Chapter 53: Blind Date

The door swung open and in walked a young man, impeccably dressed in a suit, his hair slicked back, every inch the picture of urban sophistication.

“Aunt Zheng, the traffic was a bit heavy on the way. I’m sorry I’m late,” he said amiably, handing a gift box to Zheng Mei. As if by accident, he flashed the Mercedes-Benz key in his hand.

“You’re not late at all, Xiao Zhao! You’ve come at just the right moment!” Zheng Mei greeted him warmly.

Then, turning sharply, she snapped at Ye Tianci, “Can’t you see we have a guest? Move aside! Haven’t you any sense?”

Grabbing the young man’s arm, Zheng Mei led him past Ye Tianci, effusively ushering him to sit.

Lin Qingqian’s elegant brows furrowed. “Mom, what’s the meaning of this?”

Zheng Mei smiled. “Qingqian, this is Zhao Hui. His family owns a car, a house, and a villa. His brother-in-law is a prominent figure in Shu City, powerful and influential. This is the son-in-law I’ve always dreamed of. I invited him here specially—for you two to get acquainted.”

Lin Qingqian’s anger flared. “I’ve already agreed to fulfill the engagement with Tianci. Why are you still arranging blind dates?”

Zheng Mei’s eyes flashed. “That engagement is just a piece of paper—it’s worthless! You haven’t even had the betrothal ceremony. Why shouldn’t you go on a blind date?”

Disgusted, Lin Qingqian said, “Why must you always try to control me?”

Zheng Mei’s face darkened. “Today, whether you like it or not, you’re meeting him! You’re my daughter—you will do as I say!”

In truth, it was Lin Changren who’d orchestrated Lin Changli’s layoff from behind the scenes. Zhao Hui was also introduced to Zheng Mei in secret by Lin Changren. The Lin family had attended Tang Qiong’s apprenticeship banquet, only for Lin Hao to end up with broken legs—an utter humiliation for the family. All their resentment had been directed at Ye Tianci. Just yesterday, Lin Changren’s family had taken turns brainwashing Zheng Mei, leading to her forceful return and this arranged meeting.

“Aunt Zheng, please don’t be upset,” Zhao Hui said, playing the part of the perfect gentleman. He extended his hand to Lin Qingqian. “Allow me to introduce myself. Zhao Hui. I work at city hall.”

Lin Qingqian glanced at him impassively, ignoring his outstretched hand. Unfazed, Zhao Hui smiled awkwardly and presented her with a bouquet of roses. “It’s our first meeting. I hope you’ll accept these flowers, Miss Qingqian.”

This time, Lin Qingqian accepted them without protest, but simply placed them on the corner of the table.

Ye Tianci handed Lin Qingqian a tissue with a gentle smile. “Wipe your hands.”

Startled, Lin Qingqian then gave Ye Tianci a warm smile, took the tissue, and wiped her hands, tossing the used tissue to the floor.

Zhao Hui’s face was a picture of embarrassment.

“What are you doing? Xiao Zhao gave you those flowers out of kindness, how can you just put them on the floor?” Zheng Mei scolded.

“He gave them to me. I can put them wherever I like,” Lin Qingqian retorted with equal annoyance.

Zheng Mei’s face turned livid with anger.

Zhao Hui quickly smoothed things over. “Aunt Zheng, it doesn’t matter. She can put them wherever she wants. I heard today’s Uncle Lin’s birthday—let’s not let a small thing like this spoil the mood.”

Seeing this scene, Old Master Lin stormed off into his room without eating.

Lin Changli invited Ye Tianci and his daughter to sit.

Zheng Mei praised Zhao Hui yet again and then continued, “Xiao Zhao, I invited you today not only for the blind date with my daughter but also because I need your help with something.”

“Of course, Auntie. What is it?” Zhao Hui replied confidently.

Zheng Mei explained Lin Changli’s employment issue and pleaded, “Xiao Zhao, your Uncle Lin can’t afford to lose his job. Is there anything you can do?”

Zhao Hui waved it off airily. “It’s no trouble. I’ll make a call.”

He dialed a number, his face wreathed in a smile. “Brother-in-law, can you do me a favor?”

“I just bought you something, and now you want a favor? Do you think I have nothing better to do? I’m busy!” came the gruff, unceremonious reply, and the call ended.

Forcing a smile, Zhao Hui dialed another number. “Uncle Yu, it’s Zhao Hui. There’s a small matter I need your help with.”

He mumbled on for a bit, then hung up, full of self-assurance. “Aunt Zheng, it’s settled. Just wait for good news.”

As he finished speaking, Lin Changli’s phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, Lin Changli grew excited. “It’s Director Gao Yi of the Power Bureau!”

Nervously, he answered the call. Everyone in the room could hear: not only was his layoff rescinded, but he was being promoted to Deputy Director of the Power Bureau!

“Good news from the maternity ward—I’ve been promoted!” Lin Changli was elated when he hung up.

Of all the siblings in the Lin family, he’d fared the worst. Now, as Deputy Director, he could finally hold his head high!

“Xiao Zhao, I never imagined you had such influence! Thank you so much! If not for you, my birthday would have been ruined!”

Zheng Mei shot a contemptuous glance at Ye Tianci. “Now you see how outstanding Xiao Zhao is? Not like some people, who only know how to talk.”

Ye Tianci replied calmly, “How do you know it was him who helped?”

“If it wasn’t Xiao Zhao, was it you?” Zheng Mei scoffed.

“That’s right. I was the one who made the call,” Ye Tianci said evenly.

Zheng Mei erupted in fury. “Ye Tianci, how can you be so shameless—trying to take credit for Xiao Zhao’s achievement?”

Zhao Hui added haughtily, “I get that you want to impress Qingqian, brother, but there’s a limit. If you want to claim my credit, at least have the connections for it!”

With a self-satisfied smirk, Zhao Hui handed two gift boxes to Lin Changli and Zheng Mei.

“Uncle Lin, here’s your birthday present.”

“Aunt Zheng, this is a diamond necklace. I’m sure you’ll love it!”

Unable to contain her excitement, Zheng Mei opened the box and beamed at the necklace inside. “It really is a diamond! How beautiful!”

Lin Changli unwrapped his gift to reveal a porcelain piece in hues of sky and water—exquisitely crafted.

Ye Tianci frowned slightly. Wasn’t this the fake Lei Hong had bought for fifty yuan? Coupled with the call earlier, he realized Zhao Hui was Lei Hong’s brother-in-law.

“What a refined brush washer! The glaze is remarkable—could it be an official kiln piece from the Qing dynasty?” Lin Changli exclaimed in admiration.

“Uncle Lin, you have a discerning eye!” Zhao Hui gave him a thumbs up, smiling obsequiously. “It’s an official brush washer from the Kangxi period of the Qing dynasty. I’m impressed by your expertise in jade.”

Lin Changli laughed, delighted with the flattery. “Oh, nothing, just a bit of amateur study.”

“Xiao Zhao, this must be worth a fortune, right?” Zheng Mei asked.

“Only half a million—it’s not much,” Zhao Hui replied, utterly nonchalant.

Zheng Mei’s eyes widened in shock. “Half a million, and you say it’s not much? Xiao Zhao, you’re really generous with our family!”

“Look, Old Lin, Xiao Zhao not only helped us so much, but gave such a lavish gift. Only an outstanding young man like him deserves our Qingqian.”

Even Lin Changli wavered. Compared to Ye Tianci, Zhao Hui’s qualities were plain to see.

“Mom, Dad, Tianci also prepared a surprise gift,” Lin Qingqian spoke up, signaling Ye Tianci to present his gift.

Ye Tianci produced a small jade pendant he’d picked up at a bargain. It was unadorned, without elaborate packaging, and he handed it directly to Lin Changli.

Though not especially beautiful, the jade pendant’s value lay in its antiquity—it was from the Zhou dynasty, a rare find.

Turning the pendant over in his hands, Lin Changli nodded. “The quality isn’t bad—a decent piece.”

“Uncle Lin, may I take a look?” Zhao Hui asked.

He glanced briefly at the pendant, the corners of his lips curling in a mocking sneer. “Not bad at all. At least a hundred yuan, maybe a bit more.”

Zheng Mei immediately sneered, “How can you call a hundred-yuan trinket a surprise gift, or even present it at all?”

“Aunt Zheng, there’s no need to be upset. Uncle Lin has my birthday present. That’s enough,” Zhao Hui said with a smile, handing the pendant back to Lin Changli—but letting go a moment too soon.

With a sharp “crack,” the precious jade pendant fell to the floor and split in two.