Chapter 1, A Sudden Encounter

Whose fingerprints are so hard to wipe off! Throwing the cloth on the ground, I casually pulled the fitting room door, propped my legs up and leaned back against the soft stool. After a whole night of tossing and turning without sleep, drowsiness overwhelmed me, surging in like a tide. Since the store manager was on leave, I pulled the black curtain inside, making it completely opaque. I took a glance and felt quite satisfied; even if someone came in to check, they wouldn't notice unless they lifted the curtain. I began to curl up in the corner of the wall and doze off. I took a glance and felt quite satisfied; even if someone came in to check, they wouldn't notice unless they lifted the curtain. I began to curl up in the corner of the wall and doze off

Upon hearing his voice, I suddenly remembered that he was the pervert from this morning. I was initially unsure, but now there is no doubt. I waved my hand and coldly said: "I want to ask you what you are doing! Is there anyone as perverted as you?!" He disdainfully snorted, released his grip, and then said: "Lin Ai, I am Song Lingwei, don't tell me you don't remember."

The boss's wife next to me deftly picked up two stuffed pancakes. While I kept my eyes on the bus passing by at the intersection, I did not forget to say: "I want two pieces of lettuce, a bit more chili sauce, and no sausage. Also, please pack them separately and put an extra plastic bag outside." Fearing that the boss's wife might find me annoying, I quickly smiled and said, "Thank you, thank you." I handed over two yuan. The boss who was grilling the pancakes glanced at me and said, "Miss, the price of the stuffed pancakes has gone up, it's 1.2 yuan now." I was taken aback for a moment, thinking how unreasonable this was, as if they were making it impossible to live! I quickly smiled again and said, "Thank you, thank you." I handed over two yuan. The boss who was grilling the pancakes glanced at me and said, "Miss, the price of the stuffed pancakes has gone up, it's 1.2 yuan now." I was taken aback for a moment, thinking how unreasonable this was, as if they were making it impossible to live! While grumbling in indignation, I still had to dig out a crumpled fifty-cent coin from my pocket.

He looked ahead, as if sighing, and said: "Long time no see, Lin Ai." I nodded slightly and replied: "Yes, it has been a long time." We did not say much else. Suddenly, he asked: "Lin Ai, have I become impressive? You didn't even recognize me." I hurriedly said: "Compared to that time, you have definitely changed a lot, but all for the better. I didn't recognize you simply because I never really looked at you properly from beginning to end. You didn't recognize me either." I hurriedly added: "Compared to that time, you have definitely changed a lot, but all for the better. I didn't recognize you simply because I never really looked at you properly from beginning to end. Of course, I wouldn't recognize you at first glance. It is not you who has changed, but me. How can I face you unprepared?" I sighed heavily. My eyelids also felt very heavy, almost unable to open.

I said again, "There were customers very early this morning, how were your sales?" They were selling outside, and their wages depended entirely on commissions, making the competition quite fierce. Of course, those who sell well earn several times more than people like me, which is much better than white-collar workers. Zhu Zhu shook her head, saying, "That person looked like a young master, and he seemed quite impressive. I thought he rushed over early in the morning to buy a full outfit, but he only bought a shirt. By the way, he also asked about you." I was taken aback and quickly said, "He asked about me? What did he ask for?" Zhu Zhu pointed at me with her chopsticks and laughed, teasing, "How would I know? Maybe he has taken a liking to you. He said, 'Where is that tall, thin girl with straight black hair from your family? We only have you here without permed hair.'"

Turning my head, I saw a familiar paper bag and changed the subject, saying, "Oh? Isn't this the bag from our store?" He nodded, saying, "It's the shirt I bought this morning." Suddenly, I remembered the buttons, took them out to have a look, and saw a few fallen buttons huddled in the corner of the paper bag, looking quite pitiful. After all, I was the one who had pulled them off, so I said, "I'll take this shirt back to exchange it; you can't wear it like this." He probably found it hard to explain why all the buttons had fallen off the shirt he tried on, so he simply bought it instead.

Fortunately, the store manager was not at the entrance. I immediately pretended to have just returned from the restroom, shaking my already dry hands, and walked to the outside counter. The store manager turned to see me and asked without much expression: "Mu Xi, is the 360121 clothing still available?" I thought for a moment and replied: "Yes. What color and size do you need?" She said to the computer: "What about the contemporary stock? I need colors 101 and 325. The sizes are 380 and 420 respectively. What color and size do you need?" She continued to speak to the computer: "What about the contemporary stock? I need colors 101 and 325. The sizes are 380 and 420 respectively. Hurry up and find them, and send them over to them."

He suddenly said: "Lin Ai, a lot must have happened in between. Your eyes haven't changed, but you have completely transformed." I turned back and smiled, saying: "Yes, indeed some things have happened. When I have some free time, I'll tell you about it. However, I am in a hurry to leave now. I took your shirt to exchange it, just as a thank you for bringing me back." I no longer paid attention to him and got out of the car, quickly heading towards the alley. I took your shirt to exchange it, just as a thank you for bringing me back. I no longer paid attention to him and got out of the car, quickly heading towards the alley.

I glanced at the last bus that I had just missed, not wanting to put on a brave face, I could only nod and say "thank you" as I bent down to get into the vehicle. The warm air eased my tense nerves, it felt so comfortable. Suddenly, I felt very sleepy after a whole day of work, having worked for a full fourteen hours.

Watching helplessly as the last person boarded the vehicle, the middle door slowly closed. With a sigh, one reflects on the effort put forth, yet it is regrettable that it was still not in time

However, the bus remained stationary and did not depart. I was overjoyed and immediately quickened my pace, breathless as I leaned against the door. I jumped onto the bus, so flustered that I could hardly straighten my back. I repeatedly expressed my gratitude, fumbling through my pockets. After searching again, I realized, to my dismay, that I had not found my bus card. With a pitiful look, I said to the ticket collector who was glaring at me, "Sir, I forgot to bring my card, can I pay in cash?" The ticket collector had a face full of flesh, with small eyes and a small nose, heavily made up, and upon closer inspection, somewhat terrifying, he coldly nodded his head.

This sound suddenly reminded me, and I immediately jumped aside, unfastened the iron chain on the door handle, and ran out without looking back. At that moment, I couldn't care less about the hell outside. After all, he is a guest; the customer is king. If it escalates to the store manager, I would be in the wrong no matter what, and I would inevitably face a scolding. It would be better to consider it as being licked by a dog. Those who come here to buy clothes are either fools or have issues; just look at the prices! Ultimately, he is a guest; the customer is king. If it escalates to the store manager, I would be in the wrong no matter what, and I would inevitably face a scolding. It would be better to consider it as being licked by a dog. Those who come here to buy clothes are either fools or have issues; just look at the prices! Just like today, this one must be a pervert! To encounter such bad luck so early in the morning, I truly am down on my luck. I cursed indignantly, still feeling a headache, and my heart was filled with resentment.

From a distance, I saw the 718 bus approaching slowly, and I stamped my feet in frustration: "Stop looking for it." It's a pity; a dime is still money, after all, and it's all earned by my own hard work! Holding the warm plastic bag, I sprinted ahead. The intersection is about 300 meters from the bus stop, and at the bus's speed, I would definitely be late. But at this moment, the light was red, and the bus was stopped at the line, perhaps there was still hope. The intersection is about 300 meters from the bus stop, and at the bus's speed, I would definitely be late. But at this moment, the light was red, and the bus was stopped at the line, perhaps there was still hope. The 718 bus is hard to catch; if I miss this one, I will definitely be late for work. I ran as if I were being chased, my feet barely touching the ground. I watched as the bus passed by me, still about fifty meters from the bus stop, and I waved my hands anxiously, not caring whether the driver could see me.

A young face peeked out and said, "Three yuan." I laughed and replied, "How about five yuan for two?" He said that wouldn't work. I took out my wallet to show him and, with a playful smile, said, "I forgot to bring money this morning, so I only have five yuan left." He had no choice but to say, "Considering how pretty you are, I'll let it go this time. The boss will scold me if he finds out." I thanked him with a beaming smile, eagerly took a big bite, and then slowly walked towards the bus stop.

I work at this brand men's clothing specialty store. The merchandise is men's clothing, yet all the employees are female. Officially, I am a stock clerk, but in reality, I am just doing miscellaneous tasks. Not only do I have to handle shipments, check inventory, receive stock, restock, and prepare orders, but when there are many customers, I also have to assist in selling. Even when the cashier is on leave, I have to help with the cash register. It is essentially just a miscellaneous role. What is even more frustrating is that a person in such a role has to perform well in order to continue working. Today is the last day of my probation period, and the store manager will directly decide my fate, which is why I am so nervous

I placed the still warm pancake on the counter and lowered my voice to ask, "Zhu Zhu, has the manager arrived yet?" Zhu Zhu glanced at me, then lowered her head to continue hanging clothes, "The manager is on leave today." I collapsed onto the soft chair provided for customers. Tch! If I had known earlier, I wouldn't have worked so hard. Once I lay down, I didn't want to move; I was really exhausted and hadn't caught my breath yet. Zhu Zhu reminded me, "Mu Xi, it's your turn to clean today." I cursed inwardly but still forced myself to get up, walked to the back storage room to grab a dustpan and broom, and cleaned up the yarn and thread scraps on the floor. Once I lay down, I didn't want to move; I was really exhausted and hadn't caught my breath yet. Zhu Zhu reminded me, "Mu Xi, it's your turn to clean today." I cursed inwardly but still forced myself to get up, walked to the back storage room to grab a dustpan and broom, and cleaned up the yarn and thread scraps on the floor. I also took a cloth and cleaning solution to start wiping the glass in the dressing room and the stainless steel walls inside that were marked with fingerprints.

I glanced at the person who came to buy clothes early in the morning, seeing him change into a new shirt, buttoning it as he walked towards the door. With my eyes lowered, I dared not look around, quickly placing my index finger on my lips to signal for silence, sincerely hoping for his cooperation, praying that he would not expose me, while my thoughts remained closely focused on every movement outside the door. At that moment, I felt like an ant on a hot pan, extremely anxious; otherwise, I would not have realized until he trapped me between himself and the wooden door. I began to be on guard, wanting to raise my head to ask him what he intended to do. A pair of lips came down directly. At that moment, I felt like an ant on a hot pan, extremely anxious; otherwise, I would not have realized until he trapped me between himself and the wooden door. I began to be on guard, wanting to raise my head to ask him what he intended to do. A pair of lips came down directly. I reacted quickly, turning my head slightly, and they landed on my cheek. Even so, it was already extremely unlucky.

At 10:30 PM, the farewell music of the shopping mall began to play. I anxiously awaited the manager's verdict. The manager called me into the storeroom alone, patted my shoulder, and said, "Mu Xi, you did quite well, and you should work hard in the future." I felt relieved and repeatedly said, "I must thank the manager for your guidance, and I will definitely work hard in the future." She rarely smiled at me and then left. I changed clothes to finish my shift in a good mood. I repeatedly said, "I must thank the manager for your guidance, and I will definitely work hard in the future." She rarely smiled at me and then left. I changed clothes to finish my shift in a good mood.

He laughed out loud: "Didn’t you tell me not to speak? Who is it that sleeps at work and expects others to cooperate in silence?" I was momentarily at a loss for words. After all, I had no strong argument to make. I could only say with a headache: "Song Lingwei, you are going too far—sigh, just park here!" He did stop the car, but he locked the doors. Turning to look at me, he said: "Lin Ai, you’re not angry, are you?" I replied impatiently: "Who has the time to be petty with you? I need to hurry back to sleep; I have to work tomorrow!"

I came out of the police station. I raised my hand to check the time on my watch, it was 7:50. My mind suddenly became clear, and I started running. As I dashed past the roadside stalls like the wind, I hesitated for a moment, tempted by the enticing aromas. I slowed my pace, turned back, and hurriedly said: "Boss, two egg-filled pancakes, quickly please, I'm in a rush to get to work."

Just as I was sleeping soundly, unaware of what evening it was, I vaguely heard someone murmuring the name "Lin Ai" in my dream. It must be a dream! Startled, I woke up in an instant. It turned out someone had lifted the curtain, and the bright light was shining directly on my face, causing a momentary dizziness. I immediately jumped up and, still a bit dazed, saw a man coldly staring at me, with two buttons of his shirt already undone. A wave of panic washed over me, and I quickly turned my face away. Oh no! A guest so early! I lowered my head, pretending to feel guilty, not daring to look at him, repeatedly saying, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please try on the clothes, go ahead and try." Without saying another word, I was about to open the door.

The drowsiness instantly vanished, and I sat up straight, smiling as I said, "What are you looking at? I know I have changed a lot." He suddenly chuckled and said, "No, Lin Ai, it has been ten years, and regardless of the environment, you have not changed at all." Regardless of what he truly meant, I still pretended to be very happy, as it sounded like a compliment. Now, having been out for a long time, I feel dull; I can no longer distinguish many words as either compliments or sarcasm, filtering them selectively. Yet my eyes cannot help but notice the subtle cues, observing words and expressions, and adapting to the situation. I still pretended to be very happy, as it sounded like a compliment. Now, having been out for a long time, I feel dull; I can no longer distinguish many words as either compliments or sarcasm, filtering them selectively. Yet my eyes cannot help but notice the subtle cues, observing words and expressions, and adapting to the situation.

Slowly squatting among countless garments, I hoped that the pervert would leave quickly to avoid being a nuisance. Unfortunately, my luck was too good; like finding a needle in a haystack, I managed to find it in just a few moments. Not daring to delay, fearing the manager would urge me, I had no choice but to clutch the clothes and lock them with a chain as thick as my arm. I tried to walk back slowly, when the director of the mall called out from a distance: "Hey, hey, hey, what was your name again? From Bosi, go help me with something at Pierre Cardin." I was more than willing, smiling as I replied, "But I'm afraid our store manager is waiting for me." She waved her hand and immediately made a phone call: "Xu Fang, that new girl from your store, the one whose name I can't remember, I'm sending her to do something for me." Presumably, the store manager said it was fine. I hurriedly took the clothes and ran to do the director's errand.

I smiled awkwardly and said, "Hmph! Even if he looks at me, I might not look at him." Zhu Zhu, biting her chopsticks, said, "That person is very good-looking, and he seems to be a managerial figure." I laughed and said, "What does that have to do with me—oh, right, how did you respond?" Zhu Zhu casually replied, "I said you had something to attend to." I lowered my head and continued eating the egg-filled pancake.

I had not heard his voice for a long time, so I forced myself to open my eyes and saw him staring at me in a daze, his expression seemingly complex and indescribable, yet he said nothing. I dread that kind of gaze, suddenly feeling ashamed of myself. If anyone knew the old me, they would absolutely not believe in the current me, which is why I am unwilling to engage with the past, not even in memory, just like the name Lin Ai. However, the past always exists and does not change because of me. If anyone knew the old me, they would absolutely not believe in the current me, which is why I am unwilling to engage with the past, not even in memory, just like the name Lin Ai. However, the past always exists and does not change because of me.

Stepping out of the mall, I felt considerably lighter, everything seemed to go smoothly, and naturally, I felt as light as a cloud. The night was deep and dark, with a chilly wind blowing and the lights dim. I tightened my coat and ran towards the bus stop. Standing at the window of a shop at the intersection, I asked, "How much are the grilled sausages?" The steaming food was truly a temptation in the night

Song Lingwei? Upon hearing this name, it feels as if memories from several lifetimes ago resurface before my eyes. My heart turns over and over, and the long-buried past gradually comes to the surface. For the first time, I scrutinize him carefully and earnestly; it seems that his brows and eyes are still the same as before, with distinct contours, and his appearance appears more mature. However, the aura he exudes is so different, completely incomparable to before. People often say that girls change significantly by the age of eighteen, but I did not expect that boys do as well, albeit a bit later. Time has passed too long; not only has his appearance changed, but the transformation in his state of mind is even greater, which is why I fail to recognize him. Initially, I was quite surprised, but in the end, I calmly greeted him: "Hey, I didn't expect to see you here." Then I expressed my astonishment and joy repeatedly, completely embodying the demeanor of encountering an old friend in a foreign land. I do not know if my performance was not good enough, but he suddenly fixed his gaze on me, staring intently as if trying to discern something. After a while, he opened the car door and politely said, "It's quite late; let me give you a ride home." Initially, I was quite surprised, but in the end, I calmly greeted him: "Hey, I didn't expect to see you here." Then I expressed my astonishment and joy repeatedly, completely embodying the demeanor of encountering an old friend in a foreign land. I do not know if my performance was not good enough, but he suddenly fixed his gaze on me, staring intently as if trying to discern something. After a while, he opened the car door and politely said, "It's quite late; let me give you a ride home."

On a Saturday, fortunately, there was no traffic on the road, and everything went smoothly. I jumped out of the car at 8:26. I ran across the street; after all, in this bustling city center, pedestrians have the right of way over vehicles, regardless of the red or green lights. Then I dashed into the mall, taking the left side of the escalator, running up with a series of "bang bang bang" sounds, and when I reached the counter, I glanced at the time on the wall, which was exactly 8:30.

Recalling that kiss, I remembered to question: "Song Lingwei, are you out of your mind? It's early in the morning and you're being sentimental." He turned his head to smile at me, but it seemed cunning, with ill intentions: "Lin Ai, I haven't asked you why you changed your name in a fit of madness yet." I was silent for a moment, then replied: "It's nothing, I just wanted to change my name." He shrugged and said: "I just wanted to kiss, but before I could even speak, you punched and kicked me." I was furious: "Song Lingwei, you are still like this!" Then I said: "It's nothing, I just wanted to change my name." He shrugged and said: "I just wanted to kiss, but before I could even speak, you punched and kicked me." I was furious: "Song Lingwei, you are still like this! Taking advantage and then acting innocent! Would it kill you to just stay there quietly? Can't you keep your mouth shut? You just had to get physical, you really deserve it!"

It was not until a full hour had passed that I returned, and the store manager said nothing, only urging me to quickly ship out the goods and arrange the clothes on the shelves properly. It was only during the lunch break that I could finally catch my breath. I touched the cold egg pancake, feeling sorry for myself, as it was only now that I had the time to eat. I casually took a few bites in the cramped storage room next to the fitting room when Zhu Zhu walked in with a lunch box, found a stool to sit on, and used the safe as a dining table. The space was extremely cramped, so I had no choice but to sit by the door.

The color 325 is not available in the small stockroom, I have to go to the large stockroom to find it. She handed me the keys and said, "Then you go to the large stockroom and greet the people in their department." I hurriedly ran off. The color 325 is certainly still available, I just finished ironing it. However, I am genuinely afraid of that customer still in the fitting room, it is really inexplicable. As the saying goes, the best strategy is to retreat. If the store manager finds out that I am slacking off again, I won't have to come to work tomorrow. I hope he also keeps quiet about it, that perverted creep, just thinking about it makes me angry, there is really nothing good to say about such matters

Suddenly, I distinctly heard someone call out "Lin Ai"! Although I was puzzled, I turned around to search for the source of the voice. A tall figure pushed open the car door and stepped out. I squinted my eyes, unable to see his features clearly in the shadow. As he approached, I took a step back to examine him closely. Under the dim yellow streetlight, the light and shadow intertwined, and he seemed somewhat familiar, as if I had seen him somewhere before. The memories were too painful, and I did not want to linger on them, so I simply denied it: "Hey! You have mistaken the person; my name is not Lin Ai." I turned to leave. As he came closer, I took a step back to scrutinize him again. Under the dim yellow streetlight, the light and shadow intertwined, and he seemed somewhat familiar, as if I had seen him somewhere before. The memories were too painful, and I did not want to linger on them, so I simply denied it: "Hey! You have mistaken the person; my name is not Lin Ai." I turned to leave. He grabbed my arm and said, "Lin Ai, what are you doing! If you are not Lin Ai, then are you called Mu Xi?" His voice sounded quite confused and displeased.

The flames of anger crackled and surged upward, and with a jab of my elbow, he unexpectedly dodged to the side. At the same time, I ruthlessly charged forward, yet still failed to succeed. Instead, I was yanked back by him with such force that I nearly fell. At that moment, I was still worried about the store manager outside, afraid to make too much noise. With my hand gripping his shoulder, I kicked fiercely, but as usual, he evaded it. How could I not hit him with such skills? It seems I truly overslept. With my hand gripping his shoulder, I kicked fiercely, but as usual, he evaded it. How could I not hit him with such skills? It seems I truly overslept. A soft 'thud' sounded, the sound of a button from his shirt falling to the ground.

Suddenly, I heard voices outside, "Zhu Zhu, hasn't Mu Xi come to work yet? She is on the morning shift today." My heart sank in an instant. Isn't the store manager on leave? Why is she here? I only heard Zhu Zhu say, "Mu Xi is here, her bag is still on the counter, she probably went to the restroom." Then I could only hear the sound of footsteps moving back and forth, unsure if they were gradually fading away or lingering nearby. My body pressed against the door, my heart racing. I quickly turned to glance at the customer I had overlooked; he was surprisingly able to nonchalantly take off his shirt right in front of me, quite impressive. I quickly averted my gaze, not even catching a clear look at his appearance, just sensing that he was tall. By instinct, I felt that the store manager must be a bit displeased; going out at this moment would be like walking into a gunfire, and I couldn't explain myself at all, especially since I was the one slacking off, feeling guilty as a thief.

I might really be hungry, as I can still enjoy the completely cold pancake. "Zhu Zhu, hasn't Li Xin come to work yet?" I casually asked. Zhu Zhu nodded, "Yes, she is on the evening shift, so she might come a bit later." At this point, she should have arrived by now, so I tactfully said, "Is Le Le watching the sales area outside?" She took a big spoonful of cold noodles and replied, "Yes, I will let her take over after I finish eating. The store manager came specifically to help because Li Xin is on the evening shift." Le Le is mainly responsible for the cash register, while Zhu Zhu and Li Xin handle sales, and I am in charge of inventory—if I can continue to stay.

Just as I was about to resign myself to my misfortune and drop down ten yuan, that big brother from earlier dropped a coin with a "clink," adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose, and said, "Miss, next time don't forget to bring your card." I repeatedly expressed my gratitude, almost bowing in appreciation. Indeed, there are still many good people in this world

I let out a sigh of relief and handed over a ten yuan note. The ticket seller rummaged through the bag hanging by the window and said, "I don't have any change. Nowadays, everyone uses cards; who still buys tickets?" It pained me; I couldn't possibly spend ten yuan on a bus ride; it would be better to take a taxi! I looked around and asked the person next to me, "Excuse me, do you have change?" The person appeared to be an intellectual, wearing glasses and carrying a briefcase. He reached into his pants pocket, took out his wallet, glanced at it, and shook his head. I looked at the ticket seller with a pleading expression. I looked around again and asked the person next to me, "Excuse me, do you have change?" The person appeared to be an intellectual, wearing glasses and carrying a briefcase. He reached into his pants pocket, took out his wallet, glanced at it, and shook his head. I looked at the ticket seller with a pleading expression again. She had no choice but to raise her voice and ask, "Which comrade has change? Please exchange with this comrade." Who carries ten yuan in change on them? It's not like we're street vendors, I lamented.