Chapter 176
Chapter 176 Affection And Irritation
Kristian's gaze settled on the screen as he pressed his thin lips into a firm line. "You're all at the age to think
about settling down," he typed and sent.
Everyone's hearts instantly sounded the alarm. What was happening? Was Kristian attempting to nudge them
toward matrimony?
"Sure, we're at the right age, but we have no plans to get married right now."
"Precisely!"
"Kristian, are you considering marriage yourself? If you need assistance, I'd be happy to introduce someone to
you."
"I can help with that too!"
Amid their flurry of responses, Kristian replied with composure, "I just spoke with my grandpa. He seems
interested in introducing an eligible woman to all of you."
At this revelation, 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 | 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 played 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 elaborated, "As long as you don't linger around him afterward, | can help prevent this from happening.
However, if you appear before him, there's nothing | can do."
"Thank you, Kristian."
"Tomorrow, after wishing him a happy birthday, I'll make myself scarce. 1 ***_
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Chapter 176 Affection And Irritation
"I'll do the same."
Seeing the matter concluded, Kristian wrapped up with a final warning, "Don't let Liam discover | informed you
about this. You all understand how much he revels in creating chaos."
Everyone agreed wholeheartedly.
Though they rarely chatted with Kristian, they had spent considerable the
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 a compassionate heart and didn't
want to see them endure the matchmaking
ordeal.
Kristian remained oblivious to their speculation.
At home, he changed into a black 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 balance 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 delayed any longer, Lionel would begin complaining 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 hyet?"
"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.
"I'm finished playing," Lionel muttered, his mood thoroughly dampened by Kristian's persistent evasiveness.
"Continue with your games if you wish. When Freya eventually chooses someone else, you'll have nothing but
regret."
Kristian remained silent, instead preparing a cup of coffee and offering it to his grandfather.
His tranquil demeanor only intensified Lionel's conflicting emotions of affection and irritation. No matter how
harshly he reprimanded him, Kristian never displayed anger and invariably discovered ways to appease him.
"What thoughts truly occupy that mind of yours?" Lionel finally inquired,
surrendering to his conflicted feelings. Kristian kept his inner reflections carefully concealed. "Nothing in
particular."
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Lionel nearly choked on his coffee.
He examined Kristian's composed expression for an extended moment before completely abandoning his efforts.
"Leave my presence. | can't bear to look at you any longer."
Kristian accepted the dismissal without protest and departed as instructed.
Liam remained elsewhere, so Kristian decided to verify the banquet arrangments at the hotel.
Although his father had likely managed everything competently, confirming the details would prevent any
unexpected complications.
At the hotel, Isaac was preparing to depart just as Kristian arrived.
Upon seeing him, Isaac greeted him with a knowing smirk. "Has your grandpa banished you from his sight?"
Kristian found himself speechless.
Isaac placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Eventually, you'll grow accustomed to it."
"You faced similar disfavor in your younger days," Kristian retorted.
Whenever they encountered one another, their exchanges bristled with playful barbs, and Kristian invariably
emerged defeated. This occasion proved no different.
"I may have faced disapproval, but at least | provided him with a grandson," Isaac remarked smoothly, his tone
carrying the craftiness of a seasoned fox. "What contribution have you made?"
Kristian countered, "Without my assistance, winning Mom's affection would have taken you considerably longer."
"I appreciate your help, Kristian," Isaac responded with an untroubled smile.
Kristian found himself unable to formulate a response.
The exchange felt as futile as attempting to punch a pillow.
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"During your childhood, you exhibited such endearing qualities and possessed a natural talent for persuasion,"
Isaac observed, appraising him thoughtfully. "If regaining Freya's affection is your goal, perhaps revisiting those
childhood tactics might prove effective."
"Childish," Kristian responded tersely.
The memories evoked embarrassment.
Whenever he recalled how he once behaved adorably to persuade Lionel to cease scolding Isaac, he experienced
profound discomfort.
Isaac's lips formed a subtle smile. "You've matured and lost your charming qualities. Had | anticipated this
development, | would have provided you with a lot
of sweets to preserve your sweetness."
Kristian secretly rolled his eyes.
"This venue now falls under your responsibility," Isaac stated, his smile
deepening. "I'm departing to spend twith my wife."
Kristian's brow furrowed slightly. Even at his current age, Isaac couldn't resist showcasing his romantic
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Chapter 176 Affection And Irritation
devotion.
Despite finding it somewhat irritating, Kristian couldn't deny the reassurance it provided.
His mother had selected an appropriate partner, and Isaac had Consistently demonstrated through his actions
that his love remained genuine and enduring. Setting these reflections aside, Kristian concentrated on examining
the banquet arrangements.
From a distance, Isaac and Melinda observed him working.
Isaac encircled Melinda with his arm and spoke in hushed tones. "He's reached adulthood now, so our constant
concern has becunnecessary."
"The responsibility rests entirely with you!" Melinda gently teased.
Isaac raised an eyebrow in surprise. How had this situation bechis responsibility?
"Very well, | accept the blame," he conceded with an accommodating smile. "I'll
assist him in bringing Freya to Jeucwell and ensure their lasting happiness together."
"Absolutely not," Melinda refused with firm conviction.