Young people going on matchmaking dates typically either visit parks, watch movies, or eat at state-owned restaurants.
Chen Shaojie rarely visits Beijing, so Shen Qingqing made arrangements for Shi Yu and him to meet at the park entrance, hoping they'd have more time together.
It was still early; after walking around the park, they could conveniently go for dinner.
Chen Shaojie arrived half an hour early—this was his first matchmaking date, and it was impossible not to feel nervous.
He wasn't sure if he and the lady would click, but he had come fully prepared.
He bought a tin of malted milk powder, two cans of preserved fruit, and a bag of apples.
After the date, he'd let the lady take them home to enjoy.
If they got along, next time he'd prepare more thoughtful gifts like snowflake cream or dresses.
That was what Cheng Jingliang always brought for his fiancée when he returned to his hometown.
