Chapter 1665: Xie Duo Extra (2)

After entering the aquarium, the two chatted intermittently. Xie Duo originally thought that given their age difference and his long working experience compared to a recently graduated young woman, they wouldn’t have much in common to talk about. Surprisingly, they found the conversation engaging.

"It seems like there’s an orca performance at 2:30." The young woman tilted her head to look at him.

Xie Duo, being astute, realized that since she mentioned it, she naturally wanted to watch, "Alright, let’s go have a look."

When they arrived at the orca performance area, most of the seats were already taken, leaving only some empty spots at the front, so they had to move forward.

"Have you never been here before?" Xie Duo saw that she seemed quite expectant.

"No, I haven’t."

"Isn’t your home nearby?"

"Perhaps it’s because it’s too close, I haven’t particularly felt the urge to come and play usually."

Xie Duo nodded. They found a spot to sit down, and while waiting for the performance, they didn’t have much to say. Especially with the lively surroundings, it felt somewhat awkward.

Then Xie Duo encountered the most awkward situation in his life, meeting Jiang Jinsang’s family of three and Jiang Sese.

Jiang Xiaowai even specifically brought him an umbrella.

Seeing Jiang Jinsang’s teasing expression, Xie Duo almost fainted at that moment!

Is it possible that he owes the Jiang Family from his previous life? How can he run into them everywhere, even at a place like an aquarium? If this isn’t a predestined entanglement, what is?

Although the umbrella proved useful; at least the young woman didn’t end up drenched and embarrassed upon leaving.

After the performance ended, it was unavoidable to greet Jiang Jinsang and co., which was undeniably awkward. Fortunately, they left quickly from the rest area.

Xie Duo soon received a call from Jiangjiang. He originally thought he could wrap up by latest 3 PM and had already planned to take those siblings out.

"It’s okay, if you have plans, you can go ahead," the young woman was quite considerate.

This left Xie Duo feeling a bit conflicted.

It’s rare to find someone on a blind date who is both physically attractive and engaging in conversation, but the agreements with Jiangjiang were made half a month ago.

"I’m really sorry, I have a situation." Xie Duo wanted to explain yet didn’t know where to start.

"No problem."

"Well... Let’s exchange contact info."

After numerous blind dates, this was the first time Xie Duo actively exchanged WeChat and phone numbers.

"Sure," the young woman was very open, they exchanged WeChat contacts, and although Xie Duo intended to send her back, she insisted on exploring alone, prompting him to leave early.

...

Upon leaving the aquarium, Xie Duo made a call to his assistant.

"Cancel my flight for tomorrow."

Though filled with questions, the assistant refrained from asking out loud; the boss’s schedule isn’t something an assistant can just inquire about.

**

Xie Duo’s sudden decision to stay in Beijing for a few more days was unexpected for Old Xie, but he himself claimed:

"I want to spend more time with the family."

However, this lie was soon debunked because news of his aquarium outing with the young woman spread rapidly. Old Xie originally had little hope for his blind date session, yet this time may actually work out.

It seemed Xie Duo was slightly interested in her, even actively adding her on WeChat, comforting the old man who then no longer arranged blind dates for him.

Yet Xie Duo was somewhat frustrated. Although he added her on WeChat, she appeared unwilling to interact with him.

The first conversation after exchanging WeChat was merely a mutual greeting.

And then the day passed.

Xie Duo, having bottled up the entire day, finally spoke on the evening of the second day post-blind date:

[Hello.]

She replied with a smile.

[What are you busy with?]

After ten minutes, she merely responded:

[Work.]

Cold, rigid, and formulaic.

She clearly didn’t want to engage with him.

Xie Duo immediately felt discouraged, finally meeting someone he’d like to get to know, yet the young woman wasn’t giving him the chance. He couldn’t discuss this with his family, afraid his elder would laugh at him.

**

Actually, at this moment, Yuan Jianyue held the phone feeling puzzled.

She couldn’t read Xie Duo.

Being quite outstanding, yet she didn’t believe she possessed any charm to keep him intrigued. The matchmaker had warned her early on:

"This Mr. Xie is extremely picky, primarily disinterested in marriage plans. You’re just there to go through the motions, don’t take it seriously, it’ll lead nowhere."

She herself was unwilling to go on the blind date but was pressured by her slightly anxious parents. She was purely there to fulfill a duty.

Yet facing an outstanding male, elegant, gentlemanly, and appropriate, it’s hard not to be moved.

However, Xie Duo’s actions at the aquarium indirectly informed her:

He wasn’t interested in the blind date, nor in her!

For starters, having seen the photo, he failed to recognize her, despite potential high school changes, such as hairstyle adjustments, her facial features remained consistent. If he had seriously looked, he wouldn’t have failed to identify her.

Secondly, during the orca performance, his embarrassment upon encountering acquaintances seemed to convey his strong desire for Jiang Jinsang and company to leave, indicating he wasn’t eager for her to mix with his familiar crowd.

Lastly...

Having scheduled subsequent plans in advance, he initially intended to swiftly conclude the blind date, likely not expecting her to keep him company for the orca show and aquarium tour.

Adding WeChat was probably just a momentary courtesy, rather than genuine interest.

Mr. Xie being famously gentlemanly wouldn’t wish to owe obligations, especially to an unfamiliar young lady.

After repaying a favor, there’d likely be no further contact.

"A ticket doesn’t cost much, please don’t trouble yourself," Yuan Jianyue genuinely didn’t care about such matters.

"I dislike feeling indebted."

Seeing his firm stance, Yuan Jianyue reluctantly agreed, "I’m free all weekend."

"How about tonight? Where do you live, I’ll pick you up."

"No need to pick me up, let’s simply meet somewhere."

Again, Xie Duo felt defeated, "Then I’ll decide the place?"

"Sure."

"See you tonight, then." Xie Duo stared at the phone for a while and clocked out early.

In recent years, Xie’s business ventures expanded, yet the main company operated in Beijing. During Xie Duo’s stint there, it wasn’t like he was idle, usually preoccupied with company duties, even working overtime while employees rested on weekends.

A single man, beyond work, he had no other plans.

Upon returning home, even Old Xie was astounded, glancing at the clock reading 3 PM.

"Home so early?"

"Work’s done." Who knows he felt swamped by the stack of unprocessed paperwork on his desk.

Old Xie nodded, considering it was the weekend, he didn’t speculate further, continuing his little tune.

Upon entering his room, having booked a restaurant and messaged her, Xie Duo began showering and grooming, wondering if the young woman disfavored mature attire?

Then Old Xie observed his grandson unexpectedly dressed in much younger fashion.

This outfit was a previous gift from Shen Zhixian, advising him against overly conservative style, specifically choosing a slightly youthful ensemble for him while shopping for Jiang Yanting’s clothes, only for him to sideline it as unsuitable, never worn.

Xie Duo was meticulous about attire, naturally opting for steady, conservative styles, often receiving remarks from the old man:

Not particularly aged, yet wearing glasses, appearing prematurely aged.

Today, Xie Duo suddenly exhibited youthful vibrance, bewildering the old man...

What’s happening to his grandson? Was it due to undue pressure or a recent disturbance?

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.