Facing the stunned family of three, Zhang Yuanlin knew it was time to turn the tables and take control.
“Uncle, it seems like you’re from out of town. Are you visiting relatives or here on business? I’ve ridden my bike to many places over the past couple of years—maybe I can show you around.”
Hearing Zhang Yuanlin’s question, the Qin family finally snapped out of their daze.
But Qin’s father didn’t speak immediately. His expression shifted uncertainly, as if he were making some important decision.
In the end, it was Qin Huairu who spoke first.
Her voice was clear and bright, carrying the sweet, soft tone of a nineteen-year-old girl.
At this time, Qin Huairu hadn’t yet been worn down by the hardships of life, and her voice was quite pleasant.
“Little master, we’re here for a matchmaking meeting. The address is with my father.”
Zhang Yuanlin nodded, feeling quite satisfied.
Good, she didn’t lie. It shows that right now, you’re just a simple, kind-hearted young girl.
No worries, I’ll teach you well in the future—personally, hands-on.
“That’s right, we’re here for a matchmaking meeting, but we haven’t met yet. We don’t even know if it’ll work out!”
Qin’s mother quickly added an explanation.
Zhang Yuanlin smiled. Future mother-in-law, why are you so eager to explain? Already thinking of me as your son-in-law?
Seeing that Zhang Yuanlin remained silent, Qin’s father hurriedly chimed in:
“Yes, we haven’t met yet. We’re just here to see how it goes.”
Only then did Zhang Yuanlin chuckle and say:
“Right, it’s that age—men should marry, women should wed. That’s a good thing.”
At this, all three members of the Qin family seemed a bit awkward, as if they wanted to say something but didn’t know how to bring it up.
Zhang Yuanlin knew that the matter was pretty much settled.
As the saying goes, the best hunters often appear as prey.
Right now, the Qin family was afraid of missing their chance with him, which was why they were so uncomfortable—wanting to speak up but not daring to, worried he might think they were being frivolous, yet unable to let go of the opportunity while still tied to the arranged matchmaking.
Well, even if you’re uncomfortable, I’m feeling just fine!
The big fish has taken the bait—now it’s just a matter of reeling it in slowly.
So, Zhang Yuanlin gracefully extended his hand and glanced at the time.
“Uncle, aunt, and… oh right, this must be the younger sister. I’m twenty-two this year.”
Qin Huairu met Zhang Yuanlin’s eyes directly, her shy gaze darting away as she fidgeted and said:
“Mm, I’m nineteen this year. I’ll be twenty after the New Year—so I am younger than you.”
Zhang Yuanlin nodded. That’s right—so that’s why Shazhu calls Qin Huairu “Sister Qin.” That simp’s good days are about to begin!
“You really are a younger sister. My name is Zhang Yuanlin. Let’s get to know each other simply, hehe. Don’t be nervous—I like to wander around in my free time and make friends with those I feel a connection with.”
As he spoke, Zhang Yuanlin extended his hand, wearing a kind and handsome smile.
Qin Huairu’s face turned even redder. For a moment, she seemed at a loss, only snapping out of it when her mother reminded her from the side.
“Mm, hello, Brother Zhang. I… I’m Qin Huairu. It’s nice to meet you.”
Then, with an almost flustered demeanor, she cautiously shook Zhang Yuanlin’s hand.
From this, it was clear that Qin Huairu really hadn’t experienced many significant situations and had never had physical contact with any man.
But in reality, rural customs were quite strict. Forget shaking hands—even two unmarried young people being alone together could cause trouble. Free-spirited romance was still quite difficult.
Even in the city, things were the same—this era was relatively conservative in mindset. Forget about intimate gestures; even holding hands normally could lead to trouble.
However, a handshake was different from holding hands. Moreover, Zhang Yuanlin was the savior of all the passengers on the bus, and this wasn’t happening out on the street, so it wasn’t a big issue.
Thus, Zhang Yuanlin’s handshake was actually a test to see if the other party’s impression of him was as he had anticipated.
With a gentle squeeze of that soft, smooth, and delicate hand, Zhang Yuanlin felt assured.
Qin Huairu’s feelings toward him went without saying, and the fact that Qin’s father and Qin’s mother didn’t interfere—even encouraging Qin Huairu to gather her courage—meant they had accepted him psychologically.
But it had to be said, no matter how youthful and tender Qin Huairu was at nineteen, the rough work she had done in the countryside had left some calluses on her hands. Though not many, they did affect the feel!
This wouldn’t do. He couldn’t let Qin Huairu’s youth go to waste. He needed to bring her to his side as soon as possible—time was money!
After a brief introduction, everyone was acquainted with one another.
Zhang Yuanlin then began the final part of his plan.
Alright, time to showcase and put it into practice!
“I’ve checked the time—it’s just past nine o’clock. If you’re not in a hurry, why don’t we all take a stroll around the streets? Coincidentally, I also need to meet a few old friends.”
“Of course, if you’re in a rush to meet someone, I’ll take you to your destination first. Since you’ve promised someone, it wouldn’t be polite to be late.”
Zhang Yuanlin spoke as a friend.
If he had said this earlier, the Qin family would have insisted on meeting Jia Dongxu first.
But now, things were different—even if they were urged to go to the Jia Family, they wouldn’t be willing!
And indeed, without a moment’s hesitation, Qin’s father and Qin’s mother both expressed that they were in no hurry.
“Of course, we’re not in a hurry. Young Master Zhang, you know the way, right? We’ll just follow you after we’ve had some fun.”
“Exactly! We were anxious because we didn’t know the way, but now we’re not worried. It’s perfect to take a stroll around the city with you!”
Qin Huairu, however, didn’t care about any of that. She had already taken a liking to Zhang Yuanlin and shyly smiled:
“I’ll listen to Brother Zhang too. I’ll follow you.”
Perfect! A family outing, harmonious and joyful!
So, Zhang Yuanlin stood up and explained the situation to the bus driver.
Upon learning that Zhang Yuanlin wanted to take his newly made friends for a stroll, the driver praised him for his kindness and goodwill, then made an exception by dropping them off at the nearest street entrance.
It was a pedestrian street—not the famous tourist attraction it would later become—but it was still bustling with people, lively and vibrant.
The prosperity of later times would be driven by tourists flocking to famous spots, but the current liveliness was mostly due to locals—this was their everyday life.
For the three members of the Qin family, who were setting foot on a city street for the first time, it was like Grandma Liu entering the Grand View Garden—their eyes couldn’t take in everything fast enough.
Zhang Yuanlin let them wander freely for a while before leading them to a pastry shop.
As soon as they stepped inside, the sweet aroma captivated the Qin family.
Looking along the counter, they saw a variety of delightful pastries, candies, dried fruits, and more—a dazzling array of options.
The shop assistant, noticing customers, was about to step forward to serve them when the shop owner hurried over.
“Oh my, it’s Master Zhang! Quick, quick, please come to the back room and have a seat. Here, serve tea for our honored guest!”
Zhang Yuanlin responded with a polite smile and waved his hand, saying:
“No need for tea, we won’t drink much and it’d waste your fine leaves. I see Shopkeeper Wang has many new items here – looks like business is about to boom again.”
Upon hearing this, Shopkeeper Wang immediately clapped his hands and called to the shop assistant:
“Go prepare a sampler platter of our new products for Master Zhang to try!”
Zhang Yuanlin smiled and said:
“That’s too generous of you, Shopkeeper Wang. But today I’ve brought friends along, so I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you further.”
Hearing this, Shopkeeper Wang promptly leaned forward to look, then greeted each of them with the same courtesy he’d shown Zhang Yuanlin.
This is how true businesspeople operate – smiling is fundamental. Regardless of someone’s background or demeanor, if they’re accompanied by someone who can make decisions, even a beggar would be treated respectfully.
But the Qin family had never experienced such treatment before. Each member felt flattered yet struggled to maintain composure, not wanting to embarrass Zhang Yuanlin.
Simultaneously, the last trace of doubt vanished from Qin’s father and mother’s hearts.
This young man was truly extraordinary, radiating excellence from head to toe!
But there was one problem – he was too outstanding. Could their daughter ever be worthy of him?