The location for Eulalia's blind date was a cafe by the river. Through the window, the view of the river stretched out, calm and serene. Inside, soothing music played, calming the minds of those sitting there, as if the very air carried tranquility.
Across from her sat a man in a suit. He wasn't exactly handsome, but he was clean and pleasant-looking.
"Miss Fairbrook, right?" He smiled lightly. "Hello, my name is Alexander Fairbrook."
Eulalia's round, cute face clearly showed her surprise. "You're also a Fairbrook?"
Alexander nodded. "Yes, what a coincidence."
Eulalia pursed her lips. "Where is your hometown...?"
She hoped he wasn't from her hometown—because that would be a bit awkward.
The man replied, "I'm from Capital."
Eulalia let out a relieved sigh.
"My cousin should have told you about me," he said.
Eulalia nodded. "Yes."
He was thirty years old, the department head at a large company, with a twenty-seven-year-old sister who was already married. He owned a house and a car, and had no debts.
"She told me about your situation too," Alexander said.
Eulalia pressed her lips together, feeling a little nervous. People like her, who had severed ties with their parents, were often labeled as ungrateful and misunderstood. Her job as a comic artist wasn't stable. This current project could pay the bills, but who knew what the next one would bring?
She had been on many blind dates, and some of the reasons for failure were because the men thought she was too calculative. How could a woman sever ties with her family? They thought she was too cold-hearted.
Some men suggested that she find a more stable job.
Eulalia thought to herself, as long as Alexander mentioned something about this, she'd give up.
She clenched her hands, staring at the coffee in front of her, eyes wide open.
She felt like a judge.
"I think..." Alexander began slowly.
Eulalia pressed her lips tight. If he said something along those lines...
"...you're really amazing."
Eh?
Eulalia froze for a moment, then looked up. Alexander's eyes and tone were sincere as he said, "I also loved reading comics when I was in school. I thought it was amazing how someone could not only create a story but also draw it. How do they even do that?"
Huh?
Eulalia was caught off guard by his response, but after processing it, she felt a sense of joy and, feeling a little embarrassed, she pressed her lips together and said, "I've liked drawing since I was a kid, so I naturally ended up on this path."
Alexander nodded. "It's great that you can not only enjoy something but also make a living from it."
Eulalia lowered her gaze and took a sip of her coffee.
Alexander stared at her. Beneath her mature, wavy hair was a round face—slightly mismatched, but oddly comforting to look at.
Quite cute.
They chatted a bit longer, and then Alexander felt it was time. He spoke up, "I don't know, Miss Fairbrook, what do you think of me? I think you're great. Maybe we could try talking more?"
Eulalia's face turned a little red.
This was too fast, too direct!
Alexander explained, "I'm quite busy with work, and I don't want to drag things on for too long. I don't want to waste either of our time. I'm looking for something serious—marriage. How about you, Miss Fairbrook?"
Eulalia nodded. She was serious too. If things felt right, she'd get married. She wasn't the kind of person who would lead someone on.
In truth, Eulalia understood what Alexander meant. He was already thirty, and she was about to turn twenty-six—no longer in their youthful years. At their age, they were both working tirelessly in the corporate grind. A blind date was just an opportunity to meet someone new. It wasn't about destiny or "the one." If they could talk, they would. If not, there was no need to waste each other's time.
To be honest, once Alexander said he thought she was amazing, Eulalia's impression of him improved significantly. Hearing that he liked reading comics too only made it better.
Since they both liked comics, it wouldn't be hard to talk to each other. They'd probably have a lot of common topics.
Alexander didn't bring up her family issues. Their conversation was respectful, and he didn't say anything inappropriate. She didn't feel offended.
Actually... not bad?
"I think... you're pretty great too," Eulalia said, biting her lip.
Alexander smiled. "Then we're officially boyfriend and girlfriend now. Can I call you Eulalia?"
Eulalia nodded: "Okay."
After a while, the waiter walked up holding a bouquet of red roses and politely handed them to Eulalia.
Eulalia froze for a moment as she held the roses. Alexander stared at her and said, "I don't know if you like red roses. If you don't, I can buy something else next time."
Eulalia's heart raced, and her face turned red. "I... I like them. Thank you."
On the way back, Alexander drove her home and dropped her off downstairs.
Eulalia's face was flushed, her heart pounding as she held the roses and headed inside.
She did it!
She actually succeeded!
She was no longer single!
She had a man!!!
