Chapter 16

Back in my room, I buried myself under the covers, thinking about everything that had happened today. I felt both excited and headache-ridden.

What should I do? It seems I’ve fallen for someone I shouldn’t like, and he’s so much younger than me.

After washing up, I lay in bed, unable to sleep for a long time. When I heard him return home with a slight noise, my heart, which had just calmed down, started racing again.

He walked quietly to my door and stopped.

I held my breath.

After a few seconds, the expected knock didn’t come. Instead, a message flashed on my phone.

“I really like the birthday gift. Don’t overthink it. See you in the morning.”

I stared at the screen. I recognized the words, but together, they made no sense to me.

So, what does he like, the gift or me? What should I do?

I pondered all night, unable to sleep in a daze. Fortunately, it was the weekend, and I didn’t have to work. When I woke up, it was already ten in the morning.

After a sleepless night, the thought of seeing him again soon made me feel a bit of anticipation.

I spent some time in my room, put on some makeup, chose a purple dress, carefully covered my dark circles, and then slowly stepped out of my room.

As I walked to the sofa and saw his back, my heart started to race again.

I walked around the sofa, and before my nervousness could subside, I was stunned to see the young girl’s face next to him.

“You must be the one tutoring him,” she said with a smile like a cute little cat, soft and sweet.

I didn’t speak, anxiously glancing at Liam Evans, who looked calm.

My heart sank halfway.

“Yes,” I replied, sitting down beside them.

“Ella, this is Sophia Martinez, Li’s fiancée, here to see him,” my dad said warmly as he brought over a fruit platter.

I knew it. It seemed my dad’s wish was about to come true.

“Oh.” I stuffed a piece of watermelon into my mouth, tasting nothing.

“Aren’t you going out with your classmates?” My dad gave me a look.

I was confused. When did I say I was meeting classmates?

Quickly, I caught on and stood up immediately, just in time to hear my dad say, “You young people should talk things over, don’t throw tantrums.”

That sentence was directed at them.

Sophia Martinez obediently replied, “Got it, Uncle.”

Then she picked up a piece of watermelon to feed Liam Evans.

Liam Evans didn’t open his mouth, turning his face to look at me, making me feel a bit awkward.

I felt out of place standing there.

“I’m heading out, you guys chat,” I said, turning to walk back to my room.

“There’s nothing to discuss between us.”

“You’re so annoying…”

“Can you just delete me?”

Standing in my room, I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on their conversation. Most of the time, it was Sophia Martinez crying, and I couldn’t make out the words.

Liam Evans didn’t say much, only interjecting occasionally, sounding very impatient.

I clutched my dress, eventually sighing, finding myself somewhat laughable.

No matter how much they argued, they were still getting engaged. What did I count for in all this?

I dejectedly walked to the mirror, looked at my face, and then thought of Sophia Martinez’s face, feeling drained of energy.

Youth is truly a blessing.

Liam Evans is only 20, and Sophia Martinez is probably about the same age, while I’m already 26. How can I compete?

Besides, he’s the son of my dad’s boss. What was I thinking?

As I was pondering this, my mom came over, suspiciously asking, “Jealous of the single life?” Her eyes gestured outside.

“I… what would I be jealous of?” I was speechless.

“Honestly, even I’m envious,” my mom said, reminiscing about her youthful days. “Young couples arguing is great; the more they argue, the stronger their bond.”

“Mom, I’m in a bad mood. I suggest you don’t provoke me,” I really didn’t want to hear it.

“Why are you in a bad mood?” My mom looked incredulous.

I didn’t bother explaining, just curled up in a chair playing on my phone.

“Well, I’d be upset too. I think that Sophia Martinez isn’t even as pretty as you. Why does she get to be with someone as handsome as Li while my daughter is still single?”

I couldn’t tell if my mom was friend or foe at that moment.

“I met a friend while playing mahjong yesterday. Her nephew is a doctor.”

I looked at my mom, wondering what she was getting at.

“Studying medicine takes a long time. He’s 28 and just graduated, hasn’t found a girlfriend yet. Want to give it a try?”

Of course! My mom never misses a chance to find me a boyfriend, and I couldn’t be bothered to respond.

Can a boyfriend introduced by a mahjong friend be reliable? I continued playing on my phone.

My mom leaned in again, sternly saying, “Your grandpa has issued an ultimatum. If you don’t bring a boyfriend home by National Day this year, he won’t let you in.”

Me: !

“How do they still care about romance at their age?”

“Show some initiative. Every time I go back home, I’m asked if you have a boyfriend. The pressure is immense,” my mom started playing the pity card again.

“Send me his WeChat,” I said, thinking of the two outside being all lovey-dovey, and spoke with a sigh.