Chapter 228: Matchmaking
As soon as the words left his mouth, the atmosphere grew increasingly awkward and tense. Seeing how uncomfortable Huong Tra was getting, Kieu Ly quickly stepped in to break the ice:
“The cake you brought looks delicious.”
“Oh, Toan Phuong told me the staff had already thrown a birthday party for you. But I still wanted to bring a little cake, to remember the last birthday we all spent together in that old rental room.”
Mentioning that last birthday in the shared apartment made Kieu Ly feel unexpectedly emotional. Back then, she had wished for Toan Phuong to become an idol, to surpass the greatness of his father. At the time, he’d teased her and said her real wish was to marry him and have his children. And now, she had become his wife. Her wish had changed since those days, but from the bottom of her heart, she longed for little angels to come into their lives.
Kieu Ly placed candles into the birthday cake, while Minh Nhat unwrapped a brand-new lighter, flicked it on, and lit the candles.
Kieu Ly closed her eyes and silently made a wish.
After she blew out the candles, Toan Phuong asked:
“What did you wish for?”
Kieu Ly didn’t hide it this time and revealed with a smile:
“My current wish is the same one you guessed on my 23rd birthday.”
Hearing that, a pang of emotion stirred in Toan Phuong’s chest. Kieu Ly was someone who always worried and carried the weight of responsibility. Having a child should be a great joy, not a heavy burden. If they had one, their happiness would be complete—but even without one, there were still other kinds of happiness. All he hoped was that Kieu Ly wouldn’t pressure herself too much over it.
Sitting across the table from her, Toan Phuong was too far for any affectionate gestures. Still, he reached across, gently took her hand, and said softly:
“Don’t stress yourself too much. We’ve made it this far—we’re going to enjoy every bit of happiness this world has to offer.”
Huong Tra and Minh Nhat were sitting at the same table, and though they hadn’t eaten yet, they were already full—of “dog food.” Minh Nhat cleared his throat:
“Take that mushy stuff home. The rest of us here are still single.”
Toan Phuong, still holding Kieu Ly’s hand, shamelessly continued:
“As someone with more experience than you, I’m telling you—getting married is amazing.”
Minh Nhat took a sip of water to cool down, nearly choking. This guy had seriously lost it. Only 23 and already preaching about how great marriage is.
“I still have two more years under contract. I can’t break it.”
“Well, better start planning now. By the time it ends, you’ll be 25—the perfect age to get married.”
“I do want to plan for it.”
As he said this, Minh Nhat glanced sideways, trying to gauge Huong Tra’s reaction. His career was on the rise, and he hoped she’d look at him differently now. Successful men were supposed to be attractive to women, right? Even though he couldn’t promise her anything at the moment, for some reason, he still wanted Huong Tra to feel a little attached to him.
A moment later, the waiter brought out all the dishes they had ordered. Minh Nhat and Toan Phuong, both tired and hungry after giving their all on stage, eagerly picked up their chopsticks and started digging in.
Huong Tra sat across from Minh Nhat, and even with a whole table between them, the strong scent of his cologne still hit her like a punch to the nose. At work, she was already constantly surrounded by well-groomed guys drowning in cologne—she was sick of it. And now, even at dinner, she had to endure it again.
She didn’t say anything and quietly began eating. But of course, Toan Phuong wouldn’t let things be—he started throwing bait on behalf of his friend:
“Next year, when Kieu Ly turns 27, we’re holding our wedding. Sister Tra, you should consider getting married at 28—it’s a beautiful age.”
Huong Tra had never met anyone as tactless as this guy. Seriously, he had the nerve to start talking about someone else’s marriage like it was his business. Even if she were willing, who’s to say Minh Nhat would be? His career was soaring right now—would he really just tie himself down and risk it all collapsing in a flash? Besides, she had no intention of getting back with him anyway.