My Dad Fell in Love… With Someone My Age - Chapter 1

Zhou Nian was a genuine second-generation rich kid. His grandfather’s generation had been part of the working class—earning hard, honest wages. It hadn’t been easy, but they scraped together enough to send

Zhou Nian’s father to a top university. And Zhou’s father lived up to their hopes. Within just a few years of graduating, he rode the wave of every major emerging industry and became a regular on the nation’s rich lists.

When a person gets rich, even distant relatives suddenly become very enthusiastic. Zhou Nian had grown up with his grandparents, and since childhood, he’d often had to deal with these sycophantic, opportunistic relatives. Thanks to that early exposure, he’d long known what it meant to be a “diamond bachelor.” He also knew that his father was considered a “golden bachelor.”

As his second grandaunt on his great-uncle’s side liked to say: “Young, rich, tall, handsome, and completely self-made—with real talent and grit. A man like that is second only to the Monkey King even if you put him on Flower-Fruit Mountain.”

Having heard such praise all his life, Zhou Nian naturally understood that his father was extremely popular with women. He had long mentally prepared for the possibility of gaining a stepmother.

Some people loved to whisper to Zhou Nian, “Once there’s a stepmother, there’ll be a stepfather. And maybe even some half-siblings to steal your inheritance. Poor you.” But Zhou Nian was a sensible child. He never let those comments make him oppose his father dating.

In fact, deep down, Zhou Nian felt his father must be lonely. If he could find a gentle, thoughtful wife and maybe even have a few adorable children, a lively, happy household would be wonderful. After all, his father had more money than he could count—what’s a few more mouths to feed?

But in the blink of an eye, eighteen years had passed. Zhou Nian was now legally an adult, and his father was still alone. Zhou knew the truth—his father had never moved on from the early death of his mother.

Think about it: the year Zhou Nian was born, his father was just twenty—too young to legally marry. Yet he had already made up his mind to raise a child. Just how deeply had those two loved each other?

“Losing the one you love most at the peak of your love”—Zhou had seen captions like that online and never dared to click. He knew he’d cry.

Still, even the deepest grief should run its course after eighteen years. Zhou Nian truly believed his father, at this age, deserved someone by his side—someone who could understand him, share his life, and keep him warm.

Conveniently, Zhou had the perfect candidate in mind: his high school literature teacher. She was graceful, intelligent, elegant inside and out. Thirty-two, in the prime of her life. Her family came from an academic background—both parents were university professors.

Most importantly, reliable sources said she had remained single for years, living a disciplined and cultured life. Zhou thought she’d be a great match for his good-looking, wealthy, and clean-living father.

The only problem now… was how to bring it up.

To be honest, Zhou Nian was a bit scared of Zhou Tingzhi. After all, he had grown up with his grandparents and wasn’t very close to his father. Every time he misbehaved, his grandparents would call Zhou Tingzhi to come discipline him. Over time, just seeing his father triggered an instinctive fear.

But matchmaking couldn’t wait—Zhou Tingzhi was turning thirty-eight this year. Thirty-eight and thirty-nine might only be a year apart, but “thirty-eight” still sounded like a dashing CEO, while “thirty-nine” had more of a middle-aged businessman vibe. That gap wasn’t small.

Zhou Nian was determined to help his father solve his “personal issue” this year, while he still had that “CEO aura.”

His best friend, Li Lequan, wasn’t impressed. “You’re worrying about nothing. You want your dad to find a stepmom and pop out a few half-siblings to fight you for the inheritance?”

Zhou Nian sniffed, “Look at you. So vulgar. So narrow-minded. So… petty and ugly.”

Li Lequan rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. I’m vulgar, narrow-minded, and ugly. You’re noble, generous, and pretty as a flower.”

In terms of looks, Zhou Nian did live up to the phrase “pretty as a flower.” He resembled Zhou Tingzhi a lot—his features sharp and striking, charming with a touch of grace. His eyes held warmth, his nose was tall and refined, his lips full and well-shaped. With fair skin and straight white teeth, and dressed in style, he looked like a life-sized BJD doll.

This handsome, wealthy heir even had good grades. A true darling of fate. He could easily look down on others, but Zhou Nian wasn’t the arrogant type. At worst, he had a bit of a spoiled streak.

Li Lequan, knowing him well, didn’t take offense. “So, noble one, how exactly do you plan to play matchmaker?”

Zhou Nian sighed. “Ah… If only my grandparents were still here.”

“They tried matchmaking back then too, remember? Didn’t work. Total waste of time.”

“Do you have to rain on my parade? First it’s ‘meddling,’ now it’s ‘wasted effort.’ What’s your deal?”

Li Lequan grinned. “No rush. I just think your grandparents’ old-school views poisoned you. It’s 2020—who says you have to get married to be happy? Look at my uncle—after his divorce, he’s been living his best life. Every time I see him, he’s got a different girlfriend. Young, hot… says they’re all just ‘friends.’ That’s called an open relationship.”

Zhou Nian shot him a look of pure disdain. “You’ve been brainwashed by your uncle’s ‘new-age wisdom.’ My dad’s not that kind of man. If he were, I wouldn’t be stressing over this—I’m not stupid.”

Li Lequan leaned in, like a wise sage: “All men are the same. No way your dad’s stayed celibate all these years for your mom. Unless he’s got… some medical issue?”

Zhou Nian’s eyes went wide with fury. “Your dad has a medical issue!”

Li Lequan patted his shoulder. “I get it. To you, your dad’s flawless. But be honest with yourself—do perfect people really exist?”

Zhou Nian paused… but stood firm. “At least when it comes to love, my dad’s nothing like your womanizing uncle.”

Seeing no point in arguing with a dreamer, Li Lequan shrugged. “Hey, not everyone is shallow. My uncle had a great love too—a high school sweetheart. Deep, unforgettable romance.”

That got Zhou Nian’s attention. “Really? Your uncle?”

Li Lequan nodded. “Sounds fake, right? But I swear it’s true. When I was a kid, I found her photo in his room. She was gorgeous.”

They drifted into gossip until Zhou Nian checked the time—almost 8 PM. “Hey, help me call a car. I need to head home.”

“It’s the weekend. Why the rush? I was hoping to play a few rounds of Call of Duty with you.”

“My dad’s been coming home early lately—around 7 or 8. If I don’t go now, he’ll call to ask where I am.”

Truth be told, Zhou Tingzhi hadn’t been a particularly hands-on father. When he was younger, he’d been focused on work. Zhou Nian was raised by his grandparents—spoiled, coddled, indulged. After they passed away, he moved in with his dad, who, in contrast, was strict and disciplined.

The switch from doting to harsh parenting, right during adolescence, could’ve gone badly. But Zhou Nian never rebelled, thanks to his respect and admiration for his father.

At exactly 8 PM, Zhou Nian rushed home. The black Bentley Mulsanne in the driveway told him Zhou Tingzhi was back. His heart fluttered.

Before he could even open the door, the housekeeper Aunt Qin peeked out and beckoned him over, looking sneaky.

Aunt Qin had taken care of him for years—closer than family. After his grandparents passed, they grew even closer. Seeing her act so suspiciously made Zhou Nian instinctively lower his voice. “Aunt Qin? What’s up?”

She looked conflicted, her expression a mix of sympathy, hesitation, and something close to gossip-fueled excitement.

Under Zhou Nian’s confused gaze, she finally said, “Uh… Nian, we have a guest tonight. Your dad brought… a friend over. First time he’s ever brought someone home. Be nice to her, okay?”

Friend?

Zhou Nian’s mind moved fast. There was no doubt this “friend” was a woman. Which meant—his dad brought home a girlfriend. And she was still here at 8 PM?

That was unusual. When did his dad even start dating? Why bring her straight home? If she were someone serious, shouldn’t they meet in a more formal setting?

Still, after all these years, his dad bringing home a girlfriend was a good thing. There was no way Zhou Nian would ruin it. Aunt Qin’s warning felt unnecessary.

He sighed in relief and relaxed. While changing his shoes, he said, “Are they waiting for me? Could’ve at least called to let me know.”

Aunt Qin stood nearby, looking increasingly uneasy, her face shifting like a color palette.

Zhou Nian didn’t notice—he was too curious about this mystery woman. He tossed his backpack on the cabinet, slipped on his slippers, and walked in. “Dad, I’m home!”

But the house wasn’t how he’d imagined. He thought the guest would be waiting to meet him in the living room. Instead, it was empty.

He instinctively headed toward the dining room—and froze.

At the dining table sat a girl. From her appearance, she looked about his age—maybe younger, maybe slightly older. Hard to tell with teenage girls. But his first impression was that she was younger—probably a rebellious teen.

After all, they were in someone else’s home, yet she wore a spaghetti strap dress, barefoot, lounging casually as she sipped soda and ate takeout. She didn’t look like any mature, refined adult.

And then, Zhou Nian realized.

No wonder Aunt Qin had looked so conflicted.

His dad had found a girlfriend—with a kid.

Oh my god.

He’s getting a little sister.