The Indifferent Ex-Husband: Heartstrings in the Mall of Fate novel Chapter 200

Zachary was a bit awkward all of a sudden, not expecting neither of them to be interested.

"No biggie, I'll hook you up with someone else next time," Zachary said with a chuckle.

"Thanks, Mr. Gardner," Brandon replied, keeping it cool and polite.

"What are you being so formal for?" Zachary laughed, "I thought since you guys are about the same age and have similar temperaments, it'd be worth a shot to set you up. But hey, no worries. Even if you don't hit it off romantically, being friends is still cool," Zachary added with another chuckle.

Sophia just smiled, not really knowing what to say, feeling the awkwardness of the moment. Brandon just glanced at Zachary without joining in the conversation.

Zachary then turned his attention to Sophia, "Sophia, you're not getting any younger. Careers are important, but don't let work get in the way of your personal life."

"I got it, Mr. Gardner; don't worry about me," Sophia lightly responded.

"Good to hear. Just don't brush off me." Zachary was quite invested in this matter, "Who doesn't want to find a boyfriend? You can't have that mindset. Young people should date while they're young and tie the knot when they find the right one."

Sophia, not sure how to respond, just nervously nodded, "Yeah."

"What's your type? I'll keep an eye out for you," Zachary offered.

"Really, no need, Mr. Gardner," Sophia managed, struggling to keep smiling.

"Nope, that won't do. At this rate, you'll be single till the cows come home." Zachary was dead set on this, "I've taught lots of students, seen all types. There are plenty of great catches among them. Just tell me what you're looking for, and I'll play matchmaker."

Sophia's smile was getting stiff. Brandon glanced at her, and then turned the subject to Zachary, "Mr. Gardner, planning to stay in the West district long-term with Mrs. Gardner?"

"Yeah." Zachary got sidetracked as expected, "Since our daughter and her husband work around here, we're staying to help out with the grandkids."

He glanced at his well-behaved granddaughter, and then couldn't help but look back at Sophia, "You really should get a move on while you're young, settle down and have kids. Don't wait too long."

Before his voice trailed off, Jolin shot him a look, "What do you know? Marriage and kids can really put a dent in a career. Sophia's just starting out, now's the time to push forward. She shouldn't let marriage hold her back. If a girl doesn't meet the right person, there's no rush. Now's the time to focus on her career."

Zachary, rebuffed, mumbled after a while, "I just meant if there's a good match, she gotta grab it."

Sophia smiled and took over the conversation, "Thanks, Mr. Gardner. I'll keep an eye out."

And with that, the topic was closed for good. Zachary didn't bring it up again.

The dinner went on in high spirits, though Zachary probably still had a thing for playing cupid between Sophia and Brandon. He kept bringing up Sophia in conversation, reminiscing about her student days, how hard-working and dedicated she was, how it tugged at his heartstrings, and so on.

Brandon seemed genuinely interested in the topic, occasionally looking over at Sophia, his deep, calm gaze inscrutable.

Sophia, on the other hand, spent the whole time in embarrassment, trying to steer the conversation away only to have Zachary circle back.

By the end of the meal, she felt totally mortified. Talking about her struggles, especially in front of Brandon, was not her cup of tea.