WAKA WELL

A male gynecologist went to the wrong table on a blind date, but he didn't expect that a female CEO with a net worth of tens of billions would be interested in him.
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Chapter 1 The Blind Date Blunder
“I know, Mom. I'm in front of the café. Call you later!” Emmanuel Lowe hung up on his mother impatiently.
The twenty-eight-year-old man had never been in a relationship.

After spending seven years in the army, he retired from the military and worked at a hospital in Yeringham for three years.

He was a gynecologist at the hospital and made eighty thousand a year.

Worried he would end up old and alone, Emmanuel's mother urged him to settle down. Since he had no idea where to begin when it came to dating, his mother took matters into her own hands and set him up on multiple blind dates.

Thanks to her efforts, he had gone on seventeen blind dates so far.

Alas, wedding bells were clearly not on the horizon for Emmanuel. It was frustrating. He knew he was just going through the motions at that point.

“Help! Someone help me!”

Right before Emmanuel entered the café, he heard someone calling out weakly for help.

The cries came from an old man who had fallen on the roadside. Many pedestrians walked past him, but no one dared to stop and help him to his feet.

After all, helping the old man could be more trouble than it was worth if one ended up with an expensive lawsuit for injuring him further. No one would do something that risky and foolish.

It did not deter Emmanuel from stepping forward and helping the man to his feet. He asked, “Are you all right, sir?”

“I'm fine! Thank you so much, young man! It's so hard to find people as kind as you these days. I must repay you for your kindness!” replied the old man with a smile.

Emmanuel realized then that the old man's attire was at odds with his airs. Despite his tattered clothes, the old man's clean hands looked like those of a man accustomed to wealth.

Still, he had no time to satisfy his curiosity. After confirming that the old man was unharmed, Emmanuel rushed into the café for his blind date. He never once considered being repaid for his kind act earlier.

The café was massive and practically structured like a maze.

Emmanuel's mother mentioned that his blind date was seated at table number eight. He wandered through the confusing café, but before he could locate the correct table, he stumbled into a special area.

The lighting was softer there, and the floor was scattered with fresh petals.

The sweet scent of flowers wafted through the air. He wondered if he had set foot in heaven.

Emmanuel raised his eyes and immediately froze.

A beautiful, elegant woman sat before a table in the room.

It was no exaggeration to say she embodied perfection itself.

The heavens clearly decided to shower all their favors on her.

The woman quietly sipped her coffee with her legs crossed neatly to the side. On the table was a non-translated copy of The Power Broker.

When she noticed Emmanuel barging into the room, she looked up at him in confusion and displeasure.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

When Emmanuel recovered from the shock of stumbling upon the beautiful stranger, he realized his heart was about to beat its way out of his chest.

Never once had he ever felt so attracted to a woman in his twenty-eight years of life.

The countless female bodies he had seen in his work as a gynecologist hardly appealed to him. At some point, he even wondered if he was attracted to women at all.

Against all odds, it seemed, the young woman before him made his heart race like a runaway horse.

Am I simply nervous, or am I already attracted to her?

More surprisingly, Emmanuel noticed a large number eight sign on the woman's table.

She's my blind date?

He took a deep breath to calm himself before approaching her table and taking a seat opposite her.

The young woman's expression grew increasingly flabbergasted. There was even a hint of hostility in her pretty eyes.

The audacity of this man! Barging into my private room is bad enough, but he's going to sit opposite me like it's nobody's business?

Emmanuel ignored her expression. It was not the first time a woman had scoffed at him.

They were free to go their separate ways after getting the blind date done and over with.

He introduced himself, declaring, “Hi! My name is Emmanuel Lowe. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I work as a gynecologist. I make eighty thousand a year and don't own a car or a house.”

Any man would need an incredible amount of courage to say such things to a woman, but Emmanuel appeared unusually calm and unfazed.

The young woman stared at him in shock. A moment later, her lips curved into a smirk, and she replied with an introduction of her own.

“Nice to meet you. I'm Mackenzie Quillen. I'm twenty-seven years old with dual doctorates in finance and business administration from Harvard University. I made three billion last year, and I have a car and a house.”

Emmanuel was stunned.

What is happening?

He always thought women on blind dates came with red flags.

Mackenzie, however, was arguably flawless.

Where's the catch?

All sorts of fantastical theories filled Emmanuel's mind.

Mackenzie smirked at his perplexed expression. The pride in her cool gaze was evident.

She deliberately introduced herself to put the stranger in a difficult spot and intimidate him into retreating.

As expected, awkward silence lingered in the air after her words.

Urgh, forget it!

Whether Mackenzie was telling the truth was beside the point. Emmanuel decided to go through all the motions so he could at least mollify his mother, even if the date did not result in a trip to the altar.

He declared, “I don't make much, but if you decide to date me, I promise I'll always protect and cherish you. I'll take over all the household chores so you can be a queen at home. Of course, I hope you'll allow me to preserve my masculine pride in front of my family. If we do get married, I can give you about five to six thousand every month.”

It was a well-worn script that Emmanuel recited in a single breath.

Mackenzie was dumbfounded at his earnest expression and apparent lack of shame at his much lower salary.

A long while later, she burst into a chuckle.

She had never met a man who could humor her so.

“What are you laughing about?” Unimpressed by her reaction, Emmanuel continued, “I know I don't check all the boxes, but I promise I'll be a good and responsible husband if we're married!”

Pfft!

Mackenzie failed to keep in her snigger.

An annoyed Emmanuel demanded, “Why are you laughing, Ms. Quillen? Don't you think you're being rather rude?”

“Sir, you're a very good man!” Mackenzie stopped smiling and retorted coldly, “But I think you're the confused one here. I'm not here for a blind date!”

Huh? What is going on?

Emmanuel's eyes widened in horror as he sputtered, “Isn't this table number eight?”

“Yes, but this is the VIP area. You must be looking for table number eight in the common dining area. Please go out and turn right!” She pointed a slender finger at the exit.

“Oh... Sorry! I'm so sorry! I mixed things up!”

Emmanuel wished he could sink into the floor in embarrassment. He jumped to his feet, ready to make a hasty escape.

That was so embarrassing! How could I sit at the wrong table for a blind date? No wonder she was laughing so much. She must have thought I was shooting above my weight!

Shortly after Emmanuel's departure, an old man entered Mackenzie's private room, escorted by four black-clad bodyguards.

Emmanuel would have been astonished if he was still around. The old man was none other than the stranger he had helped earlier in front of the café!

He implored, “Perhaps this is fate, Mackenzie. You're twenty-seven, but you've never been in a relationship because of your misandry. No man would dare come near you! But that young man succeeded! He's also a kind and just person. A while ago, he helped me outside the café and didn't expect a reward for his actions!”

The old man's true identity was Terence Quillen, chairman of Yeringham's premier financial corporation.

While his wealth could trump that of entire nations, he had a major regret in life.

Terence had had three sons who tragically passed away before him. They either had no children of their own or only left daughters behind.

Mackenzie was Terence's favorite granddaughter and next-in-line to helm Terence Group.

Her intelligence and charisma did not change the fact that she was a woman.

Before Terence met his maker, he wished his favorite granddaughter could give him a great-grandchild.

That spurred him to fake his fall in front of the café and scout a decent man for his granddaughter. To his surprise, the young man who helped him earlier made a blunder of his own blind date and ended up meeting Mackenzie instead.

Isn't that fate?

Mackenzie remained stoically unmoved by her grandfather's words. “Grandpa, he may have passed your test, but he hasn't passed mine. I'll marry him if he aces my test.”

She wanted to fulfill her grandfather's wish, but she naturally wished to promise herself to a good man.

Marrying a man after one blind date was simply too hasty and careless.

Terence's gaze lit up expectantly, and he replied, “All right! I'm sure he will pass your test!”

Chapter 2 Failure

After turning right at the door, Emmanuel finally found table number eight in the common dining area.

Sure enough, a woman was seated at the table, looking like she was running out of patience.

Dressed in professional attire that accentuated her beautiful curves, she was, by all means, a sight to behold.

Even though she didn't exude the same air of elegance that Mackenzie had, there was no denying she had the power to make men fall at her feet.

Thankfully, Emmanuel wasn't disappointed in the slightest. After all, he was well aware of his own qualities.

Without further ado, he straightened himself up and approached the woman with a smile.

“Sorry I'm late! My name's Emmanuel Lowe. I'm twenty-eight years old, and I work as a gynecologist with an annual salary of eighty thousand—”

“Stop!” the woman coldly interrupted before he could finish his introduction. “What's the meaning of this? With what little you have to offer; do you seriously think women would want to marry you? I can't believe you even had the nerve to be late! What right do you have to keep a woman waiting? This has been an utter waste of my time. Hmph!”

After firing off a barrage of questions, the red-faced woman angrily splashed a glass of water on Emmanuel's face.

The latter, who was caught off guard, instantly became soaking wet.

Nevertheless, Emmanuel didn't lose his temper. After all, he was indeed late because he went to the wrong place, so he could understand why the woman was upset.

“Hmph. You're twenty-eight and still only earning eighty-thousand a year. No wonder you're doing so poorly! Not only do you lack punctuality, but you also don't seem to take life seriously. You're doomed to be at the bottom of the social hierarchy your entire life! I'm shocked you even have the guts to go on a blind date with me... Stop being delusional!” the woman scolded as she shot Emmanuel a look of contempt.

The next second, she grabbed her bag and stormed off, not once bothering to leave her name.

To add insult to injury, she even waved a wad of cash in front of Emmanuel's face, then slapped it hard on the table as payment for the bill.

The latter's gaze darkened instantly as rage began pulsing through his veins.

This woman is humiliating me! I may not have high expectations for marriage, but that doesn't mean I don't have a temper! Argh! As much as I want to make her regret her actions, I know I don't have that capability...

Since the woman was gone, Emmanuel, too, left the café glumly.

To his surprise, he had only just stepped out the door when he saw a long-haired man deliberately colliding into a BMW and screaming in pain.

Emmanuel couldn't help but furrow his brows. Oh, gosh. That man is clearly staging a car accident. Why is there so much trouble in this café today?

“Ah! Someone's been hit!”

“Argh! My leg's broken! Murderer!”

Four men immediately rushed out to join the commotion when the long-haired man fell on the ground.

Thankfully, Emmanuel saw right through their ploy. Ha! Those guys must be the co-conspirators!

Just then, a young lady hastily exited the BMW, clad in a maroon sleeveless dress that revealed a large expanse of tender, fair skin.

“What's the matter? How could I have injured your leg when I was driving so slowly?” she asked anxiously.

Seconds later, the long-haired man's buddies surrounded the woman, demanding compensation. “Cut the crap! Pay up! Pay up now!”

Several people in the café had witnessed the staged accident, but unfortunately, they were so afraid of the big, burly men that no one dared to confront them.

“How much do you guys want?” the woman muttered helplessly, having resigned herself to the fact that she'd have to settle the matter with money.

The group of thugs, however, began leering at and drooling over her.

“Haha. Hey, why don't you have some fun with us?” one of the men suggested.

Just like that, what had started as a staged accident quickly turned into public harassment.

The pretty woman was so scared out of her wits that she staggered backward until she bumped into Emmanuel.

Instead of taking advantage of her like the other thugs, Emmanuel stepped in front of her and glared at the long-haired man.

“Your leg's broken, and you're asking for compensation, huh?”

Upon seeing Emmanuel's menacing expression, the thugs felt chills down their spines.

At the same time, Mackenzie was sitting in the café and watching the entire scene unfold.

Well, well, well. Who knew that man would be so brave? I'm sure no one else would have the guts to go up against five thugs.

The next second, Emmanuel stunned everyone by viciously kicking the long-haired man's leg.

“Argh!” the latter shouted in pain as he began hopping on the leg that was supposedly broken.

The onlookers instantly let out a collective gasp.

Goodness gracious! That man is daring!

Mackenzie, too, had curled her lips into a smile.

The café was one of her properties, so naturally, she had also seen how Emmanuel's blind date went.

I thought he was a timid man when he didn't flare up despite being splashed with water. Who knew he was just a gentleman who doesn't lose his temper with women? I must admit, he looks rather charming when he shows his tough side!

“What's this? Didn't you say your leg's broken? I'm impressed you can still jump on it!” Emmanuel mocked.

When the onlookers realized that the long-haired man had lied about his injury, they wasted no time scolding and criticizing him.

By then, the other thugs had also lost their bravado and fell silent. After all, they knew the tables had turned on them.

“Hmph. I'll let you off this time. You'd better watch your back!” the long-haired man warned before running away with his tail between his legs.

With that, the pretty woman gave Emmanuel a warm smile and coyly gestured for him to get into her car. “Hey, handsome, thank you so much for your help. Would you like to go to my house for a drink?”

Emmanuel, however, brushed her off without a second thought. “No, thank you. I have other things to do!”

Seeing how unmoved he was by her advances, the woman couldn't help but stomp her feet in frustration.

Back in the café, Mackenzie heard her grandfather burst into loud guffaws.

“Haha! I told you so, Mackenzie! Didn't I say that man has an excellent character? Your assistant, Lexi, is such a beautiful woman, yet he refuses to give her the time of day! Once you guys are married, you won't have to worry about him betraying you!”

The more Mackenzie ruminated about Terence's words, the more her impression of Emmanuel improved.

“Don't be too happy yet, Grandpa! Men are either after looks or money,” Mackenzie uttered coldly before getting up.

Ha! I doubt Emmanuel can pass my second secret test of character!

Meanwhile, Emmanuel had gotten home after his matchmaking session failed spectacularly.

Needless to say, his sister, Roselynn Lowe, was frustrated beyond belief. “What? Another unsuccessful blind date?”

This is the eighteenth time, for goodness' sake! My brother's a six-foot tall, fit, and upstanding young man. Why won't any woman take a fancy to him? He may be thick-skulled at times, but surely, someone will still appreciate him for his good looks, won't they?

Emmanuel's mother, Alessandra Cadigan, seemed even more anxious as she hurriedly dragged him out of the house.

“Mom, what are you doing?” Emmanuel asked, startled by how panic-stricken Alessandra was.

“What am I doing? I'm worried sick about you!” the woman scolded without breaking her stride. “I don't understand it, either. Our neighbor's an unkempt twenty-eight-year-old novelist who's always cooped up at home, yet he's already planning for his second child! Why can't my son get a girlfriend? That woman didn't even stay for the blind date, did she? I paid good money to set this up for you! Let's go see her at her house right now!”

“What?” Emmanuel choked out.

Did I hear that right? I can't believe Mom has gotten this desperate! The matchmaking session was an utter failure, so why must she still insist on dragging me to the woman's place? Wouldn't I just be embarrassing myself again?

Chapter 3 Rags to Riches

In any relationship, the party taking the initiative was often seen as lowlier and more desperate.

Therefore, upon seeing Emmanuel and his family at her house, Milani Zimmerman wore an even haughtier expression than when she was at the café.

Ha! I knew he wouldn't be able to get over my looks, so he's come to badger me again!

Milani's mother, Melody Claus, was just as smug when she learned of the Lowe family's intention.

“If your son wishes to marry my daughter, you'll have to give us a betrothal gift of five hundred thousand,” she said as she raised her palm. “We won't accept anything less!”

Emmanuel's heart instantly sank.

Oh, my goodness! Five hundred thousand? Is she trying to sell her daughter?

Alessandra, however, gritted her teeth and nodded. “T-That's fine!”

As long as my son can get married, I'll do anything to make up for the betrothal gift, even if it means selling the house!

“Your family must also provide a car and matrimonial home!” Milani's father chimed in. “More importantly, you're not going to let my daughter pay for any installments or maintenance fees!”

By then, Emmanuel was on the verge of losing his patience.

Shouldn't marriages be consensual? I don't expect both parties to be forking out the wedding expenses equally, but why does it feel like my family's here to surrender and be fleeced?

Alessandra, too, found herself in a tight spot.

She could sell the house to afford the betrothal gift, but how would she pay for the couple's car and home?

“Sure. That's no problem!” Roselynn piped up, even going so far as to pull her brother back when she realized he wanted to object.

She was just as eager for Emmanuel to start a family, and at thirty years old, she had worked and saved up enough to make the necessary down payments for him.

Since Mom is settling the betrothal gift, I shall help Emmanuel with the car and home!

“Lastly, he will bear all household expenses after the wedding!” Milani suddenly said.

That, however, was the last straw for Emmanuel. “I don't mind paying this much if she's coming to work for us as a housekeeper, but if she expects to be treated like a princess or queen, you can forget it! I don't need that!”

“Look at your son! What's with that attitude?” Milani yelled. “We aren't even married yet, and he's already so domineering. Wouldn't it be worse down the road?”

“No, no, no... The marriage will work out. It'd work out just fine!” Alessandra pleaded, desperate to finalize the wedding.

I can't wait any longer... I must fulfill my husband's last wish by the end of the year!

Having seen how things were going, even Roselynn knew she had to step in to persuade her mother. “Mom! Stop forcing it!”

Manny's right. There's nothing wrong with giving a betrothal gift, car, and house. However, asking him to be the sole supporter of his family after the wedding is too much! What about his wife, then? Why can't she chip in? Will she be sending her own money back to her parents?

Just then, Milani's younger brother, Jacob Zimmerman, suddenly appeared with a cocky grin plastered on his face. “Haha! Don't forget about me, Milani! When it's my turn to get married, I'd be counting on you guys to buy me my car and house too!”

Upon hearing that, Emmanuel instantly exploded with rage.

“What? Am I marrying your sister or your entire family? I may as well support all of you!”

Even though Emmanuel had only meant that as an angry remark, Milani decided to hold him to his word. “Hah! You'd better remember what you just said! In that case, I'll leave you to plan and pay for the wedding banquet and honeymoon. Don't tell me you can't afford that...”

“Get lost! I'd rather marry anybody than you!” Emmanuel retorted as the rage and ferocity he used to experience on the battlefield came flooding back.

He didn't know what the Zimmermans were playing at, but there was no doubt they were monsters.

“Look at yourself! How dare you ask me for my hand in marriage! I'd rather marry anybody than you too!” Milani snapped back.

Given my qualities, I have no problem marrying a rich man, so why should I settle for a man like Emmanuel? I'm only too happy that he wants to fall out with me!

After giving an exasperated laugh, Emmanuel stood up and stormed off, leaving Alessandra and Roselynn with no choice but to follow suit.

To their surprise, they had only just stepped out of the Zimmerman residence when three luxury cars pulled up in front of them.

The Zimmermans quickly popped out to see the commotion and almost dropped their jaws when they saw the car lineup.

Oh! Those cars are worth tens of millions! What's going on? Since when were the Lowes that fancy?

Emmanuel, on the other contrary, seemed to recognize one of the cars. Hmm... Didn't I see that car outside the café?

The next second, Terence stepped out of the car, surrounded by his convoy of suited bodyguards.

He smiled as he approached Emmanuel and said politely, “I'm here to return the favor, Mr. Lowe, after you helped me outside the café!”

Needless to say, everyone was stunned.

Roselynn couldn't hide her excitement and gripped her brother's arm tightly.

Ah! Isn't this like those rags-to-riches stories?

The more Emmanuel thought about it, the more he frowned. Wow... Who knew this old man was a millionaire? Could he have intentionally fallen at the café?

Terence waved his hand, and within seconds, his subordinates had unloaded several boxes of gifts.

Not only were there precious stones and jewelry, but there were also famous paintings, antiques, and even a Porsche key.

The total value of the items had to be at least ten million.

For someone who earned a mere eighty thousand a year, ten million was an eye-watering amount of money that Emmanuel could only dream of!

Upon witnessing the scene, the Zimmerman family almost collapsed in shock.

Milani might be a well-dressed woman, but the truth was, her family was just like any other average family. To them, ten million was undoubtedly an astronomical sum!

If I had known Emmanuel would become a multi-millionaire, I'd have married him straightaway!

After snapping out of her daze, she smiled and hastily clutched Emmanuel's arm.

“What's the matter, darling? Oh, wow... You're so kind to help the elderly! I love that about you!”

“Who's your darling?” Emmanuel asked, embarrassing Milani so much that she wanted to crawl into a hole.

As though that wasn't enough, he brusquely pushed her away and added, “Didn't you just reject me? Why are you still calling me that?”

“Uh... I—” Milani muttered, clearly at a loss for words.

Her family, too, was incredibly frustrated.

After all, they had just missed out on getting a wealthy son-in-law!

Meanwhile, Alessandra was about to say something when Roselynn tugged at her.

As much as I want Manny to start a family, I can't let him settle for the horrible Zimmermans! Besides, he's rich now! I'm sure he can find a better woman!

“Mom, Roselynn, let's go!” Emmanuel said before ushering both women into the car.

He didn't want to accept the gifts, especially since he knew he hadn't done anything to deserve them. However, it wasn't the time and place to discuss the matter, so he decided to leave instead.

Once the Lowe family had left, a gust of cold wind swept over the Zimmermans as they seethed silently.

“How could you have made such remarks earlier, Milani? Do you think it's easy to find a millionaire these days?” Melody berated.

“W-What should I do now, then?”

In all honesty, Milani was at a complete loss. She had gone on several blind dates to find a rich husband who could give her a life of luxury.

Alas, who knew she'd let a multi-millionaire slip right through her fingers?

“What else can we do? They've already come to our place to ask for your hand in marriage. Can't we do the same?” Melody suggested.

Jacob, who was just as anxious, instantly exclaimed, “I don't care, Milani! You have to marry that multi-millionaire! When my girlfriend and I get married, you must give us a house and a luxury car! Otherwise, I'll disown you!”

“Okay, okay. I got it!” Milani replied with a long sigh.

Argh! Emmanuel and I left on such bad terms... Would he still care about me?

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