Liu Xian's mother immediately put down her phone on the sofa and asked, "Have you contacted that woman?"
"This..." The matchmaker was speechless.
Liu Xian's mother frowned and said, "No, you can't just introduce them recklessly. If it works out, we'll be in-laws. What if they bully our Xian'er then? Our Xian'er has suffered from depression. What if it relapses? Can you take responsibility?"
"Look at what you're saying, as if I'm trying to harm you," the matchmaker said, feeling uncomfortable.
"I asked you to come listen to the recording my son sent because I wanted to ask if that woman is like that. But you ended up speaking ill of my son. What do you mean?" Liu Xian's mother, having had enough, asked.
The matchmaker smiled awkwardly and said, "I introduced them with sincerity. Besides, I have indeed been in contact with that woman's daughter, and she is a very nice girl, good at dealing with people and situations, exceptionally so. As for her mother, I truly haven't met her, but," she said, "that girl always says her mother is incredibly good, kind-tempered, and good in every way. After listening to your son's recording just now, I couldn't help but think of what that girl said, so... I thought your son was doing it on purpose. However, after reading your son's reply to you, and what you've told me, I realize my judgment might have been wrong. Perhaps that woman truly went too far."
"Some things have to be seen to be believed," Liu Xian's mother said, lowering her voice.
"I think so too," the matchmaker nodded.
Liu Xian's mother sighed and said, "This whole mess. If this doesn't work out, I won't ask for your help anymore."
"Oh, don't say that. I have plenty more," the matchmaker said eagerly.
"I am paying you. You'd better not talk nonsense outside," Liu Xian's mother warned.
"No, no," the matchmaker shook her head.
"Since you won't, you'll come with me tomorrow. Seeing is believing," Liu Xian's mother said.
"This..."
"I'll treat you to a meal," Liu Xian's mother interrupted.
Upon hearing this, the matchmaker smiled. "Alright, I'll accompany you."
"Okay," Liu Xian's mother nodded and picked up her phone to reply to Liu Xian: "The other mother is coming too. With you, I feel more at ease."
"Aren't you going to talk about me?" the matchmaker asked.
"Just follow along. My son is very easygoing," Liu Xian's mother smiled.
Immediately, the matchmaker spotted a photo on the bookshelf and said, "Is that your son?" As she spoke, she stood up.
"Yes," Liu Xian's mother nodded.
The matchmaker walked to the bookshelf and peered at the photo of Liu Xian sitting properly, then smiled. "Your son is really handsome. He looks quite tall, doesn't he?"
"Mm," Liu Xian's mother nodded and said, "Very tall."
"Tall and slender," the matchmaker said, pulling out her phone.
"Why didn't you show me that girl's photo?" Liu Xian's mother suddenly asked.
The matchmaker paused, turned around, and said, "Won't I be able to see her tomorrow?"
"Alright, don't take pictures," Liu Xian's mother stopped her. "He doesn't like people showing his photos around casually."
"At least..."
"The other party has already seen my child, unless you show me that girl's photo," Liu Xian's mother replied assertively.
"Okay, okay, I won't take photos," the matchmaker agreed, walked back to the sofa, and sat down, giving a dry laugh.
"Don't you think it won't work out?" Liu Xian's mother asked directly.
The matchmaker's expression stiffened. "No, I was just wondering if your boy would fancy that girl."
"That, depends on them themselves," Liu Xian's mother said, picking up her teacup.
"Mm," the matchmaker nodded and looked around.
At the barbecue restaurant, Liu Xian looked at the message his mother had sent him and said, "She said she feels more at ease with me there. How should I reply?"
"Don't reply," Zhang Yan said.
"Why?" Liu Xian asked, confused.
"Are you an idiot? Replying so much makes you seem like you're putting on an act. Just don't reply. Call your mother later tonight," Zhang Yan said while eating barbecue.
"I'll call now," Liu Xian said excitedly.
Zhang Yan pointed at Liu Xian with a skewer. "Eat. Why are you calling? Your mom isn't home alone."
"How do you know that woman didn't leave?" Liu Xian asked in surprise.
"If your mom were alone, she wouldn't be replying to messages so slowly, you fool," Zhang Yan said, picking up his cup. "Here's to my granddaughter developing her career in a more formidable place."
"That's an exaggeration," Mu Anxiao said, raising her cup.
"No exaggeration, no exaggeration," Zhang Yan smiled.
After listening to Zhang Yan's advice, Liu Xian's heart, which had been in his throat, relaxed. "Here's to us," he said, raising his cup.
"Clink," Fan Yan blurted out foolishly, and their four cups collided.
Then, Zhang Yan smiled and looked at Mu Anxiao. "Wishing you smooth progress."
"Mm," Mu Anxiao gave a forced smile.
Liu Xian and Fan Yan looked at Mu Anxiao with tears in their eyes.
Mu Anxiao turned to look at their eyes and asked, "What's wrong with you two?" xxs
"Before, I was always afraid you'd steal my job. Now I realize how much of a jerk I was back then," Liu Xian said, draining his drink in one gulp.
Fan Yan looked at Liu Xian's drinking posture speechlessly and asked, "Do you want to get drunk?"
"I don't like drinking," Liu Xian said, putting down his cup.
Fan Yan smiled. "You look quite professional like this."
"Really? I'm imitating my dad. He always acts like this after drinking," Liu Xian chuckled.
Mu Anxiao couldn't help but smile. "Why don't you like drinking?"
"Do you like drinking?" Liu Xian asked, pointing at Mu Anxiao.
Mu Anxiao hesitated for a moment and said, "I don't know. I haven't really tried it."
"Want to have some?" Liu Xian raised an eyebrow.
Mu Anxiao shook her head.
An hour later...
Mu Anxiao, like a madwoman, stood on a chair outside the restaurant and shouted, "Drink! What are you leaving for?" She pointed forcefully at a spot.
Liu Xian helplessly pulled Mu Anxiao's arm, looking at Zhang Yan and Fan Yan, who had intentionally moved away. "Can you guys help?"
"You suggested it," Fan Yan said, cautiously glancing at Mu Anxiao, whose eyes were blurry as she stared at something.
"Yes, but..."
"We didn't have a single drop," Zhang Yan interrupted.
"I didn't either," Liu Xian shook his head, pursing his lips. "I only had a little with her."
"Since you accompanied her, you're responsible for taking her back," Zhang Yan said, turning to leave.
Fan Yan, worried Liu Xian might turn to him, quickly followed Zhang Yan.
Liu Xian watched their receding figures helplessly, then looked up at Mu Anxiao, who had suddenly become quiet. "Are you okay now?"