"You don't have to insult people like that."

"I'm just telling the truth."

Michael Bolton scrutinized his pretty aunt's beautiful, radiant face, full of energy and charm.

They say the night never shortchanges those who stay up late—it will grant you dark circles. But this rule doesn't seem to apply to the woman in front of him.

Hearing the commotion from the kitchen, Grandma poked her head out to take a look. A moment later, she came out carrying a bowl of porridge.

Grandma's black hair was streaked with silver, and her gaze was sharp—clearly the type of old lady with a bad temper.

Although loose skin and fine wrinkles had stolen her youthful beauty, you could still tell she must have been quite attractive when she was young.

Michael Bolton took the porridge Grandma handed him and gulped down a mouthful, then asked:

"Where's Grandpa?"

"He went out for a walk," Grandma replied.

Grandpa was a retired detective. Even in old age, he kept a strict routine—always in bed by ten, up at six.

The pretty aunt sipped her porridge and grinned:

"After breakfast, I'll take you shopping for some new clothes."

Are you really that kind? Michael Bolton was about to agree when Grandma shot him a murderous glare:

"If you dare go, I'll break your legs."

"Mom, why are you like this?" Aunt said with a sly look. "I just want to buy Mike a few spring outfits, and you're not happy? Even if he's my nephew, he's still family~"

Grandma cut her off, "You want your legs broken too?"

Aunt pouted and lowered her head to drink her porridge.

Hearing the back-and-forth between mother and daughter, Michael Bolton immediately knew Grandma must have arranged another blind date for Aunt, and his mischievous aunt wanted to drag him along to stir things up.

That's how it always went: she'd take her nephew to the blind date, and within minutes, her socially adept nephew would hit it off with the date. The two men would chat happily, discussing everything from daily life to world affairs, leaving her with nothing to do.

All she had to do was sip her drink and play on her phone. The blind date would even feel he'd shown off his social experience and insight in front of a beauty, leaving him pleased and self-satisfied.

Grace Carter had been cute and charming since childhood, always praised by neighbors for her looks and sweet, obedient nature—very popular with the elders.

With such a beautiful daughter, Grandma was naturally strict, constantly warning her not to date early or go out with boys since middle school.

Her youngest daughter didn't let her down—she never had a boyfriend all through college. But after entering society, especially after turning 25 at the start of the year, Grandma started to get anxious.

She thought, I only said no early dating, not that you should become a leftover woman. How many years of youth does a woman have?

So she gathered her old friends and scoured the country for promising young men, arranging blind dates for her daughter.

"Grandma, it's obvious she doesn't want to date yet. Forced love doesn't taste sweet." Michael Bolton said, munching on a bun and volunteering, "Why don't you arrange a blind date for me instead? I'm a sweet melon!"

Grandma snapped, "You're still young, what's the rush? There are plenty of girls in college—can't you find one yourself? If you keep causing trouble, I'll give you a beating."

Grandma was a southern woman, but her temper was anything but gentle—she was downright fiery.

Even Michael Bolton's mother, a career powerhouse, didn't dare talk back to Grandma.

I'm already grown up, okay? I've been working for years now... Michael Bolton muttered to himself.

After breakfast, under Grandma's firm orders, Aunt went back to her room to change and put on makeup for her blind date.

A light touch of makeup made her look even more dazzling.

A fluffy crewneck sweater paired with a long coat, light-colored skinny jeans hugging her long, shapely legs, the cuffs tucked into black Martin boots.

A simple, forest-inspired style—neither flashy nor gaudy, but especially refined.

Aunt shot him a "you know what I mean" look, grabbed her bag, and sashayed out the door:

"Mom, I'm off to my blind date!"

Michael Bolton returned to his room and leisurely changed into a black T-shirt, a windbreaker, and running shoes.

A few minutes later, he opened his bedroom door.

Grandma was cleaning in the living room. Seeing him come out, she stopped and silently watched him.

Michael Bolton, imitating his aunt's tone, said:

"Mom, I'm off to my blind date too!"

"Get back here." Grandma raised her broom and threatened, "If you dare step out that door, I'll break your legs."

"Okay!" Michael Bolton obediently retreated to his room.

Sitting at his desk, he picked up his phone and sent his aunt a message:

"Before the mission even began, the hero has already fallen, tears soaking his robe."

"Speak human!"

Aunt was probably driving, so her reply was short and to the point.

"Grandma blocked me at home. You'll have to go to the blind date by yourself."

Aunt sent a voice message.

Michael Bolton tapped it, and Grace Carter's angry voice blared from the speaker:

"What's the use of you!!"

Aunt recalled a voice message, then sent another, this time in a sweet, cutesy tone:

"Good nephew, come on, Aunt loves you the most, Mua~"

Heh, women!

Trying to get me to challenge Grandma's wrath with a bit of acting cute? At least send me a red envelope first.