An Shanhai always felt like he was the one who didn't belong.
Xu Musen, on the other hand, was very sociable. It was one thing to get along with both daughters, but he even managed to blend in seamlessly with the old lady and Xiao Xiang during their conversation.
Yet, looking at Nuannuan's current optimistic and open demeanor, he couldn't find the words to say.
Compared to the daughter who would stay in her room every day, barely uttering a word.
The Nuannuan of now seemed more like what a girl her age should be like.
But was it still too early for her to be dating?
He had specifically come for this matter this time.
However, he found it difficult to broach the subject.
After some thought, An Shanhai decided to take the initiative to probe.
An Shanhai spoke with a gentle tone, but the inherent authority of a superior still inadvertently manifested.
Xu Musen put down his chopsticks to listen.
"I heard that you've started a bubble tea shop and a kangaroo delivery project at school, and it's quite a success."
"You flatter me, Uncle An; it's just a small business, and there's a long way to success," Xu Musen said modestly.
"It's quite an achievement for someone your age, and I've also heard that you gave half of your first bubble tea shop's shares to Nuannuan?"
An Shanhai steered the conversation towards An Nuannuan.
Xu Musen glanced at An Nuannuan and smiled, saying, "I received a lot of support from your family in the early stages, so it's only right."
"Investment is one thing, but it's not easy starting a business. Isn't such a choice too big a sacrifice for you?" An Shanhai said suggestively.
"Not at all. Actually, Nuannuan works hard at the bubble tea shop every day; in fact, I am more of a hands-off manager."
Xu Musen spoke honestly.
"I'm the boss lady, I don't mind the hard work."
An Nuannuan suddenly spoke from the side, always proud of the title 'boss lady.'
An Shanhai was at a loss for words.
Silly girl, being called 'boss lady' is not something to be taken lightly.
A hands-off manager, a boss lady.
And both seemed more than happy with it.
It felt like his daughter was about to get married, not only refusing a dowry but also willing to contribute a bigger portion to her future in-laws.
An Shanhai, an old father, felt a bittersweet sensation.
"Young and promising..."
An Shanhai calmed his emotions, praising out loud, "To have such accomplishments at your age, there must be many girls who like you. Do you have a girlfriend now?"
Xu Musen could sense that Nuannuan's father seemed to be aiming for a direct approach.
"Is it that you don't want to date, or is it that you haven't met the right one?" An Shanhai chatted like a friendly neighbor inquiring about a child's significant matters.
But there was still an undercurrent of pressure.
An Nuannuan had stopped eating at this point, blinking her big eyes and nervously intertwining her feet beneath her stool.
Xu Musen didn't exhibit the shyness or embarrassment typical of boys his age, smiling as he said, "It would be a lie to say I don't want to, and I do have a type I like, but I worry I can't offer the conditions a girl might want right now. Besides, these matters depend on mutual satisfaction. I'll wait for the right fate."
When Xu Musen said this, the table fell quiet for a moment.
The old lady took a sip of her soup, not expecting the young man to be so direct with his thoughts.
An Shanhai felt even more so, that the young man had directed those words at Nuannuan.
He chuckled once more.
"Then what type of girl do you like? I have many colleagues and old classmates whose daughters are about your age. Should I introduce one to you?"
An Shanhai shifted his tone, half-jokingly making the suggestion.
Those words came from An Nuannuan, and as she blurted them out without thinking, her fair face instantly reddened.
"I mean... Xu Musen is very busy every day. A man shouldn't be distracted when starting a business, that's what you used to say, Dad..."
An Nuannuan tried to explain, but she only made things worse.
The old lady silently ate her meal, sighing inwardly, aware that possessiveness is a sign of budding affection.
It seemed that her granddaughter was beginning to show signs.
An Shanhai, as someone who had been through it all, could see it clearly in his daughter's expression.
And without any prompting, his daughter was the one getting worked up.
Still, he looked at Xu Musen, maintaining a calm smile, "What are your thoughts?"
Xu Musen's gaze fell on An Nuannuan, whose small hand holding the chopsticks was nervously clenched, her eyes meeting his as she looked up.
Xu Musen let out a gentle smile, "I guess I'll listen to the boss lady. Otherwise, if I get too distracted and she fires me, that would be unfortunate."
His playful remark enlivened the atmosphere around the table.
Aunt Xiang and the old lady were somewhat taken aback, yet amused.
An Nuannuan's cheeks were flushed, and Xu Musen's phrase "listen to the boss lady" made her feel like her ears were melting.
She picked up a rib, carefully removed the bone and placed it on Xu Musen's plate as if rewarding him for his flattery.
An Shanhai had not anticipated Xu Musen's response.
Are the young people of today really this shameless?
Alright, afraid that dating will distract from work, so you go straight for the boss lady to settle it all?