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8:00 a.m., the insomniac Qin Guanglin lay on his bed with dark circles under his eyes. He opened He Fang's profile picture, then closed it. Opened her personal information, then closed it again.
Several times he typed out a message, only to delete it.
What was going on now exactly? Had he and her started dating, or did yesterday's lack of response void it?
Qin Guanglin pondered. If last night was a gradual descent into confusion, he was fully awake now.
Last night wasn't really a struggle. Neither of them was bothered; regardless of He Fang's reasons, he clearly knew that his deep-seated affection was slowly being drawn out.
Liking someone in just two months seemed incredibly fast.
But if it wasn't liking, who would spend an entire day chatting with someone for eight hundred messages?
Who would stay up half the night just to chat?
Who would be so free to often accompany someone around?
But what to do next... His rich experience in relationships didn't seem to help much here; he could only employ his ultimate tactic.
If the enemy doesn't move, then neither will I.
"Ding-dong."
The notification sound startled Qin Guanglin, causing his phone to fall on his face.
Sucking in a breath, he picked up the phone, swiped a few times, and the message appeared before him.
Lost and waiting to return: Good morning.
He was instantly a bit at a loss... The sentence was exactly the same as before, as if nothing had happened, making it impossible to gauge how He Fang felt.
Forest: Good morning.
Lost and waiting to return: Do you have work today?
Forest: No... Do you have class?
Lost and waiting to return: No class; want to go out and play?
Qin Guanglin perked up, feeling hopeful! Previously, there were always a few days between their meetups; now it was two days in a row.
Forest: Sure, where to, West City?
Lost and waiting to return: I need to take care of something on South Fly Road first.
Forest: Okay.
South Fly Road... Wasn't that the neighboring street? He got up and looked out the window; he could see the road intersection from here.
Thinking it over, Qin Guanglin got out of bed, freshened up, and found a T-shirt in the closet to change into. Then he was ready to leave.
"Eat something; there's congee in the pot." Qin's Mom frowned at his dark circles. Did this kid sneak out last night?
"I'll skip it." Qin Guanglin put on his shoes and left directly.
Standing at the intersection of South Fly Road, he hesitated. This street was a bit large, and he thought: would it be better to stay here and see if he could bump into her and pretend to be surprised and say, "What a coincidence," or to take a walk and look for her?
He took out his phone and hesitated for a moment, then entered in the chat window: What business do you need to take care of?
Send.
"Ding-ding-ding."
A notification sound reached Qin Guanglin's ears, and before he turned his head, He Fang's voice sounded behind him, "What are you looking for, glancing around like that?"
Startled, he turned around quickly. He Fang, wearing a light yellow dress, stood playfully in front of him with an orange-red backpack draped over her shoulder, looking at him curiously.
For girls their age, no need for brand-name clothes or meticulously matched outfits. As long as they fit well, the youthful purity and beauty would naturally shine through.
Although He Fang tried to look curious, Qin Guanglin could still see the barely suppressed smile on her face.
"I, uh... Weren't you going to take care of something? I came to see if I could help."
There was no way to pretend it was a chance encounter. He could only truthfully admit he came on purpose.
"Oh, you're fast. You live here?" He Fang casually asked, walking past him.
"Yes." Qin Guanglin followed behind, pondering all night about how to respond but now had no idea where to start, "Where are you heading?"
"The post office." She patted the small backpack on her shoulder. "Sending a manuscript."
"You came this far to mail something?" Qin Guanglin scratched his head. "Isn't there one in West City too?"
"Is that not allowed?" He Fang gave him a glance. "Didn't sleep well last night?"
Qin Guanglin held his words back. "Too many mosquitoes..."
He closely observed He Fang's side profile and noticed she looked energetic and vibrant, which made him feel a bit gloomy, "Seems like you slept well."
"Slept soundly till morning, very comfortable." He Fang had reached the post office and pulled out a thick stack of manuscript paper from her backpack.
"What sort of manuscript is this?" Qin Guanglin was a bit curious.
"A novel." He Fang filled out the information while explaining, "Something I wrote in my spare time, trying to submit it to a publisher."
Qin Guanglin thought for a moment. She might have mentioned she studied literature. Are students so impressive nowadays?
Not yet graduated college, and already capable of writing such a substantial novel...
He stared at He Fang's side profile, gradually lost in thought.
"Let's go." He Fang waved her hand in front of his eyes to bring him back to reality.
"Oh, right."
"You're staring at me in a daze now?" He Fang teased.
Qin Guanglin turned his head away awkwardly, avoiding her gaze. "No, just thinking."
He Fang smirked, then switched the topic, "Now that we're done, where should we walk around?"
"Any place you have in mind?"
She bowed her head as if contemplating, "Hmm... your place is nearby."
Qin Guanglin was a bit confused, "Yes, not far."
"I want to see where you do your painting." He Fang looked up at him.
"Um..." Qin Guanglin opened his mouth, realizing his mom was still home. Bringing a girl back might not be appropriate.
"Is it inconvenient?" He Fang stared into his eyes and leaned in slightly, "It's just a workspace..."
"Alright." He stepped back, smiling, "It's not far from here."
"Let's go then." He Fang turned around and started walking.
She stopped at the entrance of Qin Guanglin's home after rounding a corner, looking back at him.
Qin Guanglin braced himself and took out his key to open the door, "Come in."
"Back already? Where did you..." Qin's Mom was sitting in the living room, reading a newspaper, and stopped midsentence when she turned her head.
"Hello, Auntie, I'm Qin Guanglin's..." He Fang greeted politely.
"A friend. This is my friend, her name is He Fang." Qin Guanglin wasn't sure why he was scared, quickly taking over her sentence.
He Fang glanced at him with an amused smile.
"Lin's friend, huh? Have a seat." Qin's Mom looked exceptionally kind, casting a glance at Qin Guanglin and motioning He Fang to sit.
This kid has some skills, bringing someone home so quickly.
"My studio is this way." Qin Guanglin ignored Qin's Mom invitingly and led He Fang towards the studio.
"Alright, Auntie." He Fang obediently sat on the sofa, showing no intention of following Qin Guanglin to the studio.
"Where are your manners, not even offering the girl a drink?" Qin's Mom glared at Qin Guanglin, "Go get a cup!"
"There's no need to trouble yourself, Auntie; I'm not thirsty." He Fang waved her hand lightly.
Qin Guanglin quietly went to fetch a cup.
After glaring at Qin Guanglin, Qin's Mom turned her head back with a particularly gentle smile, "Don't be so reserved. This boy rarely invites friends over, especially girls. You're the first."
He Fang lowered her head shyly, "He's mentioned visiting his studio long ago, just hadn't found the time until now."
Qin Guanglin widened his eyes and turned back, thinking, "When did I ever say that? Wasn't it you who wanted to come?!"
"Seems like you two have known each other for quite some time." Qin's Mom continued to smile gently, perceptively catching the keyword "long ago."
"Yeah, Guanglin is my senior." He Fang continued to lower her head shyly.
Qin Guanglin almost dropped the cup, accepting that they were both from Luo City University and he was her senior. Yet they hadn't even known each other for more than two months. It hadn't been that long! And when did "Guanglin" become a thing?! Mom, don't misunderstand!
"So you're from Luo City University as well?" Qin's Mom's smile grew even warmer.
"Yes, graduating this year. Auntie, just call me He Fang." He Fang grew increasingly bashful.
"Here's some water." Qin Guanglin grumbled, placing the cups before them both.
Qin's Mom gave him a disapproving look, then turned back gently, "He Fang, right? Help yourself. Have a sip."
"Thank you, Auntie." He Fang obliged, taking the cup and sipping gently.
She should thank me instead! I poured it! I served it!
Qin Guanglin blustered silently and sat on the sofa, looking from He Fang to Qin's Mom. Something felt off about this situation; it didn't seem like a normal guest visit.
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