Chapter 8
After leaving the study, Xianola Hansen felt relieved. She skipped back to her room, her face beaming with happiness. Although she had promised her father to find someone who would satisfy him before graduation, at least she wouldn’t have to go on blind dates anymore. Now, she had plenty of time to find the love she truly desired.
She sat in front of the dressing table, looking at herself in the mirror. Her lips curled into a slight smile without her realizing it. At twenty, she was in the prime of her life. She was full of hope for love, just like every other innocent young girl. She hoped to meet someone who would steal her heart, to experience a sweet romance. She didn’t care about social status or family interests. All that mattered was love—love that was strong enough to drive her to act without hesitation.
Thinking of Qimait, whom she met in that small town, her cheeks grew slightly warm again. That charming yet brave man was like a ray of light who appeared by her side at the moment she was most helpless and scared, saving her. Although they spent only one night together and didn’t even exchange contact information, his image remained firmly etched in her mind.
She wondered if she would ever meet him again in the future. Xianola Hansen thought to herself, her eyes filled with a hint of hope. She shook her head, trying to push those thoughts out of her mind. For now, the most important thing was to focus on her studies, find someone she liked, and fulfill the promise she had made to her father.
Meanwhile, in the study, Drake Hansen called Madeline Summer. His tone was slightly amused. “Madeline, when you return to the country next month, be sure to come by my place. I’d like to introduce you to a friend of mine.”
On the other end of the line, Madeline Summer’s voice was calm and steady: “Uncle Murong, what did you say?”
“It’s my daughter, Shannora Hansen,” said Drake Hansen with a smile. “She’s lively by nature, but a bit stubborn too. I thought it would be good for you two to get to know each other.” He didn’t directly mention arranging a meeting between them, fearing it might upset Madeline Summer.
Madre Summer remained silent for a moment before speaking slowly, “Alright, Uncle Murong. After I return to my country, I will visit you.” He understood Drake Hansen’s intentions and didn’t refuse. The Summer family and the Hansen family already had a cooperative relationship. If he could get along with Xianola Hansen, it would be beneficial for both families. Besides, he also wanted to see what kind of person this daughter was, who deserved Drake Hansen’s deep affection.
After hanging up the phone, Drake Hansen smiled in satisfaction. He believed that if Madeline Summer and Shanora Hansen spent more time together, Shanora would surely fall for this steady and reliable man.
Meanwhile, Shanora Hansen was lying in bed, scrolling through her phone. She thought to herself that she should go out more and meet more people in the future. Maybe, the person she liked would appear beside her at some unexpected moment.
She remembered what her father had said, and felt a bit uneasy. Her father had high expectations, and satisfying him wasn’t easy. But when she thought about the love she desired, her confidence grew. She didn’t want to settle for less, nor give up on her dreams just because of anyone else.
“I’m sure I’ll find someone I like, and I’ll also be able to satisfy my dad.” Xianola Hansen whispered these words to herself, trying to encourage herself. She had no idea what challenges lay ahead in her future. Nor did she know how the man who captured her heart, Qimait, Madre Summer whom her dad highly recommended, and Li Yan, the sunny boy who was about to enter her life, would affect her life.
All she knew was that she didn’t want to be dictated by fate or constrained by her family. She wanted to bravely pursue her love and protect the hopes buried deep in her heart. Like waiting for a flower to bloom, she longed for the season of blossoming that belonged solely to her, to come as soon as possible.
In the evening, Karen Lowell called her, her voice filled with urgency: “Shanora! How are you? Has your dad found you? Are you okay?”
Shanora Hansen smiled and said, “I’m fine, Karen. I’m already home. My dad found me. But don’t worry, I’ve talked to him. He won’t force me to go on blind dates anymore. He’ll give me time to find someone I like on my own.”
“That’s great!” Karen Lovell sighed in relief, her voice filled with joy. “I knew you could handle your dad! By the way, did you encounter anything interesting while you were in the small town?”
Shanora Hansen hesitated for a moment, but eventually told Karen Lowell about meeting Zimmet and being robbed. Her voice carried a hint of nostalgia: “I met a really amazing person who saved me. He was also very handsome. I just wonder if I’ll ever see him again.”
Karen Lowell joked, “Oh, seems like our Shanora is feeling something! It looks like this escape has been quite rewarding after all!”
Shanora Hansen’s cheeks turned red as she said playfully, “Stop talking nonsense. I’m just grateful to him.”
The two of them talked for a long time, not hanging up until late at night. Shannora Hansen lay in bed, gazing at the moonlight outside the window, her heart filled with anticipation. She didn’t know when her true love would come, but she believed that if she waited patiently, one day she would meet the right person, and together they would witness the blossoming of their own special season.
