Chapter 15: Blind Date

On her day off, Lin Dongxue received a call from Chen Shi. He said, “Miss Lin, are you off today?”

“Yes, why?” she replied.

“Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten. You promised to treat me to a meal. I just finished a few rides, and my stomach is growling!”

Lin Dongxue remembered she had mentioned it casually before and didn’t expect Chen Shi to take it seriously. She said, “Alright, I’ll treat you. Can you come pick me up?”

“Address!”

Lin Dongxue told him to meet her at Huayun Mall. When Chen Shi arrived, he looked around but didn’t see her. Suddenly, a beautiful woman in a green dress and dark green jacket opened the car door. Chen Shi’s eyes lit up, “Is that you? I almost didn’t recognize you!”

Lin Dongxue usually dressed in a more androgynous, casual style, but today she was wearing new clothes. She said, “Are you complimenting me?”

“What do you think? The clothes are great, and you look even better. No one would believe you’re a cop.” Chen Shi laughed.

Lin Dongxue retorted, “So, are you saying cops can’t look good?”

“No cops I’ve seen are this cute, at least not the ones I’ve met.”

“You slick-tongued guy! How many cops have you met?”

Lin Dongxue thought he would choose an expensive restaurant, but he picked a simple place. They ordered a few dishes, and Lin Dongxue took out a thick envelope from her bag, saying, “This is the bonus from last time.”

Chen Shi counted the money, totaling two thousand yuan. He asked, “Half for each of us?”

“No, it’s all yours. I think you basically solved the case by yourself, so the bonus should be yours.”

“Then I’ll gladly accept. Thanks!”

Lin Dongxue was surprised, “You’re not even a bit modest!”

“I’ll take the money, and I’ll treat you to this meal. How’s that?”

“No, no, I said I’d treat you.”

When the food arrived, Chen Shi devoured it with gusto. Watching him eat made Lin Dongxue hungry, and she ended up eating half a bowl more than usual, regretting that she might gain weight.

While eating, Chen Shi chatted about the odd passengers he had met while driving. To Lin Dongxue, he seemed just like an ordinary driver.

Lin Dongxue interrupted, “I’m curious, how can you solve cases? Did you receive special training?”

Chen Shi poured sauce over his rice and said, “Didn’t we agree not to ask about that?”

“I’m curious! Besides, I’m a cop. If you don’t tell me, I can still find out.”

“Then go ahead. A person’s past can’t be summed up in black and white, especially someone with a rich life experience like me.”

“Pretentious.”

After lunch, Chen Shi suggested, “Since we’re off today and I’ve just made two thousand yuan, how about I treat you to a movie?”

“In your dreams!” Lin Dongxue made a face. “Eating is one thing. We’re not that familiar. Who are you, old man?”

“Fine, fine. You’ll see me again anyway.”

“Don’t count on it. I won’t be looking for you.”

They walked to the bustling downtown area, and Chen Shi stopped in front of a cinema. “Mission: Impossible 6 is out. Wanna watch it?”

“Why would I want to watch an action movie?” Lin Dongxue looked disdainful.

“Tom Cruise is so handsome. Lots of girls love him.”

“Pfft, not me!”

Chen Shi went ahead and bought two tickets, then came back and said, “It starts in twenty minutes. Wanna watch it?”

Lin Dongxue hesitated. She hadn’t been to the movies in years due to work.

Chen Shi said, “How about this: if you don’t like it, I’ll treat you to dinner tonight as compensation.”

“You’re really shameless!” Lin Dongxue said.

“Come on, I really want to watch it.”

Lin Dongxue reluctantly agreed. As they were about to enter the cinema, Lin Dongxue’s phone rang. It was Lin Qiupu, asking, “Where are you?”

“What’s up?”

“Did you forget you have a blind date today? The guy has been waiting at the restaurant for an hour!”

“Oh, I forgot! Which restaurant? I’ll head over now.”

After hanging up, Lin Dongxue looked troubled. Chen Shi asked, “Blind date? No wonder you’re dressed so nicely today. I was wondering.”

“Nonsense! If I knew it was for a blind date, I wouldn’t have worn this.”

“So, you dressed up for me?”

Blushing, Lin Dongxue stomped on Chen Shi’s foot. He yelped, “You flip moods like a book! No warning at all.”

“You talk nonsense! Girls like to dress up. It’s not for anyone. Straight male disease!”

“I was wrong, okay? Let me give you a ride.”

“No need. You bought the tickets. Go watch the movie yourself.” Lin Dongxue turned to leave.

A few steps away, Chen Shi caught up, saying, “Let me drive you.”

“What about your tickets?”

“Gave them away.”

“Gave them away?” Lin Dongxue was surprised.

“Your matter is more important.” Chen Shi smiled.

Lin Dongxue felt touched, even though she knew it was just a trick men used. But she liked it.

Chen Shi drove Lin Dongxue to a restaurant. As he parked, he said, “A blind date isn’t a big deal. Just chat casually.”

“Which eye of yours sees me as nervous?”

“Right, you’re not nervous. The person looking in the mirror, fixing their hair, and not speaking the whole way wasn’t you.”

“I wasn’t speaking because… I didn’t want to talk to you!” Lin Dongxue glared at him and got out of the car.

Entering the restaurant, she scanned the diners and felt nervous. A man in a suit, tie, and gold-rimmed glasses waved, “Are you Miss Lin?”

“Uh… and you are…” Lin Dongxue suddenly forgot his name.

“My last name is Li!” The man smiled, wrinkles gathering at the corners of his eyes. He looked decent but had an oily face and hair, making Lin Dongxue uncomfortable.

“Miss Lin, you look beautiful today, even prettier than your photo!” He looked her up and down, making her feel even more uneasy.

After sitting down, the man started introducing himself and asked her several questions: family size, local residency, educational background. Lin Dongxue answered, feeling extremely bored.

Blind dates are as dull as the stories say.

She didn’t touch the food, listening to the man ramble about his overseas study experience. Her thoughts and gaze drifted.

Suddenly, she saw someone outside the window. Looking again, it was Chen Shi, waving and smiling at her.