Blind Date with the Billionaire Boss

Family Inquisition

The dining room of the Jiang Estate was a study in controlled elegance. A long, polished mahogany table gleamed under the soft glow of designer fixtures, laden with an array of exquisite Chinese dishes that looked more like works of art than sustenance. Yet, amidst the opulence, Shen He Li felt an invisible spotlight burning on her. Every chew of her precisely cut duck, every sip of delicate soup, felt scrutinized.

Chairman Jiang Senior sat at the head of the table, his eyes twinkling with a satisfaction that only amplified He Li's anxiety. To his right, Tai Mu maintained his usual impassive demeanor, occasionally offering a curt comment or a precisely timed bite of food. But it was the other family members who truly made He Li sweat. Tai Mu’s stern-faced aunt, his vaguely amused uncle, and a scattering of cousins—all polite on the surface, but with gazes that felt like probing questions.

"So, Mei Ling, Tai Mu tells us you have a background in arts management?" Tai Mu's aunt, a woman with meticulously coiffed hair and a sharp glint in her eyes, finally broke the polite silence, her voice smooth as silk. "A fascinating field. Have you attended many exhibitions in Shanghai recently?"

He Li's mind raced, scrambling to recall the flimsy details of her fabricated persona. Arts management... arts management.... She remembered a half-read article about a contemporary art gallery on the Bund. "Oh, yes, Auntie," she said, forcing a bright, cultured smile. "I find the burgeoning contemporary art scene here quite captivating. The integration of traditional Chinese brushwork with modern, abstract forms is truly inspiring." She hoped she sounded convincing.

"Indeed," the aunt mused, a faint, almost imperceptible narrowing of her eyes. "And your family's tea plantation in Hangzhou, Mei Ling? Is it a particularly large estate? I recall visiting some exquisite ones years ago, producing the finest Longjing."

He Li's heart pounded. She knew nothing about tea plantations, let alone specific tea varieties! She glanced quickly at Tai Mu, but he was impassively cutting a piece of fish, offering no rescue. This was her burden to bear. "Oh, it's... it's a very cherished family estate," she began, trying to sound wistful. "Not perhaps as grand as some of the historic ones, but our family prides itself on our sustainable practices and unique, artisanal blends. My parents are incredibly passionate about it." She offered a deferential nod, hoping her vague answer would satisfy.

Chairman Jiang Senior, however, seemed delighted. "Ah, a family business! Excellent, excellent. A strong family background is truly important. You must bring us some of your family's tea sometime, Mei Ling. I would be most interested to sample it."

"Of course, Chairman Jiang Senior," He Li said, her smile feeling plastered on. She made a mental note to frantically research Hangzhou tea plantations and how to procure "artisanal blends" without arousing suspicion.

The conversation continued its polite interrogation, moving from her 'overseas studies' to her 'plans for the future.' He Li answered each question with carefully rehearsed composure, often mirroring Tai Mu's concise replies, aiming for an air of quiet sophistication. She felt like an actress performing a high-wire act without a net, every word a potential misstep. Her internal monologue was a constant stream of frantic self-correction: Too loud, Mei Ling! Smile, Mei Ling! Don't look too eager, Mei Ling!

As the courses progressed, Tai Mu finally spoke, his voice cutting through the polite chatter. "Grandfather, Mei Ling has expressed an interest in seeing the new GO Foods innovation hub. Perhaps a tour next week?"

Chairman Jiang Senior's eyes lit up. "An excellent idea, Tai Mu! It's good that Mei Ling is taking an interest in your work. A supportive partner is invaluable." He beamed at He Li, who managed another practiced, modest smile. The sudden change of topic was a clear lifeline from Tai Mu, a subtle redirection of the conversation, and He Li mentally breathed a sigh of relief. He might be cold, but he was at least upholding his end of the bargain.

The evening eventually wound down, the formal goodbyes exchanged with practiced ease. As Tai Mu escorted He Li back to the waiting sedan, the silence between them was heavy, yet less overtly tense than before.

"Your performance was... adequate, Chen Mei Ling," Tai Mu stated, his voice flat. It was the closest he'd come to a compliment, and He Li almost snorted.

"And yours was... equally convincing, Chairman Jiang," she retorted, a hint of her real self peeking through. "You certainly know how to play the dutiful grandson."

Tai Mu paused, a flicker of something unreadable in his dark eyes. "This is a business, Researcher Shen. We perform our roles. Efficiently." He opened the car door for her, the gesture formal and impersonal. As she settled into the luxurious seat, He Li looked back at the imposing estate, a fortress where she had just spent hours weaving an elaborate tapestry of lies. The curtain had closed on tonight’s act, but the show, she knew, was far from over. And the next act promised to be even more demanding.