Lu Yuanshan really couldn’t hold it in anymore. He almost burst out laughing, but one glare from Old Master Lu made him swallow it back obediently.
Madam Lu also found it amusing, but she kept a straight face and pretended she hadn’t heard anything.
As for Lu Zhoushan, he honestly didn’t know what to say anymore.
His grandmother was already well into her later years—was it really appropriate for her to be this bold?
Then again, she had been the director of a garment factory, one of those rare, formidable career women. Her decisiveness was truly remarkable.
The entire family chatted animatedly, delighted that Lu Zhoushan’s blind date had gone so well.
Only Lu Yaozu sat in silence, absentminded and distracted.
Even his sickly uncle had successfully found a match. So when would Jiang Xiaoci’s family come looking for him?
After he’d sent the anonymous report, the Jiangs should learn about it soon enough. They were merchants—if they couldn’t get wind of news like this, how could they survive in business?
Lu Yaozu knew the Jiangs had connections. Someone would surely tip them off.
By now, they were probably panicking over Jiang Xiaoci’s marriage prospects. It should happen within the next few days.
Thinking of that, a dark smile curled across his lips.
After waiting so many days, his patience was beginning to wear thin.
He decided to take a few days off work and stay home while waiting for the news.
The next day, Jiang Xiaoci dressed up carefully.
She wrapped the rose-colored scarf her mother had recently knitted around her neck and arrived at the place she’d agreed to meet Lu Zhoushan the day before.
The weather was beautiful—a rare, cloudless day. Warm sunshine bathed the streets, and pedestrians filled the sidewalks.
Today she wore a white wool coat with the rose-colored scarf around her neck.
Her hair was still braided into twin plaits, but a flower-shaped pearl hairpin adorned one side, making her look even more fresh and graceful.
The rosy scarf added a touch of vibrant color to her delicate features.
When Lu Zhoushan saw her, he almost couldn’t look away.
Walking over to her, he apologized gently.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
In truth, he wasn’t late.
He simply hadn’t expected Jiang Xiaoci to arrive even earlier than he had.
Actually, she had no job and spent her days idle at home. Since the weather was so pleasant, she’d decided to come out a little earlier and enjoy the day.
So she smiled and shook her head.
“It’s alright. I only got here a little while ago.”
Her smile was like a warm spring breeze—soft and comforting.
Lu Zhoushan couldn’t help smiling back.
He was wearing the same clothes as yesterday, but perhaps because the weather was nicer, he looked much healthier.
His complexion was still fair, though no longer deathly pale.
Tall and slender, he appeared frail, yet he carried himself with the elegant poise of a bamboo stalk. His refined bearing and handsome features made him exceptionally striking.
Standing together, the handsome man and beautiful woman looked perfectly matched, drawing countless glances from passersby.
Without making it obvious, Lu Zhoushan shifted slightly closer to her, shielding her from most of the lingering gazes of other men.
In a gentle voice, he asked,
“Is there anywhere you’d like to go?”
Having lived two lifetimes, Jiang Xiaoci might look young, but she noticed subtle things.
She sensed his quiet protectiveness.
Feeling the lingering chill hidden beneath the gentle spring breeze and noticing the faint paleness of his face, she suggested,
“How about we watch a movie?”
It would be warmer indoors than outside.
He readily agreed.
“Sounds good.”
The two headed to the cinema and bought their tickets.
The theater was bustling with people, and colorful movie posters covered the walls.
After looking for a while, both of them pointed to the very same poster.
“How about this one?”
“What do you think of this one?”
They spoke at exactly the same time.
Surprised, they realized they both preferred action-packed films.
After a brief pause, they laughed together.
Since they shared the same taste, choosing a movie was easy.
Then they bought soft drinks.
Even their preferred flavor was the same—the lightly sweet, refreshing White Pear soda.
Still, Jiang Xiaoci couldn’t help reminding him,
“Lu Zhoushan, the soda’s pretty cold. You shouldn’t drink too much.”
He looked at her in surprise.
His heart softened, and his gaze became gentler.
“Alright.”
“I’ll listen to you.”
Only then did Jiang Xiaoci realize she’d overstepped a little.
Feeling embarrassed, she lowered her eyes.
After all, she was still just a young girl.
Lu Zhoushan simply smiled at her, his voice gentler than she’d ever heard before.
“Don’t worry, little girl. I’m not as fragile as you think.”
The way he called her little girl somehow carried an unmistakable note of affection.
Jiang Xiaoci laughed awkwardly and quickly turned away.
She convinced herself she’d simply imagined it.
After all…
They had only just met.
The two entered the theater and found their seats.
The film they chose was a martial arts movie set during the Republican era, featuring numerous anti-Japanese resistance storylines.
The opening was thrilling—flashing swords, high-speed chases, and nonstop action.
The audience gasped repeatedly in excitement.
Jiang Xiaoci was completely engrossed.
Her bright eyes sparkled with excitement, fixed on the screen without blinking.
For the first time, the calm maturity she usually carried faded away.
She looked lively, spirited, and full of youthful energy.
Lu Zhoushan watched the movie too.
But more often than not, he found himself stealing glances at the delighted girl beside him.
An unconscious smile curved his lips.
His eyes were warm, gentle… and filled with affection.
She really was just a young girl.
A single movie could make her this happy.
Before meeting her, his life had been nothing but work and routine—simple, quiet, and monotonous.
He had never met someone so vibrant.
He watched her for a long time.
She remained completely unaware.
Chuckling softly to himself, he finally turned his attention back to the screen.
After the movie ended, they slowly followed the crowd out of the auditorium.
As they walked, they chatted about the plot together.
Outside, several children broke free from their parents’ hands, laughing and chasing each other recklessly through the crowd.
Caught off guard, Jiang Xiaoci was nearly knocked over.
Before she could react, Lu Zhoushan moved swiftly.
He pulled her safely to his side and turned his body to shield her.
One arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders while the other gently stopped the child charging toward them.
His expression remained calm, though his tone carried a trace of sternness.
“Be careful, little one. Don’t run around like that. You almost bumped into someone.”
The child stuck out his tongue mischievously before darting away.
His mother quickly caught him, grabbed him by the ear, and scolded him as he grimaced dramatically—though he clearly wasn’t frightened in the slightest.
Watching the scene, Jiang Xiaoci couldn’t help laughing.
Children really were adorable…
Even if they were a little too mischievous.
Only when she came back to her senses did she realize that Lu Zhoushan’s hand was still resting on her shoulder.
He was still holding her protectively in his arms.
They were standing very close.
She instinctively looked up at him.
At the same moment, he lowered his gaze.
Their breaths mingled, only inches apart.
Jiang Xiaoci could hear her own heartbeat pounding loudly.
Before she knew it, her cheeks had turned bright red.
“Um… I… I’m alright now.”
Lu Zhoushan also felt a little awkward.
He immediately let go, his expression remaining composed.
Only the way his eyes quickly shifted away betrayed that he wasn’t nearly as calm as he appeared.
Searching for something to say, he spoke first.
“You must be hungry.”
“I’ll take you out for dinner.”