After watching a movie, I was walking on the street with Li Xiaoyun, who was still holding an unfinished bucket of popcorn, while I held a can of cola.
I was sipping cola, and Xiaoyun was eating popcorn, as we walked and chatted.
I asked Xiaoyun, “Do you think if we worked at the same company as a couple, would that violate your company’s policy?”
Xiaoyun shook her head and said, “No, our company is an advertising agency with a relatively open culture. There are several couples working here.”
I grabbed Xiaoyun’s hand to stop her from walking forward. She looked at me in confusion. I asked seriously, “Xiaoyun, can I take this to mean that we are officially in a romantic relationship?”
Xiaoyun hesitated for a moment and said, “Zhaoyang, you asked that on purpose, didn’t you?”
“Yeah, I couldn’t be too direct with you. If you had refused, I wouldn’t have known how to save face.”
“You’re quite methodical. You’d make a good planner!” Xiaoyun laughed.
“You’re really good at changing the subject. You’d be great in sales too!” I smiled in response.
Xiaoyun’s expression was no longer playful. She asked seriously, “Zhaoyang, do you really think we can be together, get married, and build a life?”
I was silent for a long time before nodding and saying, “Yes, at least I’m willing to try hard and work for it… This desire to strive and work hard is something I’ve never felt in my 20-some years of life.”
Xiaoyun nodded and said, “Actually, after so many blind dates, I’m tired too. I also hope to escape this single life. Your appearance surprised me, but if I were to fall for you after just a few meetings, that wouldn’t be realistic either… Since our parents both want us to be together, I’m willing to believe our meeting was arranged by fate, so…”
“So, we can officially start dating now, right?”
Xiaoyun smiled and said, “Hmm… But it depends on your future performance, after all, I’m entrusting my entire life to you.”
“You can trust me. Just watch my performance,” I said joyfully.
Xiaoyun nodded, and we continued walking forward. With a bit of nervousness and anticipation, I reached out and held Xiaoyun’s hand on that autumn evening, surrounded by falling leaves, just like the innocent feelings of first love.
Instinctively, Xiaoyun tried to pull her hand away, but I held it tighter. She looked at me uneasily, so I loosened my grip slightly, giving her a comfortable and non-threatening hold. Her expression finally softened a bit.
I smiled and said, “Let’s keep walking forward, all the way to the end of this street. Maybe spring will bloom there.”
“It’s still winter though.”
“Let’s skip winter and head straight for spring.”
Xiaoyun gave me a smile and said, “Alright then, let’s go.”
So we walked forward along the streetlights in the night. The streetlights cast a gentle yellow glow on our faces.
…
When I got home, my father and mother were still sitting in the living room, watching a TV drama.
I was taking off my shoes when my mom turned down the TV volume and asked, “Zhaoyang, how are things going with Xiaoyun?”
I smiled and said, “Pretty well.”
My mom was happy to hear that and said, “That’s good. Xiaoyun’s family is really nice and understanding. You should get along well with her, okay?”
“Of course, Mom, don’t worry.”
After speaking with my mom, I looked at my father. His attention was still on the TV drama. Only when I passed in front of him did he call me and ask, “Have you sorted out your job situation yet?”
“I’m looking. Xiaoyun mentioned that her advertising company is hiring a planner. She already sent my resume to their planning Director. I should hear back soon.”
My father nodded and said, “A man must always prioritize his work.”
“You’re right, Dad. I will keep that in mind.”
“Don’t just say it with your mouth. Remember it in your heart.”
I smiled to show I had indeed taken his words to heart, then headed to my room.
That night, I felt a bit of joy. What had happened recently made me feel that returning to Xuzhou was the right decision. Everything was going so smoothly. Once I settled my job situation, I would truly feel grounded. This sense of fulfillment and hope for the future was something I had never felt while in Suzhou.
After drinking a cup of hot tea, I went to the bathroom to get ready for bed and soon fell asleep.
…
I don’t know what time it was when my phone, which I had forgotten to silence, suddenly rang. I was woken by the ringtone and muttered in complaint before answering the call.
Still half-asleep, I mumbled “Hello,” waiting for the other person to speak.
“Zhaoyang, were you already resting?”
Suddenly, I was wide awake. I was very surprised by this voice. From just one sentence, I immediately recognized it as Mi Cai’s voice.
I rubbed my face and sat up in bed, turning on the light and checking the clock on the wall. It was already 12:30 AM.
I yawned again and asked Mi Cai, “You haven’t gone to bed yet?”
“I just got off work.”
“It’s already this late, and you’re just getting off work now!” I exclaimed, feeling a strange sense of discomfort. Perhaps it was sympathy for Mi Cai living alone.
“The company has been busy lately. It should get better after a while,” Mi Cai said to me in a calm tone.
I was silent for a moment before saying, “Then you must take care of yourself, especially your diet. You can cook some millet porridge. It’s good for your health.”
“Thank you for your concern.”
“Don’t say that between us. It feels awkward!”
Mi Cai laughed but didn’t say anything. Perhaps she also realized how strange it was for us, who used to be rivals, to say “thank you” to each other.
After a brief silence, I finally got to the point and asked, “Did you call me this late for something?”
“The light bulb in my room seems to be broken, and I don’t know how to change it!” Mi Cai said with some embarrassment.
“It’s already this late. Maybe you can just use a desk lamp for tonight.”
Mi Cai seemed even more embarrassed and said, “The bulb in the desk lamp broke a few days ago too. I’ve been too busy lately to remember to replace it.”
I was speechless for a moment before saying, “Alright then. Changing a light bulb is simple, but you must be careful and stay safe.”
“Okay, you tell me, and I’ll follow your instructions.”
“There’s a storage box in the southeast corner of the balcony. There are spare bulbs and an emergency flashlight inside. Next to the storage box is a double-sided ladder. You can climb up the ladder to replace the bulb. First, remove the lampshade, and then the bulb is screw-in type. Just screw it in like a screw.”
“Okay.”
“Wait, turn off the power first. It’s safer.”
“Alright.”
It seemed that Mi Cai had already prepared everything. I felt nervous the entire time, fearing that she might fall off the ladder. I kept asking her about it on the phone, but she didn’t respond. I guessed she had put the phone down and turned off the speaker.
In my anxiety, I finally heard Mi Cai’s relieved voice again, “It’s done. The light is on now.”
My heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled. I immediately said, “Then go to bed early. It’s really late now!”
“Yeah, I’ll go to bed right away… By the way, how is your job search going?”
Mi Cai’s sudden concern made me feel complicated. After a brief thought, I decided to tell her that I was doing quite well in Xuzhou, so she wouldn’t feel too guilty about me.
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