Chapter 35: Forced Blind Date

Two days had passed since his last meal with Fang Xiaoyue.

As expected, Fang Xiaoyue had not contacted him again.

Over at the auto detailing shop, business had finally gotten on track, and it had become the dominant player in Qingpu Town.

The other two private car wash shops had undoubtedly been shut down following Chen Feng's report last time. Even if they hadn't been closed, the three of them wouldn't have been able to compete with the formal franchise model run by Chen Feng and his brother.

At this point, Chen Feng planned to return to Xiuzhou.

Staying in his hometown was becoming quite boring. His father had already gone over to help at the shop, so there was no need for him to intervene, and he had no desire to. Back home, his mother ran a small convenience store with ease, and helping his sister-in-law look after his two little nieces wasn't too exhausting either.

With everything at home settled, Chen Feng intended to return to Xiuzhou to properly enjoy what remained of his limited life.

At noon that day, just as Chen Feng proposed returning to Xiuzhou, his mother voiced her opposition.

"You're not young anymore. Instead of going back to a big city to work, it would be better to stay here and run this car wash with your brother, or find something else to do so you can look out for each other. Besides, you should find someone soon and get married."

His father, Chen Dayong, who was usually a man of few words, chimed in in agreement: "That's right. Working in a big city is just the same old thing. Besides, there's no future for you at that company anyway, so why go back? You're better off doing some small business here, finding an honest, steady wife, and settling down to build a life."

Chen Rui also expressed his stance: "Xiao Feng, since you aren't happy with your work in Xiuzhou, don't go back. Finding something to do here at home will definitely be more comfortable than being away."

Only his sister-in-law remained silent, though her input wasn't required.

Not wanting to argue with his family, Chen Feng could only make an excuse: "I still have some matters to handle over there."

"What matters? Don't try to fool me," his mother scolded, seeing right through him. "It's almost the end of the year. You'll be thirty after the New Year; don't think you're still young. I've already asked a matchmaker to find someone for you. There's one tonight—go and have a look."

Chen Feng couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Chen Rui asked inquisitively, "Mom, how is she? Don't listen to those matchmakers' nonsense and pick someone unreliable."

Zhao Xiaolan glared at him. "Do you think your mother doesn't know what she's doing? She's my cousin's daughter—introduced by your aunt. She's very reliable, a primary school teacher, 26 years old, and still a virgin. She lives not far from your aunt, so we know her background thoroughly. I'm just worried she won't take a liking to your brother."

Hearing this, Chen Rui said happily, "That sounds great! Xiao Feng, you have to seize this opportunity. Actually, your current situation isn't bad. Even though you've been married before, you don't have children, so it doesn't matter at all. She's only three years older than you; it's perfect."

If it weren't for his terminal illness, Chen Feng might have actually agreed.

But since she was someone known to his aunt, he couldn't act recklessly. Otherwise, it would make things very difficult for his mother in the future.

Unable to refuse outright, Chen Feng could only suggest tactfully, "Mom, how about we add each other on WeChat first? We can get to know each other, and if we're a good match, then we can meet. That way, we don't waste everyone's time."

"She lives in the next town over. It's only a ten-minute drive for you. What time are you wasting? Besides, an appointment has already been made. You must go tonight. I'll go with you."

Zhao Xiaolan's tone was resolute and her attitude firm, leaving no room for refusal.

The head of the household had always been his mother, Zhao Xiaolan, and since the entire family was on her side, Chen Feng truly couldn't resist. He could only manage a helpless, bitter smile.

Chen Rui patted him on the shoulder and teased, "Alright, little brother, just enjoy the attention."

Hearing this, his sister-in-law said crossly to Chen Rui, "It sounds like you're very envious of your brother."

Chen Rui quickly flattered her, "How could that be? I'm just happy for him. If my sister-in-law turns out to be a primary school teacher, won't our two precious little ones benefit from it?"

His sister-in-law immediately agreed, "That's true. Xiao Feng, for the sake of your two nieces' future education, you really should go and take a look this time and try your best to win her over."

Great! The whole family was piling on the pressure.

Ultimately, Chen Feng went to the blind date in the neighboring town with his mother. Before they left, his mother had even forced him to get a haircut, wash his face, apply aftershave, and change into a decent set of clothes.

They arrived at the aunt's house first. Since the two families had occasional social dealings, Chen Feng knew her. After sitting for a few minutes, the aunt called the girl to confirm, and once she received confirmation, she led the mother and son over.

The distance was indeed very short, only about a hundred meters, and they arrived quickly.

As for the female teacher he was meeting, how should one put it? She was a bit thin and had an average appearance—not beautiful, but not ugly either.

Even if Chen Feng weren't a person driven by looks, seeing her ordinary appearance left him with little excitement; his heart was as still as water.

But since they were already at her house and out of respect for his aunt, he had to go through the motions.

After the families exchanged pleasantries and general conversation, Chen Feng and the girl went upstairs to her room to talk privately.

Chen Feng was very candid with her, telling her that he had just divorced and that his job in Xiuzhou paid about three thousand yuan a month.

Under normal circumstances, a female teacher with an average appearance would have immediately disqualified him.

However, the teacher knew that he had recently invested hundreds of thousands into opening a car wash; this was clearly something Chen Feng's mother had revealed. The persona of a man with no money and no career would not work.

As for Chen Feng's looks, there was no issue there either. Even though he had gained a bit of weight, he was still handsome. Otherwise, Shen Lin wouldn't have fallen for him in the first place.

Thus, to Chen Feng's bewilderment, after a bit of perfunctory conversation, the female teacher seemed to become increasingly interested in him.

In the end, if Chen Feng hadn't taken the initiative to take his leave, she would have continued talking to him.

After saying goodbye to the aunt and returning to the car, Zhao Xiaolan immediately asked her son for his thoughts.

Chen Feng shook his head directly. "She's not my type."

"Why not? Her conditions are so good. Even if she isn't stunningly beautiful, she isn't ugly either. Her parents seem very easy to talk to."

"If I don't like her, I don't like her. This is a lifetime commitment; should I force myself?"

At his words, Zhao Xiaolan could only sigh with regret.

However, the girl clearly had an interest in Chen Feng. The next day, the aunt called to express this, even asking why the female teacher's WeChat messages to Chen Feng had gone unanswered.

Zhao Xiaolan could only awkwardly explain her son's stance. As the matchmaker, the aunt felt she had lost face because Chen Feng hadn't taken a liking to the girl.

Initially, it was Zhao Xiaolan who had begged her to help with the introduction, and the girl had only agreed out of respect for her. Now, the teacher wasn't even looking down on the fact that her son was divorced; instead, her son was looking down on her.

What kind of situation was this?

Zhao Xiaolan could only apologize repeatedly, but as a result, she couldn't expect this cousin to act as a matchmaker for her son ever again.

As for Chen Feng, he finally managed to temporarily escape the predicament of being forced into blind dates, and his request to return to Xiuzhou was finally approved by his mother.