As the car eased out of the estate's circular drive, Lia leaned back with a satisfied sigh.
The day had been a whirlwind of conversations and connections she never imagined she'd make, not to mention the undeniable thrill of meeting Li Wei. The memory of his easy smile and warm gaze lingered, but she quickly pushed it aside as she turned to Lin, who was typing rapidly on her phone beside her.
"So," Lia began, giving her a nudge. "You still haven't told me. Who exactly was this mysterious blind date you'd set up for me?"
Lin's fingers stilled, and she cast Lia a sidelong glance, a mischievous smile playing at her lips. "Ah, so you did hear me mention that, huh?"
"Oh, I heard it," Lia said, grinning. "But since you were busy with damage control and didn't bother to tell me about it last night, I think I deserve to know now. Who was it?"
Lin closed her phone and turned to Lia, her expression unapologetically playful. "Alright, fine. You're right. It's only fair I tell you."
"Good," Lia said, folding her arms with exaggerated sternness.
Lin chuckled, then leaned closer. "I'd set you up with a friend's son. He's only recently moved back in town and doesn't know many people yet."
Lia blinked, "sounds just like me..."
"Mm-hmm," Lin confirmed, nodding. "His mom's always worried that he'll never find someone unless she pushes him to it."
Lia bit back a laugh. "Why does it sound like I was your friend's sacrificial lamb?"
Lin nudged her, laughing. "Hey, give me some credit here! He's got the kind of background that might've impressed you. Plus, he's quiet—wouldn't overpower you with his personality or anything."
Lia shook her head in disbelief. "Wow, Lin. You really thought this through, didn't you?"
"Of course I did!" Lin protested, folding her arms with a mock pout. "I was only trying to help."
"Well, I appreciate the effort," Lia said, cozying into Lin's shoulder. "Though I don't know if I was quite ready to meet someone through a setup. Blind dates just… they're tricky."
Lin sighed, nodding. "I get it. But, you have to admit, it's not a bad idea to at least meet some new people. I'm just thankful you met someone on your own."
The car pulled onto the main road, and Lia looked out the window, her thoughts drifting back to the party. Lin's heart had been in the right place, and part of her did appreciate the gesture, even if she'd ended up meeting someone entirely different.
As they reached the Qin house, Lia spotted a familiar figure pacing near the entrance. His hands were clasped behind his back, his brow furrowed in deep thought, and he looked up as their car approached. Professor Qin.
"Oh, no," Lin muttered, shrinking a little in her seat. "Why is Professor Qin out here?"
"Waiting for us, it seems," Lia whispered, suddenly feeling like a child caught sneaking home past curfew.
Professor Qin's gaze softened as he saw Lia, but his expression grew stern when his eyes landed on Lin. He motioned for them to step out of the car, his posture radiating authority.
"Ladies," he greeted them, his tone formal but kind as he held the door open. "How was the event?"
"It was… good," Lia managed, exchanging a glance with Lin. She could sense Lin preparing herself for the worst as they both followed Professor Qin into the house, as if they were about to start an interview.
He motioned for them to sit, and then took a seat across from them, his serious gaze settling on Lin. "Miss Lin," he began, voice gentle yet firm. "I'd like to hear why you felt it appropriate to play matchmaker with my protégé here."
Lin winced, shoulders slumping. "Qin," she said, her voice unusually subdued. "I just thought—"
"That it would be a good experience for her?" he finished for her, his eyebrow arched. "Lia is still young, Lin. She doesn't need to be involved in blind dates or elaborate social plans. Her work is her priority, and it's my duty to make sure she does well."
Lia shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Lin, who looked genuinely chastened. But to her surprise, Professor Qin's expression softened as he turned to her.
"Lia, I understand that it can be… overwhelming to navigate these events," he said, his tone taking on a fatherly warmth. "People, especially in certain circles, can get quite carried away with matchmaking and social expectations. But you're still growing, and you have all the time in the world to find your way."
Lia nodded, grateful for his understanding. "Thank you, Professor Qin. I appreciate that."
A small, protective smile appeared on his face as he leaned forward.
He shot a pointed look at Lin, who slouched further in her chair. "Madam Qin why are you selling off our child here. She barely found her way home."
Lin finally found her voice. "Boss, it wasn't about distracting her from her work. I mean, Lia barely talks to anyone outside of you, me, and a few other oldies."
Professor Qin chuckled softly, his unnaturally stern expression melting into one of amusement.
"Yes, I suppose you're right, wife." he gently gave Lin a kiss before he added, looking directly at Lia, "if you ever feel like these events are too much, you know you're not obligated to attend every single one."
Lia bit her lip, feeling a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. "Honestly, I didn't mind going. And I might not have been able to handle it without Lin."
Lin straightened at this, sending Lia a grateful smile. "See, Professor? I may have a point here."
Professor Qin rolled his eyes, though he was clearly amused. "Well, Lia's still a baby. A baby that doesn't require the pressure of matchmaking..."
Lia laughed, feeling a weight lift as the tension dissipated. "Thank you, Boss-man. And Lin, I really do appreciate everything. Even if… well, maybe we could go lighter on the blind dates."
Lin placed a hand over her heart, her expression mock-offended. "No more matchmaking. I swear it."
Professor Qin smirked as he grabbed Lin's waist, the stern lecture apparently over. He shifted his attention back to Lia, his gaze softening. "Good. Now, let's talk about something far more important. Have you had breakfast?"
Lia blinked, surprised by the sudden change in topic. "Um, no, not yet."
"Unacceptable," Professor Qin said, shaking his head as he stood. "You should be well-fed before you start your day. Come with me."
He led them down to the kitchen, that was already covered in a spread of warm pastries and tea while they sat at a table nearby. Lia felt a twinge of embarrassment at how much he doted on her, but Lin only watched with a small, smug smile.
"See? It's not just me who wants to set you up," Lin whispered, her eyes dancing with amusement. "Qin's like a doting dad when it comes to you."
Professor Qin returned to the table, setting a steaming cup of tea in front of Lia. "You're working hard, balancing responsibilities… you deserve a bit of pampering, Lia."
Lia looked down, feeling oddly touched. "Thank you, Professor Qin. This is… really kind of you."
He gave her a warm, approving nod, then shot a mock-glare at Lin. "And Madam Qin, make sure next time that your 'supportive plans' don't interfere with Lia's rest, yes?"
Lin held her hands up in a salute, looking chastened but grinning. "Promise, respected Professor Qin. Loud and clear." to which she received another kiss on the cheek.
"But what do you think of grandbabies," she whispered in his ear, with a plotting grin.
Professor Qin's face melted even further as he considered the idea. "I certainly wouldn't be opposed to that."