Unable to Fall in Love Syndrome - Chapter 17.2

Chapter 17 – Time Speaks – Part 2

Before Xiao Jia could answer, Lin Zhen followed him in with two bowls of noodles. She greeted Qiao Shan, placed the noodles on the bedside table, peeled two boiled eggs, and put them in the bowls before handing one to Xiao Jia.

Xiao Jia politely declined with a wave. “Thanks, I’m not hungry.”

Lin Zhen: “You haven’t eaten since last night. How can you not be hungry?”

The atmosphere in the room grew tense. Qiao Shan’s mind was full of question marks. What exactly had happened last night?

Wenwen reached out. “Auntie, I want to eat.”

Lin Zhen glanced at the little girl, smiled, and helped her sit up. She picked up some noodles, blew on them to cool them, and carefully fed them to Wenwen.

Qiao Shan, utterly confused, looked from Lin Zhen to Xiao Jia. Clearly, neither of them was eager to explain what had happened the previous night.

Zuo Yi left the hospital and strolled along the Lingjiang River. The sun was setting, its golden rays piercing through the clouds, casting shimmering reflections on the river and the stone-paved paths.

He followed the cobblestone trail back to the Rhino Horn Inn. Entering the restaurant, he saw Ying Shengnan sitting across from a young woman, a bowl of noodles between them.

The girl solemnly picked up the bowl, took a bite, and chewed slowly before saying, “Aside from the other ingredients, you added a gram of mint juice to the noodles? It gives a refreshing taste—pretty good.”

Ying Shengnan gave her a thumbs-up. “Your taste buds are impressive.”

The girl smiled. “Just a chef’s basic skill.”

The girl looked about seventeen or eighteen, likely still a student. Zuo Yi walked over and glanced at Ying Shengnan. “Who’s this?”

Ying Shengnan introduced her. “Oh, this is Ximi, a talented chef. Didn’t you always want authentic beef rice noodles? She can make them.”

Zuo Yi looked at Ximi.

Ximi, chewing her food, mumbled, “Big brother, you’re dressed pretty… breezy.”

Zuo Yi glanced down and realized he was still in his tank top and shorts.

Exhausted from the day, he told Ying Shengnan, “I’m heading upstairs. Bring dinner up for me.”

Ying Shengnan, busy discussing recipes with Ximi, waved him off impatiently. “Go, go. Running around half-naked is indecent—don’t scare my innocent little chef.”

Zuo Yi shot him a speechless look.

His actual brother?

As Zuo Yi headed upstairs, Qiao Shan and Lin Zhen returned.

Parched from the day, Qiao Shan felt her throat burn. She grabbed a bottle of water from the front desk and chugged it down. Leading Lin Zhen to the courtyard, she sat her down on the stone steps under a sycamore tree. After checking their surroundings, she asked, “So, what happened between you and Xiao Jia last night?”

“What could’ve happened?” Lin Zhen fidgeted with her fingers, pulled a pack of cigarettes from her pocket, lit one, and took a drag.

Exhaling a puff of smoke, she sighed. “Last night, I brought him some food. I don’t know what got into me, but I ended up confessing to him.”

“You what?” Qiao Shan rubbed her temples. “That completely ruins the plan.”

“Sorry, I couldn’t control myself,” Lin Zhen said. “He asked me how deep my feelings for him were.”

“And what did you say?”

“Xiao Jia, I may not live for you, but I’d die for you.”

“Anyone can talk big. The Lingjiang River is a few hundred meters from the inn. If you’ve got the guts, prove it now.”

So she ran out of the inn, climbed over the railing of the Lingjiang Bridge, and stood there. One slip, and she’d fall into the river.

For half an hour, she stared into the darkness, waiting for Xiao Jia. Just as she was about to give up, she saw him approach with a flashlight.

It was worth it, she thought. Everything was worth it. To prove to him she wasn’t afraid to die for him, she jumped into the Lingjiang River.

Fortunately, it wasn’t the rainy season, and the river was neither deep nor fast due to nearby underwater structures. Xiao Jia jumped in after her, pulled her out, and took her to the hospital.

When Lin Zhen woke up in the hospital and saw Xiao Jia, she couldn’t stop grinning.

Xiao Jia, however, snapped at her, “Are you out of your mind?”

Back to the present.

“You don’t know how cool he looked when he said that. Turns out he can get angry too,” Lin Zhen said, taking another drag.

“…” Qiao Shan stared at her profile, blurting out, “Are you out of your mind?”

Lin Zhen nodded. “Yeah, I am. I’ve got a terminal case of loving Xiao Jia.”

Qiao Shan was exasperated. “Seriously, that was way too extreme. What if Xiao Jia couldn’t swim? You could’ve drowned!”

Lin Zhen chuckled lightly. “Come on, you think I wouldn’t know if he could swim? I know that river like the back of my hand. I just wanted to take a gamble, to see if he’d come for me. With some swimming skills, no one’s drowning there.”

Qiao Shan frowned. “Lin Zhen, if you don’t follow my plan, I have the right to drop your case.”

Lin Zhen glanced at her. “Sorry.”

Qiao Shan continued, “Your extreme personality isn’t something men like. You’re just putting unnecessary pressure on him.” She snatched the cigarette from Lin Zhen’s hand, threw it on the ground, and crushed it. “I’m your matchmaker. You need to stick to the plan I made for you. Remember the first rule in the contract? Quit smoking.”

“Sorry, I just needed one to calm my nerves.”

Qiao Shan pressed, “What good does smoking do you? Xiao Jia hates women who smoke. And you’re thinking about marriage—don’t you know the harm nicotine causes? You say you love him, but your actions don’t show it.”

Lin Zhen hesitated, then pulled the cigarette pack and lighter from her pocket and tossed them into the trash.

“No more smoking!”

The Rhino Horn Inn was small, hosting only eight guests at a time, with meals included. The innkeeper’s wife usually cooked, but tonight, Ying Shengnan and Ximi took over the kitchen, preparing a lavish spread. The elderly couple helped set the table, and Qiao Shan sat with the innkeeper’s wife, pulling up extra benches.

Xiao Jia returned from the hospital with Wenwen just as the food was served. The little girl, catching the aroma, scampered over and climbed onto the table. “Wow, I’m so lucky!”

The innkeeper’s wife ruffled Wenwen’s hair. “Heard our little Wenwen was sick. Did you bravely take your shots and medicine?”

Wenwen proudly showed the bandage on her hand from the IV. “Grandma, look! I didn’t cry at all during my drip today.”

The old woman’s eyes crinkled. “What a brave little girl.”

As everyone sat to eat, Wenwen noticed someone missing. Nibbling on her chopsticks, she asked, “Where’s Uncle Zuo? Why isn’t he eating?”

Ying Shengnan said, “Your Uncle Zuo’s in a mood and doesn’t want to eat.”

Wenwen’s eyelids drooped. “Is Uncle Zuo tired from carrying me?” She thought for a moment, picked two chicken drumsticks from a plate, arranged them neatly, and covered them with an empty dish. “No one touch these! I’m going to get Uncle Zuo to come eat!”

Ying Shengnan laughed. “Little one, if you can drag him down, I’ll give you the drumstick in my bowl too.”

“Deal!” Wenwen held out her pinky to Ying Shengnan. “Pinky swear!”

Ying Shengnan hooked pinkies with her.

To everyone’s surprise, Wenwen actually managed to pull Zuo Yi downstairs.

He sat next to her, right beside Qiao Shan. After dinner, Ying Shengnan suggested, “We’re mostly young folks here, and it’s rare to get out like this. How about a game?”

The elderly couple exchanged a glance, and the old man said, “You youngsters have fun. We’ll look after Wenwen.”

Ying Shengnan: “Thanks, Auntie.”

Xiao Jia glanced at Lin Zhen across the table and said quietly, “You guys play. I don’t drink.”

Qiao Shan, seizing the chance to play matchmaker for Xiao Jia and Lin Zhen, chimed in, “Come on, Xiao Jia, don’t be a spoilsport. We’re here to have fun, so loosen up. What’s with the attitude?”

Xiao Jia’s lips twitched as if he wanted to say something but held back. Finally, he nodded. “Fine, I’ll play for a bit.”

The game included Ying Shengnan, Zuo Yi, Xiao Jia, Qiao Shan, Ximi, and the innkeeper.

Ying Shengnan explained the rules. “I have six paper balls, each with a role: Fairy, Fallen Angel, Playboy, Alien, Lecher, and Spoiled Lady. Everyone draws one. We spin a bottle, and whoever it points to has to act out their role to the fullest. Got it?”

Qiao Shan: “Lecher… how do you even act that?”

Ximi prayed, “I hope I get Fairy.”

The game began. They each drew a paper ball.

The bottle spun and stopped at Lin Zhen. She opened her paper—Fairy.

She thought for a moment, then took off her jacket, using her long sleeves as makeshift flowing ribbons. She tossed them into the air and performed a snippet of the Henan opera Heavenly Maiden Scattering Flowers.

She passed the round, and the game continued.

The bottle stopped at Ying Shengnan. He showed his paper with a laugh. “Haha, I’m the Playboy.”

He stood, stroking his chin. “Hmm, how does a playboy act?” Scanning the group, his eyes landed on Zuo Yi.

Zuo Yi, unnerved by the stare, started to lean back, but Ying Shengnan grabbed his wrist, leaned in close—barely two fists’ distance away—and flicked his chin. “Hey, darling, how was my technique last night?”

Zuo Yi’s expression darkened.

The more he reacted, the more Ying Shengnan enjoyed it. “Why so scared? I’m not into you.” Releasing him, he sauntered over to Xiao Jia.

Before Xiao Jia could react, Ying Shengnan plopped onto his lap.

The pose was… provocative.

Xiao Jia had never seen such shameless, scandalous behavior. Remembering it was a game, he swallowed hard, speechless, staring at Ying Shengnan in horror.

Ying Shengnan draped an arm around Xiao Jia’s neck, winking. “Sweetheart, you’re the one I really fancy.”

“Hahahahaha…”

The others burst into laughter, the three women nearly gagging at Ying Shengnan’s over-the-top performance.

Lin Zhen kicked his shin. “Enough, stop being gross.”

Ying Shengnan returned to his seat, and the game went on.

This time, the bottle pointed at Zuo Yi. He opened his paper, revealing two bold characters—Lecher.

Qiao Shan slapped the table, laughing hysterically. “Hahaha, Mr. Petty, show us! Act the lecher!”

Zuo Yi’s tone was icy. “Very funny?”

Qiao Shan retorted, “You playing a lecher isn’t funny?”

Zuo Yi stood and approached Qiao Shan, leaning down with his hands on the table, half-circling her.

Qiao Shan tilted her head back, clutching her chest. “What are you doing?”

Zuo Yi: “Playing the lecher.”

“!!” Qiao Shan raised her voice. “Don’t you dare!”

“Heh, you think I won’t?”

“Xiao Jia, help!”

Zuo Yi figured scaring her a bit was enough and had no intention of actually acting it out.

Just as he started to straighten up, a force pressed down on the back of his head.

His lips met Qiao Shan’s, nose to nose, eyes to eyes…

Caught off guard, Zuo Yi didn’t process what happened before Qiao Shan’s fist connected with his face. “Pervert!”

The punch left a bruise under his left eye. He stepped back, glaring at the culprit—Ying Shengnan. “Ying Shengnan, have you lost it?”

Ying Shengnan shrugged, hands spread. “Helping you play the lecher, Third Brother. You gotta play fair. I did the Playboy, so what’s a little lecher role for you, huh?”

Xiao Jia’s eyes narrowed, looking at the brothers. “You think this is fun?”

Qiao Shan, covering her mouth, fumed. “Yeah, you think this is funny?”

Ying Shengnan, like a kid caught misbehaving, mumbled, “It’s not like you two haven’t kissed before…”

Qiao Shan’s eyes widened, and she stomped her foot at Zuo Yi. “Mr. Petty! You told Ying Shengnan about the elevator kiss? Didn’t we agree to keep it between us? How could you!”

Zuo Yi: “I didn’t tell anyone.”

Qiao Shan: “Bullshit!” Humiliation surged within her. She grabbed a handful of chopsticks from the table and threw them at him. “I misjudged you! I’m done with your case. Whoever marries you is doomed—I won’t let any girl fall into your trap! Even if I never get another client, I won’t matchmake for someone like you! Ying Shengnan, we’ll talk about canceling the contract another day!”

Ying Shengnan covered his face, stunned at how things had spiraled.

Hadn’t they spent enough time together to spark something? Shouldn’t a kiss lead to blushing and flustered feelings?

…How bad was his brother at wooing women?

After all those orchestrated moments, not even a flicker of affection?

Too late for regrets.

After Qiao Shan and Xiao Jia left, Zuo Yi shot Ying Shengnan a cold look. “Care to explain?”

Ying Shengnan clutched his head. “Don’t call me ‘bro’—I’m grieving here.”

“She moved in next to me, started working at my company—was that your doing?” Zuo Yi clenched his fists, itching to throw a punch.

Ying Shengnan pouted, looking like he might cry. “You think it’s easy being the big brother? Between you and Ying Quhe, neither of you makes it simple. Worrying about you two has given me gray hairs. At my age, I still haven’t even found a wife.”

Zuo Yi was speechless.

*He’s the one feeling wronged now?*

Xiao Jia walked Qiao Shan back to her room and lingered at her door, wanting to comfort her but unsure what to say.

He felt uneasy, as if he were on the verge of losing her.

But he’d never had her to begin with.

After Xiao Jia returned to his room, Zuo Yi went upstairs and stopped at Qiao Shan’s door.

He raised his hand to knock but hesitated and pulled back.

He stood there for an hour, wanting to apologize, to explain, but pride held him back. Finally, he sighed and leaned against the wooden railing behind him.

He pulled out his phone to message Qiao Shan on WeChat, typing a sentence only to delete it.

After dozens of attempts, he finally sent a single word: Sorry.

Qiao Shan didn’t reply. She was at her computer, venting her frustration in a game, slashing enemies and getting slashed in return.

Finally, she flopped onto her bed, rolling back and forth, unable to shake her gloom.

After years as a matchmaker, she’d never felt so humiliated. For Zuo Yi’s case, she’d broken her own rules, offering to matchmake for free, even swallowing her pride to deal with him.

Enough was enough.

She was done. Let things fall apart—she’d go back to her small cases, earn her money, and be happy!

In a fit of impulse, she vented on Weibo.

Gold Medal Matchmaker: Qiao Shanshan

“#WeirdClientRant: Your little matchmaker took on a marriage case recently. The client’s young, successful, good-looking, a general manager at a well-known company. But! His awful temper overshadows every good quality! He’s always arguing with me—I swear sometimes he wants to strangle me… Worst part? I can’t even escape him on a trip. This is the first time I’ve given up on a client’s case, smashing my own reputation…”

Qiao Shan, something of an internet celebrity, often shared dating tips for singles on Weibo, amassing numerous fans.

Her post attracted comments from her followers:

MarriedYet?: Poor little matchmaker, don’t cry—get up and keep going! No wonder you haven’t shared dating tips lately—you’ve been dealing with this weird client?

LonelyGrass: Little matchmaker, you once shared a tip: people who always argue with you aren’t necessarily annoyed with you—80% of the time, they like you. Especially, as you said, a good-looking, successful guy like him. Why would a guy like that bicker with someone he dislikes? If he really didn’t like you, he’d probably ignore you. So, he likely likes you and is arguing to get your attention. Don’t rant too quick—maybe he’ll end up your husband! Your client probably has ‘unable-to-fall-in-love syndrome.’ He likes a girl but doesn’t know how to pursue her, so he resorts to this clumsy way to stand out.

She replied to LonelyGrass: You make a good point.

LonelyGrass replied: Ahhh, the little matchmaker flipped my card! Let me tell you, my husband was like that before we got together. After seeing your tips on Weibo, I started suspecting he liked me, not hated me. I paid closer attention, tested it, and it was true! We’re married now, and life’s happy. (≧▽≦)/

Qiao Shan got a faceful of their lovey-dovey story.

Still, she couldn’t imagine Zuo Yi actually liking her. It was unthinkable.

Then she saw an odd comment.

dle: Hmm… I really do like you.

The ID dle seemed familiar.

She checked Zuo Yi’s WeChat—his ID was dle too. A coincidence?