Qing Yan Ci Chapter Sixteen

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Zhou Yan drove the car to the florist’s. Several small cars waiting to pick up the bride were already there. Seeing that time was getting late, the other bridal cars had been “dressed up” and were just waiting for Zhou Yan to gather with them to set off for the bride’s home.

Zhou Yan’s car led the way, with the wedding convoy following closely behind, the whole journey filled with joy and festivity.

“Sis, when are you planning to get married? You can’t stay single forever, right?” Ye Jun asked, hitting a sore spot for Ye Jin. He had a knack for bringing up sensitive topics, but since they were cousins who had always been as close as siblings, Ye Jun dared to speak candidly. Actually, he was trying to introduce his good friend Zhou Yan to Ye Jin.

“Are you a cop from the Pacific Police? If I had known, I wouldn’t have helped you pick up the bride…” Ye Jin complained, caught off guard.

“Sis, when looking for a man, you want someone who treats you well, is steady and diligent, ambitious and reliable—someone you know inside out…” Ye Jun added. He feared that if they didn’t seize the chance to connect Zhou Yan and Ye Jin now, they might never have another.

Listening to Ye Jun’s words, Ye Jin sensed there was more beneath the surface.

Zhou Yan’s family ran a wedding planning business. Zhou Yan and Ye Jun had been neighbors since childhood, childhood playmates who were both pragmatic. Ye Jun was more talkative and quick-witted, with no bad habits. Zhou Yan was quieter and meticulous, always following procedures—he believed that working methodically reduced mistakes and avoided rash decisions. This trait somewhat resembled Ye Jin’s personality. Perhaps this was why Zhou Yan’s steady nature and Ye Jun’s roguish charm got along so well.

“Are you trying to set me up with someone?” Ye Jin asked deliberately.

“Sis, look at the driver of the car we’re in. Honestly, he’s a bit like the idol you like! His personality and values are great, and the florist shop we just visited is run by my buddy’s family…” Ye Jun introduced Zhou Yan from the front seat. Zhou Yan focused on driving but occasionally chimed in.

Ye Jin glanced at Zhou Yan through the rearview mirror: a slender face, long double eyelids, especially his eyes—they truly resembled the idol she admired, sparkling with light.

Zhou Yan sensed Ye Jin watching him in the rearview mirror. Their eyes met, and Ye Jin’s face flushed red instantly. She quickly looked away. Seeing her shyness, Ye Jun hastened to change the subject.

“You two should chat sometime. Zhou Yan is my age but more reliable—just two years apart. He’s kind, patient, and most importantly, he earns well and doesn’t waste money…”

Throughout the journey, Ye Jun kept introducing the two to each other. Ye Jin’s heart was in turmoil; suddenly, she thought of Tang Xiao, and a pang struck her—this was troublesome. After all, Tang Xiao’s heart already belonged to Xing Ruo, and she felt their family backgrounds were quite mismatched.

“Happy May Day!” Ye Jin suddenly received a brief message from Tang Xiao. Though short, it stirred ripples in her heart for a long time.

“Same to you!” Ye Jin replied simply. Maybe Tang Xiao sent the message to many friends, she thought, given how many he had.

“Sis, what are you thinking about? So deep in thought!” Ye Jun noticed Ye Jin holding her phone, head bowed in silence.

“Oh, nothing. Are we almost at the bride’s house?” Ye Jin quickly diverted the conversation.

“About ten minutes left!” Zhou Yan answered this time, his voice warm, magnetic, and pleasant.

“That’s fast, haha!” Ye Jin responded.

They arrived at the bride’s home, surrounded by neighbors. It was a joyous occasion. The bride’s relatives carried large bags of wedding candy, handing out a few pieces to the curious neighbors to share the happiness.

The bride was about 1.6 meters tall, petite and delicate like a bird leaning on a branch, with delicate and clear features. Ye Jun stood beside her.

Zhou Yan stuck close to Ye Jun, helping carry some valuable items. Ye Jin watched Zhou Yan from the side; his sunny, natural smile made her wonder how he could still be single.

The day passed quickly. Under Ye Jun’s persistent urging, Zhou Yan and Ye Jin exchanged social media contacts to chat and see if a match was possible.

“Have you rested?” Zhou Yan sent a message to Ye Jin.

“Not yet, just about to,” Ye Jin replied, surprised by Zhou Yan’s sudden message. He didn’t seem as outgoing as Ye Jun.

“Then… get some rest early! Good night!” Zhou Yan felt a little shy.

“So? Did you manage to ask my sister out?” Ye Jun asked, still concerned about Zhou Yan and Ye Jin on his wedding night.

“She said she’s tired and wants to rest early. After running around with you all day, of course she’s tired,” Zhou Yan thought Ye Jin was nice, a bit reserved but modest—something good in a girl.

“Look at you, so unambitious! She’s my sister, you’re my best friend. I’m trying to set you two up, so you better seize the chance. The May Day holiday ends soon; she’ll be back to work. If you want to see her again, it won’t be until the New Year…” Ye Jun anxiously called Zhou Yan.

“Ye Jun, have you and Anya rested?” Ye Jun’s mother overheard her son’s loud conversation and worried that the newlyweds might be quarreling on their wedding night, so she came to intervene.

“Mom! Ye Jun is on the phone with Zhou Yan, saying he’s introducing his cousin Ye Jin to him!” Ye Jun’s wife Anya quickly opened the door and explained.

“Oh, I thought you two were having some trouble. Glad you’re fine! As for Ye Jin, I don’t care about her. She’s not my real sister, and she’s an older leftover woman. If things don’t go well, she might come to us every day…” Ye Jun’s mother and Ye Jin’s mother had never been on good terms. Back then, there was some preference for boys. Ye Jun’s grandmother naturally favored Ye Jun’s mother, but Ye Jin’s father treated her mother well, having separated from Ye Jin’s grandmother early. Their small family lived peacefully. Ye Jin’s parents still visited the grandmother’s house during holidays and gave gifts as customary.

“Alright, I won’t bother you now. My mother’s here,” Ye Jun said, ending the call.

“Mom, you should rest early! Anya and I are also going to sleep. I’m so tired today. My dear mother, love you! Please rest well!” Ye Jun said while playfully pushing his mother out.

“You’re hopeless—almost a dad and still acting like a child!” Ye Jun’s mother was used to his antics. She knew it was his way of deflecting. No matter what, Ye Jun would meddle in this matter. Oh well, youth is unpredictable!

“Then you all rest early too! Get up early tomorrow for breakfast!” Ye Jun’s mother said as she prepared to leave.

“Got it!” Ye Jun joked.

“You’re such a child…” She laughed and left, happy that her son was married, as if a great task was completed.

“Ye Jun, you look a bit cute when you act spoiled! I’ve never seen you like this. First time today,” Anya teased.

“Wifey, when I was a kid, I often stayed after school because I didn’t finish homework or didn’t want to memorize lessons. The teacher would call my mom to pick me up, and on the way home, I’d coax and act spoiled to get out of trouble. That’s how I learned to read situations...” Ye Jun happily shared his childhood stories.

“Never got spanked? I don’t believe it,” Anya retorted.

“Of course I did, especially when Mom made stir-fried bamboo shoots with pork. If she was in a bad mood that day, no amount of coaxing could save me from a thrashing with the feather duster…” The newlyweds laughed and chatted on their wedding night. Ye Jun’s high emotional intelligence promised a happy future.

“Ye Jin, get up for breakfast…” At eight in the morning, Ye Jin wasn’t awakened by her alarm but by her mother.

“Mom, nothing planned today. Let me sleep a bit longer! Leave breakfast there; I’ll eat later…” Ye Jin said, eyes still closed, clearly exhausted.

“You young people, staying up late and waking late is bad for health! At our age, we’re healthier. Also, there’s something I need to tell you...” Ye Jin’s mother began hesitating.

“Mom, just say it!” Ye Jin sensed something.

“Remember I told you Aunt Wang next door wants to introduce someone to you?”

“Yes, isn’t it tomorrow?” Ye Jin was puzzled.

“The guy came back yesterday. Early this morning, Aunt Wang told me he flew back specially for the blind date, scheduled at 9:30 at the 365 Café. He’s already reserved a spot. Here’s his number, his surname is Li.”

“No, Mom, if I go on a blind date with this Li guy and it doesn’t work out, do I have to buy him a return ticket? This is my first blind date; I’ve never even flown before…” Ye Jin protested.

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“You’re a girl; it’s okay if you’re not interested. I doubt he’s only going on one blind date. Just meet and see!” her mother reassured.

“Alright then! I’m getting up now. Mom, please serve the food; I’ll be right there!” Ye Jin felt a chill at the word ‘blind date’ but knew she couldn’t avoid it, so she faced it.

After getting ready, Ye Jin sat at the dining table dressed casually, wearing a white T-shirt and skinny jeans from a company outing, with only light lipstick.

“Why no dress today? This look’s a bit casual!” her mother remarked.

“Mom, I dress like this at work too. It’s fine. If he can’t accept this, then we probably aren’t meant to be family.”

“Alright, just communicate well. And pay for your own meal—don’t take advantage and let them look down on us!” her mother warned.

“Don’t worry, we’re not the type to freeload.”

“Want your dad to drive you there?”

“No need. I’ll take a taxi. The blind date guy will probably come alone too.”

“Okay, eat quickly and don’t keep him waiting—being late is impolite!”

“Good morning! Can I treat you to lunch?” Zhou Yan sent Ye Jin a message.

“Probably not today. I have something to do,” Ye Jin replied.

“Where? I’ll take you!”

“No, thanks. I’ll take a taxi. Maybe tomorrow. Today’s a bit busy,” Ye Jin wasn’t averse to Zhou Yan but had promised to go on a blind date.

“Ye Jun and I are buddies, you’re Ye Jun’s sister, so no need to be formal with me! I’m downstairs now!”

“Alright then!” Ye Jin hesitated, wondering how to explain she was going on a blind date.

“See? You should’ve texted like this earlier. Now my sister will say yes,” Ye Jun was scheming to help Zhou Yan.

“You sent that message for me? So slick! That’s not my style,” Zhou Yan worried.

“Do you like my sister?” Ye Jun pressed.

“A refined lady, a gentleman’s match! She’s great in personality and looks; I just don’t know if she’d like me.”

“Don’t worry. With me, your cousin, helping out, your chances are better. Go pick her up now!” Ye Jun said proudly.

Zhou Yan was speechless but appreciated the help.

Minutes later, Zhou Yan’s car stopped outside Ye Jin’s building. She had been waiting by the roadside for a while.

“Good morning! Where to? I’ll take you!” Zhou Yan greeted as he pulled up.

“Good morning! Thanks for driving me. Actually, I...” Ye Jin hesitated.

“Hey, no problem. Tell me the address, I’ll navigate you there,” Zhou Yan offered kindly.

“365 Café. Actually, today...” Ye Jin hesitated again, caught between telling Zhou Yan about the blind date and worrying about misunderstanding.

“It’s okay. If it’s private, no need to say,” Zhou Yan noticed her discomfort.

“Actually, I’m going on a blind date arranged by my mom. I can’t refuse,” Ye Jin confessed.

“Oh, I see.” Zhou Yan’s simple reply made his heart flutter with an indescribable feeling.

“No worries! Blind dates are a local custom. Sometimes we can’t go against our parents. After all, a girl should marry when grown and a boy should marry too, right?” Zhou Yan comforted her, or perhaps himself.

“You got that backwards. It’s the boy who should marry when grown, the girl who should marry when grown!” Ye Jin laughed, easing the tension.

“Oh! I got nervous and said it wrong,” Zhou Yan said cautiously.

By then, Ye Jin’s blind date destination was reached.

“Call or text me when you’re done. I’ll come pick you up,” Zhou Yan messaged after she got out.

“Okay, thank you!” Ye Jin replied politely. After all, Zhou Yan was only Ye Jun’s friend.

“How’s it going?” Ye Jun messaged Zhou Yan.

“What do you mean? My sister’s at the café for the blind date,” Zhou Yan replied.

“Really? So soon? Are you nearby?”

“How could I be? It’s your aunt’s order for your sister to go. I’m just an outsider. I’ll wait outside after refueling,” Zhou Yan answered honestly.

“Ah, you’re smart but sometimes clueless! You should go in with her to check out the competition—know your enemy to win! Waiting outside? I doubt you like my sister at all. Maybe I should introduce you to another cousin, Ye Lan…” Ye Jun fretted more than Zhou Yan.

“Well, you have a point. But would your sister be mad? I’ll buy a coffee and sit a little away inside. Alright, I’m done fueling…” Zhou Yan agreed to check out her blind date.

Zhou Yan entered the café and saw Ye Jin chatting with an unfamiliar man by the window. He chose a seat a bit distant but still within view, quietly sipping coffee.

“Hello, Miss Ye. I’m introduced by my aunt. I work in design, mostly home vacuum cleaners. Competition is fierce, technology upgrades quickly. I’m busy. I wanted to call, but that seemed unreliable, so I flew back to meet you here. What do you do?” the blind date man asked.

“I’m in customer service, working two shifts with pressure too. I took leave early for the May Day holiday because my cousin’s wedding was coming up. You’re a designer and busy; you must be home rarely?” Ye Jin softened her role, saying she was customer service instead of graphic design, not knowing how he’d react.

“Customer service? Just handling calls and changing plans? I get those calls often. That must be easy work!” His dismissive tone ignited a fire in Ye Jin’s heart. She restrained her anger, sipping coffee quietly.

“Mr. Li, my customer service role doesn’t involve calls, mostly typing,” Ye Jin added.

“Typing? Still easy work!” he interrupted, seeking superiority.

“Yes, yes, you’re right! What are your plans for the future?” Ye Jin, seeing no hope, decided not to argue, just to get through it.

“Future plans? Don’t worry, it’s all planned. If we marry and have kids, when they start school, my mom will take care of them. I’ll get you a clerk job at my company, lighter than customer service, about 4,000 yuan salary, holidays off…”

“Where would we live after marriage?” Ye Jin interrupted his rambling.

“As the saying goes, marry a chicken, live like a chicken; marry a dog, live like a dog. We’d live with my parents—they have a big, spacious house. You’re not getting any younger, and your family must be pushing you. If not, we can just make do, right?” The man tried to press her with her age.

“I have a question,” Ye Jin cut him off.

“Shoot,” he said confidently, sure their relationship could progress.

“Don’t you have a house?” Ye Jin asked.

“Why buy when we have my parents’ house? Buying is expensive and a waste of money. After marriage, my parents age, you take care of the kids, my parents cook and handle the house. I’ll give you a thousand yuan a month for living expenses…” Li laid out his vision.

“So you want a free nanny! A thousand yuan a month? Have you checked the cost of living? Even a nanny costs around ten thousand a month! What do you take me for? If you can’t afford a house, just say so. I never said you had to buy one alone. It’s not that I don’t want to live with your parents. I was raised with great effort too—raising a child costs money. Your parents are parents; so are mine. Why should I give up my family while you keep yours? The most important thing is empathy. We don’t see eye to eye, so no more talk. The coffee is on me. Goodbye, or rather, never again!” Ye Jin stood and headed to the counter to pay.

Zhou Yan had heard the entire exchange and thought Ye Jin was right—every parent cherishes their child.

“Sis! What a coincidence! I was waiting for a client who just canceled,” Zhou Yan stood and approached Ye Jin, exchanging glances.

“Oh, brother! What a coincidence!” Ye Jin responded immediately.

“Wait, who’s this?” Li looked at Zhou Yan, puzzled. This blind date wasn’t the gentle, well-mannered woman Aunt Wang described, but at least her looks were decent.

“He’s my brother! We won’t contact each other again. Sorry for making you fly here for a blind date. Disappointed,” Ye Jin said firmly and left with Zhou Yan.

“Sorry you overheard that. When did you get here? I didn’t notice. I hope you weren’t laughing at me,” Ye Jin said, feeling embarrassed.

“When I came in isn’t important. What matters is I think you were right. You left Li speechless,” Zhou Yan replied simply.

“You think he’s a pompous jerk too?” Ye Jin asked, unsure if Zhou Yan felt his own bluntness was rude.

“His tone and manner say it all. Filial piety is good, but every child is a treasure to their parents,” Zhou Yan said, reminding him of Tang Xiao. Ye Jin was momentarily stunned. The difference was Zhou Yan spoke warmly, Tang Xiao coldly, but both understood empathy in human relations.

“Ye Jin, lunch is on me!” Zhou Yan reminded her gently.

“Ah? Okay!” Ye Jin was startled at being called by name—Zhou Yan was younger and just a friend of Ye Jun.

“In terms of age, you should call me brother,” Ye Jin said politely.

“I think you’re more like a fairy. Calling you sister feels awkward. I only did it to deal with Li,” Zhou Yan said, avoiding being called “sister” so they wouldn’t be teased by Ye Jun.

“Uh…” Ye Jin was at a loss for words.

“What do you want to eat? I’ll take you,” Zhou Yan changed the subject.

“Anything, but light food if possible,” Ye Jin preferred mostly vegetables, rarely meat.

“I’ll take you to a place you’ll like.”

“I’m looking forward to it, hehe,” Ye Jin said shyly, feeling a bit awkward about Zhou Yan’s youth and her blind date.

Zhou Yan drove Ye Jin to a countryside-themed restaurant decorated with blue skies, white clouds, green hills, and water paintings. The fresh, pastoral color scheme created a sense of freedom and peace. Soft music of mountain streams and birdsong played in the background.

“This restaurant is so special! The colors are fresh—it makes the food look appetizing!” Ye Jin was surprised there was such an artistic place in her hometown.

“It opened last year. The owner, born in the ’90s, worked outside for years but felt pressured. He quit, researched online, and after months of study, opened this place. People are stressed nowadays; if dining can relieve pressure, why not? That’s the owner’s idea, and I thought you’d like it, so I brought you here,” Zhou Yan explained.

“I’ve worked outside for years. Although the pay is better than home, the pace is fast, pressure high, expenses big. Except for holidays, every day is busy—squeezing into subways or buses, clocking in on time, getting scolded if careless at work, then fighting crowds again on the way home... Sometimes I think having my own house in the countryside to grow vegetables without office politics would be nice. Now I understand why Tao Yuanming yearned for a simple life among chrysanthemums and mountains…” Ye Jin suddenly shared a lot, as if releasing her stress. Zhou Yan smiled, listening attentively, occasionally chiming in. They talked like old friends reunited.

“Let’s order. We’re both hungry. See over there? After eating, there’s a tea room with small private rooms separated by ancient-style screens. The tea area is separate from dining—eat when you eat, drink tea when you drink tea, no smoking allowed. They have flower teas, fruit teas, green tea, white tea, Pu’er tea, etc.” Zhou Yan pointed out.

“The owner is really creative. No wonder business is good. Although crowded, the elegant music makes it feel refined, like a gathering of scholars and gentlemen,” Ye Jin said, instantly liking the place.

“You have a good eye. Let’s order! You must be hungry. Here’s the menu—homestyle dishes, but very tasty. They focus on fresh ingredients, tenderness, and texture. Their signature lotus root soup is delicious. Let’s try it!” Zhou Yan handed her a menu.

“Really homestyle! I like dry-fried green beans and caramelized sweet potatoes. My father used to make caramelized sweet potatoes sometimes when I was a kid. I’ll order those two!” Ye Jin said, looking at Zhou Yan.

“I’ll get fish-flavored shredded pork and lotus root rib soup. Their soup is fresh, juicy, and mildly seasoned.”

“You’re making me hungry just talking about it!” Ye Jin rubbed her growling stomach.

“If it’s not enough, we can order more, snacks, fruit, etc.,” Zhou Yan worried she might still be hungry.

“This is plenty! Four dishes, and we’ll finish them all—no wasting!” Ye Jin was eager.

“Waiter, please take the menu,” Zhou Yan smiled at Ye Jin and called for the waiter.

“Why are you smiling? You seem familiar with this place!” Ye Jin wondered.

“Nothing. You’re easy to please and not picky, with a good personality…”

“You’re flattering me. You haven’t answered my question yet!” Ye Jin interrupted.

“I’ve been here a few times with friends. The food is good, so I brought you here,” Zhou Yan said.

“Then… what do you do for work?” Ye Jin got curious.

“Already digging into my background? Haha…” Zhou Yan teased her.

Ye Jin blushed, saying nothing.

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