Chapter 291: Ordinary Appearance?

Immediately afterward, the matchmaker chattered on endlessly about the various circumstances of that Liu Yi Young Master. Meanwhile, Qianqian sat to one side, savoring the delicious pastries with great relish, listening quietly without interrupting.

Just then, An Wangfei handed a fine scroll painting to Yan Shuang'er and said: "This is that Liu Young Master's portrait; you take a look and see how it is."

Yan Shuang'er carefully took the scroll, slowly unfurled it, and examined it closely. After a moment, she lightly nodded and said: "This Liu Young Master truly looks cultured and refined, and his countenance is kind as well."

Seeing that everyone's gaze fell upon her, the matchmaker immediately beamed and opened her chatterbox: "Aiya, this Liu Family Young Master is truly a handsome fellow! Not only is he handsome in appearance and graceful as jade trees before the wind, but he is also well-read in poetry and books, with outstanding talent!" As she spoke, she also gestured with her hands, as if that Liu Family Young Master stood right before their eyes at this moment.

Qianqian, hearing the matchmaker praise him so, couldn't help but grow curious, and hurriedly poked her little head over to glance at the portrait. But after only a quick look, she muttered to herself: "Hmm, just so-so..." Then she continued eating the pastries in her hand as if nothing had happened.

At this moment, the matchmaker keenly noticed that Yan Shuang'er's face showed not the slightest displeasure, and secretly rejoiced, hurriedly striking while the iron was hot: "Since Miss Shuang'er has no objection, how about this? One day when you have free time, dine together with that Liu Family Young Master, meet and chat, to get to know each other a bit, and see if you are suitable."

"If both sides feel the other is not bad, we can then discuss further. I don't know what Madam thinks?" After speaking, she looked at An Wangfei with a face full of smiles.

After hearing this, An Wangfei pondered briefly, feeling the idea was not bad, and smiled in response: "Hmm, this proposal is very good. In my opinion, why not set it for the day after tomorrow? Shuang'er, do you have free time?"

Yan Shuang'er, hearing this, obediently nodded and replied: "Daughter will follow Mother's arrangements in all things, and I will certainly be free the day after tomorrow."

Seeing this, An Wangfei nodded in satisfaction, then said: "Since that is so, this matter is settled thus." Although it was settled, An Wangfei also knew that this matchmaker coming to propose marriage must have spoken only of the Liu Family Young Master's good points.

Naturally, one cannot listen to only one side of the story; one must still send someone to carefully investigate this person's true conduct before one can rest assured letting Shuang'er meet and dine with him.

After hearing these words, the matchmaker's face was full of smiles, and she hurriedly nodded in agreement: "No problem! An Wangfei, you are a noble person with busy affairs; this humble one will take her leave now and return to the residence to report this matter to the master and lady." After speaking, she slightly bowed and performed a salute.

An Wangfei lightly nodded to indicate her consent, then turned to look at Chunxi beside her and instructed: "Chunxi, see this matchmaker off on my behalf."

Chunxi hurriedly stepped forward, made a "please" gesture to the matchmaker, and smiled: "Please follow me." Thus, Chunxi escorted the matchmaker all the way to the entrance, watching her receding figure disappear around the street corner, before turning back into the Wangfu's inner court.

Meanwhile, after the matchmaker left, Qianqian and Yan Shuang'er walked side by side on their way home. Along the way, Qianqian was full of curiosity and couldn't help but ask: "Third Elder Sister, can you take me along this time when you go to meet your prospective husband?"

Yan Shuang'er smiled faintly and readily replied: "Of course you can; bringing you is just right, otherwise if it were only me and the man alone dining together, and if someone saw and spread it about, it wouldn't be good for my reputation."

Hearing this answer, Qianqian was so excited she almost jumped up, and immediately asked impatiently: "Then can Qianqian bring Xi Xi along too?"

Yan Shuang'er thought for a moment, feeling that having more people as company was fine, and smiled in agreement: "Alright, then let Xi Xi come along too." After receiving the affirmative answer, Qianqian immediately sent someone to notify Xi Xi, arranging to go out together for the banquet the day after tomorrow at noon.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye a day passed hastily. By the next morning, sunlight streamed through the window lattice into the room, illuminating everything brightly.

Yan Shuang'er and Qianqian got up early, and after washing up, they gathered together to discuss how to dress up Yan Shuang'er, so as to present her most beautiful and moving side at the meeting.

Qianqian excitedly opened her cosmetic box and rummaged out exquisite hairpins, earrings, and other ornaments. Among them, one hairpin was particularly eye-catching; it was purchased by Qianqian when she previously traveled to Dongying Guo.

At that time, Qianqian had taken a fancy to this hairpin at first sight; its design was unique, inlaid with dazzling gemstones that emitted a charming radiance. Now, to add luster to Yan Shuang'er's meeting trip, Qianqian without hesitation took out this beloved hairpin.

That hairpin was exquisitely crafted; on top was a blue butterfly, as if it would spread its wings and fly away at any moment. The craftsmanship was so superb as to be astonishing; the butterfly was lifelike, the patterns on its wings clearly visible, even its antennae distinct and vivid.

Xia Fang the butterfly were three small and exquisite circular ornaments, each circle inlaid with a flawless piece of jade, emitting a warm and gentle luster.

Xia Fang each circle hung tassels of varying lengths; these tassels swayed gently in the breeze, graceful and charming, like the fluttering skirts of a fairy dancing.

When Qianqian first saw this hairpin, she felt in her heart that it suited Yan Shuang'er very well. However, at that time she had just returned from the distant Dongying Guo, and immediately after came Second Brother's grand wedding, with various affairs pouring in, leaving her overwhelmed. As a result, this hairpin originally meant for Yan Shuang'er was forgotten at the back of her mind.

It was not until yesterday, when organizing the jewelry items sent with the steamed buns, that Qianqian rediscovered this long-neglected hairpin. She immediately took it out with great delight, carefully placed it into the cosmetic box, and planned to personally put it on Yan Shuang'er the next day.

Today, Yan Shuang'er wore a blue long dress, with delicate striped patterns carefully embroidered on the skirt with white silk thread, appearing especially gentle and dignified. When Qianqian lightly inserted that hairpin into Yan Shuang'er's ink-black hair bun, the two matched perfectly, as if made for each other.

At this moment, Yan Shuang'er, adorned by the hairpin, appeared even more charming and beautiful; even Qianqian, who always had unique views on beauty, couldn't help but exclaim: "Third Elder Sister is truly a natural beauty, and dressed like this, you are beyond compare!"

Merely thinking of that Liu Young Master whom she had never met, judging from that day's portrait alone, his appearance seemed to be nothing more than ordinary.