Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“I take it they’re all men of good character?” Qi Chengzhi asked as his long fingers peeled open the envelope. From within, he took out a stack of photos.
Qi Chengyue could only see the topmost photo, but, even then, she could not discern the person captured.
“Of course. Your grandmother is meticulous.” Grandmother Qi patted her chest and said, “I do not associate with people of bad character. I always start with their family. If the elders in a family are well-mannered, then the young ones will usually turn out okay. During my mahjong games, we talk about the younger generation in our families. These ones are not too bad. None involved in any crazy incidents. All honest and capable girls– talented even.”
Grandmother Qi pointed to the topmost photo—the one that Qi Chengyue could not really see. “This one graduated from Columbia University and has just returned. She’s never had a boyfriend despite her pretty face. She is so pretty that all boys take one look at her and assume she must already have a boyfriend. And this–”
Grandmother Qi switched to another photo. “This is Chu Zhaoyang’s cousin sister. You should all know her. She’s cute, energetic, and polite. She just graduated from medical school. Instead of going to her family’s hospital, she’s doing her housemanship in one of the top-tier public hospitals. She wants to rely on her own capabilities and hone her skills. She figured if she went to Chutian Hospital, people would just turn a blind eye to her mistakes; and that’s unacceptable when patients’ lives are at stake. She may look young, but she’s very independent. Without saying a word to her family, she applied to Renhe Hospital. Even her colleagues don’t know her true identity. She never goes home, and chooses to live in the hostel provided by the hospital with her peers. She’s a tough cookie, this one.”
Grandmother Qi presented this all in one breath. Clearly, she was partial to Chu Zhaoyang’s cousin sister, lavishing her with high praises.
“This is because you said you wanted to introduce a match for Cheng Dongge. If not, I would have kept this young lady!” Grandmother Qi’s eyes darted to Qi Chenglin and Qi Chengji. “I was hoping to match her to one of them.”
Qi Chengzhi smiled and flipped through the stack of photos. They were of young ladies from respectable families. From the very first glance, it was clear they were all quality matchmaking material.
He placed the photos back into the envelope and glanced at Qi Chengyue. She looked anxious. Clearly, she wanted to have a look, but common sense held her back.
He smirked and passed the photos to Song Yu for safekeeping. “You are aware of Cheng Dongge’s situation. His previous relationship fell apart, unfortunately, and now he’s single. There’ll be plenty of families who will want to introduce their daughters to him. We figured you’d have some good recommendations. Daughters from wealthy families will not act like his previous girlfriend, mistaking his lack of pedigree for a bleak future and constantly looking for rich men.”
Similar to Qi Chengyue’s marriage, it was an arrangement that would benefit both parties. The daughters of prestigious families would not mind a man’s family background if he was talented and capable.
Unlike Huang Ziyue, who was dead set on marrying someone of high standing but did not bother to improve her own qualities. A person like her would not be able to hold a good man for long. The imbalance in their lineage ultimately left her as the losing party.
“Yes.” Grandmother Qi nodded. “Dongge is a good person.”
Qi Chengyue’s chest ached, but she stayed silent.
Song Yu took one look at Qi Chengyue and a thought crossed her mind. She took out the photos and gave them to Qi Chengyue. “Chengyue, you’ve been talking a lot with Cheng Dongge lately. Have a look.”
Qi Chengyue went through the photos. “They’re quite good. Very pretty, most of them,” she said quietly.
“Not just pretty.” Grandmother Qi quickly cut in. “Their education, attitude, family background, capabilities… they’re all are as good as they can get. Even that so-called debutante in America, Mu Sisi, is no match for these women. This one–”
Just as Qi Chengyue saw someone, Grandmother Qi hurriedly pointed at another photo and said, “This one managed to get into the elite social club in America that Mu Sisi was dying to join but never got accepted.”
“Our Chengyue never studied overseas. If not, she would be in the club too,” Qi Chenglin said.
“Indeed, indeed.” Grandmother Qi quickly followed with a nod.
…
…
The next evening, Qi Chengyue drove over to Qilin and waited in the car park. When Song Yu came to have lunch with Qi Chengzhi in the afternoon, she let slip that Cheng Dongge was attending a matchmaking date with the daughter of the Jiang family tonight.
Qi Chengyue thought Cheng Dongge would refuse the matches, yet he proved her wrong.
Did he not just confessed his feelings for her? Why was he going on matchmaking dates?
Not long after, she saw Cheng Dongge walk out of the office building dressed handsomely in a suit. He had one hand in his pocket and the other holding his car keys. Qi Chengyue followed his car as he drove off.
She tailed him to Shengyue. He parked his car and went into the restaurant. Qi Chengyue was hesitant to park beside him, but worried that, if she parked too far, she might lose track of him. After much effort, she found a spot that was suitable for her surveillance needs. Moments later, a red BMW Z4 parked in the spot diagonal to where she was.
A woman in her twenties exited the car. She was wearing a baroque-style, floral patterned blouse and light yellow, slim-fit pants with a pair of tan, mid-heel ankle boots.
The young woman was fair and good-looking. Stepping out from the luxury car, she caught the attention of the surrounding people.
Qi Chengyue recognized her as Jiang Xiyao. While Jiang Xiyao had cousins, she was an only child in her family.
Jiang Xiyao had a warm disposition in public. Her gentle and giving nature endeared her to the elders. Qi Chengyue had met her before in private during one of her gatherings. Jiang Xiyao had come off as aloof and haughty. Qi Chengyue had the impression that her speech and actions were superfluous.
Somehow, her grandmother had chosen Jiang Xiyao as one of the potential matches for Cheng Dongge. Qi Chengyue frowned as she watched Jiang Xiyao walk into Shengyue.
Cheng Dongge chose a comfortable booth that was by the window.
Qi Chengyue saw Cheng Dongge stand—his every move executed with purpose. He stood tall and had a confident mien that outclassed even the wealthiest of heirs.
Qi Chengyue was used to the three older boys in her family. Qi Chengzhi was stoic and steady, his aura intimidating; Qi Chenglin was elegance personified, mature and wise; and, while Qi Chengji was the youngest among the three, his service in the military had made him a steadfast and decisive man.
All three had strong, desirable qualities that set them apart in their social circle.
In the past, Qi Chengyue had only had eyes for Jian Yi. She had never noticed other men, not even Cheng Dongge. She believed that Jian Yi was exceptional, with his influence and talents that all came from no-name family. Yet, now that she thought about it, Jian Yi’s presumed qualities and influence were insignificant when compared to Cheng Dongge.
Inside-out, from capabilities to attitude, Jian Yi did not hold a candle to Cheng Dongge.
After some time, Jiang Xiyao stood in front of Cheng Dongge. Jiang Xiyao gave him a smile and brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. Her head was bowed. Qi Chengyue could not make out what she was saying, but she doubted that woman’s sincerity.
Cheng Dongge nodded in turn, and spoke a little. From this distance, Qi Chengyue could not make out the subtle changes in his expression. She could not tell if she saw a smile on Cheng Dongge’s face.
Cheng Dongge pointed to the opposing seat, and they both settled into the booth.
The waiter brought over menus for them, but Jiang Xiyao allowed Cheng Dongge to order the dishes.
The conversation flowed easily between them as they waited for the food to arrive. This made Qi Chengyue’s stomach roil. “This is the first meeting, and he’s already so happy. Babbling away; what’s there to talk about?”
She saw Jiang Xiyao cover her laugh with her hand. Jiang Xiyao shrugged and said something, but Qi Chengyue was too far to hear. She could not see Cheng Dongge’s face, but he seemed to be in a good mood. He seemed to have been swayed by Jiang Xiyao.
Qi Chengyue tapped on her chest to tamp down her dismay.
After a while, the dishes were served. She could not smell the food, but her stomach was staging a protest. A swift glance at the digital clock in her car showed that it was already seven o’clock.
Here she was, starving outside, worried that Cheng Dongge might be tricked, while he enjoyed his dinner date with Jiang Xiyao!
The more she thought about it, the worse she felt. Tears were starting to sting her eyes. She should have just started the car and left, but her heart would not let her. She stared as Jiang Xiyao took small bites of the food while her own stomach growled.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Qi Chengyue turned around in surprise. It was the waiter from Shengyue, still in uniform.
Was he shooing her away because she was parked in their parking lot without purchase?
A frown was on Qi Chengyue’s face as she opened the car window. Unexpectedly, the waiter handed her a beautifully crafted food carrier made of black wood. There were sakura patterns on the lid which made the carrier look exquisite.
“Miss, this is the take-out for you,” the waiter said with a smile.
Qi Chengyue eyed the carrier suspiciously and said, “But I didn’t order any take-out.”
“Your car number plate is A·N3633. If you’re the driver of this car, this take-out is meant for you,” the waiter said and promptly pushed the food carrier through the open car window. “This is from the gentleman sitting at the window booth. It’s been paid for in full.”
The waiter pointed at Cheng Dongge in the restaurant.
Qi Chengyue fell dumb.
‘Did he know all along?’
This was such an embarrassment. Qi Chengyue’s face turned crimson.
Without so much as a goodbye, she rolled up her window. The waiter was left speechless by the road. He scratched his head and walked away.
A moment later, Qi Chengyue realized her lack of manners. The shame of being caught had outweighed her sense of decorum.
She opened the food carrier in the passenger seat. It was packed with Shengyue’s best dishes.
The package included rice, shiitake mushroom with choy sum, stir-fried snow peas, sauteed chicken with pepper, and a bowl of thick fish maw soup. These were all her favorite dishes.
Her appetite vanished once she remembered that Cheng Dongge had been aware of her presence. She was deliberating whether to eat the food when her phone rang.
It was Cheng Dongge. She looked up at the window booth but did not see him. There was only Jiang Xiyao, playing on her phone.
Qi Chengyue searched frantically and found Cheng Dongge standing at Shengyue’s main entrance.
He was holding his phone to his ear, staring straight at her.
Qi Chengyue felt goosebumps rising on her arm. Her phone was still ringing. She saw Cheng Dongge wave his phone at her.
‘Why did I ever think him a gentle person?’ Qi Chengyue thought.
Qi Chengyue could only answer the phone, her face tinged pink with embarrassment.
“Yes?” she asked in an indifferent tone.
“It was quite a long drive, and you’ve been sitting out there for some time. Aren’t you hungry?”
Cheng Dongge’s deep voice reverberated from the phone speaker. The magnetism of his voice was undeniable.
Ridiculous. Just a line, and she was hooked.
His voice was like sex!
Qi Chengyue almost choked. The heat from her face could burn through the phone. Why did she remember that expression? She could have slapped herself.
Cheng Dongge’s voice had temporarily stopped her brain functions. It felt like he was whispering into her ear. Her ears were red to their tips.
She could not believe that he had known from the start. Confronted with the accusation, Qi Chengyue could only return Cheng Dongge’s stare.
“You saw the dishes? Are they to your liking?” Cheng Dongged asked.
“I was not following you. I have an appointment here. It’s just a coincidence,” Qi Chengyue snapped.
“Oh? What a coincidence. Then why are you sitting in your car for almost an hour? Where is this person that you’re meeting?” Cheng Dongge asked in good humor.
“I like waiting in the car. I’m sorry but your take-out will be going to waste,” Qi Chengyue said.
She heard Cheng Dongge let out a teasing chuckle. “Come on, stop pretending. When I came here, I intentionally drove around the block twice and you followed me. Don’t tell me you don’t know the road from Qilin to Shengyue.”
Qi Chengyue kept her silence.
“You knew that I had a matchmaking session and you were jealous. That’s why you followed me, right?” Qi Chengyue could hear the hint of a smile in his deep voice. “Still don’t want to admit it. Do you want to be my girlfriend?”
“I admit I followed you here, but that’s because I wanted to see who the match was. I was worried that you would be tricked. I happen to know Jiang Xiyao—”
“If you’re not my girlfriend, why should you care who I’m meeting with?” Cheng Dongge interrupted. With one hand in his pocket, he said, “You said you were not a match for me. That you didn’t want to involve me in scandals. So I’m looking for someone who’s up to my standards– someone who will not sully my name. Since you won’t be my girlfriend, you can only stand aside and watch. I will have to marry someone in the end.”
Qi Chengyue’s eyes dampened and her chest hurt. Her bottom lip trembled, but she suppressed the sob in her throat. “Cheng Dongge, you can be very cruel, you know that?”
“I told you before. I’ve never been a nice guy.” Cheng Dongge continued on coolly, “Has it never crossed your mind that I would be seeing other women? Are you going to follow me to every date now? You’re worried about me? You’re just using that as an excuse for your inaction. One day, I will get married and what will you do then?”
The thought of Cheng Dongge marrying someone else paralyzed her. She did not want to hear such words coming from him.
She hung up. She felt like an absolute loser. There was nothing left for her to do but leave.
The speed at which she drove out of the parking lot made Cheng Dongge frown. He quickly got into his own car and gave chase, all the while dialing for Jiang Xiyao. “Miss Jiang, I’m sorry. There’s an emergency that requires my attention now. I will make it up to you another day.”
Jiang Xiyao listened to his apology. Her eyes followed his car as he darted after the Audi TT that had just pulled out.
…
…
Cheng Dongge drove behind Qi Chengyue, worried that she would get into an accident. He followed her all the way to the gates of Jade Field Park. He expected her to turn into the residential area but she stopped the car instead.
The door of the Audi TT opened suddenly and Qi Chengyue walked out with the food carrier from Shengyue. Cheng Dongge stopped his car by the side of the road.
He rolled the window down as she approached.
Qi Chengyue examined his expression. The usual gentleness was replaced by a sternness that was intimidating.
“Weren’t you on a date? Why are you following me? Your date will worry.” Now that she was meeting Cheng Dongge face-to-face, her anger from before had subsided. There was a softness in her voice as she spoke.
“You know the reason.” Cheng Dongge gave her a level stare.
Solely from his expression, Qi Chengyue knew that her sudden departure was the reason he had left. He was worried about her.
There was an uncomfortable tightness in her stomach. She remarked in a low tone, “You can go back now.”
“I’m not going back. I have some unfinished business,” Cheng Dongge said simply. His exchange with Jiang Xiyao had not been as entertaining as Qi Chengyue thought. While Jiang Xiyao was sweet and polite, he could tell that it had been a facade. The date lacked the sincerity that he was accustomed to when he was with Qi Chengyue.
“What’s the matter?” Qi Chengyue asked absentmindedly.
A smirk formed on his face. “You tell me.”
Silence.
‘Pursuing me is the unfinished business that he’s talking about?’
Qi Chengyue gave the food carrier to Cheng Dongge and said, “You have not eaten. Take this back.”
“You have not eaten either. I got it for you.”
“Auntie will have some dishes ready at home. You’re a bachelor who’s going to eat out, anyways.” Qi Chengyue pushed the food carrier into the car adamantly. “It’s been a long day. No need to waste your time going out.”
Cheng Dongge laughed and accepted the food carrier. He placed it on the passenger seat.
Qi Chengyue watched him quietly. As their eyes met, she felt herself being drawn into him—her eyes transfixed.
Her breath quickened as her abdomen and chest clenched in anxiety. Neither spoke, and, in that moment, Qi Chengyue felt like they were alone in the world, isolated.
Gazing at his gorgeous face, she wondered if her eyes gave away the love she felt for him.
There was an imperceptible movement. For a moment, it seemed like she was going to cup his face.
“I’m going home,” Qi Chengyue announced in a hushed voice.
She turned around, ready to leave, when a hand caught her wrist. Qi Chengyue lowered her head to stare at the hand keeping her in place. The warmth radiating from his palm was nice. The slight roughness of his fingertips sent shivers down her spine.
