Chapter 16: The Sensitive Uncle
After talking at length about himself, the man asked, “Miss Lin, why did you choose to become a detective?”
Lin Dongxue forced a smile and replied, “No particular reason, just liked it.”
“Oh, I see. I think you made a good choice. Being a police officer is a stable job with good benefits. For a woman like you, being a police officer for a few years can elevate your status and give you more options when it comes to marriage.”
Hearing this, Lin Dongxue couldn’t stay calm. She said, “What do you mean? Are you saying I became a police officer to increase my value for marriage?”
The man smiled, “Just making conversation. Being a police officer is a profession like any other, isn’t it?”
“I didn’t say being a police officer is superior, but your comments make me uncomfortable.”
“Why?”
“We’re clearly not on the same page. Sorry, I don’t think we’re suitable for each other. Goodbye.”
With that, Lin Dongxue stood up and walked out. The man chased after her, calling, “Hey, wait!” As she reached the restaurant door, he grabbed her wrist with a loud “snap.”
Lin Dongxue turned back angrily, “What are you doing?”
The man smiled, “Don’t rush off. We haven’t eaten yet. I spent a few hundred yuan on this reservation. I think we should get to know each other better.”
“I’m not interested in you. Let go!”
Lin Dongxue’s shout drew the attention of other diners. The man smiled at them and said, “It’s okay, just a little argument with my girlfriend.”
“I’m not your girlfriend!” Lin Dongxue snapped, breaking free from his grip.
She took a few steps before he grabbed her shoulder from behind. “Miss Lin, I really felt a spark with you. Could you give me a chance?”
Lin Dongxue was furious, regretting that she agreed to the blind date. Just then, Chen Shi walked in and stopped in front of them. He said, “Sir, you’re being a bit much. She’s not interested in you. Why insist?”
“Who are you?” The man asked, glaring.
“My friend!” Lin Dongxue quickly took Chen Shi’s hand.
Seeing them so close, the man awkwardly let go, his smile vanishing. Angrily, he said, “Miss Lin, are you playing with me? You have a boyfriend and still come on blind dates? I spent money and time for this. Your behavior is questionable!”
Chen Shi retorted, “I’m not her boyfriend, just a friend.”
“Really?” The man was skeptical.
“What’s your surname?” Chen Shi asked.
“Li.”
“Mr. Li, do you misunderstand blind dates? Do you think you can get physical? Let me educate you: unwanted physical contact can be considered sexual harassment under the law, punishable by detention and fines. Understand?”
Faced with Chen Shi’s stern tone, the man softened, “I… I was just impatient…”
“The law doesn’t care about your feelings. When a woman says no, it means no. Persistent men are the worst. Understand? The whole world isn’t your mother!”
The man’s eyes widened, “You!”
Chen Shi glanced at Lin Dongxue and said, “Let’s go. I’ll take you home.”
Leaving the restaurant, Lin Dongxue breathed a sigh of relief. “How long was I in there?”
“Less than half an hour,” Chen Shi checked his watch.
“God, it felt like hours. Even meetings aren’t this torturous. I’m never going on another blind date!”
“You shouldn’t give up entirely. Love is about trial and error to find the right one.”
“Don’t pretend to be a love guru!” Lin Dongxue scoffed. “By the way, why did you say ‘the world isn’t your mother’? Were you insulting him?”
“He’s a mama’s boy. Didn’t you notice?”
“What!?”
Chen Shi confidently analyzed, “His clothes are clean, he carries a handkerchief, his hair is freshly cut but his beard isn’t trimmed for two days, his teeth aren’t very clean, and his wrist is dirty. Plus, he’s a bit chubby, indicating someone who isn’t meticulous about grooming but has someone washing his clothes. His gestures showed he’s not used to rejection. He likely lives with a female relative. So, he’s a mama’s boy!”
Lin Dongxue was stunned. Just then, her aunt called, “Xuexue, you didn’t like Mr. Li?”
She thought, how quickly he complained! What a weirdo. She responded, “Auntie, thanks for arranging it, but I don’t think we’re compatible.”
“Mr. Li is quite good, with high education and a good job. If it’s not suitable, then forget it. It’s mutual anyway.”
“Auntie, please don’t arrange any more blind dates. I’m still young!”
“You’re 24 and haven’t had a boyfriend. How can I not worry? When I was your age…”
Lin Dongxue interrupted, “Auntie, did Mr. Li live with his mother?”
“He told you? Yes, he’s from a single-parent family and very filial.”
Lin Dongxue looked at Chen Shi in amazement. He nailed it.
After a few more words, Lin Dongxue hung up. Chen Shi asked, “Well?”
“Okay, you got it right!”
“Guessing? It’s called observation. As a detective, you should have this skill.”
“Fine, you win,” Lin Dongxue conceded, cutting him off.
“Wait a sec!”
Chen Shi ran to a nearby store and bought two bottles of water, handing one to Lin Dongxue, “You must be thirsty.”
Lin Dongxue was surprised. Despite looking rough, this guy was thoughtful.
Chen Shi said, “Relatives always focus on job and education, overlooking the basics of love. What kind of man do you like? I’ll keep an eye out.”
“No need!” Lin Dongxue replied stiffly, “I don’t want to marry a taxi driver.” Realizing the potential misunderstanding, she quickly added, “I mean, your friends are mostly drivers, right?”
“The more you explain, the worse it sounds.” Chen Shi grinned.
“You jerk!” Lin Dongxue punched him playfully.