Chapter 7: “As long as you come, it’s never too late.”

The office door was suddenly yanked open, and those who had been eavesdropping scattered in a hurry.

Lu Wei’s tall and upright figure stood at the door, exuding a strong sense of oppression. His sharp eyes scanned the room, and the group of people gathered around the door immediately dispersed, not daring to breathe.

Just as everyone thought that Ye Zhi would come out with Lu Wei, they saw Lu Wei walking alone towards the commune gate and getting into a military-green jeep.

The roar of the engine echoed, and the imposing jeep quickly raised dust and sped away without a second glance.

Since everyone arrived early, they all knew that the jeep was driven by Lu Wei.

Additionally, the director of the marriage agency had purposely cleared out his office just to arrange this blind date for him.

Everyone speculated that this must be a high-ranking officer with an impressive background.

Moreover, he was exceptionally handsome—they had never seen such a handsome young man before.

At that moment, everyone was very curious about which woman was lucky enough to have a blind date with this officer.

When Ye Zhi entered the office, everyone was stunned.

Many people knew that not long ago, Ye Zhi had been entangled with the new deputy factory director of the construction group, but who knew she didn’t become a stepmother, and now they were arranging such a good match for her?

Naturally, they weren’t happy about it.

Someone, after seeing Lu Wei leave, immediately said, “How did the officer leave so quickly?”

“Not only quickly, but he left as soon as he came out. It seems like he’s not interested in Ye Zhi.”

Just then, Ye Zhi walked out of the director’s office, her expression neutral.

But to those eavesdropping outside the office, her expression seemed to resemble someone who had been rejected on a blind date, trying to hold it together, not wanting others to see her sadness.

So, it seemed like the blind date didn’t go well.

The crowd couldn’t help but smirk in schadenfreude.

Ye Zhi didn’t care about the people laughing at her. As she had watched Lu Wei’s figure leaving the office earlier, she now suddenly recalled the two sentences he had said before leaving.

Lu Wei had said that he would come back to Xitang Town in two days.

Was that true?

Or was he just being polite?

Ye Zhi didn’t quite understand what Lu Wei meant by that.

Was the arranged marriage going to happen, or not?

Was he coming in two days to see the scenery, or to continue discussing the arranged marriage?

At that moment, Lu Wei had left so hastily.

She hadn’t had the chance to ask him.

She was troubled.

What should she say to her mother, big sister-in-law, and second sister-in-law when they ask about it?

As she thought about them, Ye Zhi glanced around at the chattering crowd.

Apart from the men and women waiting for their blind dates and a few staff from the marriage agency, she didn’t see her mother, big sister-in-law, or second sister-in-law. Where had they gone?

Just as Ye Zhi was about to leave the marriage agency, Zhang Xiaomei, along with her big and second sister-in-law, walked out from another office, holding a piece of paper.

They immediately spotted Ye Zhi in the crowd—she was truly eye-catching.

Under the bright sunlight, her fair skin seemed to glow, making her so beautiful that people couldn’t take their eyes off her.

But why was Ye Zhi standing alone?

Where was the blind date?

Zhang Xiaomei hurried over to Ye Zhi, lowering her voice and asking, “Girl, where is Captain Lu? Why are you the only one here?”

They had just gone to ask the staff about Lu Wei, wondering why the blind date ended so soon.

Seeing Ye Zhi standing alone in front of the office door, did that mean Captain Lu had already left?

Ye Zhi kicked a small stone at her feet, lowered her head slightly, and softly said, “Mom, let’s talk about this at home.”

Her big sister-in-law looked around and didn’t see any male comrades in military uniform. Upon hearing Ye Zhi’s words, she immediately grew anxious.

Could it have fallen through?

When would Ye Zhi be able to get married?

Would she really have to become the stepmother to Gao Wenbo’s children?

Her big sister-in-law asked, “Little sister, where did Captain Lu go?”

Ye Zhi tucked the hair that had fallen onto her cheek behind her ear and smiled, “Comrade Lu had a mission and had to rush back to Shanghai.”

It seemed that there was indeed an urgent task.

Of course, it could also be that he just wanted to leave quickly and made an excuse to brush her off.

But before leaving, he had said he would come back, which had left Ye Zhi confused.

She would just assume he would really come back in two days.

Her second sister-in-law widened her eyes, “So, Captain Lu has already left?”

Ye Zhi nodded, “Mm.”

Her big sister-in-law furrowed her brows, “This…”

Normally, after a blind date, people would usually find another place to talk privately, even if they didn’t hit it off. Afterward, the staff from the marriage agency would explain the situation to both sides.

Who would just leave like that?

Zhang Xiaomei glanced at them, “Let’s talk at home. It’s getting too noisy here!”

If they kept talking, they would only make a spectacle of themselves.

She didn’t want her daughter to be laughed at like a monkey.

After returning home, Zhang Xiaomei and the big and second sister-in-law surrounded Ye Zhi, asking her all kinds of questions.

Ye Zhi explained the entire blind date process.

After hearing Ye Zhi’s account, Zhang Xiaomei frowned tightly, looking quite troubled.

Originally, Ye Zhi’s father had wanted to invite Lu Wei to their home for a meal.

Even if the arranged marriage didn’t work out, it would just be a way to host the old man’s comrade-in-arms’ descendant.

But to their surprise, Lu Wei just left directly.

Ye Zhi spoke so much that her mouth was dry. She picked up the enamel teapot on the table and poured herself and her mother a full cup of cold water.

She took a big gulp and then said, “Comrade Lu said he would come back in two days, so mom, don’t worry so much.”

Zhang Xiaomei snorted, “Who knows if that’s true or not? He’s already left, and now he’s just saying that to save face. Even if he’s lying to you, what can you do about it?”

It’s impossible not to feel anxious. After all, it wasn’t easy for Ye Zhi to agree to this arranged marriage, and the man was even a soldier.

If this marriage worked out, her daughter wouldn’t have to keep thinking about that widower with three children.

Zhang Xiaomei would rather have her daughter endure some hardship and follow Lu Wei as a military spouse than stay in town and become someone’s stepmother.

Ye Zhi smiled faintly and said, “Mother, I trust him.”

It had been more than half a day since she returned from the matchmaking office, and Ye Zhi’s feelings only grew stronger. She believed that Lu Wei had no reason to deceive her.

His gaze was sincere.

Ye Zhi had never seen such eyes before—so genuine that they inspired unconditional trust.

After calming down, Ye Zhi chose to believe him.

Hearing Ye Zhi’s words, Zhang Xiaomei’s worried expression eased, and she broke into a smile. “Girl, have you taken a liking to Captain Lu?”

Ye Zhi nearly spit out the water in her mouth. Her mother really didn’t beat around the bush.

How was she supposed to answer that?

Should she tell her mother she suddenly had a craving for seafood?

That seeing Lu Wei made her think of abalone and crabs?

Her mother would definitely think she’d lost her mind.

But honestly, judging by looks alone, Lu Wei was indeed quite pleasing to the eye.

Ye Zhi wiped the tea stains from the corner of her mouth, lowered her gaze, and said, “Mother, we’ve only met once. How can I say if I like him or not?”

Seeing Ye Zhi’s shy, lovestruck expression, Zhang Xiaomei was immediately convinced that she had guessed correctly.

She really did like him.

It made sense. Though she hadn’t met Lu Wei in person, the staff at the matchmaking office had mentioned that he was tall, handsome, and from a good family. They even said that if Ye Zhi and Lu Wei ended up together, it would be a great match.

Even the women waiting outside had been talking about him all morning.

Since her daughter liked him, why not try to fight for this match?

It was far better than entangling with that widower who had three kids.

Even if she had to throw away her dignity, she was willing to do it for her daughter’s future happiness.

At noon the next day, Li Ermei ran into Zhang Xiaomei, who was hurrying out.

It was mealtime—where was she rushing off to?

For the past couple of days, the neighbors had been gossiping about how Ye Zhi had been rejected during her matchmaking meeting. Ever since Zhang Xiaomei scolded her the other day, Li Ermei had been waiting to see when Ye Zhi would be dumped by her arranged fiancé.

She never expected it to actually happen.

Now that she saw Zhang Xiaomei, she couldn’t resist taking a jab at her.

Li Ermei raised her voice and asked, “Sister-in-law, where are you off to in such a hurry?”

Her loud voice immediately caught the attention of the neighbors in the alley.

Zhang Xiaomei spotted Li Ermei and felt her anger rise. She scoffed, “None of your damn business!” Then she turned and continued walking toward the commune.

The worse Zhang Xiaomei’s mood seemed, the more excited Li Ermei became.

She raised her voice even louder and said, “Sister-in-law, I heard that your Ye Zhi met with that arranged fiancé yesterday. Did he reject her?”

“I told you long ago—the old man never said this arranged marriage had to be for your Ye Zhi. If my Hong Ying had gone instead, that officer might have agreed on the spot! How could he have just walked away after barely talking for ten minutes? How embarrassing!”

The rumor that Ye Zhi had been rejected had already spread through several streets. Li Ermei couldn’t wait for Ye Zhi to be mocked by the entire town!

So now, she spoke as loudly as she could.

Zhang Xiaomei was known for her fiery temper. If anyone dared to insult her daughter, she would never let them off easily!

Like an enraged tiger, she lunged at Li Ermei and slapped her hard. “Shut your damn mouth! This marriage has nothing to do with your Hong Ying. Stop dreaming about something out of your reach!”

“And another thing, my daughter’s business with Captain Lu is none of your concern! If you keep meddling, I’ll report you to the commune!”

The slap left Li Ermei dizzy, her face burning with pain.

She never expected Zhang Xiaomei to get physical right away. Just as she was about to retaliate, Zhang Xiaomei spat at her.

Zhang Xiaomei sneered, “You’re always poking your nose into other people’s business. Why don’t you take a look at what disgraceful things your own daughter has been up to? Shameless!”

Li Ermei was stunned.

What had Hong Ying done?

Was Zhang Xiaomei just bluffing?

Before she could figure it out, Zhang Xiaomei had already walked off toward the commune. Li Ermei scrambled up and ran home to interrogate Hong Ying about what had happened.

Zhang Xiaomei had originally set out to call Old Master Lu, hoping to secure another chance for her daughter.

But just as she was passing by the construction company’s residential compound, she saw Li Ermei’s daughter, Hong Ying, stumbling out of Gao Wenbo’s house with her hair in a mess.

Judging by her appearance…

Who knew what she had just been up to?

After witnessing that, Zhang Xiaomei was even more determined to put her pride aside and fight for Ye Zhi’s arranged marriage with Lu Wei.

If Ye Zhi stayed in town, who knew how people would twist the story and drag her name through the mud along with Hong Ying?

It wouldn’t just be their two families involved—this could bring shame to the entire Ye family!

Soon enough, the day of their second meeting arrived.

This time, Ye Zhi didn’t wake up early to wait at the matchmaking office like she had before.

Instead, she went to work at the factory.

Rumors about her being rejected had already spread around the workplace, but Ye Zhi didn’t care.

Even if she had been rejected, was it really that big of a deal?

Do people really get engaged after just one meeting?

Shouldn’t they meet a few more times first?

There was no rush. Once Lu Wei arrived, they could have their second meeting before making any final decisions.

Time passed quickly, and soon it was the end of the workday. Ye Zhi deliberately stayed in the office a little longer.

She only started gathering her things to leave after the sun had set.

The textile factory was large, and as she walked along the road, she could still feel the gazes of many people pointing and whispering about her. Some of the women were the same ones she had seen at the matchmaking office before.

Ye Zhi didn’t care about them. She was only thinking about how Lu Wei had promised to come today, yet her family hadn’t sent any word.

It seemed like he hadn’t shown up.

For some reason, Ye Zhi felt a faint sense of disappointment.

She slowly walked toward the factory gate. The setting sun painted the once-bright blue sky in hues of purple and red, casting a soft glow over the quiet little town.

Looking up, she suddenly saw Lu Wei standing in the middle of the fiery sunset, walking toward her.

His tall figure was like an unshakable mountain, powerful and commanding, exuding an air of confidence and strength.

Many people had already taken notice of him, and the murmuring grew louder—

“That soldier is really handsome. Who is he?”

“Why does it seem like he’s been looking at Ye Zhi this whole time?”

“Could he be the one who had that matchmaking meeting with her the other day?”

Lu Wei, dressed in a crisp military uniform, walked up to Ye Zhi. His broad shoulders and straight posture made him stand out even more.

For a moment, with the light behind him, Ye Zhi couldn’t clearly see the expression on his face.

Lowering his gaze slightly, Lu Wei looked down at Ye Zhi and said sincerely, “Comrade Ye Zhi, I’m sorry for being late and making you wait.”

Ye Zhi looked up at him, and an uncontrollable smile appeared on her face. “As long as you came, it’s never too late.”

Hearing those words, Lu Wei suddenly felt a warmth swell in his chest, as if it were filled with soft cotton.

He tightened his grip on the item in his hand, an unfamiliar nervousness washing over him.