"It's over, this child is hopeless! Kai Shan, don't be angry. Our son is just too traumatized."
Xue Jingmei's eyes welled up with tears, a wave of regret and self-blame washing over her. She regretted expecting too much from Zhong Jiaheng, putting too much pressure on him, causing him to be unable to handle even minor setbacks.
"How can I not be angry? If you were afraid of some formidable figure, your father could understand, but why are you afraid of Lin Feng?"
"He's Xiao Xue's boyfriend, and by seniority, he's your brother-in-law. You're afraid of your brother-in-law and even say he's more intimidating than your own father. What's going on? Can he eat people?"
Zhong Kai Shan's eyes blazed, his expression one of bitter disappointment.
Lin Feng, listening to the father and son's conversation, found it rather jarring. They could talk amongst themselves, why drag him into it? However, Lin Feng also understood that Zhong Jiaheng had developed a deep-seated fear of him.
"Cousin Jiaheng, don't be afraid of me. I don't eat people. You should just be yourself. If you like Miss Shen, just say it. I won't stop your normal courtship!" Lin Feng said with a smile, trying to comfort him.
"Really?" Zhong Jiaheng was overjoyed. With Lin Feng's assurance, he felt relieved.
"Really. Don't act like I did anything to you. We're peers." Lin Feng nodded earnestly. Zhong Jiaheng wasn't inherently bad, and Lin Feng saw no need to bully him.
"Then... then I like Miss Shen. I was smitten the moment I first saw her!" Zhong Jiaheng mustered his courage and confessed his feelings to Shen Xinyue with affectionate eyes.
Upon hearing Zhong Jiaheng's confession, Shen Xinyue felt disgusted. A coward who couldn't even speak without looking to Lin Feng for permission, how could he possibly like her? Shen Xinyue found it laughable, but could only say, "Mr. Zhong, I appreciate your feelings and your affection, but I truly don't wish to find a partner right now."
"Is... is this a rejection?" Zhong Jiaheng asked, a little disappointed.
"Little Miss Shen, don't be so hasty. Please reconsider my son. My son is truly a good person." Xue Jingmei was even more anxious than Zhong Jiaheng. As she was getting older, she was eager to have a grandchild.
"Yes, little Miss Shen. Even though you're working for Little Lin, it doesn't affect your normal life. You could try dating Jiaheng." Xue Jingru chimed in, trying to assist. She was genuinely worried that Shen Xinyue might have feelings for Lin Feng, and thus, she was eager to find a partner for Shen Xinyue now.
"Right, how about this: Whatever salary Lin Feng pays you, we'll match it. You can come work for our family instead." Xue Jingmei was determined. Her family wasn't short on money, and hiring Shen Xinyue was within their means.
"Aunties, it's not about the money. It's just that I genuinely don't like him." Shen Xinyue stated her point clearly.
"Then if you don't like my son, who do you like? I'll have my son change!" Xue Jingmei asked eagerly.
"I like someone like Lin Feng." Shen Xinyue smiled slightly. Lin Feng had been bullying her, and now it was her turn to get back at him. As expected, her words caused Xue Jingru and the others to wear expressions of embarrassment.
"You like someone like Lin Feng? Don't you know Lin Feng already has a girlfriend? He's dating Xiao Xue, and they're about to get their marriage certificate!" Xue Jingmei found it baffling, not understanding what was so good about Lin Feng that he was more appealing to girls than her son.
"I know, which is why I'll work hard to become even more outstanding." Shen Xinyue said something that made people think further. This time, Xue Jingru and Xia Xue's expressions also turned grim. Xia Xue, in particular, sensed a challenge from Shen Xinyue's words. This woman was openly challenging her!
"Alright, you young people are truly interesting. Tell me then, what is it like to be like Lin Feng? I want to know where he's better than my son." Xue Jingmei was unconvinced. She didn't necessarily want this particular daughter-in-law, but she needed to know why.
"Lin Feng is just very good. Being with him gives me a sense of security. He's also very capable, and he's very kind to small animals, like taking care of kittens in his free time."
"Of course, I'm not the only girl who likes him. There's also..." Shen Xinyue, relishing the chaos, was stopped by a flustered Lin Feng.
"Ahem, Miss Shen, please don't continue. I know I'm excellent, but it's impossible between us." Lin Feng said, deliberately pulling Xia Xue into his embrace and putting on a show of affection. Xia Xue had been a bit upset with Lin Feng earlier, but seeing his open declaration made her feel much better. At least, Shen Xinyue was harboring unrequited feelings, and Lin Feng had no such intentions. Xue Jingru was also pleased with Lin Feng's response and let out a sigh of relief.
However, Shen Xinyue's next words almost made Xue Jingru furious. "Not being married doesn't mean I have no chance. Lin Feng, I will work hard to make myself better, to make you like me. I'll keep trying." Shen Xinyue spoke earnestly and with deep emotion. If Lin Feng hadn't known Shen Xinyue was doing it intentionally, he would have almost been fooled by her appearance.