Chapter 26.2

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“Hey, Qiao Qiao, are you outside?” Ji Yun asked.

“Just out for some fresh air.”

“Feeling down?”

“Nope,” Qiao Ziman glanced around and started walking toward the park on her left. “I’m perfectly fine.”

Ji Yun responded with an “Oh,” then asked, “Not with President Chi today?”

Why does Chi Yin come up everywhere? Just as Qiao Ziman was about to forget that dream, here she was again. Feeling a bit irritated, Qiao Ziman gritted her teeth. “Should I be with her?”

Sensing her frustration, Ji Yun asked, “Are you two having a fight?”

Haha, we sure did—in my dream, Qiao Ziman thought, but stayed silent. Sensing the tension, Ji Yun quickly changed the topic. “So, what time are you coming to meet me?”

“Meet you for what?”

“Hey, don’t tell me you forgot! You have the day off, right? We planned to go see a movie, remember? And it’s the premiere of your little idol Ji Yan Yao’s dual-lead film.”

“What’s today’s date?”

On the other end, Ji Yun replied, “The 25th. Why, do you have something going on?”

If Qiao Ziman remembered correctly, today was the day her mom, He Cuizhen, had arranged a blind date for her. Why does everything have to overlap? She sighed and said reluctantly, “Next time, I have to deal with my mom.”

Ji Yun gasped, “What’s going on? Another blind date? Can’t you skip it?”

As Qiao Ziman walked into the park pavilion, she bought a strawberry ice cream and found a bench under a tree to sit down. “I promised your Aunt He last time, so I have to keep my word.” Besides, He Cuizhen had said this was the last time, though Qiao Ziman wasn’t convinced.

“Wow, Aunt He really doesn’t let you rest, huh? You finally have a day off!” Ji Yun added. “Can’t you think of a way out, Qiao Qiao?”

Qiao Ziman took a bite of the ice cream. The cool, smooth flavor melted in her mouth, instantly lifting her mood. She thought, Maybe I should buy some in bulk later. Chi Yin loves this flavor. But then again, with Chi Yin’s sensitive stomach, she’d have to keep it in moderation.

“Qiao Qiao, are you even listening?” Ji Yun’s voice brought her back to reality.

“Hm?”

A group of young people flooded into the park, some carrying red banners, others holding photos, and one even clutching a large megaphone. They all gathered in one direction. An older cleaning lady with a broom swept the ground nearby, saying, “Young lady, lift your feet. When you’re done with your ice cream, make sure to toss the wrapper in the trash.”

Qiao Ziman quickly pulled her feet up. “Got it.”

“There’s a matchmaking corner event starting soon. Are you here to join the fun?”

Matchmaking corner? Why was matchmaking everywhere? Qiao Ziman shook her head. “No, I’m not.”

Just then, the sound of the megaphone echoed in the distance: “Find a partner for life, avoid endless blind dates! Year after year, single life makes parents worry till their hair turns white.”

Oof, right in the feels. Qiao Ziman felt a bit stung by the message.

“The Big Horn Matchmaking Corner—an event for the young! All singles are welcome to team up. Whether you’re looking for a one-day fling, a month-long romance, a year-long relationship, or a lifelong commitment, we’ve got you covered! Now, let’s get the show started!”

On the phone, Ji Yun burst out in excitement. “Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on! Qiao Qiao, you’re amazing! You’ve found the perfect way to keep Aunt He quiet for a while.”

Qiao Ziman blinked. That’s a good point. Why didn’t I think of that sooner?

However, after thinking it over, Qiao Ziman replied, “Lying isn’t right.” The main issue was that if He Cuizhen found out, she would be in big trouble. She couldn’t take that risk.

“Let’s see, I’ll think about it.”

***

By noon, Qiao Ziman went to her blind date. The location was once again at the Chunsheng Restaurant. Ever since the last time she came and mentioned Chi Yin’s name, Qiao Ziman had become something of an exception at this place—no need for reservations, and always receiving the best service.

The manager escorted her to a quiet window seat. If she remembered correctly, this was the same spot Chi Yin had sat in last time. What a coincidence. Qiao Ziman sat down and waited. After about thirty minutes, she grew tired of waiting. Checking the time, she decided to message her blind date.

[Hello, Mr. Liu. We were supposed to meet at noon. Do you know what time it is now?]

After sending the message, she waved to the waiter to bring out some food. She wasn’t about to let someone else’s tardiness ruin her meal.

Liu replied: [I sincerely apologize. My mom said the roads would be blocked on a weekend, so I took the subway instead. The transfer took longer than expected. Sorry for the wait.]

Not bad—he was actually quite polite. Still, something about it felt… off. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

The waiter brought out the appetizers, and Qiao Ziman set her phone aside, leisurely starting her meal. Just then, a conversation from the table next to hers unexpectedly caught her attention, especially when the words “blind date” were mentioned.

One girl with curly hair asked, “Hey, why did your dad suddenly stop pressuring you about blind dates? Did he change?”

The other girl, with long hair, smirked proudly. “I came up with a clever trick on the spot.”

Curly hair: “What trick? Tell me, I need it too.”

Long hair: “I told my dad I like women.”

Curly hair: “And then?”

Qiao Ziman was curious about the same thing.

“Then my dad thought he had pushed me too hard, and now he’s always saying, ‘Take your time, honey, no rush,’ terrified that if he pushes too hard, I might actually bring a girl home.”

Curly hair gasped. “That’s called stepping back to gain ground!”

Qiao Ziman’s eyes lit up slightly. Wait, this tactic exists?

Just then, a tall, thin man entered her view, waving politely. “Hello, are you Miss Qiao?”