Chapter 2

In the evening, since I planned to have dinner at home, I postponed all social engagements. Now, having fled from home in a hurry, it's already mealtime and I can't find anyone to meet. I was just about to head back to my place when Guo Xiaoyin sent me a WeChat message, "Have you eaten? I made your favorite stir-fried crispy bamboo shoots."

Zhou Ji waved the car keys in his hand without looking back and said, "The previous company was sold, isn't it possible to start another one?" As Zhou Ji walked, he sighed, realizing that a man must have a career; otherwise, he wouldn't even have an excuse to avoid going home to listen to his mother nagging.

Cui Zihan, in order to entice Zhou Ji, first opened her mouth, saying, "I know that men are all driven by their lower bodies, and it is now too difficult to find someone who maintains their integrity. Fortunately, I have a car, a house, and my own career, and I do not rely on men for my livelihood. If I cannot find a man who can control his third leg, I feel there is no need to compromise myself. Otherwise, if some mistress or other woman comes knocking, it would be too embarrassing to fight it out." Mr. Zhou, what are your requirements for a partner?

Zhou Ji drove while making a phone call to his secretary, Nan Ting, instructing her to go to Cartier to purchase a bracelet, emphasizing that it should not have any added diamonds, and to send it to Guo Xiaoyin by express delivery

At the age of thirty-five, it is indeed not a small matter. Thanks to effective safety measures, there has not been a woman bringing a son to the door to recognize his father. Mother Zhou has transformed from once being as steady as a mountain to now being as light as a feather. Upon seeing a young woman who catches her eye, she wishes to bring her home, and when she sees her chubby, fair grandson, she wants to hold him close.

After placing the order, Zhou Ji turned to Cui Zihan and said: "Coffee, I prefer instant coffee, it's convenient"

On the morning of the second day, Guo Xiaoyin busily prepared breakfast for Zhou Ji. The millet porridge was nourishing for the stomach, the vegetables were rich in fiber, and she had also woken up early to go downstairs to buy potstickers, which she pan-fried to prevent them from getting cold. Additionally, there were her own pickled spicy radish strips from the refrigerator, which were appetizing and complemented the meal.

Shen Lai also smiled, but the smile did not reach her eyes. Jiangcheng is a big metropolis, and she has been back for more than a year, yet she has not encountered Zhou Ji. It is quite a coincidence that they both happen to be on a blind date in this coffee bar.

Mr. Zhou?" Cui Zihan asked as she stood in front of the table

Mom, speaking of which, you were also well-educated in your time. How did you end up at a level similar to those aunties at the park's matchmaking corner?" Zhou adjusted his thumb nail against his temple, feeling that the frequency of returning home for dinner every weekend needed to be changed to once a month.

Zhou Ji! Gao Xingfen chased after him for two steps

Cui Zihan is a gold-collar worker who does not rely on men for her livelihood and has no time to waste on blind dates. If it were not for seeing Zhou Ji's photo, even if he were immensely wealthy, she might not have agreed to meet him for coffee. Although this man made a strong impression on her from the very beginning, it only piqued Cui Zihan's interest further.

Cui Zihan seems to have heard some rumors, and her words are clearly pointed. However, regardless of age, women often possess a certain naive romanticism, always cherishing the dream of being the ultimate conqueror of the man before them

Not long ago, her ex-boyfriend had come to pester her; at this moment, old grievances surged in her heart. Zhou, this ill-fated ghost, could only resign himself to his misfortune

"It is no problem to ask for money, but asking for talent is frightening," Zhou said with a mischievous smile

Guo Xiaoyin was aware of her low rank and knew that she could not possibly subdue a prodigy like Zhou Ji. However, she was reluctant to give up, clinging to the slim hope akin to the story of the Foolish Old Man who moved mountains, wishing to remove the stone in his heart.

The originally pleasant atmosphere was disrupted by his words. Guo Xiaoyin's smile had faded, and she looked at Zhou Ji with a serious expression, her tone somber as she said: "I am not with you for your money"

Zhou secretly nodded in agreement; it seems that Ms. Gao is indeed quite reliable. When it comes to women for casual relationships, naturally, younger ones are preferable, but for a wife to bring home, it is better to choose someone more mature to avoid unnecessary troubles. When one is young and inexperienced, what kind of partner do they end up with?

Gao Xingfen couldn't help but let out a laugh, but soon her expression turned serious again. However, after breaking her composure, trying to intimidate others was no longer effective. Gao Xingfen peeled an apple for Zhou Ji and, watching him nibble on it, she quietly asked, "I saw her a few days ago. Has she returned to the country?"

Cui Zihan masked her embarrassment with a smile, "Mr. Zhou, you are quite humorous. I heard from Aunt Gao that you just wrapped up your tasks at hand. I wonder what you plan to do next?" As for their family backgrounds, there was really no need for either of them to inquire; they were both well aware of each other's information before the blind date.

Zhou is neither illiterate nor uneducated; he enjoys reading, especially popular science literature. He understands that when a woman plays with her hair, it is actually a way of flirting. There are sebaceous glands in both the scalp and hair, and playing with hair releases hormones into the air. Despite the high and aloof demeanor that Cui Zihan presents, she has already conveyed through body language that she is interested in Zhou.

Gu Shengdong was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said: "I was just contemplating how to politely ask you about the reason for your divorce, but now it’s good, I no longer need to ask whose fault it was"

It is indeed Guo Xiaoyin who has suffered the most, having accompanied Zhou Ji for such a long time and even having spent so much on breakfast. Moreover, that bracelet without diamonds costs only a little over 40,000. This shows that a woman who prioritizes relationships over money is at the greatest disadvantage

This is truly a case of serendipity. When Zhou Ji entered, the staff was taking an order from Shen Lai, conveniently blocking his line of sight. After the staff left, Shen Lai was again facing away from Zhou Ji, and his thoughts were not on the beauty in the café, so he naturally did not pay attention.

Zhou, having satisfied his hunger, wiped his mouth and said, "I have a gift for you. What do you want?"

Zhou Jidao: "Am I not still a little rascal? How have I grown older?"

"Do you know that man?" Gu Shengdong asked, sitting opposite Shen Lai.

Zhou secretly cursed under her breath, ignoring Shen Lai, only wondering why she hadn't seen her when she came in

Zhou had no choice but to turn back and say: "Remember, it’s at 4 PM on Saturday"

Gao Xingfen chased after Zhou Ji, shouting: "You brat, didn't you sell your company? Your father hasn't come home yet, and you're leaving already?"

Upon leaving Guo Xiaoyin's home, Zhou almost fled in a panic, reminding himself that he could not return to this place, no matter how much he enjoyed the breakfast prepared by Guo Xiaoyin. He was not joking; the situation was truly terrifying.

The timing is quite particular, at 4:00 PM. If there is mutual attraction, dinner can be shared; if not, each can go their separate ways without delaying their evening dinner plans.

"What are you talking to me for? I can't remember either. Call Nan Ting and have her remind me of the schedule," Zhou said without turning back.

After the Mamba coffee arrived, the two chatted for a while longer. Under the deliberate guidance of Cui Zihan, the conversation naturally shifted to their views on marriage, as it is essential to discuss these key points during a blind date

Gao Xingfen had a mind to mock a few more words, but after all, it was her own son, so she had to show some respect. She did not dwell on the past, focusing only on the present.

As soon as Cui Zihan entered the door, she recognized Zhou Ji at first glance. Since this was a blind date, she must have seen his photo beforehand. Men naturally do not use beauty filters in their photos, and he appeared more mature in person than in the picture, yet he was also quite handsome. However, the most important aspect was the captivating aura of a successful man that he exuded.

Zhou took a bite of the crunchy apple and impatiently raised an eyebrow, saying: "Why are you bringing her up again?"

As Zhou was about to raise his head to settle the bill and go to the restroom to tidy up his hair, he noticed the woman at the diagonal table turning her head to look at him, smirking slightly.

"I have made an appointment for you next Saturday at 4 PM, don't forget to have dinner with the young lady," Gao Xingfen said as she reached the stairway.

It is often said that one learns from their mistakes. What did you say to Miss Cui? Where am I supposed to put this old face of mine? How did I end up raising someone like you? How can you have the audacity to say such things everywhere?

Zhou sat still, took two napkins from the tissue holder on the table, and slowly wiped his hair. He then lowered his head to wipe off the coffee that had spilled onto his shoulder. Fortunately, the coffee shop served very small amounts of coffee; the cup was so small that one sip could finish it, leaving him feeling as though his mouth had not been fully moistened.

Zhou Jidao: "Miss Cui is very perceptive. Since it has been established that they are animals, why should we expect there to be any exceptional men? I have no particular demands for my partner, as long as I am allowed to have affairs outside while keeping things in the home discreet, anything is acceptable."

Shen glanced at her blind date Gu Shengdong and said with a tone of considerable disdain: "Ex-husband"

Zhou threw the apple into the trash can and stood up, "There are still matters to attend to at the company, let's go."

As soon as she entered, Gao Xingfen raised her eyebrows and glared, saying: "Zhou Ji, you are quite something, aren't you? Have you forgotten how you used to part ways with Lai Lai? Have you also forgotten how you cried and begged me to persuade Lai Lai?"

As this scene unfolded, everyone in the café was taken aback.

"Go ahead, I just want to see you live your life alone, and when you grow old and die in that house of yours, no one will know for a week," Gao Xingfen said.

Zhou stepped forward and put his arm around Gao Xingfen's shoulder, saying: "Mom, please calm down. If you weren't pushing me to go on blind dates, would I have to resort to such measures? Why are you in such a hurry? Who knows, in a few days, your grandson might come knocking to propose."

Zhou twirled the car key in his hand and said, "Is it a crime to speak the truth in this day and age?"

As a highly educated and beautiful woman, she is not lacking in sycophants around her, which makes her even more interested and patient with men who are difficult to obtain. Cui Zihan enjoys the pleasure of conquest

Zhou arrived at the café ten minutes early, which can be considered as fulfilling the courtesy of a gentleman; one cannot let a lady wait. He glanced at his watch, and Ms. Cui Zihan entered the café right on time

Cui Zihan's expression immediately darkened. Just as the Mamba coffee in hand had also cooled down, it was poured over Zhou Ji's head.

This is a bit toxic. Zhou Ji took an apple and held it in his mouth as he prepared to go upstairs, not daring to smoke at home because Gao Xingfen has asthma

"Let’s retire." Zhou replied

This has completely shut down the conversation, as the reason has already been stated, thus saving Cui Zihan from having to educate him about the various types of coffee in the world

For Zhou, there may be far more interesting women than the men who are interested in Cui Zihan. Whether it is based on looks, wealth, intelligence, or physique, he possesses qualities that can attract attention. His requirements for women are actually quite simple; as long as Cui Zihan agrees, he is ready to obtain a marriage certificate with her at any time

After a week of being busy, Zhou naturally wanted to relax on the weekend, so he simply turned the car around and went to the house rented by Guo Xiaoyin

Gao Xingfen said: "Hey, what is going on with you? It was your mistake when we divorced; you didn't do well enough yourself. You couldn't even earn forgiveness, so why is it that now you don't allow anyone to bring it up?"

Cui Zihan picked up her sunglasses and walked away in high heels, not forgetting to toss two red bills onto the table as she left, wanting to sever ties with Zhou Ji.

Zhou Ji, women have offended him, and he has also offended women, yet he has never been afraid of offending them. However, the woman at home has grown older and has high blood pressure, so he finds it somewhat difficult to offend her.

Upon entering, she took off her large sunglasses and flicked her chestnut waves with her hand. She wore a smoky gray silk shirt and a burgundy mermaid skirt, exuding both professionalism and allure. Judging solely by her appearance, her makeup would score above eighty out of a hundred; without makeup, who knows? As for her age, she appeared to be around twenty-eight or twenty-nine.

Zhou had avoided his mother, Gao Xingfen, for two weeks, and it was only after his father called him that he returned to the Zhou family home

The woman was dressed similarly to Cui Zihan. She wore a gray silk shirt, with two ties loosely and elegantly knotted at her chest, a wine-red mermaid ruffled skirt, and three-inch high black heels with red soles, along with the same chestnut-colored large waves in her hair. However, while Cui Zihan exuded true maturity, the one before me had a youthful face and ample bosom, which was indeed more eye-catching than Cui Zihan, but as for her character...

Gao Xingfen pointed at Zhou Ji's nose, trembling with anger

Gao Xingfen looked at Zhou Ji, who was still being careless, and slapped him on the shoulder, saying, "You little rascal, you really infuriate me. What kind of talk is that? Am I forcing you? You should consider how old you are."

In fact, Cui Zihan had no intention of causing such embarrassment; she indeed went a bit too far. But who doesn't have their old wounds and pains? Her ex-boyfriend, with whom she had been in a relationship for five years, had even discussed marriage. However, he ended up getting another woman pregnant, yet he insisted on not breaking up, claiming it was just a casual fling and that he only had feelings for her.

Cui Zihan ordered a cup of Mamba coffee and began to chat with Zhou Ji about coffee. "I also enjoy blending coffee myself. Mamba coffee is a mix of Mandheling and Brazilian coffee beans, and I particularly like that flavor. What kind of coffee does Mr. Zhou usually enjoy?"

"What did you ask her to do?" Zhou's face darkened, and he added, "Besides, when did I ever cry and beg you to persuade her?"

After Cui Zihan sat down, he placed his sunglasses on the edge of the table, and the waiter had already approached with the menu

Cui Zihan looked at Zhou Ji's mischievous smile and knew that he was not telling the truth. She brushed her long waves, and the scent of the conditioner from her freshly washed hair mingled with the aroma of coffee in the air, somewhat regrettably failing to showcase the unique fragrance of the high-end brand.

Zhou had already figured it out; although Cui Zihan was a returnee, wasn't he overdoing it a bit? He closed the beverage menu and said to the waiter, "A cup of oolong tea, thank you"

The layout of one bedroom and one living room also avoids the awkwardness of having a roommate

"Miss Cui." Zhou stood up and walked around the table to pull out a chair for Cui Zihan. Although his family had not been wealthy for three generations and could not raise nobility, certain courtesies were still necessary. Even if he did not want to show respect to Cui Zihan, he had to show respect to her mother, Ms. Gao, right? Otherwise, he would surely be lectured later.