Chapter 9

“Then it’s settled! As long as I find someone you’re satisfied with, there’s no need for any blind dates. Once I get married, even if you cry and beg me to come back, I won’t look back!” Xianola Hansen held her chin high, her tone full of arrogance, though there was a hint of cunning in her eyes. She had her own plans: she’d agree to the deal for now, but who she married in the end would still be up to her. After all, there were still several years ahead. Maybe fate would bring the right person to her anyway.

Drake Hansen watched his daughter’s proud expression, a barely noticeable smile flashing in his eyes. But he pretended to be serious and said, “It’s a deal! Just don’t end up not being able to find it, and then cry and act spoiled.” Both father and daughter were using delaying tactics, hiding their true plans. Their faces showed the satisfaction of those who’ve succeeded in their schemes. Undoubtedly, they were father and daughter after all.

This seemingly fair arrangement was actually just Xanora Hansen’s makeshift solution, and also Drake Hansen’s way of taking advantage of the situation. He had no intention of really letting his daughter take her time in finding a husband. A son-in-law like Madre Summer was too good to pass up. Since his daughter wanted to “find her own husband,” he would simply arrange for them to meet by chance. After all, everything was under his control.

After spending a day at home in comfort, Xanora Hansen couldn’t resist the urge to go back to school. She couldn’t stand the restrictions of home life, and missed the days of playing around with Karen Lowell. Before even reaching the school, she eagerly called Karen Lowell, saying in a coquettish tone, “Dear Karen Lowell, could you come pick me up?”

On the other end of the line, Karen Lowell was playing games on her phone. When she heard Shannora Hansen’s voice, she immediately quit the game. Her tone was eager and excited: “Shannora? You’re back! Where are you now? I’ll be there in a moment!”

“It’s that Western restaurant right next to the school,” said Shannora Hansen with a smile. “To celebrate my ‘rebirth’, my sister’s treating today. You can order whatever you want!”

“Really? Then I won’t hold back at all! I’m going to make you cry!” Karen Lowell’s voice was full of excitement. “Wait for me—I’ll be there in five minutes!”

After hanging up the phone, Shannora Hansen couldn’t help but smile. Karen Lowell’s encouragement over the phone had been crucial in helping her get out of that awkward dating situation. It only made sense to invite her out for a meal.

Before long, Karen Lowell rushed in in a hurry. As soon as she saw Shanora Hansen sitting by the window, she rushed over and hugged her tightly. “Dear! You’re finally back alive! I was so worried!”

“Ugh… Karen, I can’t breathe!” Shanora Hansen patted her back, exasperated yet amused. “I’m not going into some dangerous situation or anything. There’s no need to overreact like that.”

Karen Lowell let go of her, sized her up from head to toe, and smirked. “Damn, you haven’t lost any weight at all. In fact, you seem even healthier now! I thought your dad would lock you up somewhere after taking you back.”

“What’s the matter? My dad adores me,” Xianola Hansen rolled her eyes. “Besides, look at me. Do I even seem like someone who’s been locked up somewhere? And could you please pay more attention to your appearance? After all, you’re the daughter of the Ouyang family. Acting like a rough-and-tumble guy like that is completely unacceptable.”

“How dare you talk about me?” Karen Lowell retorted indignantly. “You, Shannora Hansen, aren’t any better. You’re always spoiled and willful. Only I can tolerate you! Enough already. Let’s order quickly. I’m starving. And I still need to hear about how you got caught again!”

Shanora Hansen smiled and nodded, handing her the menu. She spoke casually, “It wasn’t anything special. My dad just asked me to go with him for a drink or something. I’m a weak woman with no strength at all, so I had no choice but to go with him.” She said this nonchalantly, deliberately omitting the details about being robbed and meeting Zimmet, so as not to worry Karen Lowell.

Karen Lowell took the menu, looking at her with skepticism. “Is that it? Who are you trying to fool? There must be more to it! By the way, how did your talk with your dad go? Did you agree to go on that blind date?”

“It was such a pleasant conversation,” said Shanora Hansen. She took a bite of the steak that had just been served. Her eyes lit up. “Wow, this steak is delicious! I don’t need to go on any blind dates anymore.”

“Really?” Karen Lowell’s eyes widened, then she smiled knowingly. “I knew it wasn’t that simple. There must be some conditions, right? Your father isn’t that kind-hearted.”

Shanora Hansen curled her lips in exasperation. “You guessed right. He promised me that I had to find a boyfriend by graduation. If I couldn’t, I’d have to go on blind dates.”

“Hahaha!” Karen Lowell laughed uncontrollably. “I told you! What’s the difference between this and forcing you to go on blind dates? It’s just a matter of whether you die sooner or later!”

“Hey! Karen Lowell! Can you please stop underestimating me like that?” Shanora Hansen glared at her discontentedly. “I, Shanora Hansen, am beautiful, intelligent, and well-mannered. How could I possibly have trouble finding a boyfriend? Besides, I’d be grateful if I didn’t have to go on blind dates right now.”

“Alright, alright, I’m not underestimating you,” Karen Lowell stopped smiling, patted her shoulder, and said with a mischievous grin, “Don’t worry. Before you graduate, I promise to find you a handsome guy who’s good at both academics and sports, so you can fulfill your promise and get rid of those awful blind dates!”

“That’s what you said!” Shannora Hansen’s eyes lit up. She quickly added, “I remember. If you can’t help me find him, then you’ll have to go on a blind date for me!”

“Ah? I was just joking!” Karen Lowell immediately retracted her words, looking distressed. “I definitely don’t want to go on any blind dates. Those rich guys are all smooth-talking and boring. I have no interest in them at all.”

“It’s late! Once words are spoken, they can’t be taken back!” Xenora Hansen smiled triumphantly. “By the way, I want to tell you something. While I was out, I actually met a really handsome guy.”

Karen Lowell immediately became interested. She leaned in closer to her, her eyes gleaming. “Really? What kind of information? Name, address, contact details—give them to me right away!”

“You’re not short of men anyway. Why be so eager?” Shanora Hansen rolled her eyes at her, but still spoke slowly, “His name is Zimmet. He’s extremely handsome, and he has a gentle personality. He has two piercings in his left ear, and his hair is golden. He’s the same person who saved me, the one I told you about last time.”

“Wow! That sounds really great!” Karen Lowell said with envy. “You must be really lucky in love! But didn’t you ask for their contact information?”

Shanora Hansen shook her head, looking a bit disappointed. “No, it was too chaotic at the time. I forgot to ask. I never saw him again after that.”

“Oh, what a pity!” Karen Lowell sighed, looking disappointed. “I wanted to help you by getting him to become your boyfriend and take care of your worries. But… well, fate has its own plans.”

“Alright, alright, let’s eat now,” said Xanora Hansen, shaking her head helplessly. “Even such delicious food can’t stop you from talking.”

The two ate and talked together. It took them a full two hours to finish the meal. After eating and drinking their fill, Shanora Hansen just wanted to go back to her dormitory and get some much-needed sleep to make up for the lost sleep over the past few days. But before she could even take a step, Karen Lowell grabbed her by the arm.

“Shanora, haven’t we gone shopping in ages?” Karen Lowell blinked her eyes, looking at her with anticipation.

Shanora Hansen rubbed her swollen temples, looking exhausted. “Karen, I’m so tired. Can we go another time?”

“Let’s go, please~” Karen Lowell pulled at her arm, shaking her gently and acting coquettishly. “It’s been so long since we’ve gone out for a walk. I’m afraid those salespeople might forget about me!”

“Come on,” Shannora Hansen laughed helplessly. “On that celebrity street, which salesperson doesn’t know you? You practically want to empty their stores completely. How could they possibly forget you?” But despite her words, seeing Karen Lowell’s hopeful gaze, she ultimately relented.