Chapter 18 The Legendary Blind Date

When Jiang Qingzhi got home, he was in a terrible mood. Seeing Jiang Qingrou happily fiddling with the items she and Jiang Qingrang had bought today made him feel even worse.

Jiang Qingrou’s eyes lit up when she saw her eldest brother return. She waved at him and said, “Big Brother, come quick! Come see what we bought!”

Jiang Qingzhi walked over and saw a pile of fabric scraps on the table. He took a deep breath and asked, “What’s all this for?”

Jiang Qingrou replied excitedly, “Big Brother, these fabric scraps were so cheap! They didn’t even need ration coupons. I’m planning to use them to make clothes—a patchwork style, very fashionable!”

Looking at his pure and kind-hearted little sister, Jiang Qingzhi felt a pang in his heart, especially as he recalled the mission he had received today. He quickly pulled out his wallet and said sharply, “Why are you buying this stuff? If you’re out of money or coupons, just ask me! If you want to make clothes, go buy proper fabric and make a complete, beautiful outfit!”

After all, his little sister would one day marry someone, and he wouldn’t get many chances to spend money on her anymore.

Jiang Qingrou understood her brother’s good intentions. Embarrassed, she stuck out her tongue and said, “It’s not that, Big Brother. I lost my wallet and didn’t want to trouble you guys. The fabric looked nice, so I figured I’d just make something simple, maybe a small outfit with the leftovers.”

She had only discovered her wallet was missing last night. Though it didn’t contain much money, Jiang Qingrou still felt awful. She retraced her steps early that morning to look for it, but after failing to find it, she decided to just make a new one. That way, she believed, she’d be able to move on. It was a principle she’d always lived by.

Jiang Qingrang chimed in, “When it’s done, Second Brother will help fill your new wallet with money and make you even happier!”

Jiang Qingrou quickly said, “Don’t you dare, Second Brother! You need to save money to get married, or no one will want you if you’ve got nothing in your pockets!”

Then she turned to Jiang Qingzhi and added, “Big Brother, you too—keep your money. I’ve joined the cultural troupe now, I’ll get paid!”

While Jiang Qingrang was still inwardly sighing at how sensible their little sister was, Jiang Qingzhi—who had been standing—suddenly burst into anger for some reason. “What nonsense are you talking about? The future can wait! Right now, you’re my only sister. Isn’t it natural that you spend my money?”

Marriage, marriage—just thinking about it gave Jiang Qingzhi a headache. But this time, it wasn’t something he could refuse—he’d been assigned the task by his superiors, and the reason sounded reasonable enough that he had no excuse to turn it down.

What he didn’t expect was to be summoned by the commander even after being discharged. And what was it for? To introduce a ‘friend’ to his sister!

He hadn’t eaten pork, but he’d seen pigs run—he knew exactly what that meant.

Sure, he was reluctant to part with Jiang Qingrou, but more than that, she wasn’t even nineteen yet! Right now, he could only think that the superior he had always respected was a beast—no, worse than a beast! Making a move on his baby sister!

Jiang Qingrou was a little startled by Jiang Qingzhi’s outburst. She shrank her shoulders and said in a small voice, “Okay, okay, I’ll spend it. Don’t be mad, Big Brother.”

Jiang Qingrang stepped in front of his sister, displeasure written all over his handsome face. “Why are you yelling at Qingrou? She’s timid—you trying to scare her or something?”

Seeing her second brother acting so protective made Jiang Qingrou chuckle. She quickly smoothed things over, saying, “Second Brother, it’s okay. Big Brother is just worried about me.”

Clearly, her brother was the one offering money, but now he was the one being scolded. Jiang Qingrou couldn’t help but feel a little sorry for him.

Seeing his little sister defend him even when she had been wronged made Jiang Qingzhi’s guilt surge like a tidal wave. He quickly apologized, “Sorry, Qingrou. I just got anxious for a moment. I didn’t mean anything by it. You can spend my money however you like.”

Then, he hesitated a moment before adding, “Actually… there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.”

Jiang Qingrou looked puzzled. Her long eyelashes fluttered, her eyes watery as she softly said, “Hmm? What is it?”

Her voice was sweet and soft, with the distinctive accent of someone from Shanghai—charming enough to melt bones.

And for Jiang Qingzhi, who adored her deeply, it was unbearable. Seeing his little sister so innocent and unaware, he once again mentally cursed his commanding officer.

But after some thought, he decided it was better to say it. He knew the man in question—decent-looking, capable, just about worthy of Qingrou. At least he could accept it.

Besides, Qingrou would have to get married someday. Rather than leave her to be chosen by someone random—someone he couldn’t approve of—he’d rather let her have a say.

Still, Jiang Qingzhi had made up his mind: if Qingrou didn’t want it, then no matter what orders came from above, he would reject the match on her behalf.

Jiang Qingrang was also staring at him now, eyes filled with suspicion. He knew Jiang Qingzhi too well—he could smell guilt from a mile away.

Jiang Qingzhi hesitated before finally saying, “A friend of mine introduced someone. He’d like you to meet him. Qingrou… are you interested?”

Jiang Qingrou immediately understood.

Oh, this was the legendary blind date.

In her past life, she had struggled in the entertainment industry and never had time for relationships. Now that the chance had come, she actually found herself a little interested.

It was now the end of 1976. The college entrance exam would resume next year, but Jiang Qingrou wasn’t planning to take it. She had a clear life plan—education was important, sure, but for her, it would just be re-learning things she already knew. She didn’t see the point in going through it all again just for a diploma.

Jiang Qingrou wanted to make money.

By 1978, private enterprise would begin to flourish. The government would start allowing small business ventures. Though the formal policy wouldn’t come until 1980, business licenses would already begin to be issued by 1979.

She wanted to be among the first to “eat the crab” (try something new). She wanted to go into business.

And going into business didn’t stop her from dating.

But before she could even respond, her second brother exploded, “She’s just a kid and you already want to marry her off? You bastard!”

Jiang Qingrou thought to herself, Second Brother… have you considered I might actually want to fall in love too?

Jiang Qingzhi was angry too, but he understood why Jiang Qingrang reacted the way he did. He leaned close and whispered in Jiang Qingrang’s ear, “It was Commander Wei who made the introduction.”

Jiang Qingrang immediately froze.

He’d never met Commander Wei, but he’d heard the name countless times.

They were both ex-military—of course he knew what it meant when a commander gave an order.

Still, what was going on here? Why would Commander Wei introduce someone to their sister?

Jiang Qingrou looked at her two silent brothers and grew even more curious. She stepped forward, tilted her head, and looked up at her older brother. “Big Brother? So… what kind of person is he?”