Moments later, the boy came back, his voice brimming with excitement as he said to me, “You weren’t kidding! She really is an incredibly beautiful girl!”
I smiled and replied, “Then tell me what she looks like. Let me see if you got the right person.”
“Just as you described—long hair reaching her shoulders, wearing a purple-gray outfit. She’s really pretty, although she didn’t seem very interested in talking to me. Still, I managed to hand her the letter!”
I nodded and jokingly asked, “So, do you think I have a chance with her?”
He looked at me seriously, as if assessing me, and said, “I think it’s a stretch!”
“Yeah, you’re right… Hurry up and go to school before you’re late!” I laughed and patted his shoulder.
With a final “Good luck,” he quickly ran off toward the distant bus stop.
In the drizzling autumn rain, I adjusted my shoulder bag that was slipping off, lifted my head to look at the massive billboard of Zhuomei Shopping Center, and silently wished that Mi Cai could overcome this crisis smoothly. All I could do for her now was just this much.
…
Back at Poly Department Store, I remained calm—calm at work, calm during the meeting Fangyuan convened, and calm when communicating with my colleagues. My calmness came from my realization of the outcome. I was mentally prepared for whatever was coming. After this promotional plan ended, I would resign from Poly. I might continue looking for work in Suzhou, or I might return to my hometown and have Bada arrange a job for me at his company. Then I would live a quiet, orderly life forever.
Time flew quickly while I focused on my work, and soon it was time to finish for the day. I went to the staff room to make a cup of coffee, took a short break, and then dove back into work. Today, Fangyuan had already reported my “Love Isn’t Luxurious” promotional theme to Chen Jingming. Chen’s team had approved it efficiently and immediately initiated the process. Since this theme was my idea, I naturally became the main writer of this promotional plan. As a way to repay Chen Jingming for his support over the years, I had to put in one hundred and twenty percent of my effort to make this plan a success.
When I finally left the company after finishing work for the day, it was already ten o’clock at night. I was starving, so I bought some burgers from the KFC downstairs, and as I walked along the street eating, I allowed myself a brief moment of relaxation. After a tiring day, I needed this almost-strolling pace to unwind.
But I didn’t really feel relaxed. Amid the bustling traffic and crowds on the street, I still felt lonely and helpless in this city.
I also longed to have a home here, to have a girlfriend who might one day become my wife. Yet after years of struggling, I realized how powerless I was to achieve even these small hopes. I realized how insignificant I was in this vast city—so small that even a gentle breeze could blow me away, leaving only bitterness and sorrow drifting away with the wind from this city.
…
Back at the single-person apartment I had just rented yesterday, I felt the impermanence of life. I had thought I would live here for a long time, but after handing Mi Cai the letter that morning, I had already decided I wouldn’t stay here for long. Although subconsciously I still wanted to struggle and survive in this city, finding a new job wasn’t easy. Everything depended on luck after resignation. If I could find a job quickly, I would continue to struggle. If not, I would have no choice but to leave.
After washing up, I lay on the bed with a chaotic mind, afraid to plan my future life. The strong motivation I had felt a few days ago regressed into a passive, lethargic attitude.
Listening to the rain outside the window, I started thinking about Jian Wei again—those futures we had once dreamed of together. But now, recalling them felt pale and powerless. Only I bore this pale and powerless feeling. At least without me, Jian Wei would still live well. She wouldn’t have to worry about material needs. She could use material things to fill her emotional emptiness, although her emotions wouldn’t really be empty anyway. She now had Xiang Chen, and even her emotions had found a place to settle. That was great! Truly great! I would keep my pain to myself and silently send her my blessings.
I took out my guitar from its case, strummed the strings, and sang along to Eason Chan’s song “Backpack.” I sang and sang until I started crying—crying for no apparent reason. For my past self, having no house, no job, and no girlfriend were trivial matters, yet now I was shedding cheap tears over these trivialities. Wasn’t that strange enough?
The sound of the rain outside the window seemed to grow louder. After this rain, the weather would probably get even colder, and winter was coming, covering the world with frost.
…
Three days passed steadily. During these three days, there were both big and small things. The small things: I received two knitted scarves, rice, and flour sent by Bada. The big thing: I completed the promotional plan themed “Love Isn’t Luxurious” efficiently after working day and night. I handed the completed plan to Fangyuan, who then passed it to Chen Jingming. With the submission of the plan, the countdown to submitting my resignation letter to Chen Jingming had begun, and I would soon leave Poly Department Store.
On this evening after work, I wanted to call Mi Cai and planned to give her the knitted scarf, thinking she would like it. After all, the last time Bada sent two knitted sweaters, I gave one to her, and I saw her wearing it several times. So she would probably like this knitted scarf too.
Regardless of our current relationship, this knitted scarf was a gift from Mama and Bada, so I should give it to her.
With a solid reason, I immediately dialed Mi Cai’s number, but no one answered for a long time. When I gave up on calling, she called me back.
I quickly answered. She apologized slightly and said, “Sorry, I was in a meeting just now. Did you need something?”
I didn’t answer immediately but instead asked cautiously, “How’s your company lately?”
“Yeah, there’s been some trouble recently, and we’re discussing how to handle it.”
“Oh.” I responded, knowing that Mi Cai had indeed received my letter. Right now, she might be dealing with the power conspiracy targeted at her by Mi Zhongde.
Mi Cai urged me again, “Come on, what did you call me for?”
I hesitated slightly before saying, “My mom knitted you a scarf. My dad had it shipped over. If you have time, you can come pick it up, or I can bring it to you.” I added thoughtfully, “But if you don’t want it, it’s fine too.”
Mi Cai didn’t refuse. She said, “Then wait a moment. I have something to handle right now. Why don’t you come to our Zhuomei and find a place to have something to drink? I’ll find you after I finish.”
I replied somewhat nitpickingly, “Then you have to treat me! After all, I’m coming over to give you something.”
“Okay.” Mi Cai agreed and hung up the phone, seemingly very busy at the moment.
After the call, I packed the scarf into a bag and immediately left the office, heading toward the opposite Zhuomei Shopping Center…
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage