Game Of Thrones : Merchant of Two Worlds

"Meeting your partner's parents is a lifetime event," someone commented online. "I think it's a good thing! Go prepare the house, car, and gifts now!"

Another replied sarcastically, "Isn't being single easier? Why drain your wallet and bring home someone to boss you around?"

A third joked, "That comment screams 'old single dog' energy!"

The banter continued with more responses like, "I'm proudly single—certified by the national and provincial standards!" and "Step one: knock back two bottles of wine with her dad. If he passes out, half the work is done!"

Reading these humorous responses online, Jason Liu couldn't help but smile, but he wondered if any of them applied to him.

The idea of meeting Lin Xiaohan's parents had been on his mind all afternoon. Even though it seemed a bit rushed, Jason felt ready. After all, Lin Xiaohan was beautiful, smart, and kind. Bringing her home to meet his parents would surely end his mother's endless nagging about his love life.

Lost in thought, Jason accomplished almost nothing at work that day. By the time the clock struck five, he was still in his office, mustering up the courage to leave.

As he finally stepped outside, he was greeted by Lin Xiaohan, who stood waiting with her arms crossed and an amused smile on her face.

"I thought you might try to sneak away," she teased, her eyes sparkling.

Jason scratched the back of his neck awkwardly and looked around. "Uh… everyone else has gone home, haven't they? By the way, didn't Jiang Chuchu come with you?"

"She drove my car home," Lin Xiaohan said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Her ears reddened slightly. "I thought I'd ride with you."

Jason hesitated for a moment but knew there was no escaping now. The two of them headed to the parking lot. Jason unlocked his commercial car, and Lin Xiaohan climbed into the passenger seat.

The ride started in awkward silence. Jason felt the need to say something—anything—to break the tension. "So, uh, how's work at the company been for you?" he asked, keeping his eyes fixed on the road.

Lin Xiaohan, who had been feeling a bit nervous herself, was caught off guard by the question. She turned to look at Jason, who seemed stiff and overly focused. A giggle escaped her. "Work's been good. Not too busy, and I'm enjoying it so far."

"That's great! Being happy at work is important," Jason replied, his grip on the steering wheel tightening.

Lin Xiaohan noticed the beads of sweat forming on his forehead and teased him, "Why are you so nervous? Your forehead is practically dripping!"

Jason blinked and realized his palms were clammy, and his heart was racing. He silently berated himself. What's there to be nervous about? It's just dinner!

Spotting a supermarket along the way, Jason abruptly pulled over. "Wait here—I need to grab something."

Lin Xiaohan blinked in surprise as Jason jumped out of the car like his seat was on fire. She tried to protest, "You don't have to buy anything! My parents own a supermarket—" But he was already gone.

Ten minutes later, Jason returned, carrying a bag of fruit in one hand and a carton of milk in the other.

Lin Xiaohan stared at him, incredulous. "You really didn't need to buy these. My house has plenty of everything."

Jason shrugged as he loaded the items into the trunk. "It's my first time visiting. It's only polite to bring a gift. That's how we do things where I'm from."

Lin Xiaohan rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling.

The drive continued, and after about half an hour, they reached a high-end residential complex . Jason parked the car and grabbed the items from the trunk, following Lin Xiaohan into the elevator.

As the elevator ascended, Jason's nervousness returned tenfold. His heart pounded so hard he could hear it. He stared at the floor numbers as if willing the elevator to stop climbing.

When it finally stopped on the 17th floor, Lin Xiaohan whispered, "We're here." She stepped out first, avoiding Jason's gaze, her usual confidence replaced by shyness.

Meanwhile, Lin Xiaohan's parents were waiting eagerly at the apartment door. Lin's father had closed the family supermarket early and prepared dinner, while Lin's mother kept glancing at the clock, buzzing with excitement.

When the doorbell rang, Lin's mother practically jumped up. "They're here! Let me open the door—"

"Hold on," Lin's father said, pulling her back gently. "Don't get too excited. Remember, Xiaohan said he's a bit introverted. We don't want to scare him off."

Lin's mother nodded and took a deep breath, smoothing out her smile to appear more natural.

When they finally opened the door, Jason found himself face-to-face with two middle-aged individuals who immediately scanned him from head to toe.

Lin's father looked sharp and composed, while Lin's mother had a warm, elegant demeanor. It was easy to see where Lin Xiaohan got her looks.

"Mom, Dad, I'm back!" Lin Xiaohan said, her cheeks pink. She gestured toward Jason. "This is Jason Liu—my college classmate and, uh, current boss at the company. Jason, these are my parents."

Jason, already nervous, suddenly felt all their eyes on him. His heart raced, and his face turned red. Without thinking, he blurted out, "Dad, Mom, nice to meet you!"

The room fell completely silent.

Lin's parents froze, stunned by the unexpected greeting. Lin Xiaohan stared at Jason, wide-eyed.

Jason's mind went blank. What did I just say?! He stood there, flushed and mortified, unsure of how to recover.

Lin's father and mother exchanged a glance, their expressions caught between shock and amusement. Finally, Lin's father cleared his throat. "Well, that's… direct."

Lin Xiaohan buried her face in her hands, muttering under her breath, "I can't believe this is happening."

Jason, still rooted in place, wished the floor would swallow him whole.

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