as he said, "Although we have met before, it seems a bit impolite for you to directly extinguish my cigarette like this"
Jiang Hao asked Ye Ran to order dishes, and Ye Ran did not decline. After ordering the dishes, she began chatting with Mina about gossip. Meanwhile, Jiang Hao and Nami engaged in casual conversation.
Although he hurts others as soon as he opens his mouth, Ye Ran does not want to meet and offend people. Having suffered this loss, he turned to Mina and asked, "Who is he?"
It is my honor!" Jiang Hao said with a smile
Cousin, could you please help send Ye Ran home?" Nami urged Mina, asking Jiang Hao for assistance
"You must be the one with a problem. To be able to say 'Marry me,' you must have burned a lot of incense in your past life." Jam arrogantly glanced at Ye Ran and let out a self-satisfied hum
"Give me a reason to marry you!" Ye Ran raised her delicate eyebrows and asked lightly
The colorful lights pierced through the night, stimulating the visual nerves. She squinted her eyes as she watched the sweet scene of Mina and Nami embracing and dancing, feeling an inexplicable flutter in her heart
In the private room, besides Mina and her boyfriend Nami, there was also a delicate-looking young man. At that moment, the young man had a slight smile at the corners of his mouth, raised his eyebrows, and was thoughtfully staring at Ye Ran
Mina smiled dismissively and said, "The revolution has not yet succeeded, comrade, so you should continue to work hard."
Ye Ran snapped back to reality from the sight of Jam's furious departure, casting a fierce glare at Mina
Ye Ran does not like smoke, yet she smokes. Perhaps she is a woman as lonely as smoke, standing proudly in the ivory tower of love she has built, rejecting anyone's approach. Clearly afraid of loneliness, yearning to love sincerely, yet terrified of being hurt, she can only frolic endlessly in games. When tired, she realizes that there is not a single embrace that belongs to her. Over time, being alone becomes a habit, and she forgets why she should feel sad. Gradually, she becomes numb and aged, learning to disguise herself with a mask, feigning happiness and indifference. Clearly afraid of loneliness, yearning to love sincerely, yet terrified of being hurt, she can only frolic endlessly in games. When tired, she realizes that there is not a single embrace that belongs to her. Over time, being alone becomes a habit, and she forgets why she should feel sad. Gradually, she becomes numb and aged, learning to disguise herself with a mask, feigning happiness and indifference.
How much is face value worth
Ye Ran caught a glimpse of a photo of a man and a woman placed inside LV's wallet. Indeed, × × was smiling sweetly, while Jam stood by as a mere backdrop.
Ye Ran shrugged nonchalantly, raised her delicate eyebrows, and said lightly: "The ring is nice, but you are just not to my taste."
Ye Ran carefully examined Jam from top to bottom and left to right, and then uttered two words: "There is a problem"
It is a pleasure to meet you, goodbye. Jiang Hao also waved goodbye to Ye Ran and then drove away gracefully
"Cousin, so you know each other?" Nami, a bit slow on the uptake, leaned over and smiled at Jiang Hao.
Mina exchanged a glance with Nami and knowingly shook her head
Mina leaned against the wall, wiped the cold sweat from her forehead, and awkwardly looked at Ye Ran, forcing out a flattering smile, "I’m sorry, next time I will introduce someone better to you!"
Is she Ye Ran?" The boy finally shifted his gaze away from Ye Ran's face, turning to Mina and asking with his head held high.
After leaving the bar, four people went to a late-night snack shop near the bar
"How did we become more distant after having a late-night snack?" Jiang Hao joked with a smile
I do not covet wealth
Let me tell you, the girls who pursue me could form a line, circling around the city center a few times! You might not believe it, but in the past, I had a girlfriend who often appeared on television, × ×. Jam, fearing that Ye Ran wouldn't believe him, took out his wallet from his pocket and pulled out a photo.
"Ranran, are you doing this on purpose?" Mina complained to Yaran while eating
"Alright, alright, I'm just hungry!" Without waiting for Ye Ran to respond, Mina excitedly nodded in agreement and dragged Ye Ran outside
Yeran played with her fingers, responding to Jiang Hao with restraint: "The garden on the × × road. Mr. Jiang, thank you."
Ye Ran let out a meaningful "Oh".
Alright, I won't say anything more to you. You are already grown up, so remember to come home early tonight! Don't have too much fun!" Meiyang said while waving to hail a taxi for Yeran.
Ye Ran stared in astonishment at Jiang Hao, who calmly left the table to go to the restroom and tidy himself up, much like a child who had just caused trouble
"It is not good for girls to smoke!" Ye Ran was taken aback, and before she could react, she saw a man sit down beside her and casually take the cigarette from her hand, directly extinguishing it in the ashtray.
Ye Ran smiled at Jiang Hao and said, "Then I will trouble you." After saying this, she waved her hand towards Mina and Nami.
After taking a shower, Ye Ran fell asleep immediately, her mood not at all affected by the few extraordinary men she encountered today. The first nouveau riche had such limited refinement, the second was rather shocking, and the third could not even be considered a suitable match, merely a spoiled little brat. If things don't work out, she can keep looking; there will surely be someone suitable for her. Moreover, she has to go to work tomorrow, with a pile of reports to handle and the weekly work summary report to review.
It's nothing, it's nothing. You all continue eating
Isn't she quite beautiful? Why don't you marry her? Nightran asked teasingly
Are you on good terms with Mina?" Jiang Hao said this while steering the wheel.
I am unable to comprehend your notion of 'only pursuing excellence, not settling for less'; however, I know that your parents are almost suffering from anxiety over your marriage.
Ye Ran turned her face and replied, "Jiang Hao"
As a married woman, I would rather obediently stay at home to support my husband and raise my children! I certainly will not go to those chaotic and polluted places
Aren't you being a bit silly? Hurry up and get the ring, let's get married," Jam urged as he noticed Ye Ran had not yet picked up the ring.
"Very well, once you get married, you can change your car and give your mother a grandchild." Ye Ran interrupted him, clenching his fist, wishing he could punch that self-satisfied face of Jam's. What does he take marriage for!
When Ye Ran arrived home, the rain had already stopped. "Thank you for taking me home, goodbye"
Ye Ran smiled self-deprecatingly, casually took out a pack of women's cigarettes from her bag, pulled out one, lit it with a lighter, took a deep puff, and desperately wanted to swallow all that disappointment and gloom down her throat
You are no longer young; it's time to think seriously about yourself! Meiyang looked at Yiran meaningfully and said, "You are already twenty-eight years old, how can you still have the mindset of an eighteen-year-old? When will you mature a bit?"
"Apart from the one from your family, who else can you bring along?" Ye Ran asked casually.
As it is Sunday and everyone has to work on Monday, the activities concluded promptly at twelve o'clock. Upon exiting the late-night dining establishment, one could sense the low atmospheric pressure and the heavy scent of humidity in the night air, indicating that rain is imminent
This is a face that I have seen twice today
The appearance is just average! That boy, however, is quite unreserved, showing no regard for Ye Ran, who is present, and it seems he is quite old.
"Childhood sweethearts are not necessarily lovers," Jiang Hao said淡淡地.
Thank you for reminding me repeatedly, I am only 28 years old, and there is still some distance to 30! I can still slowly explore and seek my spring.
"Are you actually looking down on me?" Jam was driven mad by Ye Ran, speaking without thinking, "You should know how many women are eager to marry me"
Jiang Hao said with a smile, "It's not really an acquaintance, but not entirely unfamiliar either." He turned his face and asked Ye Ran, "How should I address you?"
A sudden rain began to fall from the sky, both urgent and dense, pattering against the car window with a rhythmic "tick-tock." The windshield wipers diligently swept away the raindrops, creating continuous circles of rain splashes that flowed down the car body under the dim light of the street lamps. Jiang Hao's expression was subtle; he no longer spoke, focusing intently on driving
Ye Ran rolled her eyes in silence, too lazy to engage in pointless conversation with him, and muttered to herself: I have seen shamelessness, but I have never seen such shamelessness.
Ye Ran shot a glare at Mina, took a deep breath, and suppressed his anger
Ye Ran truly did not realize earlier that this Jam is the third richest second-generation heir in City S, the one rumored to own a Ferrari Carrera sports car. However, Ye Ran never considered being a pampered bird raised by a wealthy family, nor did she wish to be a pawn in someone else's impulsive marriage, and she certainly did not want to spend her life with a man of such temperament
What happened? You look so depressed, are you really feeling hurt? After finishing a dance, Mina pulled Nami over from the center of the stage
"Woman, marry me, it would be very prestigious." Jam shouted angrily
"How about it, just nod, and take the ring." Jam casually pulled out a diamond ring the size of a pigeon egg from his pocket and arrogantly tossed it in front of Ye Ran.
Jiang Hao started the car and casually played a soft piece of music, then turned his head gently to ask Ye Ran: "Miss Ye Ran, where do you live?"
Please marry me
Why use the term "boy"?
Ye Ran nodded and said, "Alright"
According to Ye Ran's observation, this boy is fair-skinned and youthful, sporting a voluminous pompadour hairstyle, dressed in a complete Adidas tracksuit, and looks just like a high school student, particularly the type who skips class to hang out at bars.
Mina and Nami smoking at night is nothing unusual, as the two of them flirt playfully beside each other
"It's alright." Jiang Hao smiled gently, and surprisingly, there was a faint dimple on his face
"Sigh, just mentioning my parents makes me anxious now!" Ye Ran said dejectedly
What are you in such a hurry for? Ye Ran was very curious about what this twenty-four-year-old kid was in a rush for
"Yes, marry me." Jam nodded seriously.
Oh? You are not in a hurry? Jam's tone was clearly one of disbelief, "To be honest with you, I am very anxious!"
"Ranran, Jam is still young and speaks quite directly, so please be understanding." Mina noticed the situation was not right and hurriedly stepped in to smooth things over. Jam's words were too blunt for Yiran, and if this continued, it was likely that the situation would spiral out of control.
Jiang Hao smiled at Ye Ran and said, "Alright, I will take you."
Under the flickering and elusive lights, men and women dance vigorously, sweating profusely as they release the pent-up depression within their hearts. ... Night, leaning against the bar in utter boredom, turns the glass in hand, suddenly feeling an indescribable sadness within ...
Mina rolled her eyes after hearing Ye Ran's response, waiting for Jiang Hao to come in. She put on a smile and said, "Cousin... please have a seat, the hot dishes are already served."
Jiang Hao gentlemanly helped Ye Ran adjust her chair and gave a slight smile to Na Mi. Na Mi, understanding the situation, said: "I can take care of my wife myself, cousin, you just need to take good care of Ye Ran."
Forget it, I will go out dancing first
My name is Ye Ran. Just as I was about to reach for another cigarette, Jiang Hao took the lighter from me first. Jiang Hao smiled gently and said, "Smoking is bad for your health"
Mina had not yet spoken, when the boy boldly extended his hand to Ye Ran and introduced himself: "My name is Jam, I am twenty-four years old, and today my mother asked Mina to arrange a blind date for me with you. To be honest, if Mina hadn't said you were beautiful, I wouldn't have come at all"
Then you can choose anyone to marry, I have no interest
You are already 28 years old!" Jam said, blushing.
"What a coincidence, we meet again!" Jiang Hao, without any hesitation, extended his hand towards Ye Ran and introduced himself, "My name is Jiang Hao, it is a pleasure to meet you!"
"Do you want to get married?" Jam asked directly, not noticing that Yiran's gaze was engaged in a battle with Mina's.
Yeran disagreed, saying: "Are women who go to bars necessarily bad? Is going to a bar just about attracting attention?"
For a moment, Ye Ran found himself at a loss for words, and could only awkwardly remain silent, raising his eyes to gaze out of the car window
"Why won't you marry me?" Jam was directly rejected by Ye Ran, unable to save face, and gritted his teeth as he pressed for an answer
"It should be almost here!" Nano raised his hand to check the time on his watch and said uncertainly
"Enough with the nonsense, you'll be excited when you see the handsome guy! At 10 o'clock, don't be late!" Mina said this and hung up the phone without waiting for Ye Ran to respond.
Then you can go and slowly enjoy your spring. After Jam shouted impatiently, without even saying goodbye, he grabbed the BMW keychain from the table and rushed out.
"Are you proposing to me?" Ye Ran pointed to herself, filled with doubt, wondering if she was experiencing auditory hallucinations
Now, she has casually found a man to marry! She is getting married on the eighth of next month, and I have decided to get married on the seventh of next month!" Jam said to Ye Ran, "To be honest with you, I am a minor shareholder of a billion-dollar group. With this identity, you should be willing to marry, right?"
"Finding a partner, getting married." Jam spoke incessantly, "My mom wants a grandchild and said that if I get married, she will buy me a new car. I have my eye on that model of Ferrari..."
Ye Ran reluctantly extended his hand to briefly touch Jam's hand, then immediately withdrew it, turning to glare angrily at Mina, who encouraged Ye Ran with a look that seemed to say "an old cow eats tender grass"
Ye Ran looked at Jiang Hao with slight surprise, as Jiang Hao's lips curled into a gentle smile, and he said earnestly: "Let’s skip the formalities of 'Miss' and 'Mr.' and just call each other by our names."
It's fine, not particularly eager! Ye Ran turned her head and replied to Jam with restrained patience. If it weren't for her parents urging her, if it weren't for Mei Yang and Mi Na pressing her, and if it weren't for those aunts and relatives constantly nagging... Ye Ran would definitely adhere to the principle of "only pursuing what she truly desires, not settling for less". When it comes to marriage, she must find a man who makes her heart flutter
Ye Ran felt that Mei Yang's tone when she said this was very much like her mother's. She wanted to laugh but dared not to. "Having a somewhat immature mindset is not necessarily a bad thing; at least I live each day feeling fulfilled and happy. This kind of joyful single life of mine is something you married folks cannot possibly understand"
Mina tugged at Yiran, smiling mysteriously as she winked, "Yiran, Nanmi's cousin is quite a mature and handsome guy, you really have good fortune in love today"
Jam was taken aback by Ye Ran's question, blinking blankly and saying, "I am very wealthy"
I apologize! Nightran hurriedly pulled out a tissue and handed it to Jiang Hao, accidentally knocking over the glass of red wine next to him. The red liquid instantly spread across Jiang Hao's white shirt.
Jiang Hao had a smile at the corner of his mouth, "Ye Ran."
Shall we go to the bar together tonight?" Ye Ran put away her phone and asked Mei Yang with a cheerful smile
Ye Ran walked out of the private room with a dejected expression, ordered a cocktail at the bar, and began to sip it leisurely
Ye Ran innocently blinked her eyes, elegantly took a tissue to wipe her mouth, and replied softly, "I didn't do it on purpose!" Then she continued to eat her vegetables.
Ye Ran gazed at the large diamond ring, her eyes clearly sparkling with light, unable to take her gaze away from the ring
Do not curse me! I can tell you, you should also refrain from going to bars, as no man likes his woman attracting attention from others outside!
Seeing that Ye Ran did not speak, Mina turned to ask Nami, "When is your cousin coming over?"
The dishes arrived quickly, and as Ye Ran just picked up a meatball, she failed to grasp it, causing the meatball to fly out in a perfect parabolic arc, ultimately sliding down Jiang Hao's handsome face and landing on his clothes
"Beautiful girl, right?" Mina said, playfully winking at Ye Ran.