Chapter 42: Gantang Is My Girlfriend Now
Soon, it was time to get off work. Lin Zhaonan mentioned that there were a few urgent documents left unfinished and suggested that Lin Gantang wait or have the driver take her home. Lin Gantang declined and secretly texted Wen Yanqing, asking him to pick her up on his way.
Before long, Wen Yanqing notified her that he had arrived downstairs. Lin Gantang put down the latest recruitment plan from the HR department, informed Lin Zhaonan, and then headed out with her bag.
The two of them had arranged to meet at Tang Yuan by the riverside, a century-old restaurant.
Wen Yanqing handed her the menu.
“You go ahead and order.” Lin Gantang said, “You don’t need to adjust to my taste. What do you like? Do you enjoy spicy food?”
Lin Gantang was getting to know him better. This realization brought a wave of joy to Wen Yanqing.
“I have the same preference as you,” he replied, looking at her with gentle eyes.
Lin Gantang wasn’t sure if he genuinely had the same preference as her or if he was just going along with her.
When the dishes arrived, Wen Yanqing genuinely enjoyed the meal.
Actually, the people of C City didn’t like bland food. Lin Gandang liked it because her mother was from G City. That was the taste there. Lin Gantang had been eating with her mother since she was young and had gradually gotten used to it.
Seeing a bit of sauce at the corner of Lin Gantang’s mouth, Wen Yanqing picked up a napkin and carefully reached over to wipe it away from her face.
Lin Gandang looked up in confusion and said, “Huh?”
Wen Yanqing’s gently curled eyelashes trembled slightly as he wiped her face. He then pulled his hand back.
Lin Gantang’s lack of resistance made Wen Yanqing’s heart skip a beat.
“Thank you,” Lin Gantang smiled, her eyes forming crescent shapes.
Wen Yanqing brought up the topic, “When I was on a business trip last time, I saw something I thought you might like, so I bought it.” However, Wen Yanqing hadn’t given it to her when he returned, fearing an immediate rejection.
Now, Wen Yanqing retrieved the item and placed it next to her.
It was a light gray hamster pendant, with a white belly, pink paws and nose, and a white stripe on its back. The little hamster stood on its hind legs, stuffing melon seeds into its mouth. Its cheeks were puffed out, and its eyes, as black as beans, seemed alive.
It was nearly identical to the hamster on Lin Gantang’s phone case.
“So adorable.” Lin Gantang held it in her hand, reluctant to put it down.
The hamster printed on her phone case had been a gift from her mother. Hamsters had short lifespans and had passed away many years ago. Back then, the camera’s resolution wasn’t high, so she had only kept one photo as a memento.
Since her mother’s passing, Lin Gantang hadn’t kept any other pets.
Lin Gantang hung the little hamster on her phone and shook it, clearly delighted.
After finishing their meal and settling the bill, Lin Gantang suggested taking a stroll by the riverside.
The breeze by the river was quite pleasant.
They walked along without speaking.
Pigeons perched on the guardrail, cooing, and would occasionally be startled by passersby.
Couples holding hands strolled by the river, some leaning affectionately against the railings.
Lin Gantang glanced at Wen Yanqing beside her and smiled.
This feeling was quite novel for her.
It carried a sense of peaceful days.
“See that?” Lin Gantang pointed across the river at a Ferris wheel in the distance. “I’ve never been on it. When you’re free, would you accompany me?”
Wen Yanqing discreetly took out his phone, searched for the amusement park, and began to book tickets.
Lin Gantang leaned over to take a look. Just as she was about to speak, Mr. Lin’s call came in.
“Gantang, haven’t you returned yet?”
Wen Yanqing faintly heard Mr. Lin’s voice.
As Lin Gantang conversed with Mr. Lin, the sunset’s glow illuminated her face, casting a warm and gentle light.
Wen Yanqing opened WeChat and initiated a money transfer to Shi Jun.
Shi Jun, who had just arrived home, glanced at the amount and replied with several question marks.
Wen Yanqing sent a voice message. “Thanks, this is a red envelope.”
Shi Jun responded with even more question marks.
“Gantang is my girlfriend now.”
Shi Jun’s reply was a barrage of exclamation marks.
He couldn’t express the shock in his heart..