Although the yard is in disrepair, Xu Yuzhen kept it clean and tidy, with three rooms in the main house. One room serves as the living room, Xu Yuzhen stays in one, and the empty room is just right for Qiao Shanmei.
Li Yutong didn’t stay long there. Once Qiao Shanmei settled in, she said, "You stay here first. I’ll come back to find you when I’ve thought things through."
Qiao Shanmei didn’t speak, just nodded. Having a place to stay was already quite good; she dared not hope for much more now.
*
Over at the Railway Bureau, shortly after Han Jingchen started his shift, Sister Wang from the logistics department came looking for him.
Han Jingchen looked at the visitor: "Who are you?"
Sister Wang has no special hobbies except for matchmaking; she’s brought quite a few people together in the bureau.
Since Han Jingchen took office, his family situation inevitably sparked discussion; soon enough, people started paying attention to this eligible bachelor. Sun Wenna from the accounting department approached Sister Wang.
Given that the two families have some distant family connections, Sister Wang was naturally reluctant to flatly refuse. Besides, if this match were successful, there would be many benefits, hence her early visit.
Sister Wang smiled and spoke, "Director Han, I’m Wang Zhihua from the logistics department. Alongside my work, I love matchmaking for singles.
I won’t beat around the bush with you; I’ve heard you’ve always been single. So, someone has asked me to see if her niece might have the fortune to spend life with you..."
Before Sister Wang could finish, Han Jingchen gestured for her to stop: "Mr. Wang, right? I think you might be mistaken. I am not single; my wife is just temporarily not living with me.
I didn’t expect everyone to be so interested in my family affairs. In any case, I’d appreciate it if Mr. Wang could help pass the message to everyone. Thank you all for the kindness, but though my wife isn’t currently by my side, I’ve never thought of replacing her."
This put Sister Wang in an awkward spot: "Director Han, it’s my fault for not getting the situation clear. I sincerely apologize."
Han Jingchen waved his hand: "That’s not necessary, but I do appreciate your consideration."
Sister Wang saw that Director Han wasn’t upset with her, and he was so courteous, she quickly agreed with a smile and left the office.
Not long after, Yue Yiming walked in: "If I’m not mistaken, it was Wang Zhihua from logistics who just left from here?"
Han Jingchen looked up at Yue Yiming: "Why do you have an expression like you’re asking for a beating?"
Yue Yiming placed a file on Han Jingchen’s desk: "That Wang Zhihua is a well-known matchmaker in our bureau. Seeing her leave from you, I naturally thought in that direction. You probably don’t know your charm among the unmarried women; you’re quite a catch."
Han Jingchen squinted at Yue Yiming: "Why do I feel like you’re taking pleasure in my misfortune?"
Yue Yiming couldn’t admit it, though in his heart he thought, what feels like, he was indeed taking pleasure in Han’s situation: "By the way, is there any of that tea left from last time?"
Han Jingchen snorted coldly: "Stop aiming for my tea leaves; over the past month you’ve used various excuses. What’s your reason today?"
Yue Yiming laughed heartily: "It’s only because you’re so stingy that it forces me to rack my brains for reasons."
Once he had laughed enough, he said, "Minister Xiao is coming over, you know she doesn’t like alcohol or cigarettes, but she loves tea. When I bring her to your office later, with this pot of tea, perhaps she’ll be happy, and our previous plans can be put on the agenda."
Han Jingchen didn’t continue to tease him this time: "Alright, bring her over later then."
Seeing Han Jingchen agree, Yue Yiming put aside his grin and spoke earnestly, "Take a look at this file first, and we can discuss it later based on your thoughts."
Han Jingchen saw the red-branded writing on it and nodded lightly, "Alright, you go ahead and take care of things. I’ll read it now."
The news of Wang Zhihua from logistics visiting Han Jingchen’s office quickly spread.
But Wang Zhihua indeed delivered; it didn’t take long for Han Jingchen’s words to spread.
The woman who asked Sister Wang for help was somewhat incredulous: "Did Director Han really say that?"
Seeing the woman’s disbelief, Wang Zhihua’s face immediately darkened: "What do you mean? Don’t believe what I said?"
The woman noticed Wang Zhihua was upset and quickly waved her hand, "No, no, I just feel a bit disappointed; how could I not believe Sister Wang?"
Wang Zhihua’s expression eased upon hearing this, "Alright then, since Director Han has said so, go back and tell your niece not to think about him anymore."
Thinking of something, she added a piece of advice, "Do persuade your niece well, don’t let her harbor any ulterior motives, or it might end up dragging you into trouble."
It’s not that Wang Zhihua was overthinking; everyone has seen what her niece’s temperament is like. Director Han is of military descent, full of integrity; he most likely detests being calculated against.