Chapter 5: Ruining His Blind Date

For half a month, Qiao Xingzhou had been posting Moments, hoping Li Zhiyi would come to him with a sense of kindred spirit. Instead, he heard that Li Zhiyi was about to go on a blind date.

“What? He’s going on a blind date?” Qiao Xingzhou asked in shock, turning to the friend who’d shared the news.

The friend didn’t hold back: “Absolutely true. Mr. Li just put the word out over the past few days, and quite a few people are already lining up to meet him.”

Qiao Xingzhou deflated instantly. “But… why would he go on a blind date?”

“Why wouldn’t he? He’s at that age, after all, and it’s something he can’t avoid with his family.” Noticing the complicated look in Qiao Xingzhou’s eyes, the friend added, “Don’t believe me? If you don’t, his next blind date is today at noon. You can go see for yourself whether I’m telling the truth.”

Clenching his fists and gritting his teeth, Qiao Xingzhou declared, “Fine, I’m definitely going to check it out!”

—

By the time Qiao Xingzhou arrived at the restaurant, Li Zhiyi and his blind date were already seated across from each other.

Out of gentlemanly habit, the menu was in the hands of Li Zhiyi’s date.

“You must like spicy food, right? Then I’ll order the spicy dishes!” The blind date didn’t hesitate to select dishes based on their own preferences.

This way of ordering made Qiao Xingzhou as anxious as an ant on a hot pan: No, Li Zhiyi absolutely couldn’t eat spicy food, he was allergic to chili.

At that moment, Qiao Xingzhou felt a pang of envy toward the blind date, who was lucky enough to be dining with Li Zhiyi.

He also wanted to have a meal with Li Zhiyi… If he were the one ordering, he’d make sure every dish Li Zhiyi liked would be on the table, and anything he didn’t like wouldn’t even make an appearance.

Li Zhiyi just kept smiling, smiling without a hint of intention to contradict his date.

Qiao Xingzhou could only fret helplessly: No, this won’t do!

Qiao Xingzhou! Use that clever little brain of yours and think of a way!

Before he could think of a solution, a waiter, apparently finding his behavior suspicious, approached him. “Hey, who are you? Why are you standing here like that?”

Suddenly, everyone’s eyes turned toward him.

“Uh, hey, Brother, what a coincidence.” Qiao Xingzhou could only force a laugh as he awkwardly stepped into view, lowering his voice with a hint of guilt. “You… you’re here too, huh?”

Hiss. Remembering what Hu Tianhao had mentioned a couple of days ago, Li Zhiyi looked at Qiao Xingzhou with a slightly puzzled expression. “Yes, I’m on a blind date.”

“B-blind… date?” Even though he already knew why the other person was here, hearing it directly still had a certain impact.

Li Zhiyi didn’t quite understand Qiao Xingzhou’s reaction. “Yes, what about it?”

“Blind dates are great, really auspicious, help expand your network, and build your career.” Qiao Xingzhou, struggling to find something to say, continued awkwardly, “You’re amazing, Brother, so handsome. Anyone would like you.”

Before Li Zhiyi could respond, his date had already grown impatient. “People line up to chase after me, okay? Who says I’d be interested in him? What an average guy. Bye!”

With that, she promptly stood up and left.

Qiao Xingzhou hadn’t expected things to turn out this way. “Uh… miss, that’s not what I meant, you misunder… stood…”

No, he really did want to ruin Li Zhiyi’s blind date, but not in such a strange and chaotic way!

“You don’t need to worry about it; it’s my fault. I’ll message her later to apologize,” Li Zhiyi said, a bit weary but still managing to be good-natured. “Have you eaten? If not, join me for a bite.”

“Brother, you’re so considerate with everyone,” Qiao Xingzhou said, feeling a bit conflicted but still taking a seat.

Li Zhiyi didn’t think his actions were anything special. “It’s just basic courtesy—something one should have.”

Just like with Qiao Xingzhou, he was, after all, only being polite.

The waiter arrived with the hotpot just then, and Qiao Xingzhou, seeing the spicy red broth, instinctively said softly, “Could you please bring a clear broth as well? My bro doesn’t eat spicy food.”

The waiter responded enthusiastically, “Of course, right away!”

“How did you know that?” This time, it was Li Zhiyi’s turn to be stunned.

“Uh, haha, well…” Qiao Xingzhou suddenly realized what he’d just said. “It’s because I usually pay attention to you, Brother. You mentioned it to me before, and I also check your Moments.”

“Yes, I know.” Unexpectedly, Li Zhiyi heard this and remained quite calm.

Qiao Xingzhou was clearly caught off guard. “Wait, you know?”

Li Zhiyi hinted subtly, “A friend of mine mentioned a few things to me.”

Qiao Xingzhou’s face flushed red with embarrassment. “I… I just really admire you, Brother. I hope I haven’t left a bad impression.”

Li Zhiyi paused for a moment. “It’s fine, let’s eat.”

Qiao Xingzhou had disrupted his plans for the day, but he couldn’t quite bring himself to say he didn’t mind.

“Sorry, Brother, for bothering you.” Qiao Xingzhou, who was actually quite perceptive about others’ emotions, immediately felt dejected. “I haven’t really interacted with people much before, so I don’t know how to express that I want to be closer to you.”

“I already said ‘it’s fine.’” Li Zhiyi lowered his gaze, no longer looking at the person in front of him. “Just focus on eating and don’t overthink it. Just, next time, don’t follow me in secret. If you want to see me, just come out openly, I won’t mind.”

For some reason, when he saw Qiao Xingzhou being questioned about what he was secretly doing, Li Zhiyi’s first thought was unexpectedly one of sympathy.

Qiao Xingzhou was so touched that he didn’t know what to say. “Brother, you’re just too kind.”

“Eat up.” Li Zhiyi simply replied, “I noticed you’ve been staring at the meatballs for quite a while.”

He actually noticed… Qiao Xingzhou felt even more embarrassed.

—

After a while, the two finished their meal and walked out onto the street.

Qiao Xingzhou spoke up again, “By the way, Brother, I have one more question.”

“What question?” Li Zhiyi responded.

Gathering his courage, Qiao Xingzhou continued, “Well, it’s… why are you going on blind dates?”

“It’s my grandmother’s wish,” Li Zhiyi didn’t avoid the question and answered honestly. “Our family is small, and my parents passed away early. My grandmother is getting old and worries that I’ll be lonely in the future, so she wants to find someone to keep me company.”

Qiao Xingzhou nodded. “Oh, that’s understandable.”

Talking about this, Li Zhiyi rarely showed a hint of weariness. “But I really haven’t met the right person. Even though my grandmother is anxious, with things like this, it’s all about fate.”

“Fate is definitely important,” Qiao Xingzhou laughed awkwardly a couple of times. “So, uh… when your grandmother’s choosing a partner for you, does she… limit it by gender?”

“What?” Li Zhiyi was momentarily stunned, clearly not expecting such a question. “I don’t think so.”

“That’s what I thought, she just wants you to have someone by your side, after all.” Qiao Xingzhou tried to cover up his intentions, laughing nervously. “Haha, I was just guessing, and I guessed right.”

Since his attempt at subtlety was a bit too obvious, there was a brief moment of awkwardness.

“Brother, if going on blind dates is your grandmother’s wish,” Qiao Xingzhou spoke up again, “then what about you?”

Li Zhiyi repeated after him, “‘What about me?’”

“I mean, what do you think?” Qiao Xingzhou looked at him intently, asking seriously, “About things related to… relationships.”

All along, Li Zhiyi had an air of effortless politeness about him, but at this moment, that politeness seemed to fade, leaving only a sense of bewilderment.

Finally, Li Zhiyi simply said, “I’m sorry, but about that question… I don’t think I know how to answer.”

With a hint of anticipation, Qiao Xingzhou asked, “Brother, have you never met someone you liked?”

“In the past, I was busy with studies and work, so I really hadn’t considered things like that,” Li Zhiyi admitted honestly. “In high school, I was focused on the college entrance exams, then in university, I was busy pursuing a double degree and aiming for higher qualifications. After graduation, I took over the company. My schedule has always been packed, leaving little time to think about anything else.”

“So it wasn’t until your grandmother brought it up that you started thinking about finding a partner,” Qiao Xingzhou said, understandingly. “Even now, you don’t have a clear idea? If you were to choose a partner, what kind of person would you want them to be? Like, really wealthy or particularly accomplished?”

“None of that matters,” Li Zhiyi’s eyes softened with a hint of warmth. “If I were truly to be with someone, I wouldn’t want to confine them to any standards. They just need to show up and make my heart move.”

“That requirement… it sounds simple, yet it’s also quite complicated,” Qiao Xingzhou couldn’t help but sigh.

“Mm, anything else?” Li Zhiyi didn’t show any particular reaction. “If not, I’ll be on my way.”

“I guess… there’s nothing else.” Qiao Xingzhou thought it over, but couldn’t find another excuse. “Then, Brother, see you next time.”

Li Zhiyi nodded calmly. “Mm, goodbye.”