?Chapter 443:


    Amid their flurry of responses, Kristian replied withposure, “I just spoke with my grandpa. He seems interested in introducing an eligible woman to all of you.”


    At this revtion, the group suddenly recalled how their own grandfathers had been raising this very topic with them recently.


    They could typically deflect their family elders with various excuses, but if Lionel himself made the introductions, they would have no choice but to demonstrate respect, however reluctantly.


    Frustration washed over them. Why did elders persistently push them toward marriage?


    “Mr. Lionel Shaw remains as enthusiastic as ever, but I truly don’t wish to burden him with such matters.”


    “Exactly! This is such a minor issue—it’s hardly worth troubling your grandpa, Kristian.”


    “Kristian, could you possibly help us avoid this situation?”


    “We genuinely don’t want to participate in blind dates right now.” Noting their collective resistance to the idea, Kristian recognized he had yed his strategy perfectly. “He’s not requesting that you attend blind dates—simply that you meet someone.”


    Everyone understood that “meeting someone” was merely a polite euphemism for blind dating.


    Kristian borated, “As long as you don’t linger around him afterward, I can help prevent this from happening. However, if you appear before him, there’s nothing I can do.”


    “Thank you, Kristian.”


    “Tomorrow, after wishing him a happy birthday, I’ll make myself scarce. I won’t venture anywhere near him.”


    “I’ll do the same.”


    Seeing the matter concluded, Kristian wrapped up with a final warning, “Don’t let Liam discover I informed you about this. You all understand how much he revels in creating chaos.”


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    Everyone agreed wholeheartedly.


    Though they rarely chatted with Kristian, they had spent considerable time conversing with Liam and were well aware that he thrived on mischief.


    Following their exchange, Kristian closed the group chat. With the issue resolved, his spirits lifted considerably.


    Meanwhile, the four young men in the group chat continued analyzing why Kristian had suddenly demonstrated such kindness by warning them.


    They eventually determined that despite his cool exterior, Kristian possessed apassionate heart and didn’t want to see them endure the matchmaking ordeal.


    Kristian remained oblivious to their spection.


    At home, he changed into a ck casual outfit. The loose strands of hair falling across his forehead added a touch of youthful charm to his otherwise mature appearance.


    Few people could bnce maturity with youthfulness, but Kristian’s features seemed divinely crafted for this precise effect.


    After perfecting his appearance, he strolled from his room to find Lionel.


    If he dyed any longer, Lionel would beginining about his disrespect again.


    For the remainder of the day, Kristian remained by Lionel’s side, engaging him in chess. Whenever Lionel attempted to mention Freya, Kristian deflected with remarks like, “Your turn, Grandpa,” or “Grandpa, if you don’t concentrate, you’re bound to lose.”


    After several rounds of this evasion, Lionel’s patience evaporated, and he snapped, “With all that smooth talking, why haven’t you brought Freya home yet?”


    “Are we continuing our game?” Kristian inquired, his sharp profile and high nose bridge conveying perfect indifference.


    Lionel couldn’t muster a single word. Kristian truly exasperated him. Once again, he recognized that Freya clearly represented the superior choice.


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