The Qin family was arranging a blind date for Qin Yanzhou?!
Tao Xiaohong’s nails dug into her flesh as she lowered her head and hurried away.
Qin Yanzhou looked completely unwilling.
“I’m not going.”
Xie Yulan raised her hand. “If I tell you to go, then you go. Don’t argue with me. If you mess around again—like saying you fancy the girl’s mother—I’ll make you sleep on the streets!”
Qin Yanzhou skillfully dodged his mother’s grasp, saving his ears.
From a distance, he spotted Guangzi sneaking around near the factory gate. He casually replied, “Got it, got it. I’ve got something to do—I’m leaving first.”
Then he bolted.
Qin Shanhai’s gaze darkened.
“Guangzi, is everyone here?” Qin Yanzhou asked as he approached.
“They’re all at the billiards hall waiting for you.”
“Let’s go!”
Qin Yanzhou cracked his knuckles, looking ready for a fight.
Just as he was about to leave, his father’s voice came from behind.
“Where are you going?”
Xie Yulan rushed over carrying Mianbao.
“You brat, are you going to fight again?” She shoved Mianbao into Qin Shanhai’s arms and grabbed Qin Yanzhou’s ear.
The fierce young man instantly deflated like a chick, being scolded by his mother.
“You’re already working, and still not behaving! Are you trying to anger your mother to death?!”
“Mom, Mom—go easy!”
“Go easy? Your ears are just for decoration! Might as well twist them off!”
She raised her hand to hit him, and Qin Yanzhou jumped aside.
While this “motherly love” scene unfolded, Qin Shanhai pulled Guangzi aside.
Facing Director Qin’s authority, Guangzi lowered his head and explained everything.
“Li Minghui went into the alley with Tao Xiaohong?”
Qin Shanhai recalled Mianbao’s “dream.” If Tao Xiaohong had been forced into the alley, why would she threaten Mianbao not to speak?
His eyes narrowed. Everything felt strange.
He took out a ten-yuan bill and handed it to Guangzi.
“Go investigate Tao Xiaohong and Li Minghui for me.”
Guangzi was puzzled—but seeing the money, he took it without hesitation.
“If Director Qin says to investigate, then something must be wrong.”
“Do it quietly. Don’t let anyone know.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll get it done!”
Guangzi had just gotten married and needed money. He dashed off eagerly.
By the time Qin Yanzhou escaped his mother’s “storm,” Guangzi was long gone.
…
At the Tao household, Tao Xiaohong dismissed the security colleague who escorted her home. As soon as she entered, she saw her parents sitting solemnly.
Tao Dazhuang frowned. “You messed up what your brother asked you to do. His relationship is in trouble now. Xiaohong, you need to find a way to marry Qin Yanzhou quickly and secure the Qin family’s money.”
Tao Xiaohong bit her lip, frustrated.
What could she do now?
The Qin parents were watching closely. Xie Yulan’s attitude had grown distant. Her chance to marry into the Qin family was almost gone.
And now they were arranging a blind date.
If Qin Yanzhou succeeded, she would have no chance at all.
Li Juhua grabbed her hand. “Your brother finally found a partner. They want ‘three rounds and one sound,’ thirty-six legs, and a new house.”
“With our situation, how can we afford that? Only if you marry into the Qin family and take their assets…”
“Then our family will live the best life in the whole factory!”
Tao Xiaohong slowly clenched her fist.
She had to marry into the Qin family!
This was her last chance.
…
The next morning, Xie Yulan repeatedly reminded Qin Yanzhou:
“Don’t you dare mess this up today! The girl Aunt Zhou introduced is pretty, has a good personality, and comes from a decent working family. She even has a stable job…”
The more she spoke, the more she felt her son wasn’t worthy.
Qin Yanzhou lazily picked at his ear. “I know, I know. You’ve said it hundreds of times.”
For today’s meeting, Xie Yulan even made him take a day off. The house was spotless.
Mianbao followed her like a little tail, helping with everything.
Qin Yanzhou teased, “If Mom goes to the toilet, are you going too?”
Mianbao scratched her head, confused.
The next second, he got smacked.
“Stop calling her ‘little radish.’ You were one too! Don’t give her nicknames.”
He rubbed his head, pouting.
“Go tidy yourself up. They’ll be here soon.”
“Hmph. Only women need to dress up.”
Xie Yulan kicked him into the room. “Less talk!”
She looked outside expectantly. This girl came from a dual-income family and didn’t mind Mianbao at all.
While the Qin family prepared happily, Li Juhua hid along the road leading to their house.
When she saw a young woman with two braided pigtails and a gentle appearance, she suddenly jumped out.
“Ah!” The woman stepped back in shock.
“You’re Du Xiaoting, right?” Li Juhua smiled.
“You know me?”
“Of course. I know you’re going to the Qin family for a match.”
Du Xiaoting grew suspicious. “How do you know?”
Li Juhua snorted. “I’m the Qin family’s future in-law. My daughter Tao Xiaohong is already in a relationship with Qin Yanzhou.”
Du Xiaoting’s expression changed.
“They’ve been together for a long time and are about to get married. But because our family isn’t wealthy, the Qin family looks down on us and is arranging another match.”
Du Xiaoting felt angry—but not entirely convinced.
“Thank you for telling me.”
She turned and left.
Seeing the direction she walked, Li Juhua smiled triumphantly.
But after turning a corner, Du Xiaoting went straight to the textile factory to ask a classmate.
“You mean Qin Yanzhou and Tao Xiaohong? I’ve heard they are indeed seeing each other.”
Du Xiaoting clenched her fists in anger.
A man like that? A family like that?
Even if they were a factory director’s family, she wouldn’t marry in.
She refused the match.