CHAPTER 01 The First Encounter of Blind Dating: The Initial Show of Authority
During this hour, the number of friends of Xia Changning who appeared one after another increased to fifty, no, to be precise, fifty-three... ? ... This is my first blind date, and I feel like I have become a spectacle. Shouldn't I have a cold expression?
I am very calm; should I sternly demand my backpack in front of fifty-three people and then turn to leave, or should I obediently act like a little lamb
Xia Changning was still lazily lounging in the chair. If he dared to sit like this in front of my parents, they would say: "You have no manners, looking like a thug!" A flash of inspiration struck me, and I finally found the right adjective for him. He is not handsome; he has a bandit-like air! A thug in a suit! He exudes this vibe all over.
My mother insisted that I must take you home
No wonder the waiter calls him Brother Xia, no wonder none of the ten or so people look like decent individuals... From the introductions, it's clear that there are those who run clothing stores, those involved in transportation, the bar owner, and members of the cultural inspection team... Such a wide circle of friends and a heavy social atmosphere
Fusheng, don't be difficult. So many friends are here; I will send you later
Sometimes I am quite impressed by my own quick wit. My father is a university lecturer, and my mother is an elementary school teacher, so we come from an intellectual family. Shouldn't a son-in-law at least have an adult college diploma?
Before I could say anything, Xia Changning lazily spoke up: "She is anxious to return home, as her family is quite strict..."
After a silence of less than a minute, Xia Changning took out her phone and made a call: "Yes, Ningluxiang Teahouse, go right after entering!"
It seems that this is the first time I have met him, and the total time of our conversation does not exceed three minutes. In a fit of anger, I turned around and glared at him fiercely, which resulted in my subsequent nightmare—"I will pick you up after work tomorrow"
As soon as it was 9:30, I was just about to get up. Sister Chen, who is quite perceptive, reached out and took my backpack. With a smile, she said: "It's only 9:30, the nightlife hasn't started yet, stay with your sister a little longer..."
His height is indeed not insignificant; judging by his seated position, he should be over 1.75 meters tall. As for his appearance, he is at least a considerable distance away from being particularly handsome. In my mind, a particularly handsome person has the eyes of Mike and the smile of Won Bin. At most, he... looks neither fat nor muscular. What does he resemble? Just as I was pondering adjectives, he spoke: "Is it Fusheng? Please, have a seat!"
The mature and charming Sister Chen sat next to me, and I greeted her with a dry smile and a nod. However, she unabashedly looked me up and down. I thought to myself, she looks to be around thirty years old, surely she can't call me "Sister Sheng" as well
Xia Changning's voice came through, both helpless and considerate, "Children can be temperamental, that's just how it is!"
I can see from my mother's expression that an excellent man who is hardworking, comes from a respectable family, is handsome, wealthy, and ambitious has already secured a place in her heart. I will no longer speak; whether I can find common ground with that man with the surname Xia is not for me to decide. At this moment, keeping silent is the wisest choice
Mother thought for a moment and said: "I have heard that Director Wang is amiable. After returning from military service, Xia Changning devoted himself to his career, and Shun Cheng Security is quite well-known in the city. I really didn't expect him to be so capable"
"Let me introduce my girlfriend Ning Fusheng, this is Sister Chen, Brother Zhang..." Xia Changning continued to let me be struck by lightning
Upon arriving at the Ningluo Xiang Tea House and exchanging the secret signal, I followed the waiter inside, my eyes darting around in search of my ideal, Xia Changning. My gaze was consistently drawn to the burly individuals, as I was convinced that Xia Changning must possess a robust physique.
I have yet to awaken from the identity of being my girlfriend's partner, when I was struck by the title "Sister Sheng," leaving me feeling utterly out of place, more tantalizing than being crispy on the outside and tender on the inside! Sister Sheng, to me, sounds like the chubby female owner of a noodle shop at the intersection of Daxi Street or a foot masseuse at the Jinzu Foot Massage parlor on Xiaodong Street. Moreover, every person calling me that seems to have at least two generational gaps with me!
I do not know what kind of girl is referred to as a "lady"
Harboring ulterior motives in my heart and turning over thoughts, I certainly appear to be a docile and obedient girl with my head bowed. I estimate that if I remain silent for half an hour, once the proceedings are over, everyone will be able to go their separate ways.
Secondly, I am very refined. According to my elementary school music teacher, "Fusheng has a very good voice, clear and crisp, like a kingfisher, but she is too refined. When her name is called to sing along with the organ, she blushes and cannot sing a word, her voice is like that of a mosquito." All my teachers agree on this point, saying that Fusheng is a refined girl
I am truly afraid of arranged marriage, not because I fear I cannot resist, but because I am terrified that once I lose my temper, my years of being a refined lady will be ruined in an instant, and the consequences would be even more frightening than my mother getting fatter despite taking weight loss pills.
The voices in agreement are numerous
Isn't this nonsense? Before the blind date, my aunt will forget these basic details. There is only one explanation for this, which is to make conversation out of nothing
No need.
NND! It is a rare occasion in my life to curse in my heart twice in one day! I have decided to "prefer to be shattered like jade than to be whole like a tile." This is too much bullying; is this a blind date? Is this the good man my aunt introduced to me? My expression instantly turned cold. However, my backpack was thrown onto Xia Changning's lap by Sister Chen, and he gently hooked the pink pig toy hanging from it with his little finger. I noticed he was lazily leaning against the chair, yet his eyes sparkled like a one-yuan coin, looking quite shifty! Could he be hoping that I would rush over, snatch the backpack, and run away? In front of so many people, I simply cannot do that.
I understand that in matchmaking introductions, before meeting the other party, the introducer can generally only speak about the other person's qualifications. However, my innocent heart still yearns for a passionate love! I blurted out: "He graduated from high school and went to serve in the military?"
I do not dare to make the first choice. This is called turning one's back, and I do not have the capital for it
I ... . ... All I want to do, apart from feeling wronged, is to hit someone ? Who is at fault ? Who is to blame ! ? I am a pure, innocent, gentle, and polite good girl ! I swear I will never meet that scoundrel with the surname Xia again, who has tarnished my reputation ! I swear !
I am somewhat excited, but also a bit scared
I could not help but relax and smiled faintly
Moreover, the most important point is that I obediently refrained from dating before graduating from university. My parents are very traditional and conservative; they believe that one should never engage in a romantic relationship before securing a job. In fact, I long for the couples in university who go to the cafeteria together, the warmth of having someone occupy a table during study sessions, and the romance of suitors playing guitar downstairs in the dormitory. However, I developed late; when I graduated from high school and entered my first year of university, I weighed only 78 pounds and stood at 1.58 meters tall. Without clothes, I probably did not have a chest larger than that of a muscular man, resembling a young, pale green cabbage. I truly yearned for the couples in university who go to the cafeteria together, the warmth of having someone occupy a table during study sessions, and the romance of suitors playing guitar downstairs in the dormitory. However, I developed late; when I graduated from high school and entered my first year of university, I weighed only 78 pounds and stood at 1.58 meters tall. Without clothes, I probably did not have a chest larger than that of a muscular man, resembling a young, pale green cabbage, which was simply not appealing to the carnivorous preferences of university boys. Consequently, I had no interactions with the opposite sex, thus fulfilling my parents' expectations and becoming a well-behaved girl.
His voice was languid as he spoke, reminiscent of the bamboo leaf green before me, with a layer of mist enveloping the cup, evoking a sense of languor and emptiness. Very good, excellent! Haha! If I could, I would truly laugh out loud. Now I just wait for his friend to arrive, and then I will politely say, "You have something to attend to, I will take my leave first"
First of all, I am very polite. According to the recollections of my grandmother and my mother, when I was three and a half years old, Mr. Hu from the neighborhood came to collect the water fee, and I moved a small stool and politely invited him to sit down. Since then, this story has been widely shared by my grandmother and my mother, and I have rightfully become known as a well-mannered child
According to the old custom, I obediently responded with a "mm" as an answer to my mother. I am no longer a child; it is time for me to start dating.
"Xia, the person you have been waiting for has arrived," the waiter respectfully called out
Sigh! Director Wang is troubled by this matter, feeling sorry for her second child. At that time, the family was poor, and she raised three children on her own. Xia Changning was sent to the army at the age of thirteen and served for eight years. After returning from military service, he started his own company and worked hard for his career. Director Wang, as a mother, has always felt guilty, especially since Xia Changning is so filial, dedicating himself to the company and trying to earn more money, which has led to him not having a girlfriend until now. Therefore, Director Wang is particularly concerned about his personal issues.
Hello, Sister Sheng! Six or seven people greeted in unison
Bamboo Leaf Green! The thought was interrupted once again; his voice was quite pleasant, neither the high-pitched voice of a eunuch nor the coarse throat of Lu Zhishen. Oh my! How did I think of these two individuals? The former is impotent, while the latter uproots willow trees with a single stroke! Neither of them is to my liking either
If you dare, call my mother! I am provocatively challenging you. If you try to corrupt her precious, innocent, and well-behaved daughter, she will scold you like a teacher reprimanding a primary school student
I was so angry that I laughed instead, his words were like ... ? ... Am I familiar with him? Can I make a quick exit? I stood up, and Sister Chen, being quite perceptive, also stood up with a smile, "Let's go, the two of us sisters will go together."
In the next hour, the number of friends of Xia Changning gradually increased to fifty, no, to be precise, fifty-three, occupying half of the space in Ning Luxiang. The round table was successfully arranged to resemble the Olympic rings, and the buzzing voices drowned out the whispers of other patrons in the tea house.
Sister Chen affectionately pressed down on my shoulder and said with a smile, "I have never seen Brother Xia bring a girlfriend out before. It's only 8:30, there's still plenty of time! Does Sister Xia look down on us and not give us face?"
A voice filled with mild astonishment came from behind: "What happened to her?"
Xia Changning! Don't... ...
I am utterly astonished! Not all people are bad, right? There are plenty of people in the world who are not bad at all
At 10:30 PM, I finally retrieved my backpack and got into Xia Changning's off-road vehicle. In the back seat were Sister Chen, who was on the same route, and two men.
Just graduated?
Look, both the black and the white have been spoken of by them
It is still early before 9:30, I will make sure to take you back on time.
What tea should I drink
I had no choice but to sit and wait for him to finish talking with the ones who called me "Sister Sheng" and Aqi. ... Silently sipping tea, Zhuyeqing, a cup of tranquility, he left immediately, and the conversation was over in no time ... . ... I felt resentful. I regarded my mother's admonition to return home before 9:30 as a decree, and I would rather die than disobey it
Brother Xia? This title is quite novel! Instead of calling him General Xia or Mr. Xia, it's Brother Xia? Is he involved in the underworld? I stood in front of Xia Changning, wearing an honest expression while secretly scrutinizing him.
As I was about to leave, my mother still felt somewhat uneasy. According to her knowledge, I had never gone on a date alone with a man before. She reminded me, "Fusheng, you must be back by 9:30 PM. No matter how good Xiang Changning is, you need to come home early. Girls who stay out too late are not good girls"
This is the second time I have expressed my intention to leave. While waiting for the second group to smoothly transition and exchange pleasantries with the first group during a lull, I took out the courtesy expected from a well-bred family and said: "You all enjoy yourselves, I will take my leave first"
Before she could finish speaking, he interrupted her, "Your aunt said you only have one class tomorrow afternoon, at three-thirty, right? I'll wait for you at the school gate at four."
I am like a lamb caught in a pack of wolves, only able to shrink silently in the crowd opposite Xia Changning, sipping tea. Bored, I counted the people and recalled how many sentences I had spoken in the past two hours. Glancing at my phone under the table, I saw that the time had jumped to 9:20. Xia Changning was happily chatting with her friends, and I couldn't hear what they were discussing clearly; in any case, the topics were diverse: from the mundane sections of the newspaper to the newly opened restaurant in the city, from amusing anecdotes about someone to the new friends each had recently made. Glancing at my phone under the table, I saw that the time had jumped to 9:20. Xia Changning was happily chatting with her friends, and I couldn't hear what they were discussing clearly; in any case, the topics were diverse: from the mundane sections of the newspaper to the newly opened restaurant in the city, from amusing anecdotes about someone to the new friends each had recently made.
Indeed! I heard from Yunhai that the project contract for the Construction Bank building recently secured by Shun Cheng Security is worth over ten million! Auntie praised Xia Changning for being capable.
My limit is at 9:30, I will get up and leave without looking back! ... Now ...! ... Considering that my uncle wants to get into your mother's workplace, considering that my family rules say to be polite and to give others some face, considering that I have endured for two hours already—I will endure!
Well
Ten minutes later, the car stopped at the doorstep, and I jumped out of the car, slamming the door forcefully
It is not that I do not have high hopes for you, Xia Changning! You truly do not harmonize with the feng shui of my family. I continued to smile, saying, "It is not that I do not want to give Sister Chen face, but my mother has instructed me to return home early."
"Don't ... ... call me that, just call me Fusheng instead." I stammered out this sentence, not because I wanted to appear refined, but because my nose was really about to touch the cup.
I was twenty-one years old when I graduated from university and started working. On the third day after I began my job, my mother said to me very seriously: "Fusheng, you are no longer young; it's time for you to start dating."
Do not blame me for cursing, as I have indeed never cursed out loud—only in my heart. At this moment, I silently cursed: NND! Why don't you call me Xianglin, just call me Sister Xianglin!
When I looked at him, the waiter was always waiting to pull out my chair. Upon hearing me speak, he immediately took action, and I sat down accordingly. What does he resemble? I was still pondering.
I am倒! I倒 again! I want to吐鲜血 and fall to the ground, unable to get up
I looked at my mother with a pitiful gaze, hoping she would consider this issue from a perspective of quality. I am also a teacher, and even my elderly grandmother is a retired teacher. How could a family of scholars possibly become in-laws with a rough soldier?
Good! Good! It seems he also looks down on me, directly inviting friends over. There was no feeling during the blind date; I could use various excuses to escape, such as needing to use the restroom or taking a phone call. I have never used such tricks, but I have seen classmates use them in college, which is akin to having never eaten pork yet having seen a pig run.
Before I could respond, my aunt turned to my mother and said: "Yunhai wants to transfer to the Investment Promotion Bureau, right? I have been to Director Wang's house many times. Director Wang mentioned that he has been worried about his second son not having a girlfriend. I thought our Fusheng is cultured and refined, with good character, and happens to be single. The more I think about it, the more suitable they seem!"
Just as he was about to take his leave, Xia Changning said something that made me want to faint: "This is my girlfriend, Ning Fusheng!"
It seemed that I heard a sneer by my ear. When I raised my head, Xia Changning was slouched in the chair, continuing to lazily talk on the phone as if I did not exist. "Yes, Aqi and the others are here too. Come on, Ning Luxiang!"
I will take you later
I have been in society for less than ten days, how could I possibly be a match for someone like Sister Chen, who is an old hand? I got up and walked away without a care, refusing to give her any face. In front of everyone, I forced a laugh and, adopting a refined tone I had cultivated over the years, made sure to present myself as the obedient girl, saying: "My mother said I must be home by 9:30."
I finally found the opportunity to interject as he was hanging up the phone: "If you have something to attend to, I will take my leave first"
If one is polite and courteous in front of elders, obedient and well-behaved in front of parents, knows the order of using knives and forks when dining on Western cuisine, and has never uttered any vulgar or strange words, then one can certainly be considered a lady. I believe that I am indeed a lady
Ha, what is wrong with me? This is my first blind date, and I feel like I have become a spectacle. Shouldn't I have a cold expression? Shouldn't I vent my frustration by slamming the car door? I walked home without looking back.
Xia Changning overtook cars all the way, speeding like the wind, startling the two people in the back seat who let out a scream, "Brother Xia, this is the city!"
Ah! Ah! Have I become the bargaining chip that my uncle wants to use to get into the招商局? I immediately discarded that pile of conditions, and I felt a sudden discomfort in my heart
Ah, Brother Xia! It has been a long time since I last saw you!" At the sound of this delicate scolding, the face of Comrade Wang Xifeng appeared in my mind
Clenching my fist, my nails dig into my flesh! When there are no fifty-three people accompanying me tomorrow, I will definitely tell him that I am not his cup of tea! That shameless rogue!
A couple of days later, my aunt came to visit, wearing a beaming smile as she chatted with my mother. The flowers on my mother's face transformed from a small spring blossom into a grand dahlia. I could almost see the petals reflecting the sunlight.
The next day, both Xia Changning and I received a date notification from our respective relatives: we were to meet at the Ninglu Xiang Tea House in the city at 7:30 PM. The contact person for the meeting was the waiter at the tea house, and the code was: May I ask which table Mr. Xia is at
Xia Changning showed no sign of opposition, and with a slight smile, she tacitly accepted it. I was then engulfed in a chorus of voices calling her "Sister Xia"
I weighed only 84 pounds when I graduated from university, with my hair styled in a ponytail, wearing a large sweater, jeans, and sneakers, carrying a backpack. To be honest, when I looked in the mirror, I resembled a high school student. I did not believe that General Manager Xia Changning, who is known for being big-breasted, brainless, and uneducated, would take notice of me, unless he had a preference for little girls. As this thought crossed my mind, my arms trembled, shedding countless goosebumps.
Accompanied by the sounds of conversation and footsteps, the two round tables in front of me transformed into three, with an additional seven or eight people.
There is still one hour until 9:30. I wait! I nod slightly and continue to sip the bland and tasteless bamboo leaf green tea. If only I could make my words as venomous as a bamboo leaf green snake, just a few exchanges, and as soon as he opens his mouth, I would find it hard to come up with a good word to refuse! In my life experience, I have never had a confrontation with anyone. No matter how unwilling I am in my heart, I cannot just walk away. At this moment, I somewhat despise my obedient girl image. In my life experience, I have never had a confrontation with anyone. No matter how unwilling I am in my heart, I cannot just walk away. At this moment, I somewhat despise my obedient girl image
Is Fusheng studying Chinese
Upon hearing the conditions, he truly is an outstanding man—comes from a good family, his own company is profitable, and he possesses height, appearance, and character that are beyond reproach
I am excited that I finally have a job, I am economically independent, and I no longer have to take exams, I can do whatever I want. What I fear is that a month ago, as I was approaching my university graduation exams, my mother said on the phone: "Fusheng, you must not fall in love early, you can only date after you start working! You haven't been hiding anything from your parents and going astray, have you?"
I am unwilling to choose the second option; I can no longer tolerate the matchmaking tea party hosted by Xia Changning and fifty-three other people.
Having made up one's mind, once the goals do not align with the objectives, it is best to remain silent, as silence is golden; nonviolent non-cooperation is the best strategy
I respectfully rolled my eyes and decided to return to scold my parents about Xia Changning, ensuring that from then on, my parents would not easily trust any suitor introduced by even someone as close as an aunt
Indeed, Mother spoke up: "After all, they are people we know well, they cannot be bad. Let Fusheng go and meet them."
My aunt received my mother's approval and, sitting on the sofa, affectionately and gently tucked a strand of my dejected hair behind my ear. With a beaming smile, she said: "Fusheng, this young man is quite impressive! His mother is Director Wang from the China Merchants Group, and he comes from a good family background! He has two brothers, both of whom work in the Public Security Bureau. He himself transitioned from the military and started a security company, the Shield City Security! He is twenty-seven years old, just a few years older than you, which is perfect for taking care of you. He stands at one hundred seventy-eight centimeters tall, is exceptionally handsome, and is very polite. When I visited his home, he sweetly called me 'aunt'!"
Listening to my aunt's words, my heart felt cold and desolate. At the age of thirteen, joining the army with only an elementary school education! An elementary school education! In my mind, I couldn't help but sketch the image of a strong, muscular man with a big chest but little brain.
He said with a stern face, "Haven't you seen anyone in a hurry to go home?"
I guarantee that among the ten or so people present, half will be choked to death by the titles "Sister Sheng" and "Sister Xia" that they themselves repeatedly shout. Such a soft and innocent voice is from a different era than "Sister Sheng" and "Sister Xia".
Sister Chen lit a cigarette, her fingers, painted a bright red like a rabbit's eyes, floated past before me. Without any hesitation, she uttered the second word that kept me awake tonight, "Should I call you Sister Xia?"
I thought he would naturally suggest that I leave, but I did not expect that his dog would indeed not speak of ivory, "Little brother, go, play that song 'Home' by someone, the one played on the saxophone!"
In less than five minutes, his friends, oh, a group of friends arrived. Goodness, there are six or seven of them right away! The waiter hurriedly set the tea on the table. Comrade General Manager Xia Changning, you look down on me, Ning Fusheng, so you brought so many people to make conversation. Indeed, very impressive!
I recall a phrase that my middle school political science teacher, who was often infuriated by students, would frequently shout: "Patience has its limits"