CHAPTER 187: CHAPTER 187: MISSED OPPORTUNITY

"Mom is only thinking about what’s best for you. What exactly are you thinking?!" Watson’s mother knew her daughter had her own opinions, but since this was a big matter, she wanted to ensure some extra security for her.

"Let’s just go with what our daughter thinks." Watson’s father expressed his support, "As for the Foster Family, we’ve done our homework; we pretty much know what kind of people they are."

Watson’s mother pressed her lips together, shot a glance at her daughter, and said, "Since you’ve decided, Mom will respect your opinion."

After saying that, she addressed the Fosters, "Although my daughter doesn’t have a high degree, she started working before finishing ninth grade. But she’s been independent since childhood, saved up what she earned, said she wanted to prepare her own dowry, hardworking, capable, and very filial. She buys clothes for me and her dad during holidays. She looks young but is still beautiful. We have one son and one daughter, her brother is already married, she’s the only one left at home. We wanted to keep her for two more years, but since the matchmaker came and inquired about your situation, we thought we’d see if there are good conditions for a match."

Foster’s mother laughed, "We like this child too. As long as the two kids are willing, we as parents should keep an open mind. Since we’re all gathered together today, why not set a date? Watson’s mom, what do you think?"

"It’s too fast. We’ve just met; the kids should interact more and get to know each other. There’s no rush."

"Let’s set it today." Watson went against his mother’s wishes, "I think next March is perfect, let’s say March 9th. That’s my birthday, and there’s still half a year until then, which is plenty of time to get to know each other well."

Watson’s mother had never seen her daughter like this before, but she didn’t oppose it either, "March next year sounds good."

Foster’s mother looked at her son, "James, what do you think..."

"I agree, but there’s one thing I need to clarify."

Watson asked, "What is it?"

"If you can’t accept my good friend Lucy, then it’s better we don’t get engaged."

Foster’s mother explained, "Lucy and James grew up together, they’re not blood-related but closer than siblings. James has always protected Lucy, and likewise, Lucy is incredibly good to James. Plus, Lucy is already married, and her husband is quite outstanding."

Watson smiled slightly, "I trust that they’re simply very good friends. Lucy’s beautiful; if James had feelings, he would have had them long ago. I have no doubts about it and don’t mind."

James’s impression of her improved upon hearing this, "As long as you don’t mind. Where are you working now?"

Watson replied, "I work at a gas station near our home, but if the wedding is set, I’ll find a job in the city closer to James."

"How about working with James?" Lucy Eaton asked, "That way, you can see each other every day and quickly understand what James is like."

"But, I don’t know if his store is hiring?"

"It is."

"Then I’ll go apply this afternoon."

Lucy Eaton smiled slightly, "No need, I’m the owner."

"Huh?" Watson was surprised, something she hadn’t heard before, "You’re the boss of James’s store?"

"Yes, I opened that store. You can come anytime."

Watson looked pleased, "Great, then I’ll go back with my parents today, quit my job, and come over tomorrow."

"Sounds good."

Foster’s father was all smiles, "Since it’s set, we’ll prepare the betrothal gift when we get home today and formally visit tomorrow. Everyone stop chatting, let’s eat, we can talk while eating."

...

After the dinner, Lucy Eaton drove James Foster back, and once in the car, he asked joyfully, "How was it? Is she super genuine-looking?"

Lucy Eaton buckled her seatbelt, "Yes, but I also think she’s a sensible girl. My first impression of her is good, let’s see how it goes."

"Half a year is enough time for me to understand her."

"Indeed, spending time together will quickly reveal what kind of person they are."

James Foster smiled knowingly, "Blind dates aren’t all bad. Indeed, you only know if something is good or not after experiencing it yourself."

"I think it depends on luck, on whether you meet the right person. But she clearly didn’t know the store you work at was opened by me."

"Of course," James Foster explained, "I advised my parents. For sure, Watson’s parents will ask about the monthly salary. I asked them to say I earn six thousand yuan a month."

"You’ve got it, quite low-key."

"You need to be discreet when necessary. Although we’re engaged now, this is our first meeting, and we’re not familiar yet. Can’t reveal everything. I hope she values me as a person rather than material things."

"From what it seems, that’s indeed the case."

The car stopped in front of the Joy for You Store, as soon as they entered, inquiries came simultaneously.

"James, how was it? Is the girl pretty?"

James Foster couldn’t hold back his happiness, "Of course, my fiancée is super genuine-looking."

Mary Pond looked at him, feeling a pang in her chest. In her eyes, James was indeed a great man, and she regretted letting him pass.

"Wow, a fiancée?! So the engagement is on?!"

"Yes, she’ll start working in the store tomorrow."

"Time to start nurturing the relationship?"

"Absolutely."

"When’s the wedding date?"

Lucy Eaton answered on James Foster’s behalf, "If things go smoothly, March 9th next year."

Everyone cheered, "James, give out wedding candies."

"I’ll buy them for you, sweet to the bone." James Foster was in high spirits, he then asked Lucy Eaton, "Watson’s coming, what job do we arrange for her?"

"No need for a helper now, maybe an apprentice on the second floor, once she learns it’s a skill."

James Foster nodded, "That’s fine, and the salary?"

Lucy Eaton replied, "Whatever Mary earns per month, open the same for her."

"No problem, that’s plenty."

"You guys carry on, I must head off."

"Drive safely."

Lucy Eaton nodded, grabbed her bag, and stepped out.

...

Watson’s mother held back all the way home to Ainsworth Village, finally losing it, "Why on earth is our daughter like this today? Do you know how much James Foster’s house costs? You foolishly didn’t add your name. If he ever abandons you in the future, at least you’d have some money."

"How would Mom know he’ll abandon me? Mom, do you have the power of Foreknowledge?"

"Not listening to the elderly leads to trouble in front of you. You’ll regret it someday."

"I trust my instincts. If he’s not a good person, why would he have a female friend for over twenty years? Besides, I fell in love at first sight—the type I like. Plus, I’m not bad looking, not lazy, no bad temper; why wouldn’t he want me?"