“Of course! If it doesn’t, I’ll handle her. I’m the only one who can match her volume in this house. I’ll come home and talk to her when work calms down. For now, just endure it a bit longer.”
After a few more pieces of advice, her father hung up. Shen Xi Fan sighed. She wanted to stop her mother’s tantrums and also put an end to her relentless matchmaking efforts.
At seven, she went to see Ling Yu Fan, wearing an extra layer this time. She thought to herself, Catching another cold for him isn’t worth it. If I’m going to fall sick, it should be for the handsome doctor.
She knocked on the door for a while before it opened. Ling Yu Fan, wearing glasses and a thick sweater, looked annoyed. “Manager Shen, what brings you here? Are you here to ‘personally’ compensate me this time?”
His complexion was pale, with an unusual flush that hinted at illness. The gold-rimmed glasses muted his usual charm, making him look more presentable than usual.
Ignoring his provocation, she calmly explained her purpose. Before she could finish, Ling Yu Fan suddenly grabbed her hand. Startled, she pulled away and stepped back slightly. “Mr. Ling, please behave. I’ll take my leave now.”
Ling Yu Fan chuckled. “Relax. You’re not attractive enough to make me lose control.”
She shot him a glare. “Goodnight, Mr. Ling,” she said coldly, turning on her heel and walking away without looking back. His laughter echoed behind her as she left.
* * *
Out of Zone C, Shen Xi Fan rubbed her hands angrily. Then, a thought struck her: Ling troublemaker’s hand had felt unusually warm, and his complexion didn’t seem right. He must have caught a cold too, she mused, a wicked sense of satisfaction rising.
Serves you right! The heavens are fair after all, punishing you for your flirtations with innocent women. Ling troublemaker, you should be content with this divine retribution.
That night, she slept soundly. But in the morning, disaster struck. Her mother had found yet another “white horse” (a potential suitor) and insisted she meet him that evening.
During the morning meeting, Shen Xi Fan couldn’t focus. Her notebook had barely a few scribbles, dominated by the large characters for “Bole” (the legendary horse appraiser). Back in her office, she wailed, “Why aren’t there any princes for me to meet? It’s always black horses or white horses. If I don’t play Bole, who else will?”
Deciding to ruin her mother’s matchmaking plans, she reluctantly went to the meeting. This time, the man was ridiculously pretentious. His eyes resembled those of Bai Yansong (a stern Chinese news anchor), while his face looked like Wu Mengda’s (a comedic actor). Her mother whispered, “He’s a certified accountant—very good with finances!”
Oh, I see, Shen Xi Fan thought bitterly. You brought him to spy on your daughter’s finances. Don’t think I don’t know your ulterior motives, you scheming mother!
Shen Xi Fan didn’t mind the man’s appearance; she didn’t discriminate on looks. But this so-called “successful gentleman” carried himself with excessive confidence, repeatedly boasting about his ability to detect financial fraud. She cooperatively gasped and exclaimed at the right moments, “Wow! That’s amazing! I admire you so much!”
Her feigned admiration only fueled his ego further until he finally revealed his heartfelt truth: “Honestly, I’m just looking for someone who can be good to my mom. I’m so busy, I don’t have time to take care of her.”
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