Shui Miao remained silent, yet suddenly found the whole idea of arranged meetings absurd. However, seeing how deeply involved his mother and aunt were, he could understand—he was, after all, just an ordinary person. Why did he find it so ridiculous?
Caught in this contradiction, Shui Miao felt quite uneasy.
Inside an upscale tea restaurant, Shui Miao sat alone at a table while his mother, aunt, and Chen Xiang waited behind a screen at another table, preparing for his blind date with this so-called Chen Yuanyuan.
Leisurely observing the restaurant’s elegant decor, Shui Miao appreciated the classical charm of the place. Located in a bustling area, the tea house offered a perfect setting for romance. However, due to its high-end pricing, the restaurant was nearly empty—only a few tables were occupied, mostly by people drinking beverages rather than the overpriced tea. Despite the lack of business, the waitstaff were all exceptionally attractive, dressed like flight attendants with impeccable figures.
Spotting one particularly pleasing waitress, Shui Miao waved her over. She approached with a graceful smile, asking politely, “Sir, may I assist you?”
“Nothing much. Just sit and chat.”
He casually gestured to the seat across from him, giving the impression of a wealthy young rogue flirting with a pretty waitress.
She blushed slightly and politely declined, “I’m sorry, sir. We’re not allowed to sit with customers. Is there anything else you need?”
“Alright then, just stand and chat with me,” Shui Miao leaned on his hand, gazing at her. “How much do you earn here each month?”
It felt like a rich brat trying to seduce a waitress.
At a nearby table, Yang Min and Yang Fen exchanged surprised glances, seeing a side of Shui Miao they hadn’t before.
Chen Xiang, however, calmly sipped her drink, unfazed. She knew Shui Miao wasn’t that kind of person—he must have a reason.
The waitress’s expression shifted slightly, “I’m sorry, sir. That question is beyond the scope of my service. If there’s nothing else…”
“Looks like you’re not just a regular waitress,” Shui Miao interrupted.
She was taken aback. “What do you mean?”
Shui Miao smiled slightly. “You came from a wealthy family, but things have changed. Now you’re working here out of necessity. Also, there’s someone troubling you—someone who’s been pursuing you. And it’s definitely not me.”
With his keen perception, Shui Miao could tell from her skin, demeanor, and speech that she hadn’t always lived this way. Her delicate features and refined manner hinted at a privileged upbringing. Now working as a waitress, she clearly faced hardship. The faint annoyance in her eyes suggested she was troubled by someone’s unwanted advances.
“How do you know all this? Who are you?” she asked, startled and suspicious.
Shui Miao had expected this. “I’m a fortune teller. I just happened to notice you and thought I’d share a few words. That’s all.”
“…”
The waitress, unsure how to respond, hesitated. Then Aunt Yang appeared from behind the screen, whispering, “Stop fooling around. The girl’s here, almost at the door.”
“Fine then,” Shui Miao waved her off. He had considered inviting her to join his team, but she seemed too guarded. He escorted his aunt back to her seat.
Sure enough, moments later, two stylish young women entered the restaurant. The waitress greeted them and led them to Shui Miao’s table. He stood, ready to greet them with a smile. “Hello, I’m Shui… Chen Shuimiao.”
The girls found him handsome, though surprisingly young.
One with a heart-shaped face teased, “You’re already trying to hold Yuanyuan’s hand on the first meeting? How naughty! You look about seventeen or eighteen. Are you really Chen Shuimiao? Show me your ID!”
This girl, Xiao Qiao, was sharp-tongued and very outgoing.
“Xiao Qiao, don’t be rude,” said Chen Yuanyuan, extending her hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Chen Yuanyuan.”
Her hand was soft and smooth, a pleasure to shake.
Then Xiao Qiao also offered her hand. “Hi little brother. I’m Xiao Qiao, Yuanyuan’s best friend. If you want to date our Yuanyuan, you’ll have to win me over first.”
She was always smiling, her cheerful nature easing the atmosphere.
Shui Miao shook his head, smiling. “Alright, you can treat me like a little brother. Dear sisters, I hope you’ll look after me in Hai City.” He gave a friendly bow, playing the role of a humble younger brother.
Seeing his warmth and charm, Chen Yuanyuan and Xiao Qiao exchanged smiles.
But Xiao Qiao quickly got serious. “Alright, as Yuanyuan’s best friend, I have three questions: First, do you have a girlfriend? Second, what do you think of Yuanyuan? Third, tell me about yourself—education, any overseas study?”
“Should I also mention my net worth?” Shui Miao joked.
“That’s not necessary. Yuanyuan doesn’t care about that. But I’d be happy to hear it if you want to share,” Xiao Qiao replied.
Shui Miao shrugged, turning to Chen Yuanyuan. “Do I really have to answer all this just to be your little brother?”
“What do you mean?” Xiao Qiao was puzzled. “Are you saying you’re not interested in Yuanyuan?”
“No way! I just know my place. I don’t have a girlfriend, and I didn’t even finish middle school. You two are so accomplished—I wouldn’t dare to aim that high.” He smiled, making it sound both believable and like a joke.
He pulled out his ID. Seeing it was a rural household registration, Xiao Qiao was shocked. “Shui Miao? But I thought you were the heir to the Chen Group!”
“Exactly! What does that have to do with education?” Shui Miao asked.
“Xiao Qiao, don’t be rude. I know about him,” Chen Yuanyuan finally spoke. She handed back the ID and said sweetly, “Shui Miao, I’ll be honest—I already have a boyfriend, but my parents insist on this blind date. I’m sorry. Still, we can be friends. Like you said, you can call me ‘sister,’ and I’ll treat you like a little brother. If you ever need help, feel free to reach out.” She handed him her business card.
“Yuanyuan jie, here’s my card too!” Shui Miao eagerly pulled out two high-quality gold-embossed cards.
“Chairman of Chen Biopharma… Wow! You’re really young to be a chairman?” Xiao Qiao was amazed.
“Age doesn’t matter when you have ambition. Xiao Qiao jie, do you have a card too?” Shui Miao extended his hand.
Xiao Qiao, just a typical rich girl with no business background, turned red and waved him off. “I don’t have one.”
“Oh… Well then.”
Shui Miao blinked, satisfied that Xiao Qiao would be quiet for a while.
Suddenly, Chen Yuanyuan’s phone rang. She quickly excused herself, and she and Xiao Qiao left in a hurry. Shui Miao politely saw them off.
※※※
Behind the screen,
“Great! Even if they’re not a couple, being siblings is nice too!” Aunt Yang Fen was pleased. “By the way, when will Mrs. Cai and her daughter arrive?”
“Not yet.”
Yang Min shook her head slightly disappointed. “Yuanyuan was my favorite. Her father could help Shui Miao the most. Too bad she already has a boyfriend.”
“Auntie, you don’t really know Shui Miao ge. He doesn’t like rich girls. He prefers someone more like a fairy,” Chen Xiang said, flipping through a magazine. She knew Shui Miao was just acting and was now more relaxed.
“A fairy…”
Yang Min and Yang Fen exchanged glances, realizing that Shui Miao might indeed prefer someone ethereal, not a daughter of privilege.
※※※
Soon after, a mother and daughter entered, dressed in gold and jewels.
Shui Miao stood to greet them. The pair were overweight and looked at him disdainfully.
“Mom, he’s too skinny. He must be poor. Let’s go,” the daughter whispered.
“Don’t talk nonsense,” the mother scolded, then turned to Shui Miao with a smile. “Sorry, my daughter’s a bit naive. You must be Chen Shuimiao. Let’s talk. Waiter, bring the menu…”
She loudly called for service.
“Actually, I’m not Chen Shuimiao. You’ve mistaken me,” Shui Miao stood up, moving to another table. “The real Chen Shuimiao just left for a call. I was sitting here earlier, but when you arrived, I moved. Sorry.”
“…”
Mrs. Cai was stunned.
Her daughter took the menu, ready to order, when her mother pulled her up. “Forget it! He’s gone, and I didn’t bring my wallet. Who’ll pay?”
Mrs. Cai’s loud complaint drew many disapproving glances, but she seemed immune, dragging her daughter out while grumbling.
※※※
“Haha…”
The staff couldn’t help but laugh after they left.
Shui Miao glanced at the pretty waitress again—she was smiling, cheeks slightly flushed.
He walked behind the screen. “Mom, Auntie, how many more weirdos are there? If they’re all like that, I can’t take it anymore.”
“Alright, forget it. The rest are worse,” Aunt Yang Fen stood up. She knew love couldn’t be forced. She also knew the upcoming girls were even less appealing.
Yang Min sighed, walking to Shui Miao. “Son, you need to hurry. The Chen family only has you. You can’t…”
“Mom, I’m not ugly. Can’t I find a wife?” Shui Miao whispered to comfort her. “I already have someone in mind. I’ll bring her when things get serious. She’s beautiful, rich, and from a powerful family. Just keep it to yourself.”
Yang Min, hearing this, actually believed him and felt much better.
After sending his mother, aunt, and little sister Chen Xiang off in a car, Shui Miao returned to settle the bill. As he stepped outside, the waitress ran after him.
“Chen Shuimiao, what did you really mean earlier?”
“Nothing much. We might have a chance to start something together.”
He handed her a business card.
She looked puzzled. “We don’t know each other. Why me? That doesn’t make sense.”
“I know. Life doesn’t always make sense. Like me approaching you today—it doesn’t make sense to you either. Let’s just say I believe even a fallen camel is bigger than a horse. We both come from decent backgrounds, even if things have changed. We still have connections. That’s enough for a chance. You can doubt me, throw my card away. But if you’re interested, visit Jing Shui Village. Ask for Xiao Shuang. This is just a chance meeting. Nothing more.”
Without waiting, Shui Miao turned and walked away.
As he walked, he wondered why he had said so much to her. Was there something special about her? Or perhaps a shared enemy?
Before, he wouldn’t have thought that way.
But now, with his deepening Daoist cultivation, his perspective had changed.
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