When Hearts Collide: From Ashes to Love

At first, Aaron didn't think much of it. But the next moment, he noticed He Bing accompanied by a young woman and an older woman who appeared to be her mother.

"Aaron? What are you looking at?" Yao Ning tapped him on the shoulder, following his line of sight. But all she could see was an ordinary door.

Aaron retracted his gaze and replied indifferently, "Nothing." Wiping his hands with a napkin, he excused himself. "I need to use the restroom."

As he passed by the private room opposite, Aaron slowed his pace. From inside, he overheard the voices of two mothers engaged in conversation.

"This is my son, He Bing. He studied computer science and is currently working at Yutou Group. You've heard of it, right? It's the top financial company in Xicheng, a publicly listed Fortune 500 company. My son is highly valued there. Just last week, the CEO personally called him in for a one-on-one discussion!" He Bing's mother spoke with pride. She would have bragged about his salary too if He Bing hadn't warned her about the company's confidentiality policies.

The young woman and her mother, sitting across from them, beamed with delight. "Yutou is an excellent company! Our Yuxin wanted to work there after graduation but heard the academic requirements were very strict."

"Oh, absolutely! Thankfully, He Bing has the qualifications," He Bing's mother said smugly, swelling with pride.

However, the conversation took a sharp turn as the other mother added, "Thankfully, Yuxin had a change of plans. If you can't get into a big company, it's better to go for civil service. The job is stable, stress-free, and suits a young woman. After all, we don't expect her to earn a lot."

Though the words were disguised as praise, they subtly elevated her daughter's status.

He Bing's mother's smile froze. She forced herself to nod along, saying, "Yes, of course." But inwardly, she was irritated. No matter how good the benefits at a private company, they could never match the stability and prestige of a government job.

This was precisely why she had dragged He Bing to this blind date. In Xicheng, a girl with such qualifications and still unmarried was a rare find. Missing this opportunity would mean losing the best option available. She nudged He Bing's hand under the table, raising her eyebrows to signal that he should make a good impression.

Aaron smirked coldly at the scene but kept walking without saying a word.

Back in his private room, Xu Huanran's voice was as loud as a megaphone. "Ning Ning, you came back alone this time? Where's that boyfriend of yours from abroad?"

Yao Ning smiled faintly, glancing at Aaron to catch any reaction, but his face remained impassive. Feigning annoyance, she said, "What boyfriend? We broke up ages ago. I've been single for more than half a year!"

Still, Aaron's expression did not change, leaving Yao Ning with an inexplicable sense of frustration.

Meanwhile, the oblivious Xu Huanran laughed and winked at her. "Do you want me to set you up with someone?"

Annoyed, Yao Ning scooted closer to Aaron, wrapping her arms around his in a playful show of dependence. "Aaron, look at him! I just got back, and he's already trying to play matchmaker. Isn't that outrageous? Hmph!"

"Hm?" Aaron seemed to snap out of a daze, rubbing his temples.

Yao Ning grew even more frustrated with his absent-mindedness. Today was supposed to be her welcome party, yet he seemed so indifferent.

Back then, no matter what he was doing, she had always been his priority!

"Aaron, what's going on with you?"

Even Yao Qian noticed something was off. "Stressed from work? I heard Yutou is planning to acquire Huaxin Fund."

Aaron nodded absentmindedly. "Yeah, something like that."

In truth, his mind was preoccupied with the scene he had just witnessed. Should he tell Marian about He Bing's blind date?

A man pursuing her while attending a blind date on the side—she would surely despise someone like that.

If he told her, would she thank him?

Or maybe not. Knowing her, she might just lash out at him instead. Marian's behavior had become increasingly hard to predict these days.

Shaking his head, Aaron decided against it. Not now, at least.

After dinner, Yao Ning announced she wasn't satisfied yet and insisted on dragging the three men to a bar.

The bar was a bit of a drive from the restaurant, but fortunately, Aaron, Yao Qian, and Xu Huanran had all driven their cars. Yao Ning had arrived in her brother's car earlier but suddenly decided she wanted to ride in Aaron's car instead.

"Aaron drives steadily. I feel safe in his car!" she declared with a playful wink. Aaron chuckled but then found himself thinking of how Marian had repeatedly refused to ride in his car. With a hint of self-deprecation, he remarked, "Thanks for the compliment. Some people wouldn't even want to sit in my car."

"Huh? Who wouldn't appreciate the privilege?!" Yao Ning looked genuinely curious.

"Never mind," Aaron said, brushing it off. "Let's go."

On the way, Yao Ning, sitting in the passenger seat, casually turned on the car's sound system. As if on autopilot, she opened the glove compartment and found a pair of designer sunglasses, which she promptly put on, claiming it was to block out the non-existent sun.

As she rummaged through the glove box, she caught sight of other items—snacks, small toys, and sunscreen. Yao Ning smiled to herself. Even after all these years, Aaron had kept these habits intact. It was proof, she thought, that she still held a special place in his heart.

"You've been back for a while now," she started, testing her theory. "Has your mom introduced anyone to you yet?"

"Introduced?" Aaron glanced at her briefly, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"You know, a blind date. You're 27 now. In three years, you'll hit 30. Isn't your mom worried?"

Yao Ning's mom had been so anxious about Yao Qian's marriage that she'd scheduled as many as five dates a week during the peak of her worry.

"No," Aaron answered simply.

"Really? That's impossible!" Yao Ning gasped. "My brother and Xu Huanran are nagged all the time by their families."

"Maybe my mom's realized it's pointless to push me," Aaron said dryly. "I'm not changing my mind."

Yao Ning laughed, genuinely pleased. "That's good. Even though we're nearing 30, I still feel like a little girl. Marriage feels a million miles away."

"Mm." Aaron kept his eyes on the road, giving her a perfunctory response.

When they finally reached the bar, Xu Huanran had already sent their private room number to the group chat. Yao Ning protested immediately, pouting. "Going to a bar and sitting in a private room is like going on a date and only holding hands. So boring!"

Xu Huanran immediately caught on and grinned. "Say no more. I'll switch to a booth!"

The bar was packed, as it was the weekend. Usually, a booth required advance booking, but the bar owner recognized the group's status and swiftly arranged a prime spot for them.

The owner's decision paid off. The group quickly ordered tens of thousands of dollars' worth of drinks, leaving the owner beaming as he ensured his staff provided top-notch service.

Meanwhile, the group laughed and joked. Xu Huanran and Yao Ning, in particular, were in their element—one flirting with the ladies, the other admiring handsome men.

Aaron sat back with his drink, listening idly. But then, amidst the background noise, he distinctly heard his name being mentioned. At first, he thought he was imagining things. But when he turned, he spotted the source of the voice. His brows lifted in surprise, and he adjusted his posture, straining to hear more.