- Half-drunk, Jia Yi started to get affectionate with Lai Hui, almost crossing the line when she pushed him away, whispering, “Jia Yi, this is someone else’s home.” Jia Yi, indifferent, said, “They’re all adults; even if we did nothing, they’d think we did. What are you worried about?” He tried again, but Lai Hui pushed him away once more, saying, “No, we didn’t buy…” Drunk and aroused, Jia Yi didn’t care, starting to kiss her, mumbling, “Just this once, I don’t believe anything will happen!”
- But when the moment came, he hesitated, yet it was too late to stop. He couldn’t tell Xiao Yu, “I’ll take you home,” or “I just thought of someone else!” So, under her questioning gaze, he gave a self-deprecating excuse — “Sorry, I forgot to buy condoms!” Xiao Yu, gently climbing onto his shoulders, said considerately, “It’s okay, it’s a safe day, and I can take the pill.” Jia Yi’s expression turned serious, then he closed his eyes — if he were kneeling in full attire, making the sign of the cross, he’d be like a devout believer, repenting and saying goodbye — everything had already happened!
This writer is conflicted about such men; if they love, they should love fully, not hurt others after. Jia Yi’s current situation might well be linked to his character. This plot was long planned, and though some might find it melodramatic, the writer believes it reflects reality. Children need to learn to protect themselves, and men must learn to cherish the ones they love! Jia Yi only called Lai Hui to say he had some matters to handle, and she knew exactly what those matters were, responding agreeably — she hadn’t expected to be so understanding.
The corporate transfer order from the head office was still pending, and through an old colleague, Lai Hui learned it was due to management changes at the Kassel branch in Germany, causing a delay in the high-level personnel movements. Lai Hui knew Jia Yi had submitted another delay request, his hesitation being the reason.
On a Sunday afternoon, Zhang Lin, having caught a cold, went straight to bed after coming home. Lai Hui thought to buy some anti-inflammatory medication, but downstairs, she ran into Xiao Yu, wearing a loose blue cartoon maternity dress, sitting on a bench. Upon seeing Lai Hui, Xiao Yu struggled to stand up, supporting herself with one hand on the armrest and the other on her protruding belly.
Lai Hui looked at her belly, thinking, That’s Jia Yi’s child, destined to grow up like me. “I’m sorry to disturb you like this; I got your address from Xu Ya. I was about to rest before coming up to see you!” Xiao Yu said, licking her dry lips.
Lai Hui noticed she was still in slippers and worried about her long walk in her condition, quickly saying, “Why didn’t you call? I could have come to you. It’s not easy for you to come all this way.”
“I thought coming in person would show more sincerity,” Xiao Yu smiled. “I saw a coffee shop across the street; I’d like to talk. Is that okay?”
“Let’s go,” Lai Hui said, supporting Xiao Yu by the arm, helping her out of the small garden.
