“I have the night shift tomorrow.” After the last time he made things ambiguous in front of everyone, our relationship had changed—how could I still have dinner with him? It was better not to show up and risk becoming a laughingstock.
“Xiao Bing, you and Ye Zhengchen…”
Before Li Kai could finish, I interrupted him: “Xiao Li, have you eaten?”
“Not yet.”
“What takeout do you want? I’ll make it for you.”
“Fried chicken, spicy flavor.”
“Okay!” I retreated to the back room, spending a long time and burning several chicken wings before finally completing the meal.
I brought it to him, and when I opened the lid, the convenience store filled with a rich aroma. “Sit over there and eat. I’ll help attend to customers.”
“Thank you!” He took the takeout, paid, and sat in the corner.
The door opened, and a crisp bell rang.
I greeted, “Welcome.”
Ye Zhengchen walked in, his face serious and cold. His deep, unreadable eyes fell on me.
I tightened my fists, put on a professional smile, and asked, “What can I get you?”
He glanced at his watch, looked around, and finally noticed the takeout Li Kai was eating. “That, do you have any more?”
“Sorry, none today,” I said. “Are you in a hurry? I can make another for you…”
“No need, just give me whatever.”
I took a box from the counter, grabbed two cans of his favorite coffee beer, packed them with the takeout, and handed them to him with both hands.
Seeing him reach for his wallet, I smiled and said, “No need to pay. It’s on me!”
He was slightly stunned, instinctively reaching out, his fingertips brushing my hand. I trembled, feeling his fingers quiver too. Our gazes met, and something unchanged lingered between us.
He cleared his throat and glanced at his watch. “When do you get off work?”
“Twelve,” I replied.
His car was parked outside the convenience store for a long time. Besides attending to customers, I anxiously hoped time would pass quickly, knowing he was waiting for me.
Late that night, I walked out of the store into the rain. I opened my umbrella, feeling white flower petals scattered on it, chaotic like my emotions.
I lowered my head and skirted around his car, dragging my weary legs toward the apartment.
