As they talked, the two gradually became familiar with each other, no longer as distant as when they first met.
Lin Zijin realized that the man in front of her knew quite a lot. He did not seem like an ordinary textile factory worker; rather, he carried a certain leadership temperament.
But this line of thought was quickly suppressed by a faint, hazy sense of fondness.
An idea couldn’t help but form in her mind—if she were to marry this man, it might actually be a good choice.
Once that thought appeared, it wrapped around her heart like vines. She secretly observed him; he was extremely gentlemanly, ate with elegance, and everything about him seemed perfect.
After finishing their meal, the two left the state-run restaurant and wandered into a nearby park.
Lu Jingyu, who had originally been walking beside her, turned slightly toward her.
“Comrade Lin Zijin, I feel that our conversation and time together today have been very pleasant.”
“If you think I’m acceptable, and my conditions are also acceptable in your eyes…”
“Then let’s just get the marriage certificate directly.”
Lin Zijin was stunned by his words. She knew that nowadays people met and married quickly after introductions, but this was their first meeting…
“You… Comrade Lu, are you joking?”
“This is only our first time meeting. Isn’t this too fast?”
“Fast?” Lu Jingyu raised his brows slightly. “Introduced by a matchmaker, meeting to see if we’re suitable—if it works out, isn’t the next step marriage?”
“But… but we don’t really understand each other yet.”
“My situation has basically been explained to you, and I’ve also heard about yours from the introducer.”
“Our families are both well-known to each other.”
“As for everything else, I believe after marriage we’ll have more time to understand one another.”
“Besides, I can tell—you’re eager to leave your home and become independent.”
Lin Zijin’s heart skipped a beat. His observation was surprisingly sharp.
“Marriage is such an important matter… isn’t this too rash?” Her voice carried a hint of panic.
Why is this man even more anxious than her mother, Yang Qingqiu? Could it be that he was also forced into this blind date?
Or maybe he was trying to avoid being sent to the countryside?
No… he already has a job, so he should be being pressured by his family.
Lu Jingyu’s expression turned serious as he spoke calmly and firmly, word by word:
“Comrade Lin Zijin, I am very satisfied with you.”
“You are the most suitable person I have met so far. I respect your decision.”
After saying that, he added, “Of course, whatever others have in terms of betrothal gifts or dowry, our family will also prepare.”
“If you’re still not reassured…”
He directly took out a bankbook from his trouser pocket. It was something he had just deposited money into that morning.
“You can hold onto this bankbook. Consider it a guarantee.”
Lin Zijin looked at the brand-new bankbook he handed over. When her eyes accidentally caught the number on it—one thousand—her mouth twitched uncontrollably.
This…
What kind of situation was this?
First meeting… and she was already experiencing something like this. She was probably the only one.
She looked up at the man in front of her again. Seeing his calm and honest gaze, she even started to doubt him slightly.
Could it be… that he can’t actually find a wife?
Logically, it shouldn’t be like this. He came from a good family, was very gentlemanly, and also very handsome. According to her mother, many people were already interested in him.
So why… did he choose her?
Could it be because of this face? Actually, she felt she was quite good-looking too.
“Lu, Lu comrade… this is our first time meeting. Aren’t you afraid I’ll take the money and run?”
“You won’t. Your eyes are very clear. I trust my judgment.
Besides, I think this is the most sincere way to express things. It gives you a guarantee, and it also lets me feel at ease.”
In truth, he had already noticed her earlier. He had seen her peeking her head into the shop entrance, nervous for some reason, even stepping out for a little walk.
That sight made him laugh. He felt she was pure, cute, and very clear-eyed.
He just hadn’t expected her to be his blind date. So he wanted to bring her home quickly to avoid any future complications.
Lin Zijin felt her heart was about to jump out of her chest. He actually trusted her this much.
She took a deep breath and reached out to take the bankbook, her voice slightly trembling.
“Alright then… let’s go get the marriage certificate.”
Even as she said it, everything felt unreal.
She shook the bankbook in her hand, a bit guarded.
“This… like you said, counts as a guarantee. After all, what if… what if you’re the one tricking me into marriage?”
She straightened her back.
“When your family prepares the betrothal gifts and everything, I’ll return this to you.”
Lu Jingyu had been watching her expression the whole time. She was clearly extremely nervous, yet trying hard to act calm. It was quite endearing.
He smiled slightly.
“Alright, I’ll listen to you. The betrothal gifts will be prepared, but you can keep this as pocket money.”
“Shall we go to the civil affairs office now?”
Lin Zijin quickly stuffed the bankbook into her bag. Her legs felt a little weak. This was the biggest thing she had ever done in her life, and she had also just seen so much money for the first time.
When she got back, her mother Yang Qingqiu would definitely praise her.
“Alright, let’s go get the certificate.”
“However, before that, you still need to come with me somewhere. I need to pick up my documents.”
Lin Zijin looked at him warily. “You’re not a scammer, are you?”
As she said that, she held tightly onto the bankbook in her pocket.
Lu Jingyu laughed at her reaction.
“No, I won’t trick you. It’s not far. If you’re worried, you can wait for me at the civil affairs office entrance.”
“I didn’t expect things to go so smoothly with our meeting, so I didn’t bring all my documents. We ended up going straight to get the certificate.”
“Did you bring yours?”
Lin Zijin forced a smile.
“I did. It’s in my bag.”
“Let’s go then. I’ll go with you. Since you trust me so much, I’ll trust you too.”
“Trust between people is mutual.”
She said that, but there was still a trace of caution in her eyes, which Lu Jingyu clearly noticed.
After the two of them left, a carefully dressed young woman wearing a skirt and newly bought leather shoes walked into the state-owned restaurant.
She looked around at the crowded place but didn’t find the person she was looking for. Her brows furrowed in annoyance.
She glanced at her wristwatch—it was already 11:30. Their agreed time was 10:30.
She had spent a long time at home changing clothes and dressing up, wanting to meet him in her most beautiful appearance.
But now he wasn’t there.
He must be busy and probably hadn’t arrived yet.
Thinking that he might come at mealtime instead, she found an empty seat and sat down to wait…