"Madam, I appreciate your kindness, but I've just started working and am not currently looking to start a relationship."

I tactfully declined Xie Weihuan's offer, feeling repulsed inside. The idea of being introduced to her own lover as a potential boyfriend for me was distasteful.

Xie Weihuan was persistent, pulling me to sit next to Jiang Lun.

"What do you mean 'not planning'? Shuang Shuang, love needs the right moment, setting, and people. Look at Jiang Lun; he's handsome, sincere, a top student, and a graduate from a prestigious school. You two should have a lot in common."

Unbeknownst to Xie Weihuan, I knew Jiang Lun better than she did, as we graduated from the same university.

He had pursued me and, after being rejected, bitterly claimed he was never interested in me, accusing me of feigning virtue and spreading rumors that I was kept by someone.

In reality, it was he who was materialistic, known for his chaotic relationships with both men and women and being kept by wealthy patrons, a fact well-known at our university.

"No, Madam, I feel I'm not good enough for Jiang Lun, and I think he probably doesn't think highly of me either."

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I firmly rejected the idea and turned to face Jiang Lun.

His expression changed from admiration to recognition and then to awkwardness upon seeing me clearly.

Xie Weihuan didn't notice his discomfort and continued to enthusiastically promote Jiang Lun.

"Even though he comes from a troubled family with a gambling father, a sick mother, and a sister who dropped out of school, Jiang Lun has been fighting hard, holding his broken family together.

I thought, since your family backgrounds are similar, sitting together you both look like a match made in heaven, like a perfect couple. Why don't you give it a try? What do you think, husband?"

Similar family backgrounds? I wondered if Jiang Lun's family situation was true.

But my family, which once had a sister who loved me, was destroyed by her schemes. Now, fearing I might get close to Gong Li'an, she tried to set me up with this "suitable match." How malicious.

I looked at Gong Li'an, who wasn't in a rush to leave for work. He seemed genuinely interested in my response, as if waiting for my answer.

I wondered, what would Gong Li'an's reaction be if I accepted? Would he be angry? Would he care?

Jiang Lun was also sizing me up, inching closer to me.

At 19, I was in the prime of youth, vibrant and full of energy, far more appealing than Xie Weihuan, and he couldn't take his eyes off me, his gaze turning from awkward to intense.

"I find Miss Shuang quite impressive, and I really like her. I wonder if Miss Shuang would be willing to give me a chance to try dating?"

Jiang Lun moved even closer, his knee almost touching my thigh. In a panic, I stood up and quickly stepped back.

"I'm sorry, you're not my type."

While I verbally rejected Jiang Lun, my gaze was fixed on Gong Li'an.

Gong Li'an was the type I liked and admired; from his appearance to his personality and capabilities, he was entirely to my taste.