38: Chapter 38 Matchmaking

Lin Wan turned her head to look at him.

The night was gently enveloping them. Under the streetlights, Jiang Chen's silhouette appeared exceptionally tall and clear, his brows and eyes gentle and soft, adding a touch of the relaxed air of a neighborhood boy.

The two walked side by side along the way, chatting idly.

They talked about the details of the case just now, the landscapes of Qingxi, their respective high-pressure work rhythms, and their daily preferences.

There was no awkwardness in deliberately searching for topics, only a natural rapport, as if they had known each other for a long time.

Jiang Chen patiently told her old stories of Qingxi, pointing at the buildings in the distance.

He spoke of which bridge had a hundred years of history, which alley hid the snacks locals loved most, and where the best photos could be taken, his tone full of familiarity and nostalgia for his hometown.

Lin Wan listened with extreme focus, nodding lightly from time to time, a shallow smile always hanging on the corners of her lips.

Her gaze toward him grew increasingly gentle, and she gradually saw the rare qualities he possessed.

He was strong and decisive in dealing with outside matters, yielding not an inch; yet he was gentle, meticulous, and patiently tolerant with his family; even toward strangers, he always maintained a just-right gentlemanly demeanor and respect.

Steady, reliable, possessing a bottom line, and hiding a gentleness and delicacy not easily shown to others, he made people feel more at ease the longer they spent together.

Without realizing it, the two walked along the river embankment to the old street of Qingxi.

The bluestone road, polished smooth and warm by the passage of time, was flanked by well-preserved old-style wooden buildings. Strings of red lanterns hung under the eaves, swaying gently in the evening breeze.

Small street shops displayed handmade pastries, unique ornaments, and local specialties. Warm yellow light spilled out from the wooden windows, wrapping around the faint scent of food—cozy and healing.

Jiang Chen stopped his footsteps and pointed to a small shop not far away that was glowing with warm light.

"This osmanthus cake is a local time-honored brand, handmade and freshly made. It's hard to eat such authentic ones outside. Would you like to try a piece?"

Lin Wan's eyes brightened slightly, like a child expecting candy, and she nodded vigorously.

Jiang Chen stepped forward and bought two pieces of osmanthus cake that still held residual warmth, carefully wrapped them in a paper towel, and handed them to her.

The soft, sticky, and sweet fragrance instantly dispersed—sweet but not cloying, full of the unique smoky flavor of a small town.

"It's delicious."

Lin Wan took a light bite, her brows and eyes curving into crescents. Her smile was clean and moving, and she unconsciously got a little fine cake powder on the corner of her mouth.

Jiang Chen watched that playful touch of light powder, the smile at the bottom of his eyes deepening.

He didn't point it out directly, just naturally handed over a tissue, his voice lowering, carrying a hint of imperceptible doting.

"Eat slowly, don't rush, you've got some on the corner of your mouth."

Lin Wan's cheeks burned, and she quickly took the tissue to wipe it off, her heartbeat uncontrollably quickening a little.

The night deepened, the evening breeze carrying the coolness of the river water, and the light and shadow of the old street lanterns swayed slowly under their feet.

The two strolled leisurely to the middle of the old street. Lin Wan finished the last bite of the osmanthus cake, wiped the corners of her mouth with the tissue, looked up at the completely darkened sky, and spoke softly.

"It's really too late today. It's not safe to drive back to Jiangcheng overnight. I've decided to stay in the county town for one night and go back tomorrow."

Jiang Chen's footsteps paused slightly, and he turned his eyes to look at him.

"Indeed, it's dangerous to drive at night. It's safer to stay for a night. It just so happens that there are a few clean and comfortable hotels in the county town. I'll take you there; checking in will be convenient too."

Lin Wan nodded lightly, took two steps forward, and then, as if inadvertently, turned her head to look at him, a hint of shallow expectation hidden in her eyes.

"What about you? Are you going back to Jiangcheng tomorrow?"

Jiang Chen chuckled softly, his gaze gentle: "I'm not in a rush. It's not easy to come home, so I want to accompany my parents for a few more days before going back."

The two walked side by side along the way, walking back along the swaying lights of the old street, occasionally chatting, the atmosphere gentle and natural.

After sending Lin Wan near the hotel, Jiang Chen urged her to rest early and take care, before turning to walk toward his parents' home.

As soon as he entered the door, the room was warm and bright. Liu Mei immediately welcomed him with a smile, pulling him to look him up and down, her tone full of unconcealable curiosity.

"How was it, son? Did you have a good time walking with Xiao Lin? I think this girl is truly excellent—good temperament, speaks appropriately, and is very polite to you."

Jiang Chen changed his shoes and smiled faintly: "We just walked around, and I introduced her to the scenery of the county town. It was quite nice."

Father Jiang also put down his newspaper, looked up at him, his tone carrying a hint of probing.

"Your mother and I both feel that Xiao Lin is a great match for you in every aspect. Her professional ability is strong, and she is steady and sensible, not delicate at all. Are you two now... intending to develop further?"

Jiang Chen paused upon hearing this, maintaining a calm expression on his face: "We haven't known each other long. She is a lawyer helping us handle matters, so let's not think too far ahead."

"What do you mean, thinking too far ahead?"

Liu Mei immediately replied, looking as if she wished she could turn him into steel.

"When fate arrives, you have to seize it! I think Xiao Lin's impression of you isn't bad; otherwise, would she have accompanied you for so long? Don't be silly, grab the opportunity."

Jiang Chen shook his head helplessly and didn't argue further. After waiting for his parents to finish nagging, he spoke seriously.

"Dad, Mom, my place in Jiangcheng is spacious enough. If you want to change your environment, you can come live with me in Jiangcheng. We can look after each other."

Father Jiang put down the teacup in his hand, waved his hand, his tone firm.

"No, no. We've lived in Qingxi our whole lives. We know all the neighbors, and we can go out for walks, buy groceries, and chat whenever we want. It's very comfortable."

Liu Mei also nodded repeatedly from the side.

"Jiangcheng is full of high-rises and big roads. We wouldn't know anyone there, we wouldn't even have old neighbors to talk to, and we wouldn't even know where to go when we step outside. It would be restrictive instead. Home is better—the pace is slow, and it feels secure."

Jiang Chen had expected them to say this. He was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly.

"Since you don't want to leave Qingxi, I won't force you. However, I've been looking at a newly opened residential complex in the county town recently. The environment is clean, it has property security, the layout is open, and it's not far from the old street. It would be convenient for buying groceries and taking walks."

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of earnestness.

"Our old house is too old. The walls are damp, the wiring is aging, it's cold in winter and stuffy in summer, and it's easy to get damp when it rains. I want to secure that new apartment so you can move in. It will be comfortable and safe."

Liu Mei frowned as soon as she heard this and waved her hands repeatedly.

"That won't do. How much money would it cost to buy a house! You're studying and working in Jiangcheng at the same time; it's not easy. How could we let you spend so much money?"

"Exactly."

Father Jiang echoed, his face full of heartache.

"Our bodies are still strong, and we're used to living in the old house. There's no need to spend this unjust money. Keep the money for yourself; you'll have plenty of places to spend it in the city in the future."

"You don't need to worry about the money. I'm stable now, and I can afford it."

Jiang Chen lowered his voice, soothing them with patience.

"This is my only wish—to let you live comfortably in your later years. If you live well, I can work outside with more peace of mind."

The old couple was still reluctant, trying to persuade him not to waste money, one after another. Jiang Chen didn't argue strongly, but silently kept this matter in his heart, determined to implement it quietly.

Liu Mei tried to persuade him for a long time, but seeing his determined attitude, she stopped bringing it up. Suddenly, she slapped her forehead as if remembering something important. Her eyes brightened, and she quickly pulled Jiang Chen to ask.

"By the way, what about Xiao Lin? Did she go back to Jiangcheng overnight?"

"No."

Jiang Chen responded calmly, "It's not safe to drive at night. She's staying in a hotel in the county town for one night and will leave tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Liu Mei immediately revealed an unconcealable, satisfied smile and made a decision on the spot.

"That's great! Before you leave, you must invite Xiao Lin to the house for a meal. Mom will cook herself and make that free-range chicken and cured meat she liked the other day to thank her properly."

Father Jiang also nodded gently from the side.

"Yes, Xiao Lin is professional, steady, and polite. She helped us a lot, so we should treat her well. We can't just let her leave like that."

Jiang Chen looked at his parents, who were full of joy and treating Lin Wan like an honored guest, feeling quite helpless. He responded softly: "Okay, I know. I'll ask her about her plans later."