茶杯狐 -CUPFOX

Chapter Nine: Introduction

After chatting for a while, Chang Bin suddenly said: “By the way, I want to introduce you to a girl, Xiao Han’s high school classmate’s younger sister. She’s four years younger than us, a local, works in her uncle’s company as an accountant, 1.62 meters tall, very cute and beautiful. I’ll send you her phone number and WeChat. Make plans to meet her either tomorrow or the day after.”

Xiang Kun was taken aback, quickly replying: “Let’s not, she’s four years younger. Doesn’t that seem inappropriate?”

“What’s wrong with a four-year age gap? It’s perfect. Her parents want someone more mature too. Also, I’ve mentioned your situation to her parents; there shouldn’t be any issues. I’ve met her before; she’s very upbeat and lively. Her family is well-off, she owns two flats and has her own car…”

“Actually… I’m not ready for a relationship yet.” Xiang Kun quickly interjected. At the current state he was at, survival was his priority, let alone dating. He had trouble even having meals with others, not to mention the many unresolved issues he still needed to deal with.

Chang Bin brushed him off: “What do you mean you don’t want to date? You’re thirty years old, it’s about time you started! Do you actually plan on shaving your head and becoming a monk? When that time comes, let me know which temple you’ve gone to so that I can donate some money. Wasn’t it you who asked me to find you a girlfriend? Now, when such a high-quality girl is introduced, you become hesitant! Fine, I will make the arrangements for you. The day after tomorrow night, if you dare not to show up, don’t bother coming to our wedding!”

Wang Han lightly tapped her boyfriend’s arm, rebuking: “Tone it down!” Then she addressed Xiang Kun: “She’s my best friend from childhood and her sister often played with us. She’s a good girl. Just meet and get to know each other, think of it as making a new friend. We’re not saying that you both must become one or marry each other, whether it works out will depend on both of your feelings. If there’s no spark, no matter how much we try and create it, it’s meaningless, isn’t it?”

Given the circumstances, Xiang Kun could hardly refuse any further.

In his heart, he was truly thankful for Chang Bin. He had already seen through the plan; Chang Bin insisting he come today wasn’t just about introducing his fiancee, but also to let Wang Han see him, determining whether she could introduce her classmate’s sister to him.

He could just imagine, when Chang Bin heard that Wang Han’s classmate and confidant had such a beautiful younger sister planning on blind dating, he would recommend his single friend in need.

Wang Han must have seen his recent photos. Considering he looked like a forty-year-old uncle, she might have been hesitant to introduce him to her classmate’s sister, fearing backlash.

He could guess what Chang Bin would say to his fiancee, something along the lines of “Although my buddy isn’t much to look at, he’s a great person, a clever and capable man, earns a high salary, has bought a house with his abilities and has no bad habits like smoking or drinking. He’ll make a good husband…”.

Therefore, Chang Bin needed Wang Han to meet Xiang Kun first, to determine whether he could introduce him to her classmate’s sister. That’s why Chang Bin exchanged a look with his fiancee before bringing up the matter.

Although these were all Xiang Kun’s guesses, based on his understanding of his good friend, he was confident he was mostly correct.

This wasn’t the first time Chang Bin had introduced a dating prospect to him.

It’s said that you can roughly discern your image in another’s eyes based on the people they introduce to you.

The people Chang Bin had introduced were ones that on the surface—considering looks, age, and objectivity—always seemed way better than him.

Like the girl he was introducing this time, four years younger, local, from a rich family, and cute and beautiful—Xiang Kun knew that when Chang Bin said she was cute and beautiful, he meant it. Ordinarily, such a girl would go on blind dates with local people of equal stature or talented young men with bright futures or handsome men who showed mutual attraction. Compared to them, he, as an old programmer, didn’t fit the bill.

After sitting for another ten minutes or so, Xiang Kun found an excuse to leave early and settled the bill at the front desk.

After he left, Wang Han looked towards her fiancé: “Your friend doesn’t strike me as someone who dislikes socializing or bustling scenes. He’s pretty funny and lively, so why do all of you think he’s reclusive?”

Chang Bin shook his head: “It’s not that he can’t, he just doesn’t like to. He’s very lively when with me and our other roommate friend. But when it’s a large group, he seldom says anything. I think he’s just too lazy to deal with people he doesn’t know well or doesn’t like, or perhaps he just finds it unnecessary.”

“But he doesn’t look like the photos at all. The ones where he looks sullen, lifeless, and old fashioned. Despite his…err…simple dressing today, he overall gives off a better impression. Could this be because of his hairstyle and glasses?” Wang Han pondered.

“It might have to do with him working out too; his stomach has gotten flatter, and overall, he seems more upright.”

Wang Han nodded and couldn’t help but shake her head: “But I still doubt Nana will find him attractive. This girl has high standards. Last time, she met a UK returnee who was her age, handsome and tall. Yet she didn’t pay him any further attention after only two meetings.”

“That means she doesn’t judge solely by appearances. Maybe she’ll take a liking to Xiang Kun instantly and feel a connection? Who knows with fate? Besides, my job is just to play matchmaker; I can’t guarantee anything will come out of it.” Chang Bin shrugged and said.

On his way home, Xiang Kun bought a pair of black-rimmed glasses. He realized that without glasses, his appearance and temperament changed significantly. Maybe in the future if he didn’t want to be recognized, he could use that look. For now, wearing glasses would reduce the strangeness caused by his bodily “transformation” and being bald, so as not to attract too much attention from familiar people due to sudden strangeness.

Furthermore, he needed to buy new clothes. As his body shape continued to change, his old clothes would inevitably become more inappropriate.