Chapter 3

She laughed and said, "What do you think?" Pingting merely raised her delicate and elegant eyebrows without speaking. She shrugged and smiled, saying, "I wouldn't rule out a romantic encounter, especially if it's with someone exceptional"

He was looking at her, and there seemed to be a sense of disbelief deep in his eyes. Upon seeing that she had awakened, he got up and went to the hall. At times, he was extremely gentlemanly

All the changes seem to occur imperceptibly, and he has been coming over more frequently. Her residence has accumulated many of his personal belongings, including clothes, a razor, toiletries, and the financial magazines he often reads, which have encroached upon her space. On several occasions, she even experienced a sense of being a mistress.

In a moment of surprise, his call came through: "Where shall we go for dinner tonight?" It was rare for him to call at this hour. She looked up at the clock; it was just past four. A certain softness welled up in her heart: "I'm at home. Are you coming over?" It was the first time she had taken the initiative to invite him. He responded softly on the other end, as if sharing a tender whisper between lovers, laced with a hint of joy.

Due to the long distance from my mother, we only see each other once or twice a year. Therefore, during my school years, we established an unwritten agreement to have a long phone call every Saturday to alleviate our mutual longing. Additionally, this also serves to make a modest contribution to China's telecommunications industry, possibly promoting a minuscule growth of 0.0000001% in the national economy.

Her heart unexpectedly began to thump, and her breath became mixed. She used to love reading. Once, she read a story in a book about fish eyes. There was a pair of lovely lovers who fell in love at school, and every time they ate fish together, the girl would always give the fish eyes to the boy. One day, the boy asked her why, and she said that when she was a child, her father would always give her the fish eyes when he ate fish, as it represented love. The fish eyes were reserved for the person she loved the most. Later, they were assigned to work in the same city. The boy asked her again why, and she repeated that when she was a child, her father would always give her the fish eyes, as it represented love. The fish eyes were reserved for the person she loved the most. Eventually, they were assigned to work in the same city. Classmates and friends thought they would smoothly marry, have children, and spend their lives together. However, the boy always felt a sense of dissatisfaction; he wanted to venture out. Later, when he was discussing marriage with her, he resolutely went abroad to seek his fortune, and they parted ways amicably. Years later, he succeeded and returned to that small town. But she had already married. Later, when he was discussing marriage with her, he resolutely went abroad to seek his fortune, and they parted ways amicably. Years later, he succeeded and returned to that small town. She invited him to her home as a guest, and during dinner, she politely served him the best dishes, finally bringing out a fish. He watched as she gave the fish eyes to her husband. It was then that he realized that what he had gained was not more than what he had lost.

Thinking that she could finally fall asleep, she still tossed and turned, as if she could never find a position to sleep comfortably. Each time, she was just a little bit away from falling asleep, yet sleep eluded her. Just as she was feeling irritated, the phone rang, adding to the commotion. She rubbed her head and sat up, clutching the blanket as she answered the call. "Open the door!" The tone was surprisingly insistent. After hanging up, she glanced at the clock and realized it was already 3 AM. As she got out of bed, she pondered whether she should be grateful that he hadn't rung the doorbell, thus sparing the neighbors from being disturbed.

She shot him a glance, merely handing over the unpacked chopsticks. After just a few bites, he unexpectedly tossed the chopsticks aside like a child, saying, "It doesn't taste good, I don't want to eat anymore." He leaned in closer and said, "I want to drink the fish soup you made!"

He was looking at documents when she entered; he merely lifted his head slightly and did not speak, treating her as if she did not exist. She had already grown accustomed to this; their interactions had always been like this. She found a sofa to sit down on and casually picked up the newspaper on the coffee table, slowly flipping through it. The sofa was soft and comfortable, and she felt a wave of drowsiness wash over her, causing her to become somewhat dazed.

Zhao Zimo's greatest headache is this matter. Since her graduation, her mother has been subtly steering the conversation towards this topic. This year, she has made it explicit, adopting an attitude of not giving up until her goal is achieved. Such matters are better left to fate. In the past, Zhao Zimo has always dealt with her mother's advances by confronting them head-on, as water flows and earth settles. Each time they met, after sharing a meal or two, she would find an excuse to decline. It is not that she does not understand her mother's good intentions, but such matters also require a sense of destiny. Blind dates are like fish and meat laid out on a chopping board, with every detail exposed. She truly does not wish to endure such torment.

Is it better now? He did not respond. She knew he was listening, and there were faint sounds coming from his end. After a long pause without any reply from him, she said, "You should rest well!" Just as she was about to hang up, he spoke up, his voice somewhat gritted, "You ungrateful little thing!" After another long silence, she glanced at the clock; it was already time to start work, and everyone was busy. "I have to hang up now." As soon as she finished speaking, she heard the beeping sound, realizing he had pressed the hang-up button first. After a long pause without any reply from him, she said, "You should rest well!" Just as she was about to hang up, he spoke up, his voice somewhat gritted, "You ungrateful little thing!" After another long silence, she glanced at the clock; it was already time to start work, and everyone was busy. "I have to hang up now." As soon as she finished speaking, she heard the beeping sound, realizing he had pressed the hang-up button first. She stared at the phone, momentarily stunned.

Today, my mother's phone call was like the relentless flow of the Yellow River, ceaseless and unending. In the past, whenever I heard this phrase, I had listened to it so many times that it had become monotonous, and I often found myself skipping over it. However, my mother's actions today can only be described by this phrase, as no other adjectives can capture the essence so profoundly. To put it plainly, she was merely informing me that there is a certain someone's son from our hometown, with a specific surname and given name, who also works in the same city. My mother has already given her phone number to this person, suggesting that they should keep in touch whenever possible. In case of any issues, they could help each other out. Undoubtedly, this is a veiled form of matchmaking.

In recent days, due to issues with order shipments, I have been working tirelessly every day, returning home utterly exhausted and falling asleep immediately. However, today is peculiar; I find myself completely unable to feel drowsy. After taking a shower, I tossed and turned in bed for half an hour, only to become increasingly alert. I decided to get up and meticulously organized the oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar in the kitchen, yet still felt no inclination to sleep. I then mopped the floor twice, ensuring even the foot of the bed was spotless. After breaking a sweat and sitting on the floor to catch my breath for a moment, I finally stopped. I went to take another shower, and only then did I lie back down in my bed.

She always thought he must have left. When she finished getting ready and came out, he was still there. The television was on, broadcasting the Chinese news on CCTV4, and the female anchor's voice came through clearly. Looking up at the time, it was already noon. She then went into the kitchen. There wasn't much food in the refrigerator either, so she hastily prepared something, and it was ready in less than half an hour

By the time she woke up, it was already close to noon on the second day. Fortunately, it was Sunday. She always thought it was the most delightful day, a time when she could lazily linger in bed. Stretching her arms lazily, she mumbled a few sounds before slowly opening her eyes. To her surprise, he was sitting leisurely on the edge of the bed, though she had no idea how long he had been there. She had never encountered such a situation before; he had always left before she woke up. Everything between them could only take place in the darkness, as if it were a dream that vanished the moment it was exposed to light. She had never encountered such a situation before; he had always left before she woke up. Everything between them could only take place in the darkness, as if it were a dream that vanished the moment it was exposed to light.

Unable to bear it any longer, she wrung out a hot towel and gently helped him wipe his face. It seemed as if he sensed her presence, as he suddenly opened his eyes, which were as dark as lacquer, and stared at her motionlessly. She felt a flush on her face and stopped her actions, saying, "You should rest for a while." Leaning over, she tucked the blanket around him. However, he suddenly pulled her into a tight embrace, rolling over and pinning her beneath him. His breath came out, carrying a strong scent of alcohol mixed with his unique aroma, intoxicating her senses. The kisses fell like a torrential rain, one after another, so fierce, landing on her forehead, eyelids, tip of her nose, lips, and neck, trailing downwards.

I initially did not want it, but today is special. So in the end, I chose a platinum chain at the counter, with a platinum dolphin pendant in a leaping pose, exuding an indescribable charm and cuteness. She took one look and instantly liked it, finding it adorable and couldn't help but caress it.

It was already very late when he woke up, and his mood seemed to have improved significantly; he no longer wore a stern expression and said with a hint of a smile, "It's time to eat! I'm hungry!" Only then did he notice that the coffee table was already filled with takeout. Upon seeing the packaging boxes, he was surprised to find the emblem of a five-star hotel. After being with him for a while, he had come to understand that he was always particular about food, and it no longer surprised him.

The next day, she went to the office early and made a phone call to order a bouquet of lilies to be delivered. As soon as it was 9:00, the office was bustling with activity, and she became busy. In the midst of the chaos, she heard her subordinate, Q.C. Xiao Wang, calling her: "Zimo, your phone has rung several times!" She picked it up and saw that there were indeed three missed calls, and upon checking the number, it turned out to be him. By lunchtime, she finally had the opportunity to return one of the calls.

He followed her in: "Let's go out for a stroll." It was indeed the first time he had gone out with her. The salesgirl at the counter, upon seeing him, smiled charmingly, as if she was very familiar with him. The rows of products were luxuriously extravagant, just like the makeup on the salesgirl's face, pleasing to the eye. He signaled to her with his eyes, and she understood, shaking her head to indicate that she was not interested. It is better not to become accustomed to material pleasures, after all, she does not have the means to truly possess them. Some things are like opium; if you do not come into contact with them, they are nothing special, but once you do, you will inevitably become addicted, and there will always be a sense of being unable to resist.

His relationship with her is likely well-known in Pingting's circle. During a gathering, while enjoying her coffee and chatting, she asked, "How have things been with Young Master Jiang lately?" Although she had nothing to hide, she did not disclose when it all began. Faced with such a straightforward question, she felt a bit shy and her face turned red as she replied, "Just like that!" Pingting looked up from her fashion magazine and asked, "Are you serious?"

He received a call: "Where are you?" "Eating!" He asked in a very indifferent manner, "Should I come pick you up?" Their connection had always been intermittent. There was no need to get too entangled because of that relationship; if it became too complicated, it would only make things harder if they were to break off later. She understood this clearly and declined, saying, "No, I will arrange it myself." He responded with an "uh-huh" from the other end and then hung up.

She was once again transferred to a renowned jewelry store, where the store manager personally welcomed her and sent out set after set of jewelry. Each large diamond, set in uniquely designed shapes, was indeed a marvel of craftsmanship and dazzling brilliance. No wonder it is said that diamonds are a woman's best friend. However, she has not even a single good friend at this point. He merely sat beside her, leisurely watching her. No wonder it is said that diamonds are a woman's best friend. However, she has not even a single good friend at this point. He merely sat beside her, leisurely watching her

The location is a restaurant in Shanghai, exquisitely and lavishly decorated, exuding a strong sense of a refined lifestyle, clearly of a high standard. Being from the southern region, their tastes are also similar. She has quite an appetite and finds herself somewhat impressed as he transitions from discussing current affairs to finance and then to entertainment. Thus, her perception changes somewhat, thinking that while they may not become lovers, being friends would also be quite nice

On the way back, however, she wore a stern expression, her face showing displeasure. After dropping her off at the entrance of the community, he drove away without a word. One day, Shen Xiaojia joked with her, "Why haven't we seen the silver-gray Benz for such a long time?" Only then did she realize that it had been over a month since she had heard from him

Her heart softened, and she pulled his hand over. Looking at the watch, it was already past 10 o'clock. There were still fish in the supermarket. She picked up her bag and stood up. He became anxious and grabbed her: "What are you doing?" She turned back and said, "Didn't you say you wanted to drink soup?" He was taken aback, then smiled, looking extremely pleased, and pulled her tightly into his embrace: "We can drink it tomorrow!" She pushed him gently, not daring to use much force: "Then are you still going to eat?" He nodded repeatedly: "Yes, of course I want to eat." He became anxious and grabbed her: "What are you doing?" She turned back and said, "Didn't you say you wanted to drink soup?" He was taken aback, then smiled, looking extremely pleased, and pulled her tightly into his embrace: "We can drink it tomorrow!" She pushed him gently, not daring to use much force: "Then are you still going to eat?" He nodded repeatedly: "Yes, of course I want to eat."

Meeting with Pingting again, I learned that she had recently been in a minor car accident. Seeing her look of astonishment, Pingting was somewhat taken aback as well: "You must have known, right?" Upon returning home, I took out my phone and put it back again, unable to decide whether to call. After hesitating for a while, it was already quite late; calling now would be akin to disturbing the patient, so I decided against it

May 26, Saturday. A rare day, she prepared many ingredients and began to personally make ham, mushroom, and crucian carp soup. She simmered the fish over low heat. She meticulously washed and polished all the plates, cups, and saucers until they were all crystal clear. The butterflies, one by one, also shimmered with fluorescent colors. She touched them and let out a slight sigh. She meticulously washed and polished all the plates, cups, and saucers until they were all crystal clear. The butterflies, one by one, also shimmered with fluorescent colors. She touched them and let out a slight sigh

He helped him sit down on the sofa, only then realizing that his injuries were quite serious. His face and hands were covered in abrasions, and his foot was also injured, causing him to limp. Seeing her staring at him without moving, he smiled and said, "It's just a minor injury, it’s nothing serious. My mom just loves to make a big deal out of small things"

The last large pot of soup naturally went into his stomach. This was the second time he had eaten the dishes she cooked, and like the first time, he finished every last bit. After washing the dishes, he came out while on the phone: "I have something to do today. I won't be going." He glanced at her and then hung up the phone. She understood clearly in her heart and returned to her room to play on the computer

She glanced up at him; he seemed unchanged, solely focused on eating, perhaps hungry, and was even somewhat devouring his food. Fish eyes themselves have no particular flavor; only the heart can discern the taste. It felt as if returning many years ago to the fish soup that her father made, which perhaps was not as delicious as remembered, certainly not comparable to the skills of chefs in five-star hotels, yet it was filled with love. Over the years, in her search, she could never find that taste again. It felt as if returning many years ago to the fish soup that her father made, which perhaps was not as delicious as remembered, certainly not comparable to the skills of chefs in five-star hotels, yet it was filled with love. Over the years, in her search, she could never find that taste again.

The meal was quite ordinary: a steamed small yellow croaker, a scrambled egg, and a clear mushroom soup. She usually dined alone, but today, with his company, her appetite was surprisingly much better than usual. He did not speak, nor did she; they simply ate in silence. He removed the fish head but slowly picked out the fish eye. She felt a stir in her heart. She watched as he gently handed the fish eye to her, placing it softly in her bowl.

The two of them were positioned by the glass wall, and the floor was not high; a slight bow of the head allowed them to see the cars flowing like water outside, a chaotic yet beautiful scene. She had already eaten about 80% of her meal, and under normal circumstances, she would have found an excuse to leave by now. At this moment, she found Xing Lifeng to be quite amiable and had the intention of making a friend. After the meal, it was already quite late. When she called the waiter to settle the bill, a restaurant manager came over, extremely respectful, and smiled as he said, "Mr. Jiang has already signed the bill; we hope you are satisfied with our service. We look forward to your next visit." At this moment, she found Xing Lifeng to be quite amiable and had the intention of making a friend. After the meal, it was already quite late. When she called the waiter to settle the bill, a restaurant manager came over, extremely respectful, and smiled as he said, "Mr. Jiang has already signed the bill; we hope you are satisfied with our service. We look forward to your next visit."

Xing Lifeng was initially taken aback, but upon seeing her usual demeanor, he understood that it was her friend who had paid the bill. Once outside, he began to feel a bit embarrassed and scratched his head, saying, "How can I let your friend pay the bill?" It was actually at that moment that she realized he was the one who had called her in the restaurant. They were nothing to each other, and since he liked to pay, let him do so. After getting out of the car, she smiled at Xing Lifeng and said, "If it didn't work out this time, let's do it next time." Xing Lifeng also smiled, revealing a set of white teeth, and nodded repeatedly, saying, "It would be my honor."

That person, whose name I only learned upon meeting, is called Xing Lifeng. The next day, he called and arranged a time and place for a meal. She approached the meeting with a mindset of adhering to the rules and went there rather hastily. The person was quite decent; although he came from a very ordinary family, he had succeeded through hard work and stood confidently in front of others. Moreover, he was extremely talkative and enthusiastic. Just after meeting, he opened up a conversation, perhaps due to a sense of camaraderie as fellow townsfolk, making it feel very easy to become familiar with him.

Just before getting off work, he called again: "Come over and keep me company!" His tone was always such that it left no room for refusal. Upon arriving at the floor of the hospital where he was located, she asked a nurse, who kindly led her to the door. Pushing the door open, she entered a very spacious and luxurious suite of a hospital room, furnished with flower baskets and fruit baskets

I truly do not know how he arrived here; perhaps I should thank all the drivers in the city, who must be extremely compliant with traffic regulations. Otherwise, how could someone as intoxicated as he is manage to arrive at her apartment building in a sound state? Half-dragging and half-supporting him, they placed him on the bed. It was evident that he had drunk too much, as his brows were slightly furrowed, as if he were troubled by something.