The Merman I Picked Up Is Too Delicious - Chapter 25

“Hello, I’m Zhuang Zhenglang, and this is my childhood friend Situ Lu,” the man in white introduced himself, naturally taking the role of the main participant in the blind date. Meanwhile, the man in gray beside him was the one Luo Qingyan found familiar.

“Hello, I’m Tao Xingyou, and this is my cousin Luo Qingyan,” Tao Xingyou greeted with a smile.

Situ Lu tilted his head slightly, his gaze resting on Luo Qingyan. “You’re… Chestnut’s…”

“Oh! Pudding!” Luo Qingyan suddenly realized. The last time they met in the park was at night, and his attire was quite different from now, so she had only found him familiar but couldn’t recall who he was.

“Chestnut? Pudding?” Tao Xingyou turned to Luo Qingyan with a mix of surprise and confusion.

“Chestnut’s good friend,” Luo Qingyan quickly explained. “I thought he looked familiar too but couldn’t place him at first. We met when I took Chestnut out for a walk one evening. He’s the observant one.”

“What a coincidence that you know each other!” Zhuang Zhenglang glanced at his companion and smiled warmly at the two women. “Please, have a seat! Let’s order some coffee and desserts and chat leisurely.”

“Sounds good,” Tao Xingyou replied with a gentle smile, pulling Luo Qingyan down to sit.

Soon, the conversation turned to the main topic. Since Tao Xingyou and Zhuang Zhenglang were the focus of the blind date, it was only natural for them to do most of the talking. The topic of Chestnut and Pudding was briefly touched upon but not dwelled on. Surprisingly, their shared connection eased any potential awkwardness, making the atmosphere quite harmonious.

Luo Qingyan had come to accompany her cousin. As the older sister, she spent most of her time quietly listening to the conversation, perhaps analyzing things internally but keeping her thoughts to herself. She only spoke occasionally when the topic was appropriate or when Tao Xingyou needed her to step in.

Initially, she had been prepared to help steer the conversation if silences grew too long, especially since her grandmother and aunt had mentioned that Zhuang Zhenglang was introverted.

Unexpectedly, Tao Xingyou was talkative, effortlessly moving from one topic to another, not just matters related to the blind date but all sorts of subjects, near and far.

It seemed she was quite satisfied with her blind date; otherwise, how could she have so much to say? Although Tao Xingyou did most of the talking, Zhuang Zhenglang responded attentively, and their back-and-forth flowed naturally without needing any intervention.

As for Situ Lu across from them, his role mirrored Luo Qingyan’s, he listened quietly, chiming in only occasionally.

As time passed, evening approached. The café conversation came to a close, and since the two main participants had hit it off, dinner plans followed naturally. They happily discussed where to eat.

Zhuang Zhenglang was entirely focused on Tao Xingyou’s preferences, while Situ Lu thoughtfully asked for Luo Qingyan’s opinion.

Luo Qingyan didn’t mind at all, she wasn’t picky about food and was content as long as her cousin was happy. Watching Zhuang Zhenglang listen earnestly to Tao Xingyou and seeing how well they got along, she felt genuinely pleased.

After Situ Lu sought Luo Qingyan’s input, Tao Xingyou and Zhuang Zhenglang also became more considerate of their companions’ preferences. After a brief discussion among the four, they settled on a restaurant for dinner.

The subsequent dinner remained harmonious and smooth. Everyone chatted and laughed as they ate.

With Tao Xingyou and Zhuang Zhenglang growing more comfortable with each other, their companions also relaxed and became more at ease.

Situ Lu took the initiative to speak to Luo Qingyan: “Haven’t you been walking your dog lately? Pudding hasn’t run into Chestnut for a while. Sometimes when I mention Chestnut at home, Pudding always whines softly.”

Since the topic was about dogs, Luo Qingyan felt it was fine to chat and replied, “I have been walking my dog, but my schedule has been irregular lately, sometimes I go out early, sometimes late.”

“Chestnut has such a good temperament, so she must have many friends. Pudding, on the other hand, has a bit of a temper. Many dogs don’t want to play with him, but he loves provoking others. It often leaves us at a loss, feeling quite embarrassed.”

“Dogs have different personalities. He just loves to play and doesn’t understand human social rules, it’s the owners who have to put in the extra effort.”

“A few days ago, while walking in the park, he insisted on playing with a Border Collie. Compared to medium-sized dogs, he’s just a tiny thing. The other dog wasn’t interested and wouldn’t even sniff him, but Pudding kept trying to invite him, tugging on the leash. Then, it had rained that day, and he slipped and fell into the greenbelt by the path. The greenbelt was full of mud, and he became the center of attention. On the way back, every person and every dog noticed him.”

“Haha,” Luo Qingyan chuckled softly. “Chestnut missed such a funny scene. In a dog’s eyes, rolling around in a mud pit must be pure bliss.”

“He was having the time of his life, completely oblivious to how much trouble he was causing for the family.”

“Didn’t we agree that dog owners shouldn’t be buzzkills?”

“Hahaha, right, right. We shouldn’t be buzzkills.”

Dinner ended, and today’s blind date concluded in a pleasant atmosphere.

Tao Xingyou drove Luo Qingyan back to her grandmother’s house. She also wanted to visit her grandmother and report on how the blind date went.

“You seem quite satisfied with Zhuang Zhenglang, don’t you?” Luo Qingyan started the conversation about the blind date on the way.

“Is it that obvious?” Tao Xingyou glanced quickly at Luo Qingyan out of the corner of her eye. “I… I was just treating it normally! That’s just my outgoing personality! Ahhh! If I came across that way, maybe he thought I was too… too forward, and that’s not good!”

“I think he was quite satisfied with you too,” Luo Qingyan said calmly. “When both sides have a good impression, it’s fine to show interest.”

“Sis, what do you think of Zhuang Zhenglang? Don’t mind my opinion, judge him from a sister’s perspective. If there’s anything not good about him, feel free to say it. Blind dates are about both sides considering compatibility and making choices. Family opinions matter a lot.”

“Hmm… he really is quite good. The only thing, from my point of view, is that his personality is a bit too reserved. He speaks and acts slowly. It might be fine when dating, but I’m not sure if living together after marriage would become exhausting.”

“Right, he does seem a bit laid-back. I’m worried that in the future, I’ll be in a hurry while he isn’t, and that would definitely lead to conflicts.”

“But his friend seems more outgoing. Maybe spending more time together will reveal different sides of him. Like Aunt said, if you really hit it off, the other person’s personality might change. And who knows, maybe he’s completely different once you get to know him better? People are complicated, after all.”

“Yeah, let’s try spending more time together first.”

When they returned to Grandma’s house, Grandma had already taken Chestnut out for a walk and was watching TV in the living room.

“Grandma, we’re back!” Tao Xingyu beamed as she rushed toward her grandmother, only to notice her expression seemed off, as if she was upset.

“Grandma, what’s wrong? Are you unhappy?” Tao Xingyu sat beside her grandmother and wrapped an arm around hers.

“Nothing.” Her grandmother immediately put on a smile. “I’m just a bit tired from going out today. How did things go on your end? Do you like Xiao Zhuang? Is he a good match?”

Luo Qingyan noticed the abrupt shift in her grandmother’s expression but didn’t press further for now, instead focusing on her cousin’s blind date. “Grandma, the other party insisted on paying today, so I have to return the money to you.”

“Wasn’t it agreed that I would treat?” Grandma waved her hand, feigning seriousness. “You should’ve paid the difference if it was more or kept the change if it was less.”

“Grandma, he paid long before I could even try! I couldn’t compete with him!” Tao Xingyu’s voice softened. “But we agreed, this time it’s his treat, and next time it’ll be mine.”

“Oh, there’s a next time? That’s wonderful.” A smile reappeared on Grandma’s face. “As long as you’re happy, your mother and I both think Xiao Zhuang is a good kid. What matters most is his character, everything else can develop over time.”

“I know, but he has to like me too!” Tao Xingyu pouted. “If I treat him to a meal next time and he still wants to see me, that means he’s interested in continuing. But if he doesn’t, you all mustn’t be disappointed or pressure me, okay?”

“If you like him, take the initiative.” Grandma held Tao Xingyu’s hand. “These days, plenty of girls pursue boys, don’t be shy. Look at those on TV, some even confess their feelings in public!”

“If I really liked him, I’d dare to do that too!” Tao Xingyu lifted her chin. “But wouldn’t someone introverted dislike that kind of approach?”

“Oh? Already considering that Xiao Zhuang might be introverted and not like such grand gestures?” Luo Qingyan teased. “Grandma, it seems you don’t need to worry, our Xingyu is quite satisfied!”

“Sis!” Tao Xingyu tugged at Grandma’s sleeve. “Grandma, look at what she’s saying!”

“Alright, alright, as long as you’re happy.” Grandma shot Luo Qingyan a look to stop teasing her sister, then patted Tao Xingyu’s hand. “Xiao Zhuang is truly a good match. Take your time and get to know each other.”

“Got it!”

Tao Xingyu only stayed at her grandmother’s house for about twenty minutes. Worried it would be unsafe for her to return home too late, Grandma urged her to leave early.

After seeing Tao Xingyu off, Luo Qingyan naturally asked Grandma what had happened before they returned, as her expression had seemed off earlier.

“Grandma, did something upset you?” Luo Qingyan got straight to the point. “You didn’t seem quite yourself when we got back.”

“I went to give someone a piece of my mind!” Grandma didn’t beat around the bush. “Didn’t you tell me about those rumors spreading outside? Sure enough, some busybody was gossiping. I ran into them while walking the dog and gave them an earful right on the street! After I got home, I felt I hadn’t scolded them enough and was thinking about how to do it better next time!”

“Wow! My grandma is amazing!” Luo Qingyan led her grandmother to the sofa to sit down. “But please don’t get too angry. You’ve already told them off, staying upset isn’t good for your health. Why should we suffer because of someone else’s mistakes? Right?”

“Exactly! But I just feel some people shouldn’t have been born with mouths, such a poor mentality. I’m not angry though. I know they speak filth because they’re pitiable. Let me tell you about Granny You, her youngest son got divorced in his twenties, no children, and now he’s over forty still unmarried. She’s desperate for a grandson. Yet she keeps saying her son has high standards, that they both look down on mediocre matches, and there’s no rush.”

“Hmm, you’re right, Grandma. They’re just pitiable, just have a poor mentality. After all, with so many trees in the forest, you’ll find all kinds of birds.”

“Hey, how old is that boy you like?” Grandma’s expression instantly shifted from irritation to tenderness.

“Since when are you shy? When you were little, you’d announce every crush to the whole family!” Grandma narrowed her eyes. “You’re not fooling your old granny, are you?”

“Of course not! He… he also lives in Hefeng Pavilion.” Luo Qingyan had a sudden inspiration, wondering if she could steer the conversation toward moving. “Actually, we’re still in that unspoken phase. Think about it, Grandma, living in the same community, I have to be sure before making a move. If I rush in and get rejected… we’d still run into each other. How awkward would that be?”

“Oh my, my granddaughter lacking confidence?” Grandma’s face blossomed into a smile. “And he lives in Hefeng Pavilion too? Maybe you should visit there more often? Increase your chances of meeting. Which building does he live in? Is it close?”

“I didn’t ask. Young people value privacy these days, too many questions make them uncomfortable.” Luo Qingyan quickly fabricated a story. “We met at an Italian restaurant. There was a minor incident, he helped me out, and we got acquainted. Then we discovered we both live in Hefeng Pavilion, what a coincidence! It’s fate!”

“Indeed, it is fate brings people together across miles. Since you’ve returned, you must seize this chance. It’ll work out beautifully for you two, blossoming into fruit, a harmonious union for a hundred years.”

“A hundred years isn’t enough, make it a thousand! A lifetime, and all the lifetimes after!” The thought made Luo Qingyan chuckle at her own exaggeration. “Grandma, if I said I wanted to move to Hefeng Pavilion, you wouldn’t accuse me of choosing romance over family, would you?”

“When you’re talking about multiple lifetimes, how could your granny stand in your way?” Grandma assumed Luo Qingyan was just carried away with joy and joking along. “A grown daughter can’t be kept at home forever!”

“Alright, alright, I’ll stop teasing you.” Grandma’s expression turned serious. “If you really want to move to Hefeng Pavilion, go ahead. It’s livelier there, more suitable for you young people. But you must be careful, there are plenty of good folks, but bad ones too.”

“The neighborhood is safe, no problem. And I’ll be extremely, extremely careful, didn’t I live alone in S City? You trust me, don’t you, Grandma?”

“Fine, I trust you. Though I’ll miss you.”

“No rush about pursuing things. You need balance in romance, know yourself and your opponent to succeed in every battle. A fine grandson-in-law isn’t easily won. Don’t you hurry me either, don’t shoo me off! You can keep an eye on Xingyou for now.”

“Deal!” Grandma burst into laughter.