We took our seats, Principal Sun opposite me, Brother Hui to my right, and Zhou Yingying to my left.
Principal Sun stared intently at me, as if trying to see through my very soul.
Brother Hui said, "I heard from Big Brother that you and Nana became sworn siblings. By that count, you're also my nephew, so we're family. I happen to have some free time this evening, so I called you over for a gathering to deepen our bond. Let me introduce you: opposite you is Mr. Sun, Chairman of Dafa Trading Company, and beside him is Ms. Zhou, General Manager of Dafa Trading Company. Chairman Sun handles our group company's overseas business, so I thought I'd invite you out to get acquainted."
Principal Sun asked, "Are you sure you have no connections within the country?"
I replied in a tone as universally understood as possible for overseas dealings, "I haven't heard of any relatives in the country. My grandfather's generation left, and my ancestral home is Quanzhou, Fujian. There's no one left in my old home. My family has strict upbringing; we must speak the mother tongue at home. We have many compatriots, but by my generation, most can no longer speak it. I'm not sure where Chairman Sun got the idea I have relatives in the country. If I can truly recognize a relative, that would be a great thing. Would you be so kind as to introduce us?"
As I spoke, I glanced at Zhou Yingying. She seemed alright, showing no obvious signs of discomfort, and maintained a stranger's expression as she watched me speak.
Principal Sun said, "I just thought your eyes and face, your height and build, resemble someone I know."
I responded, "Is that so? No wonder Chairman Sun asked if I had a twin. You've piqued my interest. If Chairman Sun is willing to help and introduce us, even if there's no blood relation, it would be good to know a brother."
Principal Sun said with a hint of awkwardness, "I've only met them in passing, not very familiar. Perhaps when the opportunity arises, I can arrange for you to meet."
Brother Hui interjected, "Chairman Sun, we can discuss this later. I have important business with Xiao Sheng, no need for idle chatter."
Principal Sun let me off the hook for the moment and quickly cupped his hands in apology to Brother Hui.
Brother Hui then asked, "Are you familiar with this channel business?"
I was a bit taken aback, wondering why he suddenly asked that question.
I replied, "This matter has always been handled by the Chairman. I merely assist him with some miscellaneous tasks, so I don't quite understand the intricacies. I hear there's a vast team working on it; it's not something a few people can manage."
Brother Hui continued, "I heard you and Nana are quite close. Among these nephews and nieces, I have the highest regard for Nana. I believe if you two were to become a couple, it would be a match made in heaven, wouldn't you agree?"
I was utterly bewildered. We were discussing the company's transportation business, and suddenly he shifted to Xie Nana, leaving me completely at a loss.
However, in an instant, his intention dawned on me. By bringing up Xie Nana, he was clearly attempting to play the emotional card, trying to get me to side with him.
I said, "Brother Hui, Nana and I are indeed close, but it's purely sibling affection. It hasn't reached the stage of romantic feelings. Brother Hui is perhaps a bit too eager."
Brother Hui argued, "Apart from blood relations, siblings cannot marry. You are merely sworn siblings, and to put it bluntly, not even related from five hundred years ago. What's the point of counting those things with sworn brotherhood?"
I replied, "Brother Hui speaks the truth. However, marriage differs from sworn brotherhood; it requires mutual affection. If two people lack that predestined connection, even without blood relations, they likely cannot become husband and wife."
Brother Hui declared, "Who says it's impossible? I say if I want it to happen, it will happen!"
With that, he slammed his hand onto the table, startling us all.
He then had his subordinate fetch him a phone and, without consulting us, dialed Xie Nana directly.
He said, "Nana, your uncle has something to tell you. Xiao Sheng is with me right now. Tell your uncle the truth, do you like Xiao Sheng?"
Xie Nana replied, "Oh, Uncle, why are you speaking so directly? How can a young lady answer such a question?"
Brother Hui insisted, "Don't beat around the bush, just tell me. If you don't admit it, that's fine. I've found a university student in the provincial capital to help him find a match, and he'll be going back with me this time for a blind date!"
Brother Hui was truly ruthless, cornering Xie Nana with a ultimatum.
Indeed, Xie Nana immediately fell into his trap. "Uncle, my dear Uncle, please, please don't introduce anyone to him. I admit it, okay? But liking him is one thing; whether he likes me is another. If he has no such feelings, and you reveal this now, how will I face him in the future?"
Brother Hui replied, "Good, as long as you admit it, I'll handle the rest."
After hanging up the phone, Brother Hui, with a rare smile, said to me, "You heard the call. Give me your response."
I had merely been speaking politely and making pleasantries, but who knew he would call the person in question directly and trap me so completely? Xie Nana was waiting at home.