The CEO's Beloved Wife

Chapter 3: Father's Matchmaking

Ever since Liu Zhenwei got Mu Zihan's contact information, he often invited her for walks. He always made sure to have her home by nine, and occasionally, Zihan would politely invite him in for a cup of tea. Over time, he became familiar with her father, Song Shun, the director of the Z City Broadcasting Bureau. Despite holding a modest position in the political realm, Song Shun was somewhat well-known due to his connections in the arts and entertainment circles. He took pride in his status and had a rather progressive mindset compared to his peers. Beyond his work, he enjoyed blogging, participating in online communities, and serving as a forum moderator.

One evening, Mu Zihan came home late due to overtime at work. Surprisingly, her father had prepared dinner and set the table, waiting for her. Seeing the sumptuous meal, Zihan, who hadn't seen her father cook since they moved back from her grandmother's house six months ago, asked with a smile, "Dad, what made you so happy today that you cooked?"

"I took the day off and noticed you've been particularly busy lately. I wanted to treat you."

Zihan quickly thanked him, smiling as she sat at the table. She picked up a piece of braised eggplant and tasted it. "Let me first verify your culinary skills!" Song Shun eagerly asked, "How does it taste?" Zihan nodded, giving him a thumbs up, "It's very good!"

"If you like it, eat more. I have something else to discuss with you."

Hearing this, Zihan put down her chopsticks and sighed, "As the saying goes, no one is courteous for no reason..." She trailed off and looked directly at him. Song Shun laughed, "I'm your father. Would I harm you?" Zihan smiled and asked, "Is Mom not home, and you're short of cash again?" Song Shun felt a bit embarrassed, as asking his child for money was always awkward. He said softly, "That's part of it, but the most important thing is your future."

"My future?" Zihan hadn't expected her father to bring this up and was momentarily stunned. She asked seriously, "Dad, what do you mean?" Instead of answering directly, Song Shun asked, "You're twenty-three now, right?" Zihan nodded, and he continued, "Legally, you're at the age for late marriage as defined by the state." Zihan, acknowledging this, picked up her chopsticks again, curious about what he was leading to. "I think it's time you started dating." Zihan looked up at him, her smile a bit stiff, her expression hinting that there was more she didn't know. She waited for him to continue. Seeing her silence, Song Shun decided to be direct, "I've been observing Liu Zhenwei, and I think he's a good match." Hearing this, Zihan relaxed a bit. She couldn't help but scoff slightly, her tone and expression showing a bit of disdain, "Why do you think he's suitable?" Song Shun answered without hesitation, "Because of his father!" Lighting a cigarette, he continued, "This cigarette was a gift from Liu Zhenwei this afternoon." Zihan glanced at the pack and nodded, "Soft Zhonghua, good cigarette." Noticing her indifference, Song Shun frowned, "Are you dissatisfied with Liu Zhenwei?"

"Not dissatisfied, just not familiar with him."

"Liu Zhenwei's father is Liu Xinnan, the secretary-general of our city's government."

"Hmm."

"Liu Zhenwei works at the city court, the youngest judge there."

"Hmm."

Song Shun seemed to be talking to himself as much as to Zihan, "If he continues like this, he could be the court president by thirty-five!"

Zihan coldly asked, "Do you want me to be the court president's wife by thirty-five?"

Feeling frustrated by her indifferent attitude, Song Shun dropped all pretense, "This afternoon, Liu Zhenwei came by and brought two cartons of cigarettes. He said he likes you but is too shy to tell you directly, so he asked for my help..."

Zihan found this amusing and responded sharply, "So, you're playing matchmaker because you accepted his gift?" Song Shun thought about how beneficial it would be to have Liu Xinnan as an in-law, considering Liu Zhenwei's promising career and good temperament. Looking at his daughter, he felt that she wasn't particularly outstanding and that securing a match with someone like Liu Zhenwei was fortuitous. He continued, "You're my daughter, and of course, I want you to be happy. His family has a house, a car, money, and power. Marrying him, you won't suffer at all..."

Hearing this, Zihan became agitated. She felt that what her father was saying had nothing to do with love. She stood up and coldly said, "Then why don't you marry him?" Seeing her reaction, Song Shun didn't press further, watching her retreat to her room, leaving him stewing in his frustration in the dining room.