C120 The Banquet Ended and the Fake Drama Became Real

"Dad, you're not acquainted with Lin Dong, are you?"

Zhang Xinrui couldn't help but question, noticing the warmth her father, Zhang Hongwen, was showing towards Lin Dong.

She was utterly bewildered.

She knew her father, the old scholar, better than anyone!

How could he show such favor to someone like Lin Dong?

Lin Dong's identity was nothing but a fabrication spun by Zhang Xinrui herself. She planned to use the excuse of him having no prospects to break things off when a more suitable guy came along, giving Lin Dong an easy out!

Yet, Zhang Hongwen was not only accepting but also enthusiastic, treating Lin Dong as if he were welcoming a new son-in-law!

Zhang Xinrui began to wonder if her father had lost his mind!

"I've met Lin Dong once before, and I must say, he's an excellent young man. I feel completely at ease with him being with you! Hahaha!" Zhang Hongwen exclaimed with joy.

Met once?

Zhang Xinrui eyed Lin Dong with suspicion.

How could Lin Dong possibly have any connection with her father?

Liu Jianghee's new girlfriend held Lin Dong in high regard.

Her own father seemed to think the world of Lin Dong too.

They all claimed to have met Lin Dong just once, but how could they hold him in such high esteem after a single encounter?

This wasn't a play; there had to be some rationale!

Zhang Xinrui felt her mind was overwhelmed.

"Nephew Lin, you have my full support regarding your relationship with my daughter!"

"My girl has always been headstrong, and no one could manage her. It's fortunate that you don't mind. That's wonderful!"

"If she ever gives you a hard time, just let me know. I'll make sure to set her straight for you!"

"When you're at our home, I'll treat you like my own son. All I want is for you two to be happy!"

...

Zhang Hongwen continued to engage Lin Dong in conversation.

Lin Dong was starting to feel a bit sheepish.

He had only been roped in by Zhang Xinrui to act as her boyfriend to fend off matchmaking attempts from nosy relatives at the banquet. He hadn't anticipated such a warm reception from Zhang Hongwen.

What was he to do now?

The charade was on the verge of becoming reality, and Zhang Xinrui needed to speak up!

Lin Dong turned to look at Zhang Xinrui.

Zhang Xinrui was also torn. She was tempted to clarify the situation, but doing so would undo all her previous efforts.

In the future, she'd still have to endure a relentless barrage of blind dates with men she had no interest in meeting!

Eventually, she decided to let it go. If it was a misunderstanding, so be it. After all, Lin Dong was her student, and he wouldn't dare refuse anything she asked of him!

Once she had calmed down,

Zhang Xinrui couldn't resist glancing over at Lin Dong.

At that moment, Lin Dong was engaged in conversation with Zhang Hongwen, who was incessantly asking questions and offering comfort. He even went so far as to put down Zhang Xinrui while praising Lin Dong, as if Lin Dong were his own flesh and blood!

Zhang Xinrui was starting to feel irritated.

She had never seen a father degrade his own daughter like that!

Zhang Hongwen even brought up an embarrassing childhood incident where Zhang Xinrui fell into the toilet while trying to use it!

He also mentioned her tendency to snore and drool in her sleep.

Should such private matters be shared with others so casually?

He was utterly tarnishing Zhang Xinrui's personal image!

Zhang Xinrui was tempted to go over and cover her father's mouth to stop him from saying more!

Meanwhile, Lin Dong just listened with a smile, occasionally responding in a way that made Zhang Hongwen burst into laughter.

Zhang Xinrui was convinced that Zhang Hongwen hadn't laughed this much in years, not until his delightful conversation with Lin Dong!

What was it about Lin Dong that was so enchanting?

Zhang Xinrui took a closer look at Lin Dong. Yes, he was quite handsome, with a charming smile, a gentle voice, and he spoke with decorum.

And he was funny, too, when he listened to her.

The more she watched him, the more Zhang Xinrui thought that aside from his family's financial situation, Lin Dong was nearly perfect. The idea of being his girlfriend actually seemed quite appealing!

At that thought, Zhang Xinrui's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

But Lin Dong was her student; how could she entertain such thoughts about a student? That was just wrong! Tsk, tsk, tsk...