Crush Me If You Dare

Chapter 2: Unexpected Connections

Emma Quinn spent the entire morning at the Chess Association with her grandfather, Grandpa Quinn. As lunchtime approached, they were invited to join a meal, but Grandpa Quinn, concerned that Emma might find the gathering boring, suggested she head back early.

As they said their goodbyes, many people, especially Grandpa Quinn’s friend, Mr. Han, insisted she stay for lunch. Mr. Han, in particular, was warm and welcoming, and Emma had learned quite a bit from him that morning, both about chess and the ways of the business world. However, Grandpa Quinn kindly declined the invitation on her behalf, explaining that she had plans to meet a friend.

Grandpa Quinn escorted her to the yard. “If you want something to eat, just let the chef know when you get home. I’m heading back this afternoon,” he said, handing her his coat and adjusting his glasses.

Emma smiled, “No need to trouble anyone. I’ll just head to my apartment.”

Grandpa Quinn raised an eyebrow, “What about your good friend, Yan Yan? Does she know you’re back today?”

Emma nodded. “Yes, she took the day off work to stay home and cook for me.”

Grandpa Quinn gave a thoughtful nod, but then added, “You’re not getting any younger, you know. It’s about time you found yourself a boyfriend. Otherwise, you’ll spend Christmas alone. Look at Ethan Blake—he didn’t come back, obviously off with his girlfriend.”

Emma sighed, a little embarrassed. Her grandfather was an old-fashioned man, with strict views on how she should dress and when she should come home, but at other times, he surprised her with an unexpected open-mindedness.

As they passed the CBD area on their way back, Emma spotted the building of her firm, Haina Investment's Beijing branch. She hesitated for a moment, then sent a quick message to her cousin: Who should I report to for my internship at the branch?

Her cousin responded quickly: I’ll arrange a mentor for you. Everyone’s busy these days, so you can rest for a few days. Report back after Christmas.

Emma replied, Thanks! Love you :)

Her cousin texted back: Stop with the princess tantrums. Don’t argue with your bosses; it’s how you show you love me.

Emma raised an eyebrow, Am I really that bad?

Her cousin responded: Do you know what makes your sister-in-law better than you?

Emma: What’s that?

Her cousin: She occasionally has some self-awareness, whereas you still don’t know what that is.

Emma laughed but looked at the time—her cousin was in bed already, and she was starting to feel the time difference. She quickly ended the conversation: Alright, I’ll let you sleep. Good night.

When she returned to her apartment, Yan Yan had already prepared a feast—everything Emma loved to eat.

Emma, looking at the spread, raised an eyebrow: “Just the two of us—are you sure we can finish all this?”

Yan Yan took off her apron and smiled, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this. No food will go to waste.”

Emma eyed her carefully, noticing she looked a bit fuller than a few months ago. “Weren’t you going on about dieting?”

Yan Yan grinned. “I’m skipping dinner tonight. I’m serious about losing weight—hoping to find a handsome guy to date next spring.”

Emma raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "You’ve been saying that for years, but I’ll believe it when I see it."

Just then, Yan Yan spotted Emma’s bright red socks and smirked. “Well, well, you finally figured out how to keep warm. But, could you at least choose a more subtle color next time? Those socks don’t match your outfit.”

Emma stretched her legs, looking at the socks, and shrugged. “My grandfather made me wear them. He insisted.” With a sigh, she slipped the socks off, feeling much more comfortable.

Yan Yan, always full of advice, shook her head. “You don’t have to wear them indoors, but you should wear something when you go out. You’re too stubborn, wearing those open-toed shoes in the winter. Your ankles will freeze, and when you get older, you’ll regret it.”

She paused, looking at Emma with a knowing expression. “You really need to find a man who can handle you.”

Emma smirked, “No one can control me.”

Yan Yan raised an eyebrow. “Don’t be so sure. Haven’t you heard? Every person has their match—like how stinky tofu can be eaten with braised meat. You’ll find someone to balance you out one day.”

The two chatted while they ate, the food now cold, but their conversation far from over. Soon, Yan Yan received a call from her boss, and the marathon-like conversation came to a temporary halt.

"Do you still have to go to work this afternoon?" Emma asked, after they finished their meal.

Yan Yan thought for a moment. "I’ll skip it. I can work from home."

Emma glanced out the window. “Yeah, might as well stay home. The weather’s so cold and gloomy. It’s probably going to snow. If it does, traffic’s going to be a nightmare.”

Sure enough, it started snowing around 2 p.m. and didn’t stop. The heavy snow caused massive traffic delays. Meanwhile, Julian Harris was stuck outside the Wanhe Group building, brushing the snow off his coat. His car had been stuck in traffic, and although he had arranged to meet Henry Parker at 7:30 p.m., he was running late. So, he got out of the car and walked over.

He arrived at the building a bit later than expected and apologized when he met Henry Parker, “Sorry for the delay, Mr. Han.”

Henry Parker smiled, “It’s nothing.”

He made tea for Julian while pouring himself a glass of warm water, and they chatted. After congratulating Julian on his new role as Haina Investment’s China branch head, Henry said, “I didn’t expect you’d be back in the country.”

Julian nodded. “My parents are getting older, so I wanted to be around more.”

After a few more pleasantries, they turned to business. Julian asked, “Which company are you eyeing this time?”

Having worked with Henry Parker on several occasions, Julian guessed it was the AC company.

Henry nodded in acknowledgment. They talked for about half an hour, but the details would have to wait until Julian could put together a proper proposal.

As their conversation neared an end, Julian took out a cigarette and offered one to Henry. Henry waved it off, gesturing to his throat. “I’m not feeling well these days,” he said, then pushed the ashtray towards Julian.

Julian lit his cigarette and joked, “I thought maybe you had a girlfriend now and were quitting smoking for her.”

Henry laughed. “It’s more like I’m afraid of being told what to do, so I haven’t bothered with a girlfriend yet.”

Julian, half in jest, responded, “Well, you could always secretly sneak a smoke when no one’s looking.”

Henry, unusually serious during a business conversation, replied, “If I ever meet someone who doesn’t like the smell of smoke, I’ll quit for her.”

Just then, Henry’s phone rang. It was his grandfather. He excused himself and stepped into the office’s lounge area.

“Grandpa?”

“Henry, when does that interview air? I’ve been waiting for hours, and now I’m not sure if I’ve got the time right. I must be losing my mind.”

Henry’s grandfather sounded a bit tired and flustered, still sitting in front of the TV waiting to watch the interview.

Henry glanced at his watch and reassured him, “It’s starting in fifteen minutes, Grandpa.”

The interview had been recorded at the end of last month when Henry was in Beijing. It was for a friend’s wife, who hosted a financial news program. He had only taken a couple of hours to record it while he was in town.

Henry didn’t rush to end the call, instead chatting casually with his grandfather for a few more minutes.

Lately, Grandpa had become quite the chatterbox. Even the smallest thing could lead to a ten-minute monologue. He used to be a man of few words, a strict and dignified figure, but now it was clear he was aging.

Henry Parker, however, didn’t show any sign of impatience. He simply held the phone to his ear and listened quietly, standing by the window with one hand in his pocket.

The room felt warm, but the world outside was freezing, the glass clouded with a thin layer of mist. The dim, yellow light from a wall lamp flickered softly, casting his blurry reflection on the large windows. Outside, heavy snowflakes were falling in thick layers.

After finishing his conversation with Julian Harris, Henry Parker returned to his grandfather, who was watching the replay of Henry’s recent interview on TV. The screen showed him sitting, hands clasped, discussing the financial market with the host.

“What’s so great about this show?” Henry Parker asked as he sat beside Grandpa, handing him a cup of warm water.

Grandpa, taking off his glasses, answered with a half-hearted tone, "Well, what else am I supposed to do?" He then eyed Henry with mild curiosity. "Why are you back so early today?"

It was only 10 PM, an hour earlier than usual. Normally, Henry didn’t return before midnight, either busy with socializing or working late at the office.

"Just tired," Henry replied, massaging his temple. He hadn’t had a break in three months, working fifteen to sixteen hours a day, sometimes flying long distances. He had even caught a cold recently, and his throat still felt raw.

Grandpa studied him for a few seconds before sighing, "I’ve told you a hundred times, don’t get so caught up in work. The group will run just fine without you. People should learn not to take themselves too seriously. You see your parents, they’re traveling the world and still manage to get their work done."

He paused, then abruptly changed the subject. "Tell me the truth, Henry, do you have a girlfriend?"

Henry Parker gave a half-hearted response, "When I do, you’ll be the first to know."

Grandpa nodded slowly. "Hmm, it’s about time you found someone. Once you settle down, you won’t be working yourself to the bone for sixteen hours every day." He sighed again. "If you had a wife, and got sick or something, at least you’d have someone by your side. I’d feel more at ease. At my age, I don’t have many days left."

Henry didn’t reply. He had never given much thought to relationships or starting a family. But Grandpa’s health was clearly deteriorating, especially after the major surgery a few years ago. His spirit wasn’t what it used to be.

This was the first time Grandpa had ever brought up marriage, and Henry knew it wasn’t a casual comment—it was probably because his grandfather felt his own time was limited.

"How was the game at the chess club today?" Henry asked, shifting the conversation to something lighter.

Grandpa’s expression brightened as he spoke of chess, his face softening as he delved into the details.

Suddenly, Grandpa seemed to remember something. "Hold on," he said, getting up with the help of his cane and slowly making his way toward the study.

Henry stood motionless, watching his grandfather’s frail back. He had everything money could buy, but there was nothing he could do to fix his grandfather’s health.

A few minutes later, Grandpa returned with a piece of note paper in his hand.

"I met Old Qin at the chess club this morning," Grandpa said, mentioning a name. "You remember Qin, right?"

Henry nodded. "We worked with his company a few years ago. I’ve always respected the man."

"Old Qin brought his granddaughter along today. She’s just returned from abroad. She played quite well." Grandpa paused for effect. "Old Qin mentioned she doesn’t have a boyfriend."

Henry Parker remained silent, the realization dawning on him. All that talk earlier had been Grandpa trying to play matchmaker.

Grandpa handed him the note, and Henry glanced at it. The note read "Qi Qi" followed by a phone number.

He let out a resigned smile. "Grandpa, are you asking me to go on a blind date?"

"It’s not a blind date," Grandpa responded with a chuckle. "Blind dates are old-fashioned."

Henry raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Then what exactly are you suggesting?"

Grandpa gave him a knowing look. "You’re a man, take the initiative."

Henry’s face shifted, perplexed. "What?"

"You should go after her," Grandpa insisted.

Henry burst out laughing. "Grandpa, who came up with this terrible idea?"

Grandpa shook his head, his voice firm. "This isn’t a bad idea at all!"

Then, he didn’t hold back. "It was Cen Cen. She told me that if it’s framed as a blind date, it’ll feel like a business arrangement, and she might subconsciously reject it. But if you approach it casually, you might actually have a chance."

Cen Cen was Henry’s cousin. She had always been a bit mischievous and had a habit of coming up with these ridiculous schemes.

Henry stared thoughtfully at the name "Qi Qi" on the paper. Was Grandpa really serious about this? Did he expect him to pursue her?

Grandpa watched Henry closely, noticing his disinterest and reluctance.

Both he and Old Qin had been quite pleased with the match. Grandpa had always liked Emma Quinn, and Old Qin had a deep admiration for Henry. Now that they were both getting older, they decided to push for the union. It seemed like an ideal match in their eyes.

After a brief pause, Grandpa held out his hand. "Give me the note back. I never make you do things you don’t want to, and I won’t force you into something you don’t like. If you’re not interested, I’ll tell Old Qin it’s not happening."

Before Henry could respond, Grandpa started playing his emotional card again. "If worse comes to worst, Old Qin will probably say something, but initially, he didn’t like the idea either. He thought you two were too far apart in age. I had to beg him for the contact info."

Henry couldn’t help but smile at his grandfather’s strategy—using reverse psychology. It was a tactic that always worked on him.

He sighed, taking the note back and saying, "I’ll do my best."

As for the outcome? That was still uncertain.

He had always had women around him, but he had never been the one to chase after them. He certainly didn’t have the time or patience for it.

After heading upstairs, Henry took off his coat and placed it in the laundry basket, preparing for a shower. But as he walked a few steps, he remembered the note still in his coat pocket. He hesitated for a moment before turning back to store the number.

As he typed the number into his phone, his mind wandered. One hand was entering the digits, while the other casually unbuttoned his shirt.

By habit, instead of saving the number, he accidentally dialed it. He only realized his mistake when the phone began to ring. With a quick reaction, he hung up the call.