The conversation inside the room came to an abrupt halt as they instinctively looked toward the door.
Jiang Meishu stood at the entrance, facing them directly.
The morning sunlight bathed her figure, casting a golden glow around her. Her features were exquisitely beautiful.
As if meticulously outlined by the finest wolf hair brush.
She was still the same person.
Yet somehow infinitely more beautiful than usual.
The air grew instantly still.
So much so that Director Huang reflexively blurted out:
“Jiang Meilan?”
“What are you doing here?”
Jiang Meishu showed no embarrassment at having been discussed. Instead, she stood at the doorway, arms crossed, her voice calm. “Can I not come here?”
“Or is this cleaned-up office intended for your matchmaking sessions rather than mine?”
She smiled, maintaining her dignified composure. Yet by emulating Jiang Meilan’s imposing presence without visible anger, she managed to capture some of that authority.
Her demeanor made everyone present increasingly uncomfortable.
“Meilan,” someone stammered weakly.
But Jiang Meishu acted as if she hadn’t noticed. She flicked her ear casually. “I haven’t heard enough yet.”
“Come on, say it again. I’d like to hear more.”
This was the first time anyone had witnessed someone eavesdropping so openly, then emerging to demand the gossip continue.
Director Huang and the others exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions turning grim. They were caught between speaking and remaining silent.
After waiting patiently, Jiang Meishu surveyed them critically. “Since you won’t talk, then I will.”
Her gaze swept across the room, a hint of mockery playing on her fair features. “When people gossip behind others’ backs, it boils down to two motives: either idle curiosity or pure jealousy.”
“Which category do you belong to?”
Had it been harmless gossip, Jiang Meishu wouldn’t have minded—she might even have joined in with snacks.
But this wasn’t that!
The envy in their whispered words had been practically dripping from every syllable.
Which category?
Director Huang and her companions naturally found this difficult to answer.
She could only force out dishonestly, “Meilan, we were just being curious.”
“Admiring how you get to meet such a good match as Factory Director Liang.”
Jiang Meishu laughed, her stunning features resembling those of a painted beauty. “So this is curiosity?”
Her smile vanished abruptly. Though she remained the same person, an unexpected sharpness emerged.
“Curious about whether my matchmaking with Factory Director Liang will succeed? Curious about whether I’ll get beaten black and blue by Factory Director Liang’s stepson?”
“What wonderfully specific curiosity you have.”
Now all their previous comments had been laid bare.
Everyone’s faces showed they could no longer maintain composure. “Meilan, we—”
Seeing her colleagues lowering their heads, Director Huang defiantly retorted, “Why should we fear her? She hasn’t even succeeded in matchmaking with Factory Director Liang yet! What gives her the right to act so arrogantly?”
Jiang Meishu cut her off sharply. “Whether Factory Director Liang and I succeed in matchmaking, I cannot say. But one thing I do know.”
“What?!”
“I still have an aunt who serves as Chairman of the Trade Union!”
“Do you?”
She held all the advantages, whether advancing or defending.
Xiao Huang was startled by her words, her face turning pale, but she quickly regained her composure. “So what if you have a Trade Union Chairman as your aunt? When it comes to seniority, we are the permanent employees, while you’re just a temporary worker.”
Jiang Meishu had been waiting for this exact remark. She suddenly turned toward the doorway and said plaintively, “Auntie, it seems your title as Chairman of the Trade Union doesn’t carry much weight here.”
“Right, Auntie?”
Director Huang and the others froze momentarily, instinctively glancing toward the entrance.
Sure enough, Director Jiang was standing there, and it was unclear how much she had overheard.
This sent a jolt of alarm through Director Huang and the rest, causing them to bow their heads low. “Director Jiang!”
Jiang Lamei leaned against the doorframe, having heard Meishu call out to her.
She then slowly stepped inside, her sweeping gaze carrying a weight entirely different from Jiang Meishu’s—a commanding presence honed over more than a decade as a senior director.
She asked coolly, “Does everyone have too much free time?”
At this, Director Huang and the others lowered their heads even further. Director Huang even softened her breathing, trying to make herself as inconspicuous as possible.
“If I recall correctly, Xiao Huang, you were unwilling to come in and clean earlier. So why are you here chatting now?”
It was clear she intended to make an example of someone.
Xiao Huang paled, trembling as she replied, “I just came to help out.”
Jiang Lamei pressed, “Is your work finished?”
Xiao Huang grimaced, not daring to speak.
Jiang Lamei continued, “Since your work isn’t done, go focus on your own responsibilities. Otherwise, when it’s time for the year-end Advanced Worker selection, you might be overlooked due to inadequate performance.”
At this, Xiao Huang instinctively looked up. “Director!”
She had been hoping for that Advanced Worker title for years. By all accounts, it should have been her turn this year.
Jiang Lamei remained silent, simply watching her calmly.
Xiao Huang immediately realized that the director had overheard their entire earlier discussion.
Understanding the situation now.
Xiao Huang acted decisively, promptly bowing her head to Jiang Meishu and apologizing, “Meilan, I’m truly sorry. We were just discussing things earlier, without any ill intent.”
“If I’ve offended you in any way, I apologize right now. Please don’t hold it against me.”
Jiang Meishu had to admit, Xiao Huang had some skill.
At the very least, back when she was just an ordinary worker, she could never have switched attitudes so quickly.
Then again, perhaps that was because she had been at the bottom of the hierarchy.
Jiang Meishu raised an eyebrow. “You haven’t offended me.”
“You’ve offended my aunt. After all, my blind date with Factory Director Liang was entirely arranged by her. Since you’re dissatisfied with this blind date, does that mean you’re dissatisfied with my aunt as well?”
This—
Xiao Huang was nearly frightened out of her wits by Jiang Meishu’s words. Seeing Jiang Lamei turn her gaze toward her, she hastily explained, “No, no! I only joined the discussion because I listened to Sister Li.”
Sister Li, now singled out, felt like she could strangle Xiao Huang on the spot.
Gritting her teeth, she explained, “Director Jiang, I didn’t do anything! Don’t believe Xiao Huang—she’s twisting the truth with her lies.”
Jiang Lamei raised a hand. “Enough.”When Factory Director Liang was considering blind dates, the entire Trade Union knew about it. Similarly, all of you recommended suitable female candidates from your own families. But in the end, Factory Director Liang’s mother chose Jiang Meilan.”
“This matter is plain for all to see. Now, you’re discussing my Meilan behind her back over who gets to go on a blind date with Factory Director Liang—this is truly meaningless.”
“Instead of wishing ill upon my Meilan, why not focus on raising your own children to be more outstanding?”
After all, the main reason Jiang Meilan caught Mother Liang’s eye was her impeccable reputation—presentable in social settings, capable in domestic affairs, virtuous, beautiful, and sensible.
Jiang Lamei’s words made everyone lower their heads in shame.
She had no intention of lecturing further. “Everyone, disperse.”
“But if I hear again—”
Before she could finish, Director Huang and Sister Li quickly interjected, “No, no, we won’t.”
The crowd scattered in disarray.
Watching them leave, the matchmaking office now contained only Jiang Meishu and Jiang Lamei. After checking that no one was eavesdropping outside, Jiang Lamei finally spoke.
“Meishu, did you see? Even before your blind date with Factory Director Liang has begun, many are already watching closely.”
“This sufficiently proves that Factory Director Liang’s advantages far outweigh his flaws.”
“This is the best match your aunt could possibly arrange for you—bar none. I don’t know why Meilan refused, but since you’re here taking your sister’s place, I hope you’ll exert your utmost effort to make this blind date successful.”
“You need Factory Director Liang. Similarly, the Jiang family needs him, and so do I.”
Arranging this match between her niece and the factory director had cost Jiang Lamei considerable effort. Originally, she had intended this opportunity for Jiang Meilan—after all, the child she raised herself held a special place in her heart.
She regarded Jiang Meilan as half her own daughter, yet Jiang Meilan had inexplicably rejected this golden opportunity.
Now the chance fell to another niece.
Jiang Meishu blinked. “Aunt, I understand.”
“However, I can only promise to try my best.”
Jiang Lamei sighed. “People say our Jiang family is climbing the social ladder, Meilan—”
She used Meilan’s name unconsciously.
“—that’s because everyone recognizes the benefits of marrying up, yet few dare to fully commit. They care too much about face and reputation, fearing gossip behind their backs.”
“But Meilan, for ordinary people like us, what does gossip matter? We need to focus on tangible gains.”
She was imparting worldly wisdom to Jiang Meishu while helping shape her values.
“In this life, only by striving hard can you possibly obtain things that don’t belong to you.”
“If you don’t fight for anything, you’ll end up with nothing.”
This philosophy was one of the driving forces behind Jiang Lamei’s rise to Chairman of the Trade Union.
She was willing to compete and take action.
Jiang Meishu blinked again. “But Aunt, striving is so exhausting.”
“Why should people live so strenuously?”
“And if something isn’t meant for me, no amount of striving will get it. If it is mine, it won’t escape me.”
Jiang Lamei: “…”
Her pearls of wisdom were wasted on deaf ears.
This was precisely why she disliked her younger niece—always so unambitious since childhood!
Even striving seemed too tiresome for her!!!
Fuming internally, Jiang Lamei snapped, “If you won’t strive, then prepare to be sent down to the countryside!”
Jiang Meishu: “Oh.”
Jiang Lamei waited expectantly.
Only to receive a single indifferent “Oh.” The response infuriated her beyond measure.
Massaging her temples, she glanced at the wristwatch fastened with a red string—it remained barely functional for telling time.
“It’s only eight-thirty at the venue, and the matchmaking meeting is scheduled for after nine. You’ll have to wait here a while longer.”
Jiang Meishu thought to herself that she shouldn’t have come this early. Yet she couldn’t have stayed home either—because of the arranged meeting, her mother had woken her up at six o’clock.
She murmured an acknowledgment, her eyes fixed on the fruit platter on the table. Would it be improper to snack on some peanuts and melon seeds before Factory Director Liang arrived?
Jiang Lamei seemed to read her mind immediately and warned, “Don’t eat anything before Factory Director Liang gets here!”
She understood Jiang Meishu all too well.
Regretfully, Jiang Meishu withdrew her gaze. “Understood, I’m just looking.”
“I won’t eat.”
Liang Qiurun was aware of today’s matchmaking arrangement—his mother had come early to remind him and insisted he change into new clothes.
He usually paid little attention to such trivial details.
Originally planning to wear his everyday attire, Liang Qiurun was interrupted when a photograph slipped out from the clothes.
In the black-and-white photo was a female comrade with a moon-shaped face, willow-leaf eyebrows, and almond-shaped eyes—clear and bright. The corners of her lips were slightly upturned in a sweet smile.
So radiant that even the curves of her eyes and brows seemed to beam, her vibrant energy nearly overflowing from the photograph. She was extraordinarily beautiful.
Liang Qiurun hadn’t intended to change into new clothes, but at the sight of the photo, he paused briefly.
Then he turned and went back inside.
When he emerged again, he wore a brand-new white Dacron shirt. White suited him exceptionally well—his enamel-like skin appeared as smooth as jade against it.
His features seemed even more refined and elegant, scholarly and serene.
After tidying his appearance, Liang Qiurun picked up his briefcase and stepped out.
Secretary Chen was already waiting outside with the car—a vintage Red Flag sedan, polished spotless and gleaming with a reflective black shine.
He stood quietly by the car door. When the hands of his wristwatch pointed to six-thirty sharp, a figure appeared punctually through the vermilion main gate.
Secretary Chen was taken aback. Truthfully, he had never seen Factory Director Liang like this before.
His countenance resembled polished jade—handsome and dignified.
Truly, he looked as pristine as jade.
“To the factory.”
Liang Qiurun smoothly opened the car door. Noticing Secretary Chen’s stillness, he glanced back and asked gently, “What’s wrong?”
Secretary Chen snapped out of his daze and hurried into the driver’s seat. “Sir, you look… exceptionally striking today.”
Enough to dazzle the eyes.
Hearing this, Liang Qiurun showed mild surprise, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “I have a matchmaking meeting today.”
“My mother asked me to dress up.”
“I can’t appear slovenly when meeting the female comrade.”
At these words, Secretary Chen was somewhat astonished. Gripping the steering wheel, he couldn’t resist stealing glances through the rearview mirror and ventured, “I recall you used to resist matchmaking quite strongly. This time… are you satisfied with the female comrade you’re meeting?”
Liang Qiurun was no longer young. Both his family and the organization had arranged numerous matchmaking meetings for him.
But they always ended inconclusively.
There were generally two reasons for this.
First, Liang Qiurun was extremely busy with work and simply had no time for such matters; moreover, he himself showed little enthusiasm for personal affairs.
Second, his rebellious son Liang Rui often sabotaged the arrangements from within.
As for this time?
Faced with Secretary Chen’s inquiry, Liang Qiurun unexpectedly recalled that black-and-white photograph.
He dismissed the sudden thought and replied unhurriedly,
“Liang Rui is currently going through his rebellious teenage phase, and as a man myself, our father-son interactions often end unpleasantly. I was thinking if a gentle, virtuous, and kind-hearted woman joined our household, perhaps he might change for the better.”
Of course, this was also a suggestion given to him after consulting an experienced educator.
With too many males in the household, it was clear that a rebellious teenage boy would naturally adopt an oppositional stance toward his father.
Allowing him to communicate appropriately with a mother figure could serve as a mediating influence.
“Of course,” Liang Qiurun adjusted his sleeves, “the most important reason is that I’m too busy with work and no one is around to discipline him.”
Their family needed a female presence—to act as a restraint, a disciplinarian, and a harmonizing agent.
Secretary Chen hadn’t expected this to be the reason.
He had thought his superior, like an iron tree blooming, had finally found romance.
He restrained himself again and again but couldn’t help asking, “What about you?”
“Is there no one you like?”
At this question, Liang Qiurun, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened them. He had a pair of genuine peach-blossom eyes—pupils dark as ink, outer corners slightly upturned and fanned out, deep and penetrating, making them exceptionally beautiful.
However, due to his high status, no one usually dared to compliment him as “beautiful” to his face.
People’s praises for him were more often centered on his work ethic.
Hearing Secretary Chen’s question, Liang Qiurun couldn’t help but laugh, his eyes shimmering with amusement. “Old Chen, we’re both at an age where talking about ‘liking’ someone seems rather frivolous.”
He was no longer the impulsive young man driven by youthful passion.
Having experienced life and death, he had settled into a state of calm maturity and depth.
For people like them, practicality held greater importance.
For instance,
Liang Qiurun’s self-awareness told him he needed a virtuous and dignified woman to guard the home front and discipline the child.
That was all.
Secretary Chen opened his mouth, glanced at Liang Qiurun through the rearview mirror, and thought to himself that Liang Qiurun wasn’t actually old—barely over thirty, in fact.
Yet, the way he carried himself and handled affairs resembled that of a weary, elderly man.
He regarded everything with profound detachment.
The rest of the journey passed in silence.
At 6:40, the car arrived punctually at the Meatpacking Factory.
The autumn morning carried a slight chill. The old locust tree at the factory gate, no longer as lush as in summer, had turned sparse and yellow.
“Sir, aren’t we going to the Trade Union?” Secretary Chen asked as soon as the car entered the factory grounds.
There was still some distance from the director’s office to the Trade Union.
Liang Qiurun checked the time, his wrist pale and slender, the wristbone forming a subtle curve. A silver, vintage Plum Blossom Brand watch adorned his wrist, accentuating its graceful lines and his long, elegant fingers.
“It’s still early. Take me to the office first.”
Secretary Chen acknowledged softly, thinking to himself that it was no wonder Liang Qiurun had risen to the position of factory director. His dedication to work was something ordinary people could hardly match.
He had never seen any other factory director so diligent.
By the time Liang Qiurun arrived at the Meatpacking Factory, it was just past seven.
After getting out of the car, he didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he instructed Secretary Chen, “Go to the nearby supply and marketing cooperative and buy two cans of yellow peach preserves for me.”
The task was somewhat unusual.
As far as Secretary Chen knew, his superior had never been one to indulge in culinary pleasures.
But a competent subordinate always complied with the leader’s arrangements without question.
“I’ll go now, Secretary Chen.”
“Anything else?”
Liang Qiurun shook his head, glanced at his watch, and said gently, “Go and return quickly, and be safe.”
He was pressed for time.
Secretary Chen immediately understood. “Got it.”
Watching Secretary Chen drive away, Liang Qiurun then went to the factory director’s office on the second floor and organized all the work that needed to be done today.
7:50 AM.
After Liang Qiurun had outlined all the tasks for the day, the directors from various departments had basically all reported to the factory director’s office.
Liang Qiurun had them briefly report their work. Once he had a clear understanding, he stood up and checked the time.
It was almost 8:30.
He scanned the people in the room and said gently, “Let’s stop here for today’s work. I’m taking two hours off for a blind date. The remaining work will be handed over to Secretary Chen.”
“If there’s anything unresolved, wait for me to return.”
After a moment’s thought, he added, “In case of emergencies, you can find me at the Trade Union anytime.”
His words left everyone exchanging glances.
They could swear they had never seen a factory director more dedicated than Liang Qiurun.
Workshop Director Yang was the first to speak up. “Factory Director Liang, don’t worry about the blind date.”
“With us here, we guarantee nothing will go wrong.”
Little did Director Yang know that his own son was in the workshop, undermining his authority.
The procurement department director added, “We’ve already sent you the procurement tasks to review. At least there won’t be any issues today.”
“The important approval forms and reports from the finance department have all been submitted,” said the young and capable Director Lu of the finance department. “I’ve set aside the ones requiring urgent approval with red forms.”
“Factory Director Liang, when you return from your blind date, please review them for us.”
These forms required the factory director’s approval; otherwise, the procurement department couldn’t proceed with major tasks, and the finance department couldn’t process significant expenses.
Liang Qiurun stood up, rolled his sleeves to his wrists, and nodded. “Thank you for your hard work.”
“Leave anything that needs resolving on my desk. I’ll handle it when I return.”
Naturally, everyone agreed.
After Liang Qiurun left, the remaining people in the office immediately burst into discussion. “I’ve never seen a factory director as dedicated as Liang Qiurun.”
“It seems like he’s devoted all his time to the factory.”
“Exactly. Last night, when I came to the office around 10 PM to get something, I found Factory Director Liang still working overtime.”
“From the looks of it, Factory Director Liang seems determined to push our Meatpacking Factory into the Top Ten Factories in the Capital.”
“But with him working so hard, will his blind date even agree?”
That was hard to say.
Those of them who were married knew that if they worked too much, they’d get an earful from their spouses when they got home.
Factory Director Liang probably wouldn’t be an exception.
I wonder if Factory Director Liang’s blind date will be successful?
On the other side.
Liang Rui, who should have been heading to school, had just left home when he overheard voices from the neighboring Liang family’s old house.
“Is Qiurun going on a blind date with that woman from the Jiang family today?”
“Right? I heard about it too. If Qiurun’s blind date is successful, doesn’t that mean Liang Rui will get a stepmother?”
“They say with a stepmother comes a stepfather. Won’t Liang Rui’s good days be over?”
“That’s just perfect. This way Liang Rui won’t be able to throw his weight around in the Liang family anymore. I’m looking forward to seeing him become a pitiful little thing.”
“Ever since being adopted by Qiurun, he’s completely lost all sense of proportion. Acting so arrogantly every day, does he really think he’s the young master of the Liang family?”
Upon hearing these words, Liang Qiurun, who was standing outside the courtyard wall, immediately clenched his fists. Before he could enter, another voice from inside reached his ears.
“It’s Liang Haibo’s,” he said with a smug tone. “That just shows how stupid Liang Rui is. If I were him, I definitely wouldn’t let Little Uncle go on blind dates. After all, Little Uncle is his foundation for standing firm in the Liang family. If Little Uncle gets married and has his own children later, what would Liang Rui amount to? Would he even count as a scallion?”
Chen Hongjiao didn’t expect her son to be so clever, so she glanced outside the courtyard wall and deliberately asked him, “If it were you, how would you plan to stop your Little Uncle from going on blind dates?”
Liang Haibo said boldly, “Isn’t that simple? My Little Uncle loves going to work the most, right? He’s at the Meatpacking Factory every day. Set a fire at the Meatpacking Factory, and my Little Uncle definitely won’t go on any blind dates.”
Hearing this, Liang Rui fell silent. He bent down, picked up some gravel from the ground, and hurled it fiercely into the neighboring courtyard.
He heard a burst of cursing and wailing from inside.
Only then did Liang Rui leave. Though the speaker might have been careless, the listener took it to heart. Liang Rui thought the method was bad, but he was also afraid.
Afraid that what Chen Hongjiao and Liang Haibo said might actually come true.
Over there, it took Chen Hongjiao a while to shake off the sand and dirt from her clothes. Liang Haibo was in a worse state, with a large bump on his head from being hit by Liang Rui.
Seeing this, Chen Hongjiao was heartbroken, but Liang Haibo didn’t mind. “Mom, do you think Liang Rui will take what we said to heart?”
“Of course,” Chen Hongjiao replied. “He’s a brainless fool. Once we successfully provoke him, he’ll naturally start scheming.”
“But that’s not enough. Come here.” Chen Hongjiao leaned close to her son Liang Haibo’s ear and whispered, “Go find your Second Cousin and have him chat with Liang Rui.”
“Will that work?”
Liang Haibo hesitated.
“Among the six children in the Liang family’s third generation, Liang Rui listens to Liang Feng the most. Sending him is sure to work.”
Liang Haibo gritted his teeth. “Then I’ll give it a try.”
Liang Haibo acted quickly and soon found Liang Feng.
Liang Feng was somewhat concerned. “Is what you said true? Is my Little Uncle really going on a blind date?”
Liang Haibo nodded. “Yes, he’s going on one today. I noticed Liang Rui seemed really upset.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Liang Feng went to find Liang Rui after class. “Liang Rui, why didn’t you tell me about something as big as your dad going on a blind date?”
When Liang Rui was younger and got bullied, Liang Feng had protected him a few times, so Liang Rui felt differently about him.
He said coldly, “What can I do about it?”
“How can you not do anything about it?”
Liang Feng was genuinely worried. “Liang Rui, you need to think carefully. Once there’s a stepmother, there might not be a place for you in my Little Uncle’s home.”
He had seen too many wicked stepmothers.
Someone like Liang Rui wouldn’t stand a chance against them.
Liang Rui pursed his lips, his expression grim.
“No, you have to listen to me.”
Liang Feng hesitated for a moment, then repeated what Liang Haibo had said. “I think Little Uncle is serious about going on a blind date this time. You absolutely have to stop him.”
“Little Uncle usually values his work the most. If you just—”
“Start a small fire at the Meatpacking Factory to draw Little Uncle over so he can’t go on the blind date.”
Liang Rui remained silent.
“Liang Rui, you have no other choice. Do you really want a stepmother?”
Liang Rui pursed his lips. “That’s illegal.” Though he was rebellious, he never did anything that harmed others or violated his conscience.
Liang Feng reached out and poked his forehead, “Are you stupid? I’m not asking you to actually set a fire, just pretend to set one so Little Uncle has to rush back to the factory and miss his blind date.”
“At worst, we’ll put it out immediately afterward. Even if Little Uncle finds out it was a fake fire, he’ll only scold you at most.”
Liang Rui was still hesitating.
“Liang Rui, stop being indecisive! Or do you actually want a stepmother?”
At this, Liang Rui gritted his teeth, “I’ll do it.”
Liang Feng breathed a sigh of relief, “I’ll be with you.”
“Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.”
“It’s just a fake fire.”
Liang Feng had good grades and had directly taken leave from his second year of high school, while Liang Rui was a poor student and chose to skip class.
The two went together to the Meatpacking Factory workshop.
When they arrived, Yang Xiangdong happened to be wandering around the workshop—he was also a veteran at skipping class.
His father was the workshop director, and every time he hid here, no one knew where he was.
“Brother Rui, what are you doing here?”
This was his secret hideout for skipping class.
Liang Rui grunted in acknowledgment, “Here for something.”
But he refused to say what exactly.
Instead, Liang Feng beside him asked, “Yang Xiangdong, do you know the shift change schedule in the production workshop?”
“What do you mean?”
Yang Xiangdong was confused.
Liang Feng glanced at Liang Rui, “Can we trust him?”
Liang Rui grunted affirmatively.
Liang Feng quickly explained the whole plan.
After hearing it, Yang Xiangdong’s mouth fell open like an egg, “This won’t do, absolutely not.”
“This is illegal! It’s way worse than me skipping class.”
Liang Feng retorted, “Coward. No one’s asking you to actually set a fire. It’s fake, and we’ll be right here waiting.”
Yang Xiangdong remained hesitant.
Meanwhile, Liang Rui hoisted himself up and directly scaled the factory wall.
It was only about seven o’clock, and the Meatpacking Factory workers hadn’t started their shift yet.
Only the early shift loading crew was there, but they had almost finished unloading the pork.
They were resting nearby.
No one noticed the area near the wall.
“Do you know the shift change situation here?”
Liang Rui asked.
Yang Xiangdong nodded, “This is exactly shift change time.”
Liang Rui said, “I’m going down to check.”
As soon as he spoke, Liang Feng also climbed up, “I’m coming too.”
“Yang Xiangdong, stay here and make sure no one discovers us.”
Yang Xiangdong felt miserable—why did he have to skip class today and run into these two troublemakers?
After climbing down.
Liang Rui surveyed the situation, “This is the production workshop with pork, and it’s even for public sale.”
“Liang Feng, we can’t set a fire here.”
Otherwise, the consequences would be too severe.
Liang Feng said, “Why are you so wishy-washy? You don’t want a stepmother, and you don’t want your dad to go on blind dates—how can you expect zero risk?”
“I told you, we’ll have people standing by when we ‘set the fire.’ It won’t actually catch.”
With that, he snatched the matches from Liang Rui’s hand, struck one, threw it on the ground, and immediately stomped it out.
“See? Putting it out is that simple.”
Liang Rui pressed his lips together, “But what if?”
“There won’t be any ‘what if.'” Liang Feng walked over to the abandoned workshop, “How about here? It’s abandoned—no one will care.”
“I’m watching, aren’t I?” Liang Feng gripped his shoulders, expression serious, “Liang Rui, I want a Little Aunt even less than you do.”
“I don’t have a mother either. Little Uncle treats me as half a son. If he gets a Little Aunt, I won’t be second in his heart anymore.”
The first place in Little Uncle’s heart belonged to Liang Rui.
He was second.
“So, whether you agree or not, I’m going to try it. And with so many of us here, nothing will go wrong.”
Liang Rui fell silent upon hearing this.
Liang Feng breathed a sigh of relief and threw another match down. With a sizzle, the flames rose. He immediately fetched a bucket of water from nearby and poured it over the fire.
After repeating the experiment several times, he confirmed there were no issues.
“Is this acceptable now?”
Liang Rui gritted his teeth. “Then I’ll leave this to you. I’m going to meet Jiang Meilan.”
Liang Feng said, “Go ahead.”
He patted his chest confidently. “Leave this to me. There won’t be any problems.”
Only then did Liang Rui glance back at the extinguished fire before climbing over the wall to leave.
Still somewhat uneasy, he looked back once more.
Addressing Liang Feng and Yang Xiangdong, he said, “Keep an eye on things here. I’m off to handle important business.”
Trade Union Office.
Jiang Meishu had been staring at the plate of peanuts for twenty minutes. “System, do you think Old Liang would notice if I ate just one peanut?”
The system remained silent.
Just as Jiang Meishu reached out her hand, a light cough came from outside. “Meilan, Factory Director Liang will be here soon.”
To be honest, Jiang Meishu didn’t understand how her aunt Jiang Lamei seemed to have clairvoyance.
Though she couldn’t actually see anything, she always managed to guess exactly what was happening.
Jiang Meishu muttered under her breath, “Is he coming or not? If he doesn’t show up soon, I’m leaving.”
“It’s not time yet.”
Jiang Lamei was also checking her watch. There were still ten minutes until nine.
According to Factory Director Liang’s habits, he would never be late—he’d probably arrive exactly on time.
It wasn’t that he didn’t respect Jiang Meishu, but rather that he was a workaholic. If he wasn’t early, he was definitely busy working.
Just as Jiang Lamei had guessed,
Liang Qiurun finished his work before leaving his office. Instead of heading directly to the Trade Union, he first retrieved the car keys from Secretary Chen.
He went to his car and took out two cans of yellow peaches from the seat, placing them in a green net bag that he carried in his hand.
Only then did he proceed to the Trade Union.
The moment he arrived, the staff members who had been watching for gossip at the entrance immediately called out, “Factory Director Liang is here!”
Even those upstairs would have difficulty avoiding the news.
Jiang Lamei, standing in the corridor, was naturally the first to hear. She called into the office, “Meilan, wait there. Don’t eat the peanuts—having shells all over your face would be embarrassing.”
“I’ll bring Factory Director Liang upstairs.”
Jiang Meishu considered getting up but didn’t feel like moving.
She simply slumped back into her chair and gossiped with the system, “See, Old Liang is here.”
“That old man is really late.”
She had been waiting for nearly two hours.
The system sounded somewhat helpless. “You came too early.”
It had never seen someone arrive at seven for a 9:30 blind date—clearly making the other party seem late by comparison.
“However, the mission can begin now.”
Jiang Meishu hummed in agreement, her eyes fixed on the peanuts on the table. “Now that Old Liang is here, can I eat these peanuts?”
The system: “…”
It had never encountered someone so lacking in ambition.
Outside.
The moment Liang Qiurun appeared, the Trade Union staff immediately approached him. “Factory Director Liang.”
Each one wore a beaming smile, clearly seasoned workplace veterans who offered an exceptionally warm welcome to the leader’s arrival.
Liang Qiurun nodded toward them. “Where is the matchmaking session?”
He had received the notice that it would be at the Trade Union, but he didn’t know the specific office.
Just as Xiao Huang was about to speak,
Jiang Lamei strode swiftly, taking a shortcut and cutting in front of Xiao Huang, snatching the prime position he had occupied.
“It’s in the largest office on the second floor, Room 201. Factory Director Liang, let me take you there.”
“My Meilan is already waiting for you.”
She deliberately pointed out that Jiang Meilan had already arrived.
Not only did she clarify her relationship with Jiang Meilan, but she also reminded Liang Qiurun.
Sure enough.
Upon hearing this, Liang Qiurun first nodded to Xiao Huang in gratitude before turning to Jiang Lamei. “Thank you, Director Jiang, for taking me up.”
Liang Qiurun was a man whose politeness and approachability were ingrained in his bones.
Even to Xiao Huang, who had only answered one question, he still expressed thanks.
This immediately excited Xiao Huang. After Liang Qiurun followed Jiang Lamei upstairs, she exclaimed excitedly, “Did you hear that?”
“Factory Director Liang spoke to me and even thanked me!”
Liang Qiurun had an excellent reputation at the Meatpacking Factory. Since his transfer a month ago, he had been working overtime relentlessly and had genuinely brought benefits to many grassroots workers.
As a result, the workers at the Meatpacking Factory couldn’t help but sincerely admire him.
Those nearby also looked at Xiao Huang with envy. “I didn’t expect Factory Director Liang to be so nice. He doesn’t seem as stern and decisive as they say.”
“Exactly, he’s very good to his subordinates. But I’ve heard he’s quite strict with the higher-ups. When he works overtime, the leaders above him are all on edge, not even daring to make a sound.”
“Moreover, Factory Director Liang is really good-looking. I heard he’s in his thirties? But he looks like he’s only twenty-seven or twenty-eight? So young and incredibly handsome. Jiang Meilan is really lucky.”
In that brief moment of meeting Factory Director Liang, they even felt his strengths outweighed his shortcomings.
So much so that even that rebellious and unruly stepson of his didn’t seem so hard to accept.
In the stairwell,
Jiang Lamei wished she could seal the mouths of her gossiping subordinates. At such close range, it was impossible not to overhear them.
She glanced at Liang Qiurun’s expression, which remained unreadable, making her increasingly uneasy. “Factory Director Liang, these people are used to gossiping. I’m really sorry.”
Liang Qiurun shook his head, his voice gentle. “It’s fine.”
This made Jiang Lamei breathe a sigh of relief. “It’s just to the left on the second floor. We’ll be there soon.”
Liang Qiurun hummed in acknowledgment and made small talk with Jiang Lamei. “Comrade Jiang, did you come quite early this morning?”
Jiang Lamei nodded. “We wanted to show how much we value this matchmaking session. We arrived a little after seven.”
Hearing this, Liang Qiurun paused for a moment. “That’s my fault then. I arrived late.”
Jiang Lamei replied, “How could that be? Factory Director Liang, you’re busy with work—it’s understandable. Besides, you’re not even late.”
Liang Qiurun smiled, his eyes clear and gentle. “Regardless, it’s my fault for making a female comrade wait so long. I’ll apologize to Comrade Jiang when I see her upstairs.”
As soon as he finished speaking…
A frantic voice echoed from downstairs, “Factory Director Liang, is Factory Director Liang there?”
Liang Qiurun had already reached the second floor when he abruptly turned back, his long legs taking three steps at a time.
“What’s wrong?”
Within moments, Liang Qiurun appeared on the first floor of the Trade Union. Before coming to the blind date, he had already arranged all his work.
Unless something major had happened, his subordinates wouldn’t have come to the Trade Union to find him.
And indeed, it was as Liang Qiurun had guessed.
Director Yang was panicked and flustered, “The workshop, the workshop is on fire.”
“Which workshop?”
Liang Qiurun remained calm, asking unhurriedly.
But Director Yang replied, “The workshop where the pig farm delivered goods this morning.”
Upon hearing this, Liang Qiurun’s expression changed slightly. He was about to leave but then remembered something and turned back to Jiang Lamei, “Director Jiang, please apologize to Comrade Jiang for me. I’m afraid I can’t make it to the blind date for now. Let’s schedule another time.”
He handed over two cans of yellow peach preserves, “Consider this my apology. I’m truly sorry.”
After speaking, he shoved the green nylon net bag into Jiang Lamei’s hands.
Factory Director Liang turned and strode away swiftly.
Seeing this, Jiang Lamei exclaimed “Ai!” and slapped her thigh, “What kind of situation is this?”
She immediately turned and rushed upstairs to find Jiang Meishu.
How was she supposed to respond to this?
She slapped her thigh again, “What kind of situation is this?”
She hurriedly headed to the second floor to speak with her niece.
Unexpectedly, Jiang Meishu was already standing by the railing on the second floor, gazing at Liang Qiurun’s retreating figure. He was very tall, somewhat lean, with an upright and elegant posture.
Seeming somewhat rushed, his strides were particularly large.
Jiang Meishu showed no sadness about being stood up. Instead, she seriously joked with her system, “System, do you think with such big steps, he might strain his balls?”
The system, “…”
Oh my god.
It had just been thinking about how to comfort Jiang Meishu when it heard her say this.
How was it supposed to respond?
For the first time, the system was rendered speechless by its host.
“You heard everything, right?”
Jiang Lamei watched her niece leaning against the railing, genuinely worried she might take it badly, and comforted her, “Don’t take it too much to heart. Factory Director Liang is just a workaholic. In his eyes, nothing is more important than work.”
Jiang Meishu hummed in acknowledgment but was busy gossiping with the system.
“Do you think Old Liang’s impotence is because work exhausted him to the point of collapse?”
“Even little brother got tired and wilted.”
The system, “…”
What?
Hadn’t it bound a freshly graduated college student as its host?
Why was she so vulgar?
The system didn’t know that this was exactly how college students were.
Rich in spiritual sustenance.
They belonged to the type who had never eaten pork but had seen pigs run. When it came to dirty talk, no one could beat them.
But when it came to real action, they were the ones who would wilt.
Seeing that the system had been teased into silence.
Jiang Meishu found it boring. Looking up, she noticed Jiang Lamei watching her with concern.
Jiang Meishu pursed her lips, then turned to Jiang Lamei, her eyes reddening, “Auntie.”
Just two words.
But it seemed to say everything.
Jiang Lamei also felt wronged on behalf of her niece, and her initial desire to climb the social ladder had faded somewhat.
She took Jiang Meishu’s hand and whispered, “Maybe we should forget it. Factory Director Liang has no room for women in his heart—it’s all about work.”
Even during a blind date, he could just turn around and leave after climbing the stairs.
How would married life be any better?
Jiang Meishu thought to herself that this wouldn’t do.
Pressing her lips into a smile, she said, “It’s fine.”
“If we don’t meet this time, there’s always next time.” After all, he was a money tree—he couldn’t escape, absolutely not.
Jiang Lamei was relieved to see her taking it so well.
Then she heard Jiang Meishu point to the fruit platter on the table and ask, “Can I eat the roasted peanuts?”
She was truly craving them.
She had been eyeing them even before Old Liang arrived, and now that he was gone, she couldn’t take her eyes off them.
Jiang Lamei was momentarily speechless. “Are you upset because Factory Director Liang didn’t show up for the blind date, or because you didn’t get to eat the peanuts?”
Jiang Meishu replied, “Of course, it’s because I didn’t get to eat the peanuts.”
As for Old Liang, whatever meetings he had could come whenever.
She really didn’t care either way.
Jiang Lamei, “…”
Her eyes held a mix of frustration and disappointment. “What a waste of such a pretty face!”
How could she be so food-obsessed?
Jiang Meishu paid no mind.
“As long as he comes next time, that’s all that matters. Auntie, just tell me—can I eat the roasted peanuts or not?”
If she could, she wasn’t going to hold back.
“You can eat them!”
Jiang Lamei took a deep breath, slammed the door shut with a bang, and said, “Eat them inside, and remember to take the peanut shells with you. Don’t leave any traces.”
Just as she was about to leave, she remembered the green nylon net bag in her hand. Turning back, she handed it to Jiang Meishu. “Factory Director Liang said he couldn’t make it, so this is his apology gift.”
Jiang Meishu was taken aback. Looking up, she saw two cans of yellow peach preserves.
To be honest, since she had transmigrated, this was the first time she had seen such a luxury.
After all, in these times, yellow peach preserves weren’t something ordinary people could afford.
Jiang Meishu didn’t take them immediately but asked, “For me?”
Jiang Lamei nodded.
Jiang Meishu accepted them. The glass jars of yellow peach preserves felt cool to the touch. “Auntie, do you think he prepared these in advance or at the last minute?”
How would Jiang Lamei know? She shook her head. “Who cares how he prepared them? If they’re for you, just take them.”
“I remember you’ve loved yellow peach preserves since you were little. Especially when you were sick and couldn’t eat anything, you’d crave that one bite.
Well, today you got your wish—both cans are all yours.”
Jiang Lamei was genuinely generous. When it came to things meant for the children, she never thought of keeping them for herself—just like the last time Liang Qiurun gave her a bag of fruit, she brought it straight to the Jiang family without touching a thing.
One must remember, this was an era of extreme scarcity.
Jiang Meishu nodded, clutching the preserves, feeling a complicated emotion she couldn’t quite name.
So—Old Liang was probably quite thoughtful and considerate?
Outside.
As soon as Jiang Lamei stepped out.
The door closed behind her, and facing the crowd of onlookers lurking in the hallway, she explained to everyone, “My Meilan is a bit heartbroken and crying inside.”
Everyone immediately felt sympathetic.
That Jiang Meilan really had it rough.
Factory Director Liang had even come to the Trade Union, only to turn around and leave.
She was probably inside crying her heart out at that very moment.
But in reality, inside the room.
Jiang Meishu placed the yellow peach preserves on the table but couldn’t unscrew the lid right away.
She simply cracked open the roasted peanuts with a crisp sound and ate three peanut kernels in one go. The aroma of the roasted peanuts was truly delightful—the fine, granular texture practically danced on the tip of her tongue.
She squinted her eyes contentedly.
“Aren’t you angry?” the system couldn’t help but ask her.
Jiang Meishu, “Why are you angry?”
She ate the stir-fried peanuts and stared at the bright red apples, craving them intensely but too embarrassed to touch them—there were exactly four apples placed there.
She could only glare at the apples while eating peanuts, fiercely declaring, “I really wish Old Liang would never show up, so I could eat good stuff every time.”
System, “…”
Really, it had never seen such a thick-skinned host. If it were any other host in this situation today, they would have thrown a fit.
“Old Liang didn’t come to the blind date, leaving you alone here with so many people watching. Don’t you feel he’s humiliated you, made you lose face?”
Jiang Meishu tilted her head, “A little.”
“But tell me, which is more important: face or filling your stomach?”
In the few days she’d been here, she had been waking up hungry every night. After eating the peanuts, she secretly stuffed a dozen more into her school uniform pocket from the edge.
Patting it, she said, “For when I wake up hungry at night.”
As she spoke, she couldn’t resist peeling another peanut. Eating too hastily, she choked on the peanut skin stuck in her windpipe, immediately coughing uncontrollably, gasping for air.
The coughing was earth-shattering.
The next moment.
The door was slammed open.
Coughing with tears and snot all over her face, Jiang Meishu instinctively looked over.
Their eyes met.
The furious Liang Rui was met with a face flushed red from crying, and crucially, the other person was wearing their school uniform.
Emblazoned with the words “Rou Lian Chang Middle School.”
Liang Rui, “???”
He hadn’t heard that his dad’s blind date was his classmate.
This was too much.
His classmate wanted to be his stepmother?
After what felt like an eternity.
Liang Rui finally spoke, “Wait, are you really crying?”
Liang Rui was still bewildered. People outside were discussing how the person his dad was supposed to meet had been left behind mid-date and was crying heartbroken inside the room.
He hadn’t quite believed it, but—
She really was crying!!!
Jiang Meishu, “??”
Still choking and unable to catch her breath, she glanced at him and felt like she was about to suffocate. That peanut skin seemed stuck in her trachea.
She was truly gasping for air.
The feeling of her trachea being blocked, unable to breathe, was utterly unbearable.
She was breathing heavily, choked up, with tears and snot streaming down.
Seeing her cry so hard, almost to the point of convulsing, Liang Rui had to admit—
Young Liang Rui, who never backed down from fights and feared nothing, had never seen a girl cry like this.
Liang Rui panicked instantly, “No, no, no, can’t you stop crying?”
As he approached.
Jiang Meishu, as if seeing a savior, grabbed his collar, “Water!!!”
Liang Rui snapped to action, grabbed the enamel mug from the table, and handed it to her.
Jiang Meishu gulped it down forcefully, trying to wash the peanut skin down her throat.
But—
The system reminded her, “It’s in your trachea, not your throat.”
It realized its host could be quite dim at times.
Jiang Meishu, “…”
Her eyes rolled back, and she passed out.
Before losing consciousness, she had only one thought.
She would never eat peanuts again.
Liang Rui, holding Jiang Meishu’s unconscious body, froze in panic, “Hey, hey, hey, wake up, wake up?”
Recalling first aid techniques he’d learned in the military, he pressed hard on Jiang Meishu’s philtrum.
No response.
Liang Rui instantly panicked—had he actually angered her to death?
Taking a deep breath, he cried out frantically, “Don’t! Don’t die! Fine, I’ll let you be my stepmother, okay?”
“Don’t die!”
“Wake up quickly!”
Jiang Meishu’s eyes snapped open, sparkling. “You mean it?”
“You agree to let me be your stepmother?”
Sixteen-year-old Liang Rui faced twenty-one-year-old Jiang Meishu.
The two stared at each other, wide-eyed.
For a full three minutes.
Liang Rui asked, “You were faking?”
His voice was hoarse!
Jiang Meishu rolled her eyes. “You try fainting for me!”
Fair point.
Seeing she was awake, Liang Rui sighed in relief and, of course, released his grip. Jiang Meishu barely managed to steady herself by grabbing the table, almost tumbling to the floor.
Jiang Meishu, “…”
Once steady, she stared intently at Liang Rui. The boy had delicate features, rosy lips, and pearly teeth, but his brow bone was unusually prominent, overshadowing his dark, rebellious eyes.
Liang Rui grew uneasy under her gaze. “What?”
“Do you stand by what you said earlier?”
Liang Rui played dumb. “What?”
Just as Jiang Meishu was about to speak,
Liang Rui sprang up and immediately backtracked. “Don’t even think about it! Listen—you want to be my stepmother? Dream on! You’re not even fully grown, still wearing the same school uniform as me. If I called you ‘Mom’ in public, would you dare answer?”
Jiang Meishu, “Aye.”
“Good son.”
Liang Rui, “…”
His face twisted with anger, puffing up like a pufferfish.
“You’re taking advantage of me!”
Jiang Meishu raised an eyebrow. “You asked if I’d dare answer, and I did, didn’t I?”
She had recovered, though her face still carried a faint flush from earlier choking, complementing her striking features. “Liang Rui, I genuinely want to be your stepmother. Will you agree?”
This wasn’t just her future stepson—this was her treasure.
Her cash cow!
She was too beautiful.
Liang Rui grew flustered under her gaze, unsure where to look. He lowered his eyes, long lashes veiling his eyelids, and gritted his teeth. “I saved your life!”
He looked up, emphasizing, “Without me, you’d be dead! Dead!”
Jiang Meishu shrugged. “Exactly. Since I can’t repay your lifesaving grace, becoming your mom is the only way.”
Liang Rui, “…”
Furious, he turned and stormed out.
Only after leaving did he remember—what had he come here for again?
Right.
He’d come to confront the woman daring to date his father and make her give up the idea.
So why had he left?
Liang Rui, already outside, turned back, intending to warn Jiang Meishu, only to find her looking at him with delight. “What? Little classmate, have you agreed to let me be your stepmother?”
Liang Rui bristled with rage. “Don’t even dream about it! I’m sixteen—are you even twenty-six?”
“You want to be my stepmother? Have you no shame?”
“Let me give you some friendly advice.”
He strode up to Jiang Meishu, looking down at her from his height. “My dad is a workaholic. When he’s working, he never comes home. Plus, he doesn’t bathe in summer, doesn’t wash his bottom in winter, wears the same socks for a month without changing them, and his feet reek.”
“You’d better stay away from him.”
“He’s completely unsuitable as a marriage partner.”
Of course, he didn’t need a stepmother either!
Absolutely not!!
Jiang Meishu’s eyes widened in surprise.
Liang Rui, thinking she believed him, finally relaxed.
As a result, the very next second, Jiang Meishu bit her lips and said shyly, “I don’t want your dad, I want you.”
“I want to be your stepmother.”
Liang Rui, “???”
Was this even human speech?
Jiang Meishu, who had successfully angered Liang Rui into leaving, was delighted.
The next moment, a ding sounded.
[Villainy Points +1]
[Zhi.fu.bao received 100,000 yuan.]