Chapter Twenty: Brother, Let Me Introduce You to a Girlfriend

In the lounge area on the first floor, Tao Jianshe and Tao Bo sat together.

Tao Bo hadn’t really grasped the seriousness of his uncle’s illness at first; even cancer seemed like something distant and unrelated to him. But after seeing his uncle, he felt a vague, indescribable ache inside.

Of everyone in the family, his second uncle was one of the people Tao Bo had always been a little afraid of—he carried the air of the streets and had a fierce look about him. But now?

He was thin, his hair was gone—just like that moment in childhood when Tao Bo realized his grandfather had grown old.

“Dad, is there really no cure for Second Uncle’s illness?”

Tao Jianshe patted his son’s shoulder. “The king of cancers. It’s tough.”

“So does that mean Zhichu is almost…”

Tao Jianshe let out a heavy sigh. “Yes. That’s why I agree with your mother moving in for a bit. Fate always seems to break the weakest rope. Your cousin Zhichu has had a rough time these past twenty years. If you have time, talk with him, share some of his burden.”

Tao Bo nodded.

He’d actually been quite happy at first—not only had his parents not forced him to work at his second uncle’s restaurant, but his mother was being sent away for half a month.

Wouldn’t that make these two weeks…?

But that joy was quickly washed away by the bleak figure his second uncle had become. Now, Tao Bo couldn’t help feeling a little sorry for his cousin Zhichu.

Tang Xiujuan was a woman of action—once she made a decision, she followed through on it immediately. After half an hour at the hospital, she left with Tao Jianshe to go home and pack, preparing to move in with Tang Zhichu. There happened to be a guest room available.

Tao Bo was left behind, at his parents’ request, to keep his cousin company.

Tang Zhichu brought Tao Bo home. Since his aunt was moving in, he didn’t want to trouble her with everything, so he started tidying up in advance.

Tao Bo kept watching his cousin.

Zhichu seemed perfectly normal, but Tao Bo was sure that deep down, he must be grieving.

How pitiful—about the same age as me, doesn’t smoke or drink.

And at the dinner table, he even has to take care of my difficult mother.

Tao Bo knew just how hard it was to keep his mother in a good mood.

He even suspected that his father had agreed so readily to let his mom move in, not because of any desire to care for his uncle and cousin, but simply because he wanted a break himself.

His cousin was quick with housework—even faster than his mom. Clearly, he was used to it, the kind of person always kept busy with chores.

And that made sense. Second Uncle didn’t seem like the type to do housework—he looked like a gangster, frankly terrifying. Thank goodness his own father was mild-tempered.

His mother might be fierce, but compared to his cousin’s mother…

The more Tao Bo thought about it, the more mixed his feelings became. Eventually, he ran to the bathroom, grabbed a mop, and started helping out.

“Hey, cousin.”

Tang Zhichu was changing the sheets and duvet cover in the guest room. Hearing Tao Bo call, he turned around.

Tao Bo stood in the doorway, mop in one hand and phone in the other.

“What is it?” Tang Zhichu asked.

Tao Bo scrolled on his phone for a bit, then said, “Cousin, how about I introduce you to a girlfriend? Look, here’s her photo—she’s really pretty.”

Tang Zhichu was taken aback, unsure what Tao Bo was up to.

“I mean it! Look, I even had a crush on her myself. She’s pretty, gentle, and most importantly, she knows how to take care of people.” When his cousin didn’t reply, Tao Bo moved closer, holding out his phone for him to see.

Tang Zhichu smiled, “If you like her, why not go after her yourself? And how do you know she’s gentle and caring?”

Tao Bo gave an embarrassed little grin before answering, “Because… because she’s my good buddy’s girlfriend. My friend’s told me tons of stories about her. She’s so gentle, she can cook…”

Tang Zhichu: “???”

Tao Bo continued, “It’s true, cousin, I’m not lying. She broke up with my buddy. I was thinking of giving it a shot myself, but you’re my cousin, so I’ll let you have her.”

Tang Zhichu turned back to changing the bedcovers, thinking to himself, Well, thanks—I’m sure your buddy would thank you too.

“No need. I’m not interested in dating right now.”

“It’s fine, cousin. Our situation might be a bit complicated, but you’re good-looking. She’s a bit of a romantic, really likes handsome guys. I think you’ve got a shot.”

Tang Zhichu ignored him. This guy seemed a bit dense.

Seeing his cousin unresponsive, Tao Bo shook his head. Maybe he was just worried about holding her back.

He didn’t push the issue and went back to mopping.

Just then, Tang Zhichu’s phone vibrated. He took it out—an unfamiliar number, just saved that morning.

“I’m almost done here. What about you?”

“Me too, just about finished.”

“Shall I come pick you up?”

Tang Zhichu thought for a moment, then replied, “Sure, the address is…”

Half an hour later, the house was tidy. Satisfied, Tang Zhichu nodded, took a shower, and changed into a presentable outfit.

Tao Bo watched, puzzled, then remembered at lunch his cousin had mentioned he was part of a dating show.

“Cousin, are you going to that dating show thing?”

Tang Zhichu nodded.

“Is it one of those matchmaking shows on Penguin Video?”

“Something like that.”

“Wow! Are the female contestants really pretty? And rich?”

Tang Zhichu, hunting for his keys, nodded.

“But, cousin, don’t get discouraged. Those girls aren’t really marriage material. If you want a girlfriend, you should find someone with a good temper, someone caring.”

Tang Zhichu cut him off, “Are you coming to the restaurant with me or staying here? Here, I’ll give you a set of keys. Give them to your mom later.”

Tao Bo took the keys. “I’ll go to the restaurant with you.”

By five o’clock, Lao Tang Sichuan Restaurant was already getting busy.

The kitchen bustled—Little Fatty was tossing woks like a pro, flames leaping high.

Tang Zhichu collected the ingredients he’d arranged for at lunch, then stepped outside.

At the door, both he and Tao Bo held two bags each.

Tao Bo looked puzzled. “Cousin, what are we doing?”

“Waiting for someone,” Tang Zhichu replied.

In less than three minutes, a Mercedes G-Class pulled up in front of the restaurant.

The car door opened, and a woman in professional attire stepped out.

Tao Bo immediately nudged Tang Zhichu, starstruck. “Cousin, look—a goddess!”

Jiang Lan wore her work uniform: a crisp white blouse and a skirt that hugged her hips, falling just below her thighs, paired with sleek, glossy black stockings.

Jiang Lan waved to Tang Zhichu with poise and confidence.

Tang Zhichu walked over.

“What’s this?” Jiang Lan asked, puzzled by the bags in his hands.

Tang Zhichu lifted them. “Pickled chicken feet and spicy crayfish. From my own restaurant—ingredients guaranteed.”

Jiang Lan’s eyes sparkled. “Wow, I’m in for a treat tonight!”

Tang Zhichu noticed Tao Bo lingering in the background and called out, “Xiaobo, come over here!”

Snapping out of it, Tao Bo jogged over.

“This is my cousin, Tao Bo.”

Jiang Lan smiled gently. “Hello, I’m Jiang Lan.”

Bathed in sunlight, she looked every bit the urban beauty from the TV screen. She was still smiling, so gentle that Tao Bo’s face flushed red. He couldn’t even reply properly.

Tang Zhichu handed Jiang Lan the bags he was carrying and took the ones from Tao Bo as well.

“This is fish, from the Yangtze River. Tonight I’ll make steamed river perch. This is a free-range chicken, sourced directly through the restaurant—can’t always find that at the market.” He explained the contents.

Jiang Lan was delighted. So he’d planned everything in advance—she’d spent half the afternoon wondering what to cook tonight.

“Wonderful, wonderful. Let’s get in the car. Goodbye, cousin!” Jiang Lan was clearly eager to get going.

Tonight was her turn to cook with Tang Zhichu.

Tao Bo stammered, “B-Bye…”

He watched the flashy urban SUV disappear into the distance, stood there in a daze, then pulled out his phone.

After a moment’s hesitation, Tao Bo gritted his teeth and deleted the contact information for his buddy’s ex—the girl he’d been thinking of introducing to his cousin.