"My number hasn't changed in years. Clearly, you never bothered to remember it back then. Sigh, I get it. I'm not exactly a stunner, am I..."
"...If you get lost, don't call me. You're not my wife, and you're not a pretty girl..."
"My number is 177..."
Uncle Qi quickly recited his number.
One time was enough. Ming Yi got it. He let out a soft hum, "Uncle Qi, are you going to get your driver's license today?"
"Yeah... Weren't we supposed to go with Lord Dragon King today? After we finish with that, I'll find a place to learn to drive. Then I'll buy a cool, flashy sports car and drive it to my niece-in-law's school. Maybe I'll meet some nice girls!" Uncle Qi's demeanor was utterly unlike someone who had lived in the countryside for over twenty years. How could he lack such simplicity?
"...Don't go with me." Ming Yi exchanged a look with Shi Yiling. He felt a bit ashamed. How had his Uncle Qi turned out this way after coming out?
Uncle Qi, who was so dutiful, agreeable, and considerate at home, how could he be like this!
"You're fortunate, not knowing the plight of the unfortunate. You've returned and already have a wife. I haven't seen many young girls in so many years, I'm practically dying of loneliness!" Uncle Qi grumbled. "Your Lingling is one of the very few young girls I've seen in this village and the surrounding ones. The others never come back even once a year."
His expression clearly showed he had experienced too much loneliness. He was still young, with the best three years of his life ahead of him. He didn't want to waste them like this!
"Alright, alright... We'll see. If there's someone suitable, I'll introduce you, Uncle Qi." Shi Yiling heard the tone in Uncle Qi's voice and the mournful look on his face. Anyone would think he had gone through something truly horrific over the years.
"I'll remember you, niece-in-law. If it works out, you'll be my rebirth parent, my own mother. If you ever need anything, just say the word! I'll brave fire and water for you, without hesitation!" Upon hearing this, Uncle Qi's eyes darted around. The pitiful look he had moments ago vanished.
"..."
Ming Yi was at a loss for words regarding his Uncle Qi. After saying goodbye, he took Shi Yiling to school.
"Your Uncle Qi seems a bit naive," Shi Yiling said, her head aching. "What era is this? He really thinks parking a luxury car outside a school will have girls flocking to him? That's too unrealistic."
"After all, this is his first time out," Ming Yi said noncommittally. Whether it was realistic or not, they would know soon enough.
After all, the car he was driving now could be considered a luxury car. While it wasn't an exceptionally rare sports car, the Mercedes-Benz logo was easily recognizable, especially to girls who weren't particularly focused on cars. For them, Mercedes-Benz represented price.
"I hope when the time comes to introduce him to a nice girl, he doesn't scare her away," Shi Yiling worried. "Forget it, it's probably better not to introduce anyone to him. Otherwise, my girlfriends will resent me."
"You don't think so?"
They would hold a grudge over something like this?
"Of course not! This is like pushing them into a fiery pit!"