Yves, however, seemed impressed. “She had this sudden urge to take cooking lessons a while ago. I was worried she’d blow up the kitchen, but it turns out she’s a natural. I wonder which lucky guy will benefit from this in the future.”
Jason had been smiling subtly, but at those words, his smile faded. Slowly, he sipped his tea and asked calmly, “Zoey, are you thinking about dating?”
I looked at him in confusion.
Recalling the words he said in the private room that day, I nodded slightly. “I’m 26 this year. It’s time for me to start dating. If you knows someone suitable, I’d appreciate an introduction.”
“You’ve finally come to your senses!” Yves was more excited than anyone. Laughing, he said, “I’ve been trying to set you up for ages, but you kept refusing. Now that you’re finally open to the idea, I’ll do my best to find you a great boyfriend!”
After Yves’ words, Jason’s thin lips pressed tightly together. His sharp gaze stayed fixed on me, as though trying to read my emotions.
Shairine noticed the shift in his mood and giggled. “Zoey, you’re so lucky to have such a great brother. I’m honestly a little jealous. But you know, I think Jason is pretty great. What if...”
“Don’t say such things. Zoey is my little sister,” Jason interrupted her with a frown, his tone laced with faint reproach, though his expression held only exasperation.
I nodded in agreement, smiling. “Exactly. I see Jason as my own brother. Shairine, you shouldn’t joke about things like that.”
“And honestly, I think you and Jason are a better match than me,” I added.
Jason’s face darkened instantly. His eyes glinted with faint anger as he gave a sharp laugh. “Is that so? Well then, how about I introduce someone to you? Would you make time to meet them?”
“Sure. Thank you in advance, Jason.” I smiled brightly and agreed without hesitation.
For the next few days, I didn’t contact Jason, and he didn’t contact me either.
Instead, it was Shairine who showed up at my door.
When she arrived, both Yves and I happened to be at home.
“What’s the matter? Spit it out,” Yves said bluntly.
Feigning a hint of shyness, Shairine cast a quick glance my way before addressing him. “Yves, you know how Jason and I grew up together as childhood sweethearts. Even though we’ve broken up and gotten back together a few times, we still have feelings for each other.”