There was a stall at the university cafeteria that served outsourced pastries and noodles. The stall's braised beef noodles with bamboo shoots were renowned for their exceptional flavor. Yi Ming and Jiang Wei agreed to eat there once a week.
At the noodle stall in D University's cafeteria.
Yi Ming wore a smile as he gently tapped on the glass window: "Auntie, two bowls of braised beef noodles with bamboo shoots, please. One with cilantro and one with mustard greens."
Upon seeing Yi Ming, the cafeteria auntie smiled and turned to the noodle chef behind her, "Two bowls of noodles, you know, for that good-looking young man and his girlfriend."
Jiang Wei obediently stood behind Yi Ming. Upon hearing the auntie's words, her little ears suddenly felt hot.
"Got it, one with cilantro and one with mustard greens!"
"Yes, you have an excellent memory, uncle!"
Yi Ming spoke gently, his eyes full of warmth and smiles.
Soon, the noodles were ready. Yi Ming told Jiang Wei to sit and wait while he carried them over.
"Is it too hot?"
Jiang Wei saw Yi Ming's fingers switching back and forth, her heart skipped a beat, and she quickly stood up and reached out her hand, "Let me do it."
"No need, you just sit and wait to eat."
Yi Ming carefully placed the bowl in front of Jiang Wei, helped her open the disposable chopsticks, and made sure everything was ready before going back to fetch his own bowl of noodles.
The cafeteria auntie smiled warmly at him. As he carried the noodles, she softly asked, "Young man, have you won her over yet?"
Yi Ming paused, then grinned, "Almost there, Auntie."
"Oh my, how can it be almost? You two look so perfect for each other. If the young lady still has any reservations, shall I put in a good word for you?"
"No, no, no need, Auntie."
Yi Ming waved his hand, his eyes forming a soft arc, "I don't want her to feel pressured... Auntie, we've known each other for over ten years. Even if she never agrees to be with me, as long as I can stay by her side like this, I'm content."
"Listen, listen, this young man is truly a rare gem that you can't find even with a lantern."
The auntie couldn't help giving Yi Ming a thumbs up, while also throwing a sour remark at someone behind her.
"I wonder when my foolish old man will ever say such sweet words to me. He just buries his head in making noodles every day, so dull and boring."
Upon hearing this, the noodle chef grinned sheepishly and scratched the back of his head, "Well, I'm not as educated as these youngsters. I only know how to make noodles for you to eat. Whatever noodles you like, I'll study those noodles. Before I knew it, I've been at it for forty years..."
Hearing this, Yi Ming's heart was moved.
Those forty years were worth more than any sweet words.
He didn't know if he would be fortunate enough to accompany Jiang Wei for forty more years, but he knew that as long as he was by her side, he would do his utmost to treat her well...
Jiang Wei noticed that it took Yi Ming a long while to bring his bowl back. She asked softly, "What's wrong? Did they run out of noodles?"
"No, there are still some left."
Yi Ming smiled, his mood seeming quite good. He pulled up a stool and sat across from Jiang Wei, holding his chopsticks but not eating, only gazing at her with a silly grin.
Jiang Wei was puzzled by Yi Ming's smile.
"Is there something on my face?"
Jiang Wei's fair and beautiful fingers touched her face, wiping it gently, "Where is it? I can't see anything..."
"Jiang Wei."
Yi Ming called her name gently.
Jiang Wei looked up, "Hmm?"
"What do you think you'll look like forty years from now?"
"Forty years?" Jiang Wei was taken aback, unsure why he asked that question. After pondering, she replied softly, "I'll probably have crow's feet and shrink a bit... I heard that as people age, their bones also deteriorate..."
"Jiang Wei."
Yi Ming suddenly interrupted her.
"I'm willing."
Jiang Wei froze in place.
"I'm willing to accompany you, willing to accompany you as you develop crow's feet, willing to accompany you... as we both shrink."
"I'm willing to give you my forty years, as long as you're willing..."