"No, I'll go eat with your aunt. I'll drive you back later," Liu Xian's mother said.
Liu Xian nodded. "Alright then."
In a blink, Liu Xian returned to the courtyard. Fan Yan was startled to see him back. "How did you get back so fast?"
"Mm, just that fast," Liu Xian nodded.
"Was the girl not good?" Fan Yan asked curiously.
"She's very good, very filial, but we just don't get along." Liu Xian didn't want to elaborate on the casual remark about the plump girl.
"Thinking about yesterday, I guessed you wouldn't make it today," Fan Yan said, pointing to the room. "The boss wants to see you."
"The boss knows I'm back?" Liu Xian was surprised.
"Mm," Fan Yan nodded and said, "He said as soon as you got back, you should go to his room."
"Okay," Liu Xian agreed. Just as he was about to go, Fan Yan suddenly said, "Oh, right, I have some gossip for you."
"Gossip?" Liu Xian frowned.
Fan Yan whispered, "I heard the boss is officially assigning housing to us regular employees."
"Assigning housing?" Liu Xian's eyes widened.
Fan Yan hushed him. "I don't know what the boss is thinking. Everyone downstairs is talking about it."
"I'm going," Liu Xian said, eagerly pointing at Zhang Yan's room.
Fan Yan nodded.
Liu Xian swallowed, turned, and quickened his pace to Zhang Yan's door. He straightened his collar, knocked, and said, "Boss, I'm back."
Zhang Yan, seated on the sofa, replied, "Come in."
"Okay," Liu Xian agreed. He glanced at Fan Yan, who was staring at him, then reached out, opened the door, and walked in. "Boss, what did you want to talk to me about?"
Zhang Yan, his eyes fixed on the television, asked, "Did today's blind date go smoothly?"
"The matter is over. The girl started causing trouble as soon as she arrived, but I can tell she's a filial daughter," Liu Xian confessed without thinking.
Zhang Yan chuckled and lowered his gaze. "Can you stop being so nervous?"
"I... I get nervous whenever I see you," Liu Xian stammered.
"Come here," Zhang Yan beckoned helplessly.
Liu Xian blinked and walked to the sofa. Zhang Yan gestured to the sofa. Liu Xian paused for a moment, then obediently sat down beside Zhang Yan.
"What kind of girl do you like?" Zhang Yan suddenly asked.
Liu Xian was taken aback. "Boss, why are you suddenly asking me this? It's a bit embarrassing."
Zhang Yan became unexpectedly serious. "Actually, I've been thinking. You're of marriageable age. You scrimped and saved to buy a car earlier. As your boss, I haven't done much for you all. So, I've secured a spot for you. The housing is coming through soon. In the future, when I retire, I'll have no regrets."
"Boss, you're truly kind," Liu Xian said, deeply moved.
"I've heard your story too. Your parents also want what's best for you. But I don't want to see you letting certain things affect your mood. So, from now on, I'll personally find you a partner. Tell me the type of girl you like; I know many people." Zhang Yan said earnestly.
"Boss, actually, there's no rush."
"Don't feel embarrassed, unless you truly don't want to find someone," Zhang Yan said.
"I actually do want to get married," Liu Xian mumbled.
"If you do, tell me the type you like, and I'll find someone for you," Zhang Yan said.
"My requirements aren't high. As long as she can manage the household," Liu Xian said shyly.
Seeing Liu Xian's demeanor, Zhang Yan couldn't help but smile. "Your requirement, it's not high, and it's not not high. Let me show you."
"Thank you, boss," Liu Xian smiled.
"Oh, right, is the apartment your parents bought for you in your name? If it is, then this won't work out," Zhang Yan added.
"I'll call and ask," Liu Xian said, taking out his phone.
Zhang Yan stood up. "You call. I'm going to the restroom."
"Okay," Liu Xian nodded and looked down to find his mother's number.
Zhang Yan entered the restroom, closed the door, and went to the washbasin. He looked at his weathered face in the mirror and lowered his head.
"You've decided."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Yan turned to face the old gentleman who had appeared before him. "Once things are settled here, I'll go back. I hope you can help me then."
"Why not go back directly with Mu An Xiao?"
"That girl needs a bit more tempering. There's no rush," Zhang Yan said with a smile.
"If you've made up your mind, don't go back on it. I'm keeping track of how many times you've reneged," the old gentleman said.
Zhang Yan shook his head. "Never again. That girl, Mu An Xiao, she's talented. If I let her wander alone over there, I worry... she might go astray. So, I must go back."
"Good," the old gentleman smiled.
"What are you smiling about?" Zhang Yan asked.
"An old man who always loved freedom is actually willing to take an apprentice. That's truly a rare thing," the old gentleman said.
"Don't talk about me for now. Think about how you'll explain things to your good apprentice when you get back."
"Easy to say, easy to say," the old gentleman chuckled confidently and vanished.
Then, the expression on Zhang Yan's face instantly disappeared. He turned back to the mirror and continued to look at himself. "Old man, you'll be leaving here soon. I'm truly reluctant," he said, glancing at the door.
In the living room, after clarifying the situation, Liu Xian stood up and walked to the restroom door. "Boss, are you done?"
Hearing him, Zhang Yan cleared his throat, turned, walked to the door, opened it, and asked, "Done?"
"Mm, my mom said that apartment is in my name."
"You're disappointed?" Zhang Yan asked.
Liu Xian nodded and shook his head. "I feel like I didn't earn this myself. Honestly, yesterday I was quite happy, but after today's blind date, I suddenly feel that this way of living is not good."
"It's alright. As for repaying the money, you just need to do it," Zhang Yan patted Liu Xian's shoulder. "For the rest of your life, take good care of your parents and think about them more. You also need to take care of yourself."
"Boss, why do I feel something is off with you?" Liu Xian asked, frowning.
"I'm getting old too. In another year, I'll retire," Zhang Yan confessed honestly.
"Boss, you're leaving?" Liu Xian's eyes widened.
"My granddaughter has arrived, so naturally, I have to go back to the countryside," Zhang Yan fibbed casually.
"Boss, I'll miss you," Liu Xian pouted.
"You're a man, why pout?" Zhang Yan gently pushed Liu Xian's shoulder.
"Boss, I'll work hard this year," Liu Xian said resolutely.
"And then take my position," Zhang Yan joked.
Liu Xian smiled wryly and said, "I'll work hard."
"You rascal," Zhang Yan patted Liu Xian's shoulder.
In the shopping mall, Mu An Xiao and Feng Qi Shi sat together on a public bench. Feng Qi Shi suddenly asked, "Have you seen many monsters?"