Great idea, but maybe a little too ambitious. Some people are never satisfied; they want more than they can handle, and that kind of greed rarely ends well.

With the competition wrapped up, Lauren Shaw let out a long, deep breath—finally, she could relax for real.

She’d meant to invite Claire Xu to dinner a few days ago, but things kept getting in the way. Now that she was free, she sent Claire Xu a message.

She remembered what Henry Mills said that day, and passed it on to Claire Xu. This was just how they were—completely honest, even about being matchmade; Lauren Shaw always respected Claire Xu’s opinion.

Seeing that Claire Xu had no objections, Lauren Shaw messaged Henry Mills, inviting him to dinner tonight.

Once they’d picked a restaurant, Lauren Shaw and Yancy Shaw arrived first.

Claire Xu and Henry Mills were still on their way, so they’d be a while yet.

Lauren Shaw took her seat, and happened to spot Owen Shaw nearby.

He was only a few steps away, sitting with his back to her, completely unaware that she was there.

Across from him sat a pretty woman, and they seemed to hit it off—laughter drifted over every so often. Judging by the scene, this looked like a blind date.

And they actually seemed to be getting along well.

Lauren Shaw looked up at Yancy Shaw, only to catch him watching the same scene.

She pulled Yancy Shaw down beside her, leaned in close, and whispered, “Do you think Uncle could actually hit it off with her?”

Yancy Shaw glanced down at her, seeing the mischievous smile on her lips.

He played along, thinking for a moment. “You think they’ve got a chance?”

“Should we make a bet?” Lauren Shaw’s playful side was getting the better of her.

“What are we betting?” Yancy Shaw was never that interested in other people’s business, but a wager always piqued his interest.

Lauren Shaw pondered. “So what would you want as a bet?”

Yancy Shaw's eyes grew dark and deep.

He leaned in right next to Lauren Shaw’s ear and whispered, “If you win, you can ask me for anything and I’ll do it. But if I win, can we... go one more round each night?”

Lauren Shaw’s mouth twitched. "One more time every night? That doesn’t sound like a wish to me…"

“Dr. Shen, aren’t you afraid your kidneys won’t hold up with all that?”

“Are you doubting your husband’s stamina?”

…

What logic was that?

“Shengsheng, Dr. Shen, I’m sorry I’m late.” Claire Xu sat across from them, apologizing—she’d had some last minute things to take care of.

Lauren Shaw exhaled, ignoring Yancy Shaw’s burning gaze; she quickly tossed their little wager to the back of her mind.

Looking at Claire Xu, she smiled back. “Don’t worry, we’ve only just got here ourselves.”

Just then, Henry Mills came rushing in from outside.

“Sorry I’m late!”

“No worries, you’re right on time. We all just got here.” Lauren Shaw handed them menus, urging them to order.

“Let’s have a few drinks tonight—gotta celebrate Shengsheng’s championship!” Claire Xu suggested.

Yancy Shaw called the waiter over for some wine.

Henry Mills kept glancing at Claire Xu, trying to hide it—but it was obvious to anyone paying attention.

Claire Xu didn’t seem to care, and continued chatting and laughing with Lauren Shaw.

Almost as if she’d suddenly remembered, she lowered her voice, “Yvonne Sung and Yana Quinn are getting engaged—did you hear?”

Lauren Shaw shook her head; it was news to her.

Then again, those two getting engaged was no huge surprise.

“I heard it from Hugo Pierce.” Hugo Pierce was closer with Yvonne Sung, but he often talked to Claire Xu about him—they’d all grown up together, after all.

“I bet Yvonne Sung is stressing out right now.”

Lauren Shaw couldn’t help letting out a snort. “What’s he got to be upset about? He finally gets to marry his dream girl—he should be thrilled!”

Claire Xu propped her chin on her hand, continuing their gossip. “Word is, the Sung family’s been a total mess lately. Ever since you cut ties with him, insiders say their company can’t find any new partners. Even the old ones are avoiding them.”

“Almost like someone’s targeting them on purpose.”

After hearing this, Lauren Shaw glanced over at Yancy Shaw—he and Henry Mills were talking among themselves, not at all interested in the girls’ chat.

“That just shows Yvonne Sung’s got no real ability—can’t even keep his own business afloat.” Lauren Shaw had never told Claire Xu about Yancy Shaw’s background. Now wasn’t the time, but maybe she would, little by little.

In the middle of their conversation, Owen Shaw finished his meal and headed their way.

He spotted her, too.

Lauren Shaw grinned at him and cheerfully called out, “Uncle!”

The woman beside him stopped and turned to look.

“What a coincidence—you’re eating here today, too.” Owen Shaw was dressed especially sharp that day, right down to his hair—everything groomed to perfection.

Lauren Shaw looked at the woman next to him, feeling like she’d seen her somewhere before.

“And this is…?” Lauren Shaw smiled at the woman, who returned it warmly.

“This is my college classmate, Shuyun Moore,” Owen Shaw introduced, then explained to Shuyun Moore, “This is my niece, Lauren Shaw. And this is her husband, Yancy Shaw. Their friends.”

Shuyun Moore? That name rang a bell. Lauren Shaw tried to recall where she’d heard it.

Shuyun Moore teased Owen Shaw, “Your niece is already married, and you’re still single? Not feeling the pressure?”

Owen Shaw’s grin stiffened. Clearly, he was reaching the age where everyone starts giving him grief—if he stayed single any longer, he’d be laughed to death.

“Miss Mo, I’ve met you before.” Lauren Shaw shot a sly glance at Owen Shaw, who immediately sensed trouble—the girl was definitely about to put him on the spot.

He shot her a warning look, which Lauren Shaw ignored, turning to Shuyun Moore instead.

“I’ve seen your photo in Uncle’s study, and I’ve heard him mention your name before.”

Shuyun Moore looked at Owen Shaw with a knowing smile.

Lauren Shaw was only trying to play matchmaker. At thirty-five, if her uncle didn’t settle down soon, he’d be single for life.

Owen Shaw shot Lauren Shaw a look and then turned to Yancy Shaw. “Yancheng, you really need to keep Lauren Shaw in check—she talks way too much.”

With that, he led Shuyun Moore outside.

After dinner, Lauren Shaw and Claire Xu both had some wine, but Yancy Shaw and Henry Mills, having to drive, refrained.

After they got in the car, Lauren Shaw kept glancing anxiously at the rearview mirror—seeing that Claire Xu and Henry Mills were still standing on the roadside, talking about something.

Claire Xu didn’t seem in the best mood tonight; she drank quite a bit.

“Don’t worry, Henry Mills’s a good guy—he’d never take advantage of anyone,” Yancy Shaw assured her.

Lauren Shaw trusted Henry Mills’s character, but something felt off about Claire Xu tonight, as if she were hiding something.

Claire Xu was always upbeat and straightforward—she almost never got upset. Or, maybe, she just never let anyone see her vulnerability.

“It’s not Henry Mills I’m worried about—it’s Claire Xu. She may seem carefree, but she’s actually very sensitive. She keeps a lot bottled up inside.”