CH 26

Since he was young, Ji Yao had known that as long as he compromised, he could attain temporary peace.

He understood that this was similar to quenching his thirst with poison, but he had no choice. He lacked the ability to confront conflicts directly and the courage to change the situation.

Because he had grown up in this “swamp” from an early age, this environment not only brought him pain but also provided him with the nourishment of life.

—This was the place he relied on for survival.

Around the dining table, both sets of parents exchanged toasts, the atmosphere was lively, and they recounted amusing stories from their youth until the present, as if there were countless topics.

Ji’s mother wore an elegant light blue shawl. When she spoke with enthusiasm and couldn’t contain her laughter, she instinctively leaned against Ji’s father beside her, using a corner of the shawl to cover her mouth.

Ji’s father teased her a couple of times with a smile, and Ji’s mother playfully patted his shoulder.

They appeared so affectionate that one could hardly believe they had been in a heated argument just two hours ago over a tissue.

Ji Yao silently filled his drink and sat quietly on the side like a decorative vase, showing no interest in engaging in the conversation.

His father seemed a bit dissatisfied with his silence and called him to pick up food and offer a toast several times. Ji Yao complied each time. Meanwhile, the so-called “Uncle Li” intervened to ease the tension and complimented him with words like “talented youth” and “outstanding individual.”

“Look how well Uncle Li treats you,” Ji’s father clicked his tongue and scanned him with his eyes, saying, “Well, If you two are done eating, go for a stroll outside. This street is quite lively. We’ll call you when we’re done.”

Ji Yao wasn’t surprised. For the adults at the table, this statement was the “main topic” of the meal.

In front of others, Ji Yao obediently played the role of a good son. He politely stood up and nodded to the young lady across from him, then took the lead and walked out.

He gently closed the door, and he could still hear indistinct conversation behind him.

“Ah, young people always have topics to talk about,” Ji’s father’s voice sounded, “Didn’t we agree they could go out separately?”

“That’s right,” Uncle Li followed with a laugh, “We old folks can’t keep up with young people’s conversations.”

As they spoke, Uncle Li’s daughter also walked out of the private room, casually closing the door behind her, isolating the laughter inside within that small space.

Ji Yao had no interest in blind dates and had no desire to get to know this stranger. For him, this meal was simply a task to fulfill for his parents.

He and the young lady walked through the lobby one after the other, finally reaching the street outside. Ji Yao looked left and right, considering following his father’s suggestion to take a leisurely walk. However, he heard the girl behind him calling out to him.

“Hey, you’re Ji Yao, right?” the girl said, “I’m Li Tingting.”

Li Tingting wasn’t a friend in Ji Yao’s circle, so he couldn’t act cold towards her. He politely stopped and turned his head to nod at her.

Li Tingting was lively and quite friendly. After looking around for a moment, she hopped over to a nearby ice cream shop, ordered two servings of ice cream, and handed a bowl to Ji Yao.

Ji Yao took a step back and politely declined.

“I’m sorry,” Ji Yao said gently, “My parents have their intentions but unfortunately I don’t have that thought at the moment.”

“I know,” Li Tingting said nonchalantly, “Coincidentally, I don’t either—honestly, I have a boyfriend.”

Ji Yao was taken aback, clearly not expecting her to have a boyfriend and still come out for a blind date.

Li Tingting then extended the ice cream bowl towards Ji Yao again. He hesitated for a moment but this time accepted it.

“Strolling around is tiring, let’s just talk.” Li Tingting looked left and right. She sat down on the sidewalk under a row of trees and patted the empty spot next to her.

Ji Yao pursed his lips, walked over, and sat down beside her.

“You said you have a boyfriend?” Ji Yao asked.

“Yes,” Li Tingting admitted candidly, “But my parents don’t agree and are trying to make us break up.”

Ji Yao: “…”

“And you?” Li Tingting asked, “Why don’t you want to go on blind dates?”

“No specific reason. I just don’t want to maintain long-term intimate relationships with anyone,” Ji Yao said, “I don’t trust such relationships.”

“Hmm?” Li Tingting tilted her head, saying, “Have you been hurt before?”

“No, I just think it’s unnecessary,” Ji Yao said softly, “Even people with blood relations can’t understand each other, let alone strangers. Two unrelated individuals bound by a fragile ‘label,’ clinging to emotions that may disappear at any moment, facing the trivialities of the next few decades. Just thinking about it feels like a disaster.”

“That makes sense too,” Li Tingting agreed with a nod, “Anyway, no matter what, you don’t have to worry. Let’s sit here for a while, and then I’ll leave first. I’ll tell my dad that I didn’t find you suitable because I think being a doctor will keep you too busy in the future. This way, you won’t have to explain much.”

Li Tingting seemed experienced in dealing with blind dates; she appeared more knowledgeable than Ji Yao. Ji Yao felt it was alright, so he nodded and agreed.

“Sure,” Ji Yao said, “Thank you.”

“No problem, you’re welcome,” Li Tingting waved her hand, grinning as she handed the empty bowl forward, saying, “So it’s a deal!”

Ji Yao nodded and clinked his bowl against hers.

As they were conversing, a sudden, piercing screech of brakes resounded from not far away on the road. Both of them turned their heads to see a black commercial vehicle with out-of-town license plates abruptly light up its red warning lights.

This was a main road, not far from the highway to the airport. The traffic was heavy, and the vehicle in question decelerated suddenly, causing the car behind to almost collide with it.

The driver of the car behind was furious, rolling down the window to unleash a barrage of curses. However, the car in front remained still. It soon started again and merged back into the traffic.

“What’s wrong with that driver?” Li Tingting grumbled, “So scary.”

“Probably drunk driving; this street has quite a few restaurants,” Ji Yao didn’t pay much attention, “There are police checkpoints on the two streets ahead. They’ll probably be caught.”

“Ah, not important,” Li Tingting handed Ji Yao the empty ice cream bowl, chuckling mischievously, “Could you throw this away for me? I’m leaving to watch a late movie with my boyfriend.”

Li Tingting was spirited and lively, and she was off in a flash before she even finished her sentence, running to the side of the road to hail a cab.

However, halfway there, it seemed she remembered something and turned back to Ji Yao, wagging her finger.

“By the way, friendly advice,” Li Tingting said, “Not all blind date candidates are as easy to talk to as I am. If you’re not interested, either convince your parents or find a solution once and for all.”

Ji Yao’s mind stirred, but before he could ask, Li Tingting had already caught a cab and left.

So, Ji Yao sat back on the curb, holding the cold ice cream bowl, lost in thought. He took out his phone from his pocket and pressed the power button.

As soon as the phone turned on, several messages appeared on the screen—two missed calls and a few unread WeChat messages, all from Jiang Heng.

Ji Yao checked the time and noticed that one of the missed calls was a response to his previous call, and the other had come an hour ago.

His mind was in turmoil now, with his parents and Jiang Heng all tangled up, making him uncomfortable and irritable no matter where he turned or what he thought about.

He didn’t know what the future held, but he felt as though he were standing at a crucial crossroads, facing a decision that required utmost caution.

Ji Yao was lost in thought when his phone suddenly vibrated again. He looked down and realized it was another call from Jiang Heng.

His heart trembled, and he felt a sudden pang of guilt.

Because Ji Yao had a premonition—his promise of “coming home early” probably wouldn’t be fulfilled. This time, his parents seemed unyielding and well-prepared. They had likely decided to resolve the “bomb” before his graduation, and were even prepared for a battle.

A surge of panic rose within Ji Yao, as if everything in the world had spun out of control overnight, and he was utterly helpless.

He didn’t know how to face Jiang Heng, so he decided to avoid it altogether. With gritted teeth, he stared at the phone screen for a while, then finally pressed the “end call” button.