The mention of Ernest instantly conjured his image in my mind, reminding me of Jefferson's mention yesterday about a certain Mr. Quinn who had put a substantial investment his way., I locked eyes with him.

"This tough guy Mr. Smith talked about, what's his brand of tough? Or is he a friend of yours?

", Grant cleared his throat,

"It's hard to describe, just... the kind of masculine, stands tall and straight, like... yes, that kind of...

", His hand pointed towards the diner's projecting TV screen, which was currently broadcasting the news featuring a flag-raising ceremony., Watching those flag bearers, each with a posture so rigid and disciplined, Ernest sprang to my mind once again, and I could sense that Grant was hinting at something., A Mr. Quinn? A tough guy? Perhaps a military man?, That had to be Ernest, right?, I looked at Grant, who was now staring at the big screen, seemingly lost in thought. So, I blurted out,

"Mr. Smith, your friend is Ernest?

",

"Hmm? Eh?

" Grant turned to me,

"What did you say?

", I wasn't sure if he genuinely hadn't heard me or was feigning confusion.,

"You have a friend named Ernest?

" I repeated.,

"Ernest?

" Grant echoed, shaking his head,

"No, who's that?

", He gave me a smile, his eyes on me, but I could tell his gaze was evasive., I pulled a half-smile,

"The tough guy, the one Mr. Smith described.

",

"Ha,

" Grant chuckled awkwardly,

"Really? There's actually someone like that? How do you get along with this tough guy friend? Good?

", His eyes sparkled with curiosity. I replied,

"Mr. Smith, you seem pretty interested in this tough guy friend of mine. Maybe you should meet him someday?

"

"Sure, but... would that be convenient?

" Grant played coy.,

"Inconvenient?

" I teased., Grant just smiled gently.

"Just worried about misunderstandings, you know. Like yesterday, your friend got all defensive and pretended to be your boyfriend.

"

"Mr. Smith has a friend named Mr. Collins, what's his full name?

" I bypassed his comment and asked directly.,

"I... um...

" Grant stumbled over his words,

"I call him Collins.

",

"Oh, is he old?

" I probed further along the conversation., Grant's facial muscles tensed slightly,

"Not old, but not young either. In his early thirties, still single.

", I nodded lightly,

"Could I meet him sometime?

",

"What?

" Grant's eyes widened in surprise and fear., I just smiled.

"Mr. Smith, you said he's single, and I'm single too...

", Grant's lips twitched, and he let out a nervous chuckle.

"I didn't expect you to be so direct, setting yourself up like this, I'm shocked.

", He said while giving me a thumbs-up.,

"In this world, good men are rare, so whenever there's a chance, you have to take it. As the saying goes, happiness must be seized,

" I teased him., Grant, lost for words, could only agree,

"Right, right, you're truly exceptional.

",

"So, Mr. Smith, do you agree to set me up with Mr. Collins?

" I pressed on.,

"Agreed, agreed,

" Grant smiled, not reaching his eyes,

"But I have to ask Mr. Collins first. You see, he... has a crush on a girl, and it seems like there's some progress with his lady.

"

"Oh, is that so,

" I feigned disappointment.,

"Yes, so, probably, it's unlikely he'll cross paths with you,

" Grant politely declined with that excuse., But now, I was even more intrigued by his friend Mr. Quinn and wasn't dissuaded,

"As long as he's not married, I have to try. Who knows, he might find I'm better suited for him.

" Grant was completely stumped by me.,

"Mr. Smith, do me a favor, huh? Facilitate a match; they say it can add ten years to your life, not to mention bring more fortune and happiness,

" I finished with a pursed-lip smile,

"Mr. Smith, I'll be waiting for your news.

", Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.