Chapter 043

Chinese language is complex, and sometimes a sentence can have multiple meanings.

He Ye was captivated by Lu Jin’s message.

“I may not be as firm as you.” 

This meant Lu Jin might not refuse to get back together with her?

He Ye did not pursue him, so Lu Jin could only refuse the matchmaking from his elders.

Why couldn’t Lu Jin refuse firmly?

Was Aunt Lin too enthusiastic, or did Lu Jin still have some feelings for her?

The more He Ye thought about it, the more confused she became. In high school, Chinese was the subject that held her back, and reading comprehension was where she lost the most points.

The easiest way to find out was to ask Lu Jin directly, but what if he admitted that he still liked her?

He Ye remembered the awkwardness she felt when she first joined the company. It took time for them to restore their natural relationship as old classmates.

She couldn’t imagine what would happen if Lu Jin confessed again.

Of course, this was just her own speculation; Lu Jin might not mean that at all.

Hesitantly, she chose not to respond.

Team Leader: [Sleep?]

Team Leader: [Good night.]

He Ye couldn’t say goodnight because, due to this uncertainty, she found it hard to sleep, which was unusual for her.

After having dinner with her father Wu Li on Saturday, He Ye took a taxi back to Dangui Jiayuan.

She worried about whether Aunt Lin would really go to the fruit shop but couldn’t bring herself to ask Lu Jin, which made her anxious.

She didn’t ask, and Lu Jin didn’t contact her that day.

Sunday was a public holiday, so many people returned to work.

The subway station was across the road from the community. He Ye stood by the road, bundled in a down jacket, waiting for the light to change with other pedestrians.

A shiny black car slowly stopped near the subway entrance, drawing attention.

He Ye noticed it and thought the car looked familiar. The driver’s window lowered slowly, and Lu Jin turned his head to look at her, the meaning clear.

He Ye: “…”

Why did she feel nervous every time she saw him?

Was this how all couples felt after breaking up and getting back together, or was it just her?

While questioning herself, He Ye smiled at Lu Jin. When the light turned green, she walked with the crowd.

Soon, she bent down and got into the passenger seat of the Panamera.

Lu Jin drove across the intersection before glancing at her: “I still have to apologize to you for what happened with my mother.”

He Ye’s heart tightened: “Did she really go to find my dad and the others?”

Lu Jin: “Not yet. It’s Chinese New Year soon and she’s busy. I guess she will wait until after Chinese New Year to make any move.”

He Ye looked down and said sadly, “During the summer vacation of my senior year in high school, I met my dad every day, but he didn’t know about us. Your parents were always on business trips, so how did they know?”

If Lu Jin had kept it secret well back then, Aunt Lin might not have made so many assumptions.

Lu Jin: “I’m at home two or three days a week. I just didn’t tell your identity; I didn’t hide the fact that I had a girlfriend.”

He Ye stared out the window.

Lu Jin: “It’s not that I wanted to hide it. I often go out early and come back late. My mother can see that. It seemed pointless for me to deny it.”

He Ye: “I don’t mean to blame you…”

Lu Jin smiled: “Thank you for your understanding.”

He Ye sighed, feeling more concerned about what would happen next: “Can’t you persuade Auntie again?”

Lu Jin: “I told her it was impossible, but she didn’t believe me. Once you firmly reject her, she’ll give up.”

This explanation seemed to clarify things, but it still left questions about why it was impossible. He Ye hesitated to dig deeper.

She nervously pinched the strap of her bag.

Lu Jin: “Are you embarrassed? I thought that with so many boys giving you milk tea for breakfast, you should have plenty of experience in rejecting others.”

He Ye: “…”

She looked at Lu Jin secretly. Did she misunderstand? Why did he seem a bit odd?

The man she was looking at was just focused on driving, his serious expression showing he didn’t seem childish at all.

He Ye temporarily set aside her doubts and explained, “It’s not hard. We all live in the same community, so it would be awkward to meet again after saying no.” 

Lu Jin replied, “It’s okay. You don’t run into my mom often. Uncle He and I have known each other for a long time, so I don’t mind a little embarrassment.”

He Ye acted like she didn’t care but suddenly gave up trying to fight it. She leaned back in her chair and said, “Forget it. Let them do what they want. If my dad really asks me, I’ll just say I’m not interested.” 

After a brief silence, Lu Jin laughed, “With your emotional intelligence (EQ), can you at least give me some face?” 

He Ye realized what he meant and awkwardly clarified, “I’m not talking about you. I mean I’m just not interested in dating.”

Lu Jin didn’t push the topic further and kindly reminded her, “The elders won’t accept such vague reasons. Unless you list the man’s flaws, they’ll encourage you to give it a shot first, especially since Uncle He knows me. He and Aunt Wu seem really happy about my academic success.”

He Ye thought, “…” 

What parent wouldn’t be pleased with a son-in-law like Lu Jin? He’s well-educated, good-looking, young, wealthy, and polite. He even helped his father suggest surveillance cameras for the store a while ago! 

He Ye figured that as long as Aunt Lin showed interest in bringing them together, her dad Wu Li would be happier than if he won the lottery. 

Seeing her distress, Lu Jin smiled and said, “It’s not that simple. Just be mentally prepared.” 

Although it was a situation between the two of them, he acted casual. He Ye felt off-balance and said in frustration, “When the time comes, I’ll tell my dad you’re too picky and don’t like me. It was all my aunt’s idea. Then my dad will definitely give up.” 

Since someone has to take the blame for disappointing the elders, let Lu Jin be that person! 

Lu Jin frowned, “If you say that, will Uncle He treat me well in the future?” 

After tossing the blame away, He Ye felt relieved and smiled out the window, “If you don’t want to help, then don’t. We’re not the only fruit shop.” 

Lu Jin didn’t respond. 

He Ye guessed he was probably thinking of a counter-strategy. 

Who cares? She successfully passed the problem back to him. 

Around six o’clock in the evening, He Ye returned home and made a simple dinner. 

While she was eating, Wu Li sent her a message with a short video. 

Curious, He Ye clicked on it. 

The video was taken in their family’s fruit shop. With the Chinese New Year approaching, the shop was holding an event to boost sales. Business was booming during the event. Her dad was busy helping customers cut pineapples and sugarcane at the door. Wu Li was filming and smiling while promoting the business. The camera then focused on the cashier, and it was… Lu Jin. 

He Ye almost dropped her chopsticks! 

Wu Li filmed Lu Jin for a long time. He was wearing a white shirt. Although he didn’t smile much, he didn’t look as cold as he did at work. He patiently answered customers’ questions while entering prices. He was introverted, calm, and professional, attracting a wide range of customers, from aunts in their 50s and 60s to little girls in their 7s and 8s. After paying, they were reluctant to leave and happily chatted with Lu Jin. 

Wu Li sent another voice message: “Xiao Lu’s face really works wonders. Since he came, business is booming!” 

He Ye felt like exploding: “Did you ask him to come help?” 

Wu Li replied, “No way! He came to buy fruit and saw we were busy, so he offered to help.” 

He Ye felt something was off. Lu Jin and his mom bought several kinds of fruit on Friday night, and today was only Sunday. Had they already eaten all the fruit? 

Wu Li, being perceptive, smiled and said, “Do you think Xiao Lu is interested in you and wants to meet again?” 

He Ye thought, … 

Is a chance encounter really necessary? She and Lu Jin had been in the same office all day! 

Giving up on communicating with Wu Li, she sent a message to Lu Jin: [Why do you want to help at my dad’s place?] 

Lu Jin didn’t reply for a long time. 

Thinking about how busy he must be with customers, He Ye decided to eat first. 

After washing the dishes and coming out of the kitchen, she found a voice message from Lu Jin. 

He Ye was surprised. 

Last summer, Lu Jin often chatted with her on WeChat, but he always sent texts and never voice messages. She wasn’t used to sending voice messages to him either. 

Since Lu Jin’s voice also had part of his charm, He Ye didn’t listen to it directly but converted it to text. 

Team leader: [I don’t want to take the blame.] 

He Ye: … 

It turned out Lu Jin’s method of shifting blame was quite effective. Before Aunt Lin even spoke, He Ye was bombarded with messages from her dad and Aunt Wu. They happily believed that Lu Jin was interested in her and thought that as long as she agreed, she’d immediately have a tall, handsome, nerdy boyfriend. 

He Ye tried to clarify: “He’s always willing to help. You’re reading too much into this.” 

Aunt Wu replied: “Maybe he helped your dad with the surveillance camera because he likes you.” 

He Ye: “…” 

Do the women around her have such a strong intuition? 

Unable to explain things to her parents, He Ye glared at Lu Jin during a company meeting the next day when not many colleagues were present. 

Lu Jin looked away as if nothing had happened, pretending he didn’t know why she was glaring at him or that he cared. 

After working for three days straight, on the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month, He Ye and her family returned to their hometown together. 

He Yong packed a trunk full of New Year’s goods, many of which were leftover fruits from the store. They were still fresh and perfect for giving to relatives. 

Upon returning, relatives, friends, and neighbors came to visit. Everyone who saw He Ye praised her and asked three questions in a row: Have you graduated? Where do you work? Do you have a boyfriend? 

The four elders answered the first two questions with pride, but they honestly said that it was normal for He Ye not to have a boyfriend at her age. 

Friends and relatives tried every means to help He Ye find a partner. 

He Yong and Wu Li listened with smiles. During dinner that night, Wu Li seriously reminded Grandpa and Grandma He: “Dad, Mom, no matter who introduces a date for Xiao Ye, don’t agree. Ah Yong and I have picked a guy who is very handsome and great. You won’t find anyone better than him in our town, city, or province!”