Chapter 244: Chapter 244
Shen Bin didn’t answer, just staying silent, which gradually made the shyness on Zhou Min’s face fade away as she stared fixedly at Shen Bin.
"It’s just the two of us here. Comrade Shen Bin, just say whatever you want directly." Zhou Min had gone to college, so her thoughts were a bit more open and not as shy as most girls during blind dates.
Hearing this, Shen Bin nodded slightly, "Since Comrade Zhou Min puts it that way, I’ll be direct. I’m a person from the countryside, and I’ve been in the company for many years, with so many bad habits that even I can’t stand myself. After the divorce, I’ve focused solely on my work and never thought about starting a family again. This blind date was arranged by Aunt Ye. It’s not a matter of suitability; it’s that Comrade Zhou Min and I are fundamentally incompatible."
Hearing this reason, Zhou Min smiled, gracefully saying, "Habits can be changed. Living with someone means adapting. It’s understandable when conflicts arise between couples—it happens. Even the tongue and teeth sometimes bump into each other. I have two brothers who are city people with official jobs, but because we need to take care of the family, I wasn’t overly pampered growing up. If you’re worried I can’t handle hardship, you can rest assured."
Facing the sincere words from the woman in front of him, Shen Bin was truly taken aback. He had thought that his rejection would cause Zhou Min to back down, yet he didn’t expect her to speak so genuinely. Thinking of this, the usually wise Shen Bin didn’t know how to formally refuse, causing his brows to furrow deeper and his expression to grow more somber.
Zhou Min gathered her courage, "Is it just that Comrade Shen Bin really didn’t take a liking to me, which is why you’re making excuses? If so, please just tell me directly. That’s also a form of respect for me, isn’t it? I believe you can see that I’m not someone who can’t handle the truth. Blind dating works —it’s normal whether someone likes you or not. There’s nothing wrong with speaking openly."
"I’m sorry." Shen Bin didn’t say much else, but he gave Zhou Min an answer.
Zhou Min was not the kind to pester, and after hearing his words, though she was momentarily stunned, she still smiled gracefully and nodded, "Alright, I understand now. I also wish you find someone suitable soon. I’ve got things to attend to, so I’ll leave first. Please let Aunt Ye know for me."
Having said that, she nodded at Shen Bin before standing up and leaving the room.
Shen Bin didn’t say anything more. When Ye Zhenfen returned, she found only Shen Bin in the room, "Huh, where’s Xiao Zhou?"
She had intentionally given the two of them more time, so why was there only one person when she came back?
"We’re not suitable. She had something to do and asked me to let you know she’d left first." Shen Bin sat straight in the chair, as if reporting, and recounted the situation.
Ye Zhenfen’s smile froze on her face, then slowly faded away as she placed the thermos down seriously, "Shen Bin, I think Xiao Zhou is quite good. Why do you think the two of you aren’t suitable?"
"I’m a rough person, and my conditions don’t match hers." Shen Bin stood up stiffly, "Aunt Ye, there’s still work to do at the company, so if there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving."
"Shen Bin, do you really have to do this?" Ye Zhenfen raised her voice.
Shen Bin started walking, with no intention of stopping, directly pushing the door open and walking out swiftly. Ye Zhenfen watched him leave, not having said much, feeling a deep sense of disappointment as she helplessly sat in the chair, seemingly falling into deep memories, her eyes slowly reddening as she recalled something.
After this incident, Ye Zhenfen fell ill the next day. News spread slowly in the company since the leader’s spouse was sick, and after Bai Xue heard at home, she bought some fruit and canned goods to visit the hospital. Seeing her, Ye Zhenfen didn’t give Bai Xue any blame regarding the prior blind date incident, allowing Bai Xue to finally breathe a sigh of relief. Chapters first released on novel✦fire.net
"Bai Xue, you came? Have a seat. I’m just a bit hypoglycemic. You came and still bought things—your family conditions aren’t that great; there’s no need for such formalities." Ye Zhenfen invited Bai Xue to sit down.
Bai Xue laughed, "It’s just a gesture. A few days ago, I took Ye Qian for a check-up. Her illness was misdiagnosed; it’s just an allergic constitution. That is a good thing. I don’t know if it’s a psychological effect, but after hearing this, it feels like a weight has been lifted, and life doesn’t feel so hard anymore."
Ye Zhenfen’s eyes brightened as she sat up, "Is it true? That’s great news. I really didn’t expect that the little girl from a few years back would be joining the company soon. Ye Qian is seventeen this year, isn’t she? The child looks well-behaved and has a good personality, always smiling."
"You’re just complimenting her."
"It’s the truth; Ye Qian is genuinely good. I like her the moment I see her. By the way, what kind of family are you thinking of finding for Ye Qian?" Ye Zhenfen paused and then got to the main topic.
Bai Xue was slightly startled, but she didn’t overthink it, casually responding, "She’s just started working. In the future, she will have to take college exams and also arrange her job. I haven’t thought about these matters yet."
"But you can’t not think about it. I’d say Ye Qian has such a good nature; she should find someone who can care for her and be considerate. It would be best to find someone from the company—a child from a large compound. That way, their living habits will be harmonious." Ye Zhenfen’s smile became even brighter as she warmly patted Bai Xue’s hand, "Bai Xue, ever since Shen Bin and your niece’s blind date last time, I kept thinking that if only this could be Ye Qian. Not to mention anything else, Shen Bin certainly won’t remain at the same level in the company; he’ll definitely move up. Ye Qian doesn’t need to have a good job; as long as she’s a virtuous wife and mother at home, that’s enough. A girl as delicate as her should be nurtured at home."
Bai Xue almost couldn’t maintain her smile. "Isn’t that the truth? That child—I’ve spoiled her a bit, thinking to send her to the company to toughen her up a bit."
Internally, she was filled with astonishment and fear, worried that Ye Zhenfen would bring up anything more about Shen Bin. Fortunately, after a few more words, she didn’t bring it up again. Bai Xue held her composure as she left the hospital, but once outside, she felt as though all her strength had been drained, finding a nearby bench to sit down, dazedly recalling the words she had just heard.
She wasn’t naive and could hear the meaning in Li Airen’s words—they had taken a liking to Ye Qian, but the person they intended for her was Shen Bin, someone from the countryside who had been divorced. How could such a person be deserving of her daughter? Knowing that her daughter had been delicately raised like a flower, why would they suggest pairing her with such a crude man?
Her heart was filled with both anger and resentment, yet Bai Xue didn’t dare let it show, unable to understand what was so appealing about Shen Bin that made the Li Family see him as fit for their delicately raised flower. (To be continued. If you work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)