They each let go of the other’s hand and sat down. Elliot Gill said, "Before Frederick Palmer passed away, he got along well with you, and the collaboration between the two companies was going smoothly. Although I don’t know much about Mr. Green, anyone who can manage Clan Green so well must be extraordinary. I hope we’ll have a pleasant collaboration in the future."
"As long as Mr. Gill is sincere, it will surely be pleasant," Jacob Green replied warmly.
The two discussed the company collaboration matters for another half an hour. Elliot Gill seemed to casually bring up, "I saw in the news that Mr. Green is already married?"
"You’ve kept your wife well-guarded. There’s no information about her in the news."
"My wife doesn’t like to be in the spotlight; she’s used to being low-key and feels comfortable that way. We started as a secret couple, and now our friends and relatives know, but it’s not publicly announced." Nᴇw novel chapters are publɪshed on novel{f}ire.net
Elliot Gill nodded, "So that’s how it is. I must meet Mrs. Green. I’d love to see what kind of wonderful woman has tamed Mr. Green."
"When you visit Ningham, give me a call. You’re welcome to visit our home."
Elliot Gill’s brows lifted with delight, "I certainly will."
James Foster was used to wearing trendy clothes and rarely wore a suit. Today, he was going to meet his blind date, so the suit was a must.
He looked at himself in the mirror and winked at Lucy Eaton standing beside him, "How do I look? Have I made you tear up with my handsomeness?"
Lucy picked up a tie and helped him tie it, "Indeed, clothes do make the man."
"Nonsense, it’s called natural charisma!"
"I’m afraid if you keep looking in the mirror, you’ll fall in love with yourself. It’s eleven fifty, let’s go." Lucy grabbed his arm and led him outside.
The two went downstairs together, and when they reached the first floor, James happily announced, "Guys, I’m off to meet someone for a blind date."
Several hairstylists remarked teasingly.
"Don’t do it, brother, enjoy the single life; it’s a happy and beautiful life."
"If marriage is stepping into the grave, then a blind date is moving closer to the cemetery."
"Does the girl you’re meeting look pretty?"
James, full of glee, said, "Who knows? Haven’t seen a photo. My mom says she’s quite pretty."
"Bring her over this afternoon to show us."
"Only if it works out, then I will bring her," James waved his hand dismissively, "No more idle chat, I’m off."
Mary Pond, who was washing a customer’s hair, looked up at the doorway, catching a glimpse of James and Lucy. He’s going on a blind date?
Realizing this, Mary felt a stifling uneasiness in her chest.
Lucy drove James to the restaurant they had reserved.
They stepped out of the car almost simultaneously and headed to a private room on the second floor.
"Auntie, Uncle, we’re here."
"Lucy, James, let me introduce you. This is Watson."
Lucy and James both looked at the girl sitting next to James’ mother. She was dressed simply in a white t-shirt, cropped jeans, with long ponytail and light makeup. Her face had a childlike innocence, and when she smiled, two dimples appeared.
"Hi, I’m James Foster, and this is my childhood friend Lucy Eaton."
"Don’t just stand there, sit and let’s chat," smiled James’ mother.
Lucy poured tea and said, "Miss Watson, as you may know from my aunt and uncle, you have a general idea of James’s situation. Now that you’ve met him, would you like to share your first impression of him?"
This was something James asked her to inquire during their drive.
Watson shyly looked at James, "He’s very nice."
"Do you find his appearance appealing?"
"Yes," she responded softly.
Lucy gave James an encouraging look to speak.
"I also find you visually appealing. Since this is a blind date aimed toward marriage, let’s cut to the chase and discuss your expectations."
Watson’s mother spoke, "We agreed to meet you because we heard you’re a motivated and filial child. For marriage, we have just three conditions: First, the house should include my daughter’s name. Second, ten thousand for the dowry. Third, you must treat my daughter well."
James’ mother was a bit displeased, "The dowry of ten thousand is no issue. After all, it’s not easy raising a daughter. Treating her well is a given, but adding her name to the property isn’t feasible. The house is my son’s premarital asset. They don’t have much foundation for emotional ties yet, so asking for half ownership just like that doesn’t seem right."
"Isn’t it insincere not to include her name?"
"Is including it considered sincere? I think we’ve shown plenty of sincerity. You asked for a dowry of ten thousand, and we agreed immediately, didn’t we? Isn’t marrying your daughter about wishing her happiness?" James’ mother continued, "Our James has a good temperament, and no one knows better than his childhood friend Lucy what kind of person he is. Lucy, why don’t you tell them what James is like?"
"James and I’ve known each other for over twenty years. He’s a warm-hearted, loyal, and big-hearted guy. Watson, I can assure you that within the Ainsworth Village and several surrounding ones, you won’t find a better man than him. There’s a saying that goes, ’You won’t find a better opportunity later,’ good men are very sought after, and if you miss out, it’s not like they’ll wait around for you. Marriage is a significant matter, and you should decide for yourself because in the end, whether you suffer or enjoy, it’s your life. Though blind dates often focus on conditions, I believe a person’s character is more important than property. Watson, do you agree with me?"
Watson nodded, speaking calmly yet thoughtfully, "I agree. As for adding my name to the property, since I haven’t contributed financially, asking for half ownership isn’t right. My mom is concerned about ensuring I’m well-protected, and I hope you understand. Marriage aims for a lifetime, but no one can guarantee that along the way the other might leave first. In this era full of extramarital affairs, if such a thing were to happen, it would be unfair to one side. Therefore, I propose a prenuptial agreement: if we ever divorce due to your fault, you relinquish custody of any children, your premarital property remains yours, and the marital assets are split evenly. If due to my fault, I’ll relinquish custody, and your premarital property remains solely yours, while the marital assets are split. Should we luckily grow old together, the agreement will be voided. James, do you find this acceptable?"
The Fosters were momentarily stunned, and Lucy’s eyes reflected admiration; this girl had quite an individual perspective.
"What are you saying, child? Absolutely not!" Watson’s mother objected, "The house must include her name; otherwise, let’s just call off this blind date."
"Mom." Watson looked at her, "My marriage will be my decision; I’ll enjoy the blessings and bear the consequences. At the very least, I won’t regret it."