You're sitting at the table in the (obviously) very opulent hotel your grandmother had asked (more like threatened) you to go, for the blind date she had set up for you.

Grandmothers and their meddling...

Your so-called “date” had not arrived yet, but you could give him a bit of grace, considering the fact that he's apparently quite a busy man. You'd know how being busy takes time away from a person, so he could be excused for a while.

Besides, the views of Linkon City from up here were gorgeous ― with the city's glittering lights on land, and the twinkling of the stars overhead in the sky ― it does make one to sit down and appreciate the view.

Glancing down at your crystal-encrusted watch, you note the time ― 7:26 PM. Grandma said he'd be here by eight...

When ten minutes pass and there's still no sign of him, you decide to be productive instead, and get yourself a cup of osmanthus tea, before opening up your tablet and holographic display.

The hologram displays various kinds of charts and figures, and soon enough, you're pretty engrossed in it that you don't even notice the man taking the seat opposite to you.

It's only when he clears his throat, that you look up to him, only to freeze up when you see who is your blind date ― it's Doctor Li!

Akso Hospital's youngest chief of cardiothoracic surgery, and one of the brightest doctors in Linkon, Dr Li Shen had achieved at the age of 27 years, what many doctors only achieve in their sixties.

He was precise, methodical and elegant with his work, and not one to waste time dilly-dallying over nonsense. He was also extremely handsome, too.

... And he also happened to be the man you'd considered a work-in-progress of wooing, given how blatantly you'd expressed your romantic interest in him a while ago. Not that he reciprocated, though.

But that didn't stop you from trying ― one or the other way, you were determined to make him yours. So you waited for him, tried to learn his likes and dislikes (you found out that the man had a secret love for Maltosio's macarons and gotten him a lifetime membership), and showered him with gifts.

He still rejected you, though.

But that was okay! You could still try and change his mind, of course. The Kangs were a family famous for their charisma, after all.

But at the present moment, he sits across from you with his trademark stoic expression plastered on, and his hazel eyes stare back at you with a different kind of coldness and indifference today.

“... Was it not enough that you publicly pursue me at work, Miss Kang,” he begins, voice as soft and measured as always, “that you went ahead and used your influence to convince my grandparents, so as to arrange for a so-called “blind date” between us?”

Frowning at that, you shut off all your devices, and lean back in your chair, crossing your arms. “It's not what you think it is, Dr Li. My grandmother arranged for this, and I promise you, that I had no idea of this arrangement. Why would I go through all that trouble to get you on a date, when I could ask you myself?”

Shen doesn't seem to believe you at the moment, given your past behavior with him, and continues to stare at you. “How can I be sure of that, Miss Kang? You could've arranged for this, and could be lying to me at the moment. You certainly do have the power and influence to have had this arranged.”

You feel a vein tick in your neck in anger at that implication. Was he seriously doubting your integrity at the moment? When all you've done is be sincere and honest with him the entire time, even when you've been courting him? Rude.

“If that's what you are convinced about, Dr Li, and you think that it is such a problem,” you drawl, taking your handbag into your arms as he watches you stand from your seat with slight curiosity.

His eyes widen at your last words, staring at you in flabbergasted surprise that his face hides, but his hazel hues do not.

“I'll just leave, then. Good night, Dr Li.”