Zhan Yichen paused for a few seconds before understanding Qiao Ningzhi's meaning. He politely extended his hand and shook hers gently, "Hello, I'm Zhan Yichen."
Soon, Wen Yulan saw the two of them emerge, their expressions not unpleasant. She couldn't help but feel a secret delight. She knew that no man would dislike a socialite like Qiao Ningzhi. Once she had secured this only daughter of the Qiao family, she and her son would be worry-free in the Zhan family.
What if Zhan Mohan had a child? With Wei Yumeng's background, how could she compare to the prominent Qiao Ningzhi?
Exchanging a look with Zhan Yichen, Qiao Ningzhi consciously moved to Wen Yulan's side. "Aunt Zhan, Yichen still has work. Shall I drive you back?"
Hearing that her address had even changed, Wen Yulan was overjoyed. She didn't ask further and affectionately linked arms with Qiao Ningzhi as they walked out.
Zhan Yichen followed behind the two women. After exchanging glances with Qiao Ningzhi a few times, he silently gave her a thumbs-up.
He knew Wen Yulan wouldn't be easy to persuade. If she really made a scene and investigated Mu Linjing, he might not even have had a chance to confess before Mu Linjing put an end to it.
Before confirming Mu Linjing's feelings, he could only appease Wen Yulan in this way.
After seeing them into the car and noting that it wasn't too late, he went back to pack a lunch and take it to the company.
He had expected Mu Linjing to drool over the delicious food, but her reaction was entirely different from what he imagined.
She glanced at it indifferently and said, "Thank you, I've already had lunch."
This was clearly not right. Normally, even if she had eaten, she would have had a few more bites. Moreover, the lunch on her desk had barely been touched. Given her appetite, it wasn't even enough to pick her teeth.
Unsure of what was happening, Zhan Yichen thought she was facing difficulties at work and tried to comfort her. "If your work isn't going well, you can ask me. If you're unhappy, tell me about it."
Who knew that the next second, Mu Linjing retorted, "We're not in the same department. You understand my work issues? Which eye of yours saw that I was unhappy? I'm very happy."
Zhan Yichen was confused and didn't know why. He wanted to ask again, but Mu Linjing simply turned her head and rested on her desk. "I want to rest. Don't disturb me."
This attitude clearly indicated she was sulking with him. Although he didn't know why, Zhan Yichen didn't say anything further, as it would only add fuel to the fire.
Throughout the afternoon, he looked at Mu Linjing several times, but her attitude didn't improve. She even told him that his repeated visits were annoying.
He had no choice but to call Wei Yumeng. "Sister-in-law, I don't know how I upset Linjing. She's angry whenever she sees me now."
Wei Yumeng, on the other end of the phone, nearly choked. Recalling the call Wen Yulan had made yesterday, she immediately asked, "Did you go on a blind date?"
Zhan Yichen suddenly understood and immediately explained, "My mom tricked me into going, but I've already explained to Miss Qiao. Neither of us wants an arranged marriage, and she agreed to help me appease my mother."
Hearing his anxious tone, Wei Yumeng couldn't help but sigh. "Linjing probably found out. Explaining to me is useless; it has to be something Linjing will listen to."
He had wanted to understand the reason for Mu Linjing's anger. Now that he knew, he naturally went to explain immediately.
However, when he reached Mu Linjing's workstation, she had already requested leave and left work early.
Just as Zhan Yichen was about to chase after her, he received a call from Grandpa Zhan, who simply asked him to come home without specifying the reason.
Grandpa Zhan always meant what he said, so he could only turn his car around and head back to the Zhan residence.
At the Zhan residence, Wei Yumeng hung up Zhan Yichen's call and, upon going downstairs, discovered Wen Yulan chatting with Grandpa Zhan and a young woman.
Seeing the girl's good demeanor and Wen Yulan's constant praise in front of Grandpa Zhan, she guessed this must be the girl Zhan Yichen had a blind date with that afternoon.
She had only met once, and she was already brought home. How satisfied was Wen Yulan?
She couldn't help but observe Grandpa Zhan's expression. It was evident that Grandpa Zhan was very displeased with her eager attitude.
Although the Zhan family wasn't the sole power in Pengcheng, their financial strength and status were considerable. Seeing Wen Yulan being so enthusiastic towards a junior, Grandpa Zhan must have felt it was undignified, and naturally, he was displeased.
However, Wen Yulan was too overjoyed at the moment and didn't notice Grandpa Zhan's expression, engrossed in her pleasant conversation with Qiao Ningzhi.
Seeing her descend the stairs, Grandpa Zhan beckoned her over to sit. It happened that she also wanted to hear what Wen Yulan had been saying.
However, as soon as Wen Yulan saw her, a sense of superiority arose. She immediately praised Qiao Ningzhi in front of Grandpa Zhan. "Dad, Miss Qiao only returned from abroad less than a month ago and has already secured a major project. Those who studied abroad are different from ordinary women."
As she spoke, she deliberately glanced at Wei Yumeng, as if afraid she wouldn't know she was subtly mocking her.
Everyone present understood the hidden meaning in her words. Grandpa Zhan, already displeased, snorted upon hearing this. "If abroad is so great, why come back?"
Wen Yulan finally sensed Grandpa Zhan's displeasure, but she had no idea which of her words had offended him. She stammered, not knowing how to respond.
It was Qiao Ningzhi who picked up the conversation. "Naturally, abroad is not as good as home. I only went abroad for further studies and am not blindly admiring foreign things."
Wen Yulan was the only one present who didn't know why Grandpa Zhan was unhappy. Although Qiao Ningzhi was reluctantly brought to the Zhan residence by Wen Yulan, she didn't want to leave a bad impression.
She changed the subject, skipping over the previous topic. "I heard that Mrs. Zhan's baby is due soon. How enviable."
Upon mentioning children, Grandpa Zhan's expression softened slightly. Without Wen Yulan's incessant chatter and praise, the atmosphere was no longer so tense.
Zhan Yichen returned at this moment. Seeing Qiao Ningzhi there, he immediately cast a questioning glance at her.
Qiao Ningzhi simply looked at Wen Yulan, indicating that she was also helpless.
This made Zhan Yichen somewhat annoyed. If it weren't for this matter, he should already be at Mu Linjing's home by now.
Seeing Zhan Yichen return, Wen Yulan seemed to have found her support and quickly asked her son to sit beside her.
"Dad, Yichen and Miss Qiao hit it off well today. It's almost dinnertime. Let's have Miss Qiao stay for dinner so they can chat more."
With her saying so, Grandpa Zhan naturally couldn't refuse her a meal. He nodded and got up to go to the study.
Wen Yulan also excused herself to go to the kitchen, even wanting to ask Wei Yumeng to help in the kitchen so that the two of them could talk properly.