The Stepmother's Counterattack: Raising a Child in a Bygone Era-Chapter 775 - 774: Matchmaking Meeting

Looking at Chen Yi, who stood beside Pei Wenping with an "we’re quite familiar" attitude, the man hesitated, "This is..."

"I’m her ex-husband."

The man paused for an instant, then politely reached out to shake hands with Chen Yi, "Pleased to meet you; how may I address you?"

"Chen Yi."

While shaking hands, Chen Yi intentionally or unintentionally stepped forward half a step, his tall posture just managed to block Pei Wenping.

"May I ask where Mr. Chen works?"

"It’s nothing impressive; I work in the film and television industry, and in my free time I write scripts and articles to supplement the family income."

"I had no idea Mr. Chen was such a talented man."

"Too kind, too kind..."

The two men thus struck up a lively conversation, while Pei Wenping, blocked behind Chen Yi, seemed superfluous.

Though everyone at today’s cocktail party was there with the purpose of finding a partner, it did not prevent them from taking the opportunity to expand their social circles.

After rolling her eyes at the back of Chen Yi, Pei Wenping decisively turned and walked to the other side.

Although Pei Wenping was well into her thirties, her tall figure, appropriate dress, and brisk, efficient demeanor still attracted a lot of attention.

Compared to younger girls, Pei Wenping, with her dignified and capable presence that could hold its own in any setting, was obviously more popular.

However, Chen Yi, as if equipped with radar, followed wherever Pei Wenping went, tirelessly meddling with every man who tried to talk to her.

After several instances, Pei Wenping could not stand it anymore.

"Chen Yi, are you sick?"

Chen Yi defended himself righteously, "I don’t oppose your matchmaking, but the man you’re looking for will someday be Xiaochao and Xiaolu’s stepfather. As their biological father, shouldn’t I have a say in the matter?"

Pei Wenping was left speechless.

Chen Yi then smiled, "Actually, there’s an easier solution. Why don’t we give it another shot? We’ve known each other for so many years, and we know each other inside and out. It’s better than you randomly picking a man whose background is unknown, right?"

Over your dead body.

Pei Wenping barely held back from uttering a classic curse.

With Chen Yi tailing her like this, matchmaking was out of the question, so Pei Wenping simply went to the buffet area to eat.

The entrance ticket to today’s matchmaking event had cost her one hundred dollars, and she was determined to get her money’s worth.

Chen Yi also picked some food and sat opposite her.

While everyone else was tasting wine and chatting, only they two sat in the dining area, wolfing down their food as if they had come specifically to eat.

"This beef brisket is delicious; try a piece."

"I don’t want it, keep it away!"

As if not hearing her, Chen Yi unceremoniously forked a piece of lobster meat from her plate, "This lobster looks pretty fresh; I’ll give it a try."

Watching him savor it, Pei Wenping said irritably, "Don’t you have anything better to do all day?"

"Not at all, I’m quite busy. I have two projects starting soon, I need to help review scripts, and a magazine has contracted me for two articles..."

"Can you just shut up?"

Interrupted rudely, Chen Yi was not upset but smiled happily, "I thought you might want to catch up on my recent activities."

Pei Wenping glared at him and looked down to eat.

Not sure if it was out of annoyance, but she ended up eating the beef brisket that Chen Yi had recommended.

It was only after she had swallowed the meat that she realized what she had done, and her face went through several rapid changes, which were quite a spectacle.

Across from her, Chen Yi laughed like a cat that got the cream.

...

"Han Zibin, why are you walking so fast? I’ve been calling you for a long time."

Seeing Dai Mingfang blocking his path, Han Zibin showed a distantly polite face, "Miss Dai, I was just lost in thought; is there something you need?"

"Nothing much, just wanted to say hi. I’m having dinner with friends at Xiao Chongshan’s private dining room; come and join us."

"Sorry, Miss Dai, I’m quite busy with work."

"Isn’t your job to serve customers? I’m a customer too, come serve me. Don’t worry, I won’t let you do it for free; I’ll help you book a table..."

As he spoke, there were faint footsteps behind him.

Han Zibin turned around and hurried forward upon recognizing the newcomers, "Madam Ning, Miss Yan the second."

Yan Jing, dressed simply without any expensive jewelry, radiated an innate nobility that made people instinctively step aside.

Compared to her, Yan Su’s presence was much milder.

"We have arranged the Xi Jiang Yue private room for you. I will lead you there."

Glancing at Dai Mingfang, who stood nearby, Yan Su gave a slight smile, "No need, we can go there ourselves, you’re busy."

"Thank you, Miss Yan the second, you really are as kind as you are beautiful," Dai Mingfang sweetly flattered.

Yan Su smiled and followed Yan Jing towards the private room.

After watching the two women walk away, Han Zibin turned to Dai Mingfang, said "Please excuse me," and walked in the other direction.

"Then remember to come to Xiao Chongshan later, I’ll wait for you!"

She called out to his retreating figure before happily returning to her own private room.

...

Inside the Xi Jiang Yue private room.

Yan Jing: "How was the matchmaking event today? See anyone you liked?"

"So-so."

Seeing Yan Su’s lack of enthusiasm, Yan Jing advised, "Finding another Zhou Musheng is definitely impossible."

"I didn’t think..."

Knock, knock.

The knocking stopped their conversation.

"Come in."

Han Zibin entered with a tray of tea, first placing a cup in front of Yan Jing with a "Madam Ning, please enjoy your tea," then setting the second cup in front of Yan Su.

The gold-trimmed bone china cup contained a reddish-brown tea, seemingly identical to the one in Yan Jing’s hands. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓

But upon picking it up, the aroma was unmistakably different.

"What is this?"

"It’s red date ginger tea, Miss the second."

Yan Su paused slightly, "That’s very thoughtful."

With no further words, Han Zibin carefully explained today’s menu arrangement and sequence, then left.

After a glance at the gently closed door, Yan Jing teased her sister, "What’s going on?"

"What do you mean, ’what’s going on?’"

Seeing Yan Su feigning ignorance, Yan Jing gave a soft chuckle and gestured at the tea cup in her hand, "Why did he only give you red sugar ginger tea."

It wasn’t a question, it was an assertion.

Both sisters knew the benefits of red sugar ginger tea for women.

Yan Su explained, "I came here in the summer, accidentally stained my dress, and he remembered. After all, it’s his job."

Making guests feel at home has always been Shenji’s service philosophy.

Yan Jing smiled, "Xiao Su, are you doubting my judgment?"

Han Zibin’s intentions were clear; she would have to be blind not to see them.

"How long?"

Yan Su’s cheeks tinged with a light blush, "Big sister, don’t start guessing; how could there be anything between us."

Han Zibin was a full ten years younger than her.

When she married Zhou Musheng, Han Zibin was still playing with mud.

Yan Jing sipped her tea, "He is a bit young, but as long as you like him, that’s what matters. Besides, a younger brother has his benefits."

Yan Su: "..."