The dining table at Grace Li's place could only seat four people, but her coworkers didn't mind. Some got comfortable on the couch with a bowl of tangyuan or noodles, while others took their food out to the balcony. The dining table naturally ended up being used mostly by Grace Li's family.
Mike finished a bowl of tangyuan and still wasn't satisfied. Holding his empty bowl, he walked into the kitchen. "Auntie, got any more of those tangyuan? These are so good, I could eat a whole bunch more."
Huiyun Liang chuckled. "Of course! There's plenty left in the pot. Let me get you another bowl."
"Thanks a ton, Auntie! Seriously, these dumplings taste like they came straight from heaven," Mike said with a big grin.
Huiyun Liang beamed and scooped him a full bowl. "Well then, eat up! Have as much as you like."
"Thanks again, Auntie."
After finishing their tangyuan and noodles, everyone gathered in the living room to chat. Around eleven, they headed to a restaurant for lunch.
Grace Li had reserved a large private dining room with a table big enough to comfortably seat twelve people.
Even though it was their first time meeting, Olivia and Isabella Hsueh were chatting away like old friends. William Li and Ryan were deep in a conversation about video games, while others either talked quietly with the person next to them or scrolled through their phones. The only one sitting there silently, without even touching his phone, was Aiden Thompson.
Usually, at these work gatherings, he'd be playing a mobile game while waiting. Why was he so quiet today?
Just as Grace Li was wondering about this, Aiden happened to glance her way. Their eyes met in the air for a split second. Feeling strangely guilty, she quickly looked down at her utensils.
Meanwhile, Huiyun Liang had somehow struck up a conversation with Mike.
With a warm smile, she started, "You young folks are always so full of energy. Makes me think about my own youth. How old are you, Mike?"
"Twenty-nine," Mike answered.
"Where are you from originally? I love hearing about different places."
"Huicheng. It's a small city in China. We've got some amazing food traditions—like these dumplings," Mike added, just in case she wasn't familiar with the place.
Huiyun Liang's eyes lit up. "No way! We're from Huicheng too! It's always nice meeting someone from back home."
Mike grinned. "That's right! That's probably why these dumplings feel so familiar—they remind me of my grandma's cooking."
"Huicheng dumplings really are something special." Then, with curiosity, Huiyun Liang asked, "Which part of Huicheng are you from?"
"Zexiang Town."
"Oh, that's not far from where we're from! We're practically neighbors." She then shifted to a more casual tone and asked, "Family is important. Do you ever think about what kind of life you want for yourself in the future?"
Mike touched his nose sheepishly. "Oh man, one step at a time! I'm still trying to figure out what to eat for dinner."
Grace Li, catching on to her mom's intentions, quickly jumped in with a laugh. "Mom, you're grilling him like it's an interrogation. Let the guy enjoy his meal."
Huiyun Liang laughed. "Oh, I'm just chatting! No pressure, Mike."
Mike smiled. "It's all good, Auntie. I don't mind chatting."
**
After lunch, the team members and Isabella Hsueh headed home, while Grace Li returned to her new place with her family.
In the group chat, everyone started uploading pictures and videos from the celebration, tagging Grace Li to check them out.
Grace Li sent out a mobile coffee gift card link, and it was claimed in seconds.
Grace Li: Thanks a ton, everyone, for coming today and making it so special.
Mike: It was our pleasure. We're like a family, and we're always here to support you.
Ryan: Today was awesome! I had a blast at your new place, Grace Li. And those dumplings were out of this world.
Peter: Agreed! It was a great day.
Olivia: Yeah, and it was nice to meet Isabella. We hit it off right away.
Suddenly, Ryan chimed in: Hey, did you guys see that new article about our industry? It had some really interesting insights. We should discuss it in our next meeting.
Peter: Yeah, I saw that. Some of the points they made could really impact our upcoming projects.
Just then, Grace Li saw a notification for a new message. She left the group chat and saw a private message from Aiden Thompson.
Aiden Thompson: It seemed like your mom took quite a liking to Mike.
Grace Li: What do you think about that?
Aiden Thompson: I'll admit, I was a little jealous.
Grace Li didn't expect him to just come out and say it so bluntly.
Grace Li: It was just a friendly conversation. No need to be jealous.
She sent the exact same words back to him, just as he had phrased them.
Aiden Thompson: You're a quick learner.
Grace Li: Is that a bad thing?
Aiden Thompson: Not at all. It's actually really cute.
Aiden Thompson: I should probably step up my game if I want to impress your family.
Grace Li: Like how?
Aiden Thompson: I want them to see how much I care about you. Maybe I'll share some of our best memories together—show them how much you mean to me.
Reading that, Grace Li felt warmth spread through her chest. Aiden wasn't one for over-the-top sweet talk, but somehow, his words always had a way of making her heart race. It was more effective than any cliché romantic lines.
From the couch, Huiyun Liang waved her over. "Grace Li, come sit with me, sweetie."
Grace Li walked over and sat down. Her mom smiled at her. "Your colleagues seem like really great people."
"Yeah, we've got an amazing team at work. We support each other through thick and thin."
Huiyun Liang nodded. "That Mike guy seems really genuine and down-to-earth. And the fact that he's from our hometown is a nice bonus."
Grace Li sighed. "Mom, we've known each other forever. If something was going to happen between us, it would've happened by now. I want to be with someone because of a real connection, not just because he checks the right boxes."
"You never know. Sometimes the right person is right in front of you, and you don't see it until later. He's a great guy, and he's only a year younger than you. Age doesn't mean much these days."
Grace Li was curious why her mom was so set on Mike. Sure, he was nice, but Aiden's looks and charm were hard to ignore.
"Mom, I have five male colleagues. Why do you think Mike is the best fit? What about the others?"
"I just have a feeling about him. He seems like the kind of person you could build a stable life with. He has this warm, dependable energy." Her mom paused for a moment before adding, "And that really tall, good-looking one—the one who looks like a movie star. He's very charming, but guys like that usually have a lot of women after them. Sometimes, those types aren't the most reliable in the long run."
Grace Li smiled. "Yeah, he's definitely popular. But he's also really serious about our relationship."
"And he's younger than you, right?"
"Yeah, five years younger."
"Hmmm, that's a bit of an age gap. But as long as you're happy, that's what matters. I just want to make sure you're with someone who treats you right."
Grace Li couldn't help but smile. Her mom's concerns came from a place of love, and she appreciated that.