Chapter 4 : Time Is Too Precious For Him

"Excuse me, who are you?" Florence asked politely and carefully. She did not open the door fully, only halfway. She looked at the tall man in front of her.

"Oh hi." The man in front of Florence smiled while waving politely. He smiled sweetly before saying again, "I came to find you, you're Florence, right?"

"Yes, it's me. What's up?"

"I got information from my coworkers that you're opening a service, right? A matchmaking agency, if I'm not mistaken? Is that right?"

"Right, you're not wrong." Florence nodded slowly. "You came for that?" Florence's caution blurred a little. She did not feel threatened or afraid that the man before her was a dangerous person. It seemed like the man needed help, and he was a money-making machine for Florence. Yes, the man was her potential client.

"That's right, can we do it now? I want to convey the information to you in peace."

It was already late. Florence rarely accepted clients at this time of night because it was time for her to rest, but when she saw that man's face full of hope flashing in his eyes, Florence did not have the heart to break it.

Finally, Florence made a decision. She opened the door even wider. "Come inside, it's cold outside."

"Is it okay if I go into your house?" He asked hesitantly.

"It's better to talk about it inside, isn't it?" Florence asked with a smile.

"Yes, you're right."

"Come here, come in." Florence stepped aside, allowing her prospective client to pass quickly. Her friendly demeanor made Florence's clients always comfortable with her. She was friendly and kind. Florence was good at taking over the client's heart, making them feel at ease with her. That was one of the woman's strengths.

"Excuse me." The man entered Florence's house. Once he was inside, Florence closed the door.

"Come on, follow me."

They went to the living room. Florence asked him to sit on the sofa, which he complied with without arguing. Now, the two sat facing each other.

"What would you like to drink?"

"Ah, you needn't bother. I want nothing more than to discuss my problems with you."

Florence nodded. "Okay, I understand. So, tell me what you want me to help you with."

"It seems to have been guessed easily. I came because I wanted a match. You're a successful and famous matchmaker. I'd like to use your services. Yes, I'm tired of my love story failing time and time again. I want to get serious and marry someone. Can you help me?"

Florence nodded, then she picked up the book that was under the table. She was ready to take notes. "Okay, slow down. You're not in a hurry, are you?"

"Yes, I'm free at the moment," he replied.

Florence nodded. "Good. First,  I'd like to get to know you. What's your name?"

The man blinked his eyes. He looked shocked and awkward. His cheeks suddenly glowed red. "Sorry, I was so excited that I forgot to introduce myself. I'm sorry again, I'm really very stupid."

"No problem, this happens often. You don't need to apologize."

The man smiled uncomfortably. He rubbed his hands on his knees before answering. "My name is Danny. People usually call me Dan."

"Okay, Dan. I'm glad to make your acquaintance and meet you on this occasion." Florence started jotting down Danny's name on one of the blank sheets of paper. "Just now you said that you want to have a serious relationship because your love stories often fail. Can I hear a bit about that? You don't need to go into detail, I just need an outline."

Dan understood that. He nodded quickly. Before saying anything anymore, he moistened his dry lips. "I have three exes. None of my relationships were successful with them. And I'm tired of it. I want to have a lasting relationship. I don't want to waste time on something uncertain anymore. I was even hesitant to start again for fear that my love story would end in failure again. And here I am, needing your help."

"People don't always fail. One day, you will succeed. You will find a woman who suits you. And you will like each other and love each other."

"I'm afraid that will never come to me. I'm also afraid of making the wrong choice. What if it's all in vain and ends in failure again? My failed relationships have made me hesitant to start. Really, I need your help."

Florence nodded slowly and made a short note. She looked at Dan again, then asked carefully, "Are you currently close to a woman? Or is there a woman you have a crush on that you want to ask her out?"

"None at all." Dan answered quickly, very confidently, steadily, and without hesitation.

"Do you want to rush into having a girlfriend?"

"Not really, it's just that I feel lonely sometimes. I of course have friends and a harmonious family, but that's not enough, I still feel like I'm lacking."

"Okay, when did you break up with your last boyfriend?"

"Three years ago. On Thanksgiving."

Florence was a little taken aback by that information. She had no idea that it had been that long since Dan had broken up with his girlfriend.

He came to me, which means he didn't know what else to do. I was his only hope.

"It's been that long?"

"Yeah, it's been a while."

"And since then, you haven't tried dating a woman again because you're afraid of the relationship? Afraid that the relationship will end eventually and you feel like your time will be wasted?"

"You are indeed a smart woman. Yes, that's true."

Florence made another note in her book. "How can you conclude something that's not necessarily going to happen? I mean, it could be that your fourth romantic relationship will last until you get married and live happily together."

"I don't know, I'm just scared. Besides, I don't think I've found the right woman for me yet. You know, after my third breakup, I feel like I've become more selective when choosing a partner. And yeah, until now, I'm still single. I want to start again, but the fear is still there. I really need your help."

"What did you break up with your boyfriend for?"

"Which girlfriend?" asked Dan with a furrowed brow.

"The last one."

"I still remember. She felt that I didn't suit her anymore. She said that I didn't understand her anymore. Yes, I realized that I didn't really understand her. She was a difficult woman, but I loved her very much. I used to. Now that love has disappeared."

"You broke up with her on Thanksgiving?"

"It was painful, wasn't it?"

Florence nodded. "I'm so sorry."

"Three years have passed. I've even forgotten her completely. Since then, I've wanted to be careful. It's so hard and sad when you spend a long time with someone, only to break up in the middle. How much time was sacrificed for nothing?"

"I understand how you feel. It does hurt. How long have you been dating her?"

"Four years."

"Oh, my God. That's a long time."

"I know, but what can I do? Back then, I even begged her to get back together, but she didn't want to. I couldn't do anything about it. What I'm wondering is, why say that when we've gone too far? It hurts so much."

"How is she doing now?"

"My ex?"

"Yes."

Dan sighed deeply, then shook his head. "I don't know. I've lost contact with her. I really don't know where she is or what she's doing. Whether she's married or not. I don't want to know anymore. Let it go."

"She was your most beautiful and memorable ex?"

"You could say that she was."

"What about your two previous ex-girlfriends?"

"Do I seem mean if I choose not to discuss them?"

"No, of course not. That's up to you. I won't force you."

"In that case, I don't think I want to discuss it. I don't want to take up any more of your time. The point is, I came to be matched with a woman. I know you're good at this. It's said that people who come to you end up having a satisfying love story. Some even get married? Is that true?"

"Yes, it's true. I even came to their wedding."

Dan smiled. "They're really very lucky. I want to be like that. And I believe in you."

"Okay, what kind of woman do you want?"

"One that understands me and wants to be with me. That's enough. And, oh, if possible, one who is still working."

"Working?"

"Yes."

"Why is that?"

"Because I'm also working. Don't get me wrong. I want a woman who is as busy as I am. It makes me feel much more at ease. If there are no candidates like that, forget it. It's just an additional option."

"Can you tell me why?"

"I'm afraid she'll get bored if she's not busy. I mean, she could easily get attracted to other men who she feels are better than me."

"It's not all like that. It depends on what kind of person you are."

"Yeah, I know." Dan took a deep breath. "Forget it, I just want to try it first. You haven't answered my question, whether you can help me or not."

"Yes, I'll help you."

Florence's answer immediately made Dan smile very widely. "Thank you."

"What do you do, Dan?"

"I work in a bank."

"Can I have your cell phone number?"

"Sure."

"Here, write it down here." Florence handed over her book.

After finishing writing down his cell phone number, Dan handed the book back to Florence.

"Good."

"Do you have anything else to ask?"

"What do you like? Hobbies and such."

"I like reading books and listening to music. I also like running and swimming."

"Okay, I'll accommodate all that information. Thank you very much."

"Anything else?"

Florence shook her head. "I don't think so. That's enough."

"Just call me if you have any more questions, you might have forgotten something."

"I'll remember that."

"Well, that's it, then? Can I go?"

"Yes, if that's what you want. I'll call you back in a few days. What do you think?"

"I'll gladly accept it. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you very much."

Florence carried a smile. "I'm glad I could help you."

They shook hands before Dan finally walked out of Florence's house.