Chapter 8

During the proposal, Zhou Jiyi also expressed similar sentiments to Qiao Bonian, implying that once he got married, he would never divorce Shen Lai. But what happened later? A man's words often lack credibility

Moreover, on that occasion, Zhou left early in the evening and even took Shen's bag out for him. On the weekend, the two bored individuals, Lü Dekai and Li Chang, directly cornered him at the tennis court, insisting that he satisfy their curiosity for gossip

However, Shen Lai also knows that she is a small studio, and such projects are usually not within her capacity to undertake

Because when he is with someone outside, he still treats her at home so well that it makes people envious and resentful. Therefore, Shen Lai does not even know how long Zhou Ji has been keeping that woman outside.

Zhou did not continue to pursue the matter, only saying, "In the future, don't associate me with Shen Lai." He said this without considering who it was that forced Shen Lai to be involved that night

Aside from the final interlude, both Shen Lai and Qiao Bonian had a very pleasant meal, so it was only natural for them to exchange contact information afterwards

Shen nodded slightly and said, "Yes, go ahead."

Zhou Ji then said, "Since you two have brought this up, I would like to ask just how bored you are? We came here to relax, so why drag Shen Lai into this? Are you looking to make a fool of me?" This remark was directed at Li Chang.

Qiao Bonian observed the angle at which Shen Laichao was leaning towards him and immediately knew she was very interested. He quickly threw out a bait, saying, "Would you like me to speak to my classmate and ask her to help arrange a dinner with their boss?"

Qiao Bonian smiled apologetically and said, "I have a question that has been troubling me if I don't ask it."

After the meal, when enjoying dessert, Shen Lai noticed Qiao Bonian's hesitant expression and couldn't help but smile, saying, "Just say what you want to say." During this blind date, they had only focused on discussing their study abroad experiences, and as a result, they hadn't addressed any of the questions that should have been asked during the date.

"Miss Shen?" Qiao Bonian stood up to confirm with Shen, and after she nodded, he walked to her seat and pulled out her chair.

The image of Zhou Ji after the divorce is still fresh in my memory, and I can't help but feel resentment that a woman like her can live a good life. If Shen Lai were not doing well, that would truly be Zhou Ji's bright day.

In the end, when everything fell apart, Zhou finally spoke the truth. He said that it was all because of her, because she, Shen, was immature, arrogant, and willful, failing to understand him, which made him feel exhausted and occasionally in need of a place to find some peace.

After that, Qiao Bonian invited Shen to dinner several times. Naturally, she could no longer come out only once for every two invitations as she did before. This could be considered a form of reciprocation.

Zhou, with an unchanging expression and a calm heart, said: "Do you think everyone is as vile as you?"

As for Qiao Boyan, he tends to be somewhat picky about the appearance of the women he meets on blind dates. Therefore, Qiao's mother believes that Shen's looks will surely appeal to Qiao Boyan. If even someone like Shen cannot attract his interest, then she truly has no other options left

Lü Dekai let out two "hehes" and fell silent.

When the previous few people asked this question, Shen Lai felt nothing, but tonight when Qiao Bonian asked her, she involuntarily fell into memories. Perhaps it was because she had recently had two entanglements with Zhou Ji.

"Yes, yes." Lv Dekai smiled apologetically and said, "At that time, I just couldn't stand seeing Shen Lai being all affectionate with that man right under our noses, could I?"

Shen Lai had not been in contact with either of her two backup options recently, so when her aunt called her and suggested that she go on a blind date over the weekend, she did not refuse

Shen Lai is quite annoyed that her aunt always brings up her mother's painful memories, yet she cannot directly express this. When she was young, her mother raised her alone and her aunt had helped quite a bit. Therefore, every time Shen Lai is asked to go on a blind date, she readily agrees, hoping that her aunt will keep quiet in front of her mother.

Mother Qiao actually feels that Shen Lai, being a second marriage, is somewhat unworthy of Qiao Bonian. However, Shen Lai's own qualifications are indeed impressive; she graduated from a prestigious university and has studied abroad. Although she has been married before, she has no children, and her family is also from Jiangcheng, owning two apartments. Most importantly, Shen Lai in the photos is simply stunning, the kind of beauty that is unforgettable at first glance, appearing both fashionable and sunny, very likable.

Shen's first impression of Qiao Bonian was that he was white

After applying makeup, Shen presents a beauty that is alluring and provocative, while her bare face reveals a pure and unpretentious beauty. Possessing both of these characteristics, it is no wonder that Qiao Bonian cannot help but be captivated.

Li Chang quickly said, "It was all Lü Dekai's idea; I just happened to know the man who came to dinner with Shen."

"Shen Lai?" Zhou squinted his eyes.

At thirty years old, Shen Lai had a very realistic outlook, while Qiao Bonian, who was on a blind date with her, had less realistic expectations of her. For men, the first thing they consider in a blind date is the appearance of the woman.

"Have you eaten enough and have nothing to do?" Zhou did not appreciate the sentiment

The secretary of that CEO turned out to be my high school classmate, and I happened to ask her about the situation. The garden covers more than 30 acres and is said to be a health and wellness resort, but in reality, it is just a high-end nursing home, with conditions comparable to a five-star hotel, having invested several hundred million, and this is only the first phase of the project. Health and wellness is a burgeoning industry with a significant market. She mentioned that their CEO has more than just this project; there are also projects underway in two other districts. If you can take on this project and do it well, he will definitely give you the other projects in the future.

Shen Lai's aunt believes that both she and her mother have encountered unsuitable partners, fearing that Shen Lai might follow in her mother's footsteps and end up alone for life. Therefore, she frequently arranges blind dates for her. If Shen Lai refuses to go, her aunt will talk to her mother, insisting that the child should not remain single for a lifetime like her mother.

Qiao Bonian said to Shen Lai when they were having dinner: "I heard that a wellness resort is looking for someone to design its gardens. The project is quite large. I inquired a bit for you, and guess what?" Qiao Bonian smiled mysteriously at Shen Lai.

"Why did you get divorced in the first place?" This is a question that every divorced woman is likely to be asked during a matchmaking event.

Lü Dekai said, "That night you left early to escort Shen back to his room, right? Didn't you take the opportunity to..."

"If you don't want to say it, then don't say it." Qiao Bonian clearly saw the pain and confusion on Shen Lai's face, which made him believe that it was entirely that man's fault, that he had not cherished Shen Lai.

Qiao Bonian had occasionally watched some beauty vloggers' promotional short videos on various video platforms, which he found quite shocking. That is why he requested Shen Lai to come to the blind date without any makeup.

Fair and radiant, her skin is so flawless that she could easily star in a cosmetics advertisement without the need for a beauty filter. Although her bare face may not appear as refined and glamorous as in the photos with makeup, it exudes a particularly pure and fresh charm, embodying a lovely beauty that is completely uncharacteristic of someone in their thirties. One could easily mistake her for a university student, and even Qiao Bonian would believe it.

Shen Lai smiled and said, "I cannot guess."

Men always seem to find a multitude of excuses when seeking women. Is it really necessary to undress another woman just to find a quiet place?

Qiao Bonian and Nan Ting took a month to finalize the appointment with Zhou Ji. In fact, Zhou Ji never intended to attend the meeting; although Nan Ting brought it up several times, he always declined.

Nan Ting said, "Mr. Zhou, don't you think it's not difficult to be single? His girlfriend, Shen Lai, is actually quite talented. A classmate of mine sent over a few of her past works. I took a look, and it seems that the garden of Mr. Mi's standalone villa was designed by her"

Thank you. Shen Lai still appreciates Qiao Bonian's gentlemanly demeanor

Upon hearing Qiao Bonian's words, Shen Lai immediately became interested. She is currently in dire need of projects, particularly large-scale projects that have a demonstrative quality. If this health and wellness resort is indeed built to five-star standards, it could truly become her signature work.

Qiao Bonian only agreed to the blind date after looking at Shen Lai's photo, or it could be said that he was simply curious to see what Shen Lai looked like without the enhancement of a beauty camera

The most direct reason for her divorce from Zhou Ji was his infidelity. Shen Lai discovered signs of her pregnancy at the time. Zhou Ji had been keeping a mistress outside, which was an immense blow to her. Even now, Shen Lai sometimes wakes up at night, still unable to believe that Zhou Ji truly betrayed her.

What is most absurd is that their stories and books are strikingly similar to those portrayed on television and written in books. The woman, Shen Lai, had seen from a distance and later investigated. In terms of education, appearance, and even age, she was inferior to Shen Lai in every aspect, yet it was precisely this kind of woman who distracted Zhou Ji.

Zhou wiped his sweat with a towel and took a sip of water, "Where does the imagination come from?"

Later, Nan Ting inadvertently mentioned Shen Lai, saying that her classmate had repeatedly asked her for help in order to assist his girlfriend

During their conversation, they discovered that both had studied abroad in the same city, albeit at different universities. This revelation opened up a wealth of common topics and memories, leading to a very engaging discussion, and naturally, they ended up having dinner together.

Shen Lai did not disappoint Qiao Bonian

When Qiao Bonian's mother asked him to go on a blind date with Shen, he was displeased as soon as he heard the conditions. "Mom, even if I am getting older, you don't need to introduce a divorced woman to me, do you?"

Typically, when viewing photos of a blind date subject that have been beautified, even halving the perceived attractiveness score of the other party would be considered an overestimation. Some individuals appear as if they are entirely different people before and after makeup; with the right makeup skills, even a sow could compete with Diao Chan.

Typically, bosses of this caliber do not casually attend dinner parties. It is indeed a rare opportunity for Qiao Bonian to know his secretary, so Shen immediately nodded in agreement. Even knowing that the hope is slim, one cannot be without hope, right

The person asking this question is not the first. Many potential partners will ask, fearing that Shen Lai might have some issues himself

Indeed, men are often regarded as creatures driven by their lower bodies; this is something that cannot be definitively stated. From time to time, there is a surge of scandalous photos and short action videos online, in which the male protagonists seem to be quite unworthy of the audience's attention

Are you getting together with Shen Lai again?" Lv Dekai leered at Zhou Ji, raising his eyebrows in a suggestive manner

This time, Qiao Bonian took the initiative to call Shen Lai the next day without his mother urging him. Although he cared deeply for Shen Lai, Shen Lai seemed indifferent, maintaining a distant and ambiguous relationship, which instead caused Qiao Bonian to experience emotional fluctuations reminiscent of his first love, with all the bittersweet complexities of love swirling in his heart.

Qiao Bonian explained somewhat awkwardly, "I apologize, I did not mean to pry into your privacy. It's just that after talking with you for so long, I have only one feeling: if I were your husband, I would absolutely never divorce you. That is why I am curious about the reasons for your divorce." This was, in fact, a veiled confession from Qiao Bonian; he could be said to have fallen in love with Shen Lai at first sight.

After Shen Li looked at the photo, she did not mind it. Since Zhou Ji, she had stopped being a face-oriented person and found that she preferred men with more ordinary looks, as this would likely reduce the chances of them being unfaithful.

"Shen Lai?" Qiao Bonian called out to awaken the distracted Shen Lai

This time, Shen's aunt introduced her to a senior engineer from an architectural design institute, who graduated from a prestigious university's architecture department. He comes from a good family background, owns a three-bedroom apartment in Jiangcheng, and drives an Audi Q5, although his appearance is somewhat ordinary.

With conditions like Qiao Bonian's, he indeed has quite a market in marriage. He has previously dated several girlfriends, but they all broke up for various reasons, which is why he remains single to this day. In fact, there is a female colleague in his unit who has been secretly in love with him, but he has no feelings for her and has never responded.

In order to win the heart of the beautiful woman, when Qiao Bonian heard that a wellness resort project was looking for someone to design the gardens, he immediately became interested. He knew that Shen Lai had opened a studio primarily focused on landscape design

I am still single, do I really have to take responsibility for helping your classmates win the affection of women

On the weekend, Shen Lai carefully selected her outfit and arrived at the café on time without any makeup. The request for a no-makeup blind date was made by the male party, which Shen Lai found displeasing at the time. However, considering that Qiao Bonian's profession was somewhat similar to hers, she thought that there might be future business interactions or opportunities for mutual introductions. Even if the blind date did not succeed, it would still be fine to occasionally keep in touch and become friends.

Qiao Bonian is thirty-two years old this year, a graduate of a prestigious university, and has spent a few additional years studying. Upon returning to the country, he joined a large design institute, enjoying a good salary and benefits. He owns a house and a car, and has no mortgage. By any measure, he can be considered a top-tier elite.