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Zong Jin couldn't be bothered to argue with Zong Zeyu. He released his grip and picked up his chopsticks, ready to serve the most tender and expensive piece of meat on the plate to Dao Wen. However, at that moment, Zong Zeyu swiftly rotated the dining table, transferring the piece Zong Jin had his eye on to Tong Le's plate.
Tong Le blinked in surprise; she hadn't expected Zong Zeyu to act so childishly. Her plate was clean, and she didn't want to offend anyone. So, she picked it up and stood up to pass the food to Wen Cuizhi, saying, "Aunt Berqi, please have this plate; I haven't touched it."
Wen Cuizhi chuckled as she accepted the plate. She then glanced at Dao Wen and deliberately asked, "Dao Wen, when do you plan to enter our Zong Family's home? Anyway, I've heard that before the end of the year, the Zong Family is going to host a grand wedding banquet."
Before Dao Wen could respond, Zong Zeyu jumped in, "It might even be my wedding."
Wen Cuizhi shot Zong Zeyu a glare and continued addressing Dao Wen, "What do you think? Marriage is something that should be decided sooner rather than later. The earlier you make a decision, the sooner I can start preparing."
Zong Jin felt a bit anxious; he hadn't expected Tong Le to push so hard. Dao Wen was also taken aback. Since she stepped onto the cruise ship, she had sensed something was off about the atmosphere but couldn't pinpoint what exactly.
Just as Zong Jin was about to step in to help Dao Wen out of this awkward situation, Wen Cuizhi interrupted him. "I'm asking Dao Wen, not you."
Seeing Tong Le's serious demeanor, Zong Jin decided not to interject further. Dao Wen knew she had to play her part well; after all, her only responsibility was to complete her mission. As for the ensuing mess, that would be up to Zong Jin to handle.
Dao Wen straightforwardly replied, "Sure, how about by the end of the year? We can find a skilled master then and pick a date."
Wen Cuizhi pressed on, "I've already calculated a date for next month. You can get your marriage certificate first; as for the wedding banquet, that can wait until the end of the year."
Dao Wen glanced at Zong Jin; both felt immense pressure. Even Tong Le across from them sensed the heavy atmosphere of impending marriage.
As Dao Wen pondered how to politely decline or stall for time, Wen Cuizhi spoke again. "Is there something you're hesitant about? Or do you think our Zong Jin isn't good enough?"
"No, Aunt Berqi," Dao Wen quickly replied. "Zong Jin is great; it's my own issue. How could Zong Jin not be good enough? You're joking!"
Wen Cuizhi said, "You are too; I just don't understand why you're hesitating. Is it because you have other options?"
Wen Cuizhi intentionally led the conversation into a dead end, making the atmosphere sharp and tense. She didn't mean to trouble Dao Wen; she just wanted to help that clueless romantic Zong Jin.
Dao Wen awkwardly responded, "Not at all, Aunt Berqi! I'm completely devoted to Zong Jin!"
Wen Cuizhi picked up her chopsticks and continued eating while asking, "Then tell me, what do you like about Zong Jin?"
This question stumped Dao Wen. What did she really know about Zong Jin? She couldn't lie; after all, she was facing his mother right now. All she could do was rely on her rough understanding of him to evaluate this person.
Dao Wen thought for a moment and said, "He is steady, reliable, handsome, responsible, very dedicated, ambitious, and he protects and cares for me. Plus, he is quite wealthy."
Wen Cuizhi smiled and asked, "What about his shortcomings?"
Without hesitation, Dao Wen replied, "He's too stubborn!"
Laughter erupted around the table, and Wen Cuizhi joined in the chuckles, while Wu Youyou remained silent.
Wen Cuizhi turned her gaze to Zong Jin. "Son, what do you think are Dao Wen's strengths and weaknesses?"
Zong Jin answered without a second thought. "Strengths: she's beautiful, generous, intelligent, straightforward, loyal, independent, and strong. Weakness: she never replies to my WeChat messages."
Laughter rang out again, and Zong Zeyu gave Zong Jin a thumbs-up.
Wen Cuizhi then asked, "Son, if I were to ask you to break up with Dao Wen right now, could you do it?"
Zong Jin suddenly became serious. "Why? Why do you say that all of a sudden?"
Wen Cuizhi observed Zong Jin's anxious expression and confirmed to herself that he had genuine feelings for Dao Wen. However, she suspected that Dao Wen did not feel the same way about him.
With a sense of clarity in her heart, she continued eating while directing her question at Dao Wen. "How many relationships have you had before? How significant is Zong Jin to you?"
The atmosphere at the dining table grew tense. Zong Jin was puzzled by Tong Le's intentions, while Dao Wen began to feel confused as well.
Dao Wen answered honestly. "Before Zong Jin, I had one relationship."
Wen Cuizhi pressed on. "And how significant is Zong Jin in your heart? I want to hear the truth."
Dao Wen looked at Wen Cuizhi's somewhat serious demeanor and sensed that she might know something.
Dao Wen described Zong Jin as someone akin to a benefactor.
Wen Cuizhi nodded. "Yes, that sounds like the truth."
At the table, Zong Jin and Zong Zeyu exchanged glances, both sensing an ominous atmosphere. Tong Le also grew tense.
Wen Cuizhi continued, "I have secretly looked into some of your background information. Your situation is somewhat similar to Zong Jin's; after your last relationship ended, you haven't really invested in another one."
Dao Wen fell silent.
Wen Cuizhi picked up a napkin to dab at her mouth and said earnestly, "I often tell Zong Jin that he needs to look forward in life. But he never listens until he brought you home. That's when I felt he truly took a step forward. I thought you were an optimistic person who had moved past your shadows from the past, but it seems that's not the case."
Zong Jin suddenly stood up. "Mom, actually I—"
Wen Cuizhi interrupted him. "The advice I gave Zong Jin also applies to you: one must look forward and not live in the shadows of the past. It creates an invisible pressure on oneself and on those who have passed away. I know that your relationship with Zong Jin is somewhat fake, but I can see that my son is sincere about you. So today I have an unreasonable request: Miss Dao Wen, could you give Zong Jin a chance to spend time with you? Consider it an opportunity for yourself to look forward as well."
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