Mu Qingxiang, beaming, recalled that after divorcing Yan Xi five years ago, Fu Yan Ting had become a changed man, dedicating himself solely to his work. Every time she suggested setting him up on a blind date, he refused.
This time, Fu Yan Ting had apparently come to his senses, much to Mu Qingxiang's delight.
Mu Qingxiang eagerly pulled Fu Yan Ting inside to sit.
As soon as Fu Yan Ting entered the house and saw Xia Shi Xue sitting on the sofa, he froze. He hoped his grandmother hadn't arranged for him to meet Xia Shi Xue, as that would create a very awkward situation.
Noticing Fu Yan Ting's gaze linger on Xia Shi Xue for several seconds, Mu Qingxiang concluded that Fu Yan Ting was indeed interested in her.
Wasn't "love at first sight" all the rage these days?
If Fu Yan Ting hadn't been interested, he wouldn't have spared her a second glance.
With this thought, Mu Qingxiang smiled knowingly and stepped forward, introducing with great enthusiasm, "Yan Ting, let me introduce you. This is Miss Xia. Her mother is a daughter of the He family."
"Grandmother, there's no need for introductions. Miss Xia and I are old acquaintances. To me, she's like a younger sister," Fu Yan Ting interrupted before Mu Qingxiang could finish. His declaration that she was like a younger sister undoubtedly nipped any romantic notions Xia Shi Xue might have harbored in the bud.
Xia Shi Xue's eyes widened.
A sister?
She had loved Fu Yan Ting for over a decade; she hadn't come here to be his sister.
Though seething with jealousy, Xia Shi Xue maintained a calm expression.
She looked at Fu Yan Ting, her eyes holding a trace of sorrow.
Fu Yan Ting, however, averted his gaze, no longer looking at Xia Shi Xue.
Mu Qingxiang was taken aback. Moments ago, Fu Yan Ting had looked at Xia Shi Xue for a few seconds, and she had thought he was interested. But who would have guessed that Fu Yan Ting only saw her as a sister?
Mu Qingxiang wanted to say more, but she knew Fu Yan Ting's temper well. Pushing him now might only make him more agitated.
She didn't want that. Her only option was to arrange another blind date for Fu Yan Ting.
Mu Qingxiang smiled to ease the tension in the room and then said to Xia Shi Xue, "Miss Xia, you and Yan Ting are old acquaintances. Why haven't you ever mentioned it? Now it's perfect, you two know each other, so you'll have plenty to talk about. You two chat, I'll go help in the kitchen and call you when it's time to eat."
Xia Shi Xue's smile was on the verge of collapsing. Why was Fu Yan Ting being so cruel to her?
For years, she had quietly supported Fu Yan Ting, knowing he had been abandoned by Yan Xi.
Fearing Fu Yan Ting's displeasure, Xia Shi Xue hesitated to approach him.
She had heard that Mu Qingxiang had arranged a blind date for him, and he hadn't refused.
Xia Shi Xue had thought Fu Yan Ting had finally moved on from the shadow of his failed marriage, which was why she had proactively volunteered to be his blind date.
However, she hadn't anticipated that Fu Yan Ting would dismantle her hopes with just a few words.
After Mu Qingxiang left, Xia Shi Xue looked at Fu Yan Ting and proactively greeted him, "Brother Fu, long time no see."
"Shi Xue, my grandmother is old and speaks without thinking. If anything I said offended you, I apologize," Fu Yan Ting said.
Xia Shi Xue was stunned, then managed a bitter smile.
The cruelest thing in the world was to say the most brutal words with the gentlest tone.
Fu Yan Ting's implication was that Mu Qingxiang had offended her.
In reality, he was telling Xia Shi Xue that there was no possibility between them. If Mu Qingxiang had made any promises, they were void, and he was specifically apologizing for it.
For Fu Yan Ting, a man of such pride, to apologize to her over this matter was astonishing.
Xia Shi Xue shook her head and explained, "No, no, Grandmother is a very kind person."
She feared that if she didn't explain, it would create a rift between Fu Yan Ting and Mu Qingxiang, and she would become the sinner.
Xia Shi Xue wanted to present her most perfect self to Fu Yan Ting.
This perfect image naturally included being cultured, sensible, and understanding.
Seeing that Xia Shi Xue had spoken, Fu Yan Ting didn't say anything further.
Although he hadn't explicitly stated his feelings to Xia Shi Xue, he had hinted at his intention, telling her he only saw her as a sister. He believed she understood the true meaning of those words.
During the meal, all three were lost in their own thoughts.
Initially, Xia Shi Xue had approached Mu Qingxiang, mentioning her long acquaintance with Fu Yan Ting. And since Fu Yan Ting had agreed to the blind date, she had assumed he was interested in Xia Shi Xue. She hadn't expected such an outcome.
It seemed she would have to find a new blind date candidate for Fu Yan Ting.
Fu Yan Ting's original intention was merely to visit his grandmother and fulfill her request so as not to disappoint her.
He didn't wish to get involved with any woman.
Just then, Fu Yan Ting's phone rang. It was Xin Yi calling, a call that undoubtedly rescued him from a difficult situation.
If Xin Yi hadn't called, his grandmother would have certainly launched into a lengthy lecture.
Fu Yan Ting quickly answered the phone.
Xin Yi said a few brief words on the other end, causing Fu Yan Ting's expression to change drastically. After hanging up, Fu Yan Ting stood up and said to Mu Qingxiang, "Grandmother, I have something urgent to attend to. I have to leave now."
Seeing this, Xia Shi Xue was consumed by jealousy. Fu Yan Ting had received a call and then rushed off. Could it be that he had another woman?
And was that phone call from her?
The thought made Xia Shi Xue feel deeply uncomfortable, but she didn't want Fu Yan Ting to notice, so she diligently maintained her smile.
Mu Qingxiang, seeing Fu Yan Ting's haste, couldn't help but ask, "Yan Ting, you just got back, and you have to leave again? Did something happen?"
Regarding the prank by that brat, Fu Yan Ting was still unsure if the child had any connection to Yan Xi. He needed to confirm this.
Therefore, Fu Yan Ting didn't tell Mu Qingxiang.
He didn't want Mu Qingxiang to know, fearing she would object to Yan Xi returning to him.
Fu Yan Ting responded calmly, "There's an urgent meeting at the company. If Grandmother hadn't called and urged me to come back, I would have been working overtime today."
Fu Yan Ting was usually busy with work, so his explanation was believable. Mu Qingxiang didn't suspect anything and merely advised, "Yan Ting, you're not in the best health. Don't work yourself too hard; you need to rest properly."
"I understand, Grandmother."
With those words, Fu Yan Ting stood up and left the old residence.
He didn't even glance at Xia Shi Xue the entire time, leaving her feeling quite awkward.
After leaving the old residence, Fu Yan Ting drove directly to the hotel where Yan Xi was staying.