My Dad is My Mom Chapter 23: 023

Chapter 23

Cheng Jinlan had an appointnt and, as usual, arrived a little early - about 10 minutes in advance. When she got there, the other party was already present, which didn't make for a terrible first impression. She liked people who were punctual and hated when people were late.

The other party was an ABC, from an overseas family business, now into the third generation taking over dostic business expansion. It goes without saying that Fei Zuhui had already vetted him, so his looks were certainly up to par. He was quite the gentleman, not pretentious at all, and though he had grown up abroad since childhood, he didn't insert countless English words into his speech. His conversation starters were also relaxing - chatting about food and local customs.

Cheng Jinlan was upfront with him. "I have a 6 year old daughter."

He replied, "She must be very cute."

He should have known this in advance, so he wasn't surprised.

It was a pleasing response, not off-putting at all.

He seed great in every aspect, but even so, she just couldn't focus. She kept spacing out.

He noticed, but didn't seem bothered. When she spaced out, he would quietly sip his wine and eat, and Cheng Jinlan felt a little apologetic. She had decided to co to this al, so she should at least show him a modicum of respect.

"Sorry, I'm not feeling great today." Cheng Jinlan smiled ruefully.

But He Zhiqian said, "Ms. Cheng, no need to apologize. Eating is supposed to be relaxing. When I'm tired, I also like zoning out."

Cheng Jinlan's thoughts stirred - his response was just right to put her at ease.

She asked, "Why did Mr. He agree to this blind date?"

She knew many ABCs around her who didn't like using blind dates to et a partner. Moreover, with He Zhiqian's status, even if he wasn't proactive, there should still be no lack of admirers around him.

He Zhiqian answered, "Firstly, if I didn't co, I'd probably get bombarded with overseas calls from my mother every day for the next month, pushing

to get married before 30 - that was her new year's goal she set for herself."

Cheng Jinlan laughed at his frankness.

"Secondly," He Zhiqian raised the wine glass in front of him and gently swirled it, looking at the flickering light reflecting off the glass, his thoughts seeming to drift elsewhere as well, "I don't want to look back on my past."

Cheng Jinlan was taken aback. "Hm?"

"There are so doubts in my heart, but I don't want to be plagued by doubts, so I'm eager to take a step forward." He Zhiqian looked at Cheng Jinlan, his eyes seeming to peer into her soul. "I guess Ms. Cheng's reasons are the sa as mine."

He Zhiqian prided himself on being a good judge of character. This second miss of the Cheng family seed to be cut from the sa cloth as him - proud, guarded with her emotions, so she couldn't tolerate any deception or exploitation. Once trust was shattered, it was hard to convince herself to trust again.

Cheng Jinlan's smile faded and disappeared, until she was silent.

The rest of their conversation was superficial. Neither delved deeper into what had just been said.

It was Cheng Jinlan who ended the date early. As the lady, she paid the bill, making her intentions clear.

He Zhiqian apologized for his directness just now. "I hope I didn't offend Ms. Cheng." His mother was right - he had to learn to see but not say, especially in front of ladies.

Cheng Jinlan shook her head. "No offense taken. Mr. He just returned to the country, so I should be the host and treat you to this welcoming dinner."

He Zhiqian said with a smile that he would definitely have to return the favor next ti.

Cheng Jinlan replied, "Of course."

But they both knew that unless they t again for business, there likely wouldn't be another dinner.

Cheng Jinlan didn't feel offended at having been seen through. She just didn't want to be used as a stepping stone for others to gauge her inner heart, just as she didn't want to do that to others on her own search for answers.

Cheng Jinlan declined He Zhiqian's offer to have his driver drop her ho. She was afraid she'd be drinking tonight and had already asked her family's driver to wait for her.

After parting with He Zhiqian, Cheng Jinlan called Cheng Liqi, but no one picked up - her watch must be out of battery. Then Cheng Jinlan dialed Shao Chengze's number.

He picked up very quickly - it was Cheng Liqi's voice. "Mom! Are you done with your errand?"

"Yes, are you done shopping at the mall?"

"I finished shopping at the mall. Now daddy and I are doing sothing else."

Cheng Liqi and daddy were making pottery as a birthday present for mommy, but mommy couldn't know yet.

"How much longer until you're done?"

Cheng Liqi asked daddy, "Daddy, how much longer until we finish?"

Shao Chengze replied to Cheng Liqi and Cheng Jinlan, "About half an hour left."

Cheng Jinlan rubbed her temples. She'd had so wine and her head felt a little dizzy now. "Then mommy will head ho first. When you're done, have daddy bring you back. Don't be too late, you still have school tomorrow."

"Okay, mommy." Cheng Liqi held the phone and nodded. "I'll co straight ho after I finish this. Don't miss

too much, mommy, but I'll miss you!"

Cheng Jinlan's eyes crinkled into a smile. Her daughter's sweet words never failed to lt away so of the troubles in her heart. After hanging up with mommy, Cheng Liqi said to daddy, "Daddy, let's hurry and finish so we can go ho and see mommy."

Shao Chengze used his finger to wipe away a speck of clay on her nose. If only he could learn even a tenth of his daughter's sweet words, things between them wouldn't be like this. She also wouldn't ask him such piercing questions.

Cheng Liqi was very excited making the pottery. As soon as she got in the car, her eyelids grew heavy and she fell asleep on the way to the Cheng residence.

When Cheng Jinlan heard the doorbell, she ca out to get Cheng Liqi. Shao Chengze carefully undid the seatbelt and lifted his daughter into his arms. Cheng Liqi woke up halfway and saw it was daddy holding her and mommy next to them. Still dazed, she first called "Mommy