Chapter 9 I will also... also fall in love with you

He has been single for three years. As a normal single man, he certainly noticed that Qin Tian was very beautiful, with a mixed-race bone structure and good skin. But she was not his type. She was not his type in terms of personality, dress, or temperament. The woman who attracted him was the type who was fashionable, lazy and sexy, the type who would shine even in a crowd and be noticed at first sight. More importantly, his life was very free and busy. He did not want to enter into a tiring relationship. Long-distance relationships were undoubtedly the pinnacle of exhaustion. Not to mention that Qin Tian was not his type, even if it was a goddess he fell in love with at first sight, he would not start a long-distance relationship.

Tong Zhongyuan cleared his mind and thought out his words. He crossed his fingers, looked at her with the most sincere eyes he could muster, and said slowly, "I think I might have done something recently that could be misunderstood. I'm sorry for that. Qin Tian, ​​I think you're a great person, but long-distance relationships aren't something I'd consider. Thank you for the gift you chose. I'm very grateful and I like it. Since you bought it for me, I'll accept it. It's just that this gift is too expensive. Send me your bank account number later, and I'll transfer the money for the shoes to you. I appreciate your kindness, and I hope you don't mind."

Qin Tian stared at him blankly, unable to recall what she had just said. Had she lost her memory? Or had she been possessed? Had she just said she liked him and wanted to be in a relationship with him? If she hadn't said that, why had he suddenly brought up the topic of long-distance relationships?

Tong Zhongyuan saw her blank expression after being rejected, which seemed to be a big blow. He felt sorry for her, but there was nothing he could do. He turned around and called the waiter over, saying softly, "Pay the bill."

The waiter glanced at the table number and said, "That lady has already bought it."

Tong Zhongyuan looked back at Qin Tian. A mixture of emotions washed over him. She had come all the way from China; this was their first and last meal together, and he had kept her waiting for half an hour. During that time, she still didn't know what his response would be. She'd ordered a table full of food and paid the bill with such anticipation. What was he supposed to do? It would be too heartless to give her the money for the meal, too.

Qin Tian had recalled all the conversations. She was certain she hadn't said she wanted to date him. Perhaps, perhaps, there was something wrong with her way of expressing herself? Did she make him think she was pursuing him? She thought in frustration, she shouldn't have let her hair down, she shouldn't have worn a skirt. Didn't Lu Xun say that when you see white arms, you think of naked bodies? She must have triggered his association function. If she clarified the facts now, would he be angry and embarrassed? But... she could only clarify it. She couldn't leave with such a misunderstanding.

"Well," she said awkwardly, not daring to meet his eyes. "I think I misunderstood you. I...I don't want to have a relationship with you. I asked for your address because I bought something personal that can't be shipped to China, and I'm leaving soon, so I want you to pick it up for me."

After she finished speaking, she glanced at Tong Zhongyuan's face like a thief. She saw his fair skin gradually turn pink, spreading from his face to his ears, and it was getting redder. Only then did she realize what a truly miserable he looked like. She didn't dare to look anymore and quickly glanced out the window. But her heart was filled with anxiety. God, please, save him! He wouldn't refuse her request just because he was embarrassed. No, if God didn't save her, she would come to the rescue.

She stammered, adding, "I'm not saying you're unattractive. Of course you are. It's normal for a girl to like you. I... I would like you too, but we've only been together for a short time, so I haven't thought about it that way yet. That is, if we were together for a longer time... After all, you're beautiful, capable, and a very nice person. I just don't have... any such thoughts yet."

Tong Zhongyuan simply couldn't listen any further. Did she think this was comforting him? He only had one thought: could he escape? When he heard her say that she would fall in love with him over time, this thought turned into action. He pushed aside the table and chairs, stood up, and said, "Let's go."

Before she could answer, he turned and walked down the stairs alone. He pushed open the door and stepped outside. The cool breeze blew away the heat from his face. The dim light of the gas lamp trembled slightly, casting shadows on the stone road.

Qin Tian gently pushed the door open and walked out, timidly standing two or three meters away from him. Her hair flowed like a waterfall, making her face look even smaller. She stood in the corner, holding the gift bag, at a loss, looking at him from afar, like a child who had made a mistake.

Tong Zhongyuan looked at her quietly, a bitter feeling welling up in his heart. He didn't understand where this bitter feeling came from, he didn't even know what it felt like. It was a complex, indistinguishable emotion he had never experienced before. He walked towards her and said calmly, "I'll take you home."

She shook her head, looking a little melancholy. Her bright eyes fell on his face, and she asked in a very low voice, "Will you agree? Help me pick up a package."

"Agreed." He looked at the distant gas lamp. "Shall I send it to you after I receive it?"

Qin Tian relaxed. That was great. He was no longer angry. Her voice also became lighter.

"It's not convenient to mail the things I bought. When the exhibition is over, will your museum send someone to China to take them over?"

"Probably. But it won't be me. I'm responsible for inspecting and delivering the artifacts onto the ship, and that's it."

"Then can you ask your colleagues to bring the express back for me?" Qin Tian asked cautiously.

Tong Zhongyuan frowned: "I can't guarantee it, but I can try."

"Then thank you for your help." Qin Tian nodded to him.

"I'll send the address to your phone later. Give me your bank card number."

Qin Tian was stunned. Why did he mention the card number again? Tong Zhongyuan didn't look at her. He took the gift bag from her hand.

"I appreciate the kindness. It's a small favor like this, but you don't need such an expensive gift. Treating me to a meal is enough."

There is no fog in London at night today, but the mist of ancient stories is still flowing. A corner of the British Museum is immersed in the night, like a lonely white sail that will never reach the shore.

"Tong Zhongyuan," she extended her hand to him, "Nice to meet you."

He shook the hand with slender but strong fingers and calloused hands: "Me too."

"Well, goodbye." A corner of her skirt was blown up by the wind, and she smiled in the night breeze.

"Goodbye." His voice cut through the night.

Tong Zhongyuan turned and left, carrying the gift bag. Moonlight bathed him, and the gas lamp cast a long shadow on him.

Over twenty years ago, she hadn't considered whether her farewell to Tong Zhongyuan was a final one. She was too young to understand what a farewell meant. She assumed they would meet again someday, just like the words "goodbye." She had never imagined they would be 30 years old by the time they met again. Was this, their final meeting?

"The end" is like the ending of a story. Whether good or bad, it marks a period, an end, and a new beginning. But life has no end.

She watched his back gradually disappear into the darkness and sighed.

"Goodbye, Tong Zhongyuan."

Tang Zhixu arrived a little early. He pulled into the Pudong Airport parking garage and found a coffee shop in the arrival area to wait for someone.

The last message Qin Tian sent him was "It's passed." Although he didn't know what she bought this time, he was relieved.

Flight information scrolled across the airport screen, indicating that the London-Shanghai flight had arrived. He knew it would take at least half an hour to clear customs, but he couldn't help but get up and head to the exit to wait.

The crowd continued to emerge. Some beamed as they walked towards their friends and family, while others strode away, talking on their phones. Qin Tian's face finally peeked out from behind the crowd, pushing a luggage cart with two suitcases on it. Tang Zhixu instantly understood what those new suitcases meant.

Qin Tian had already seen Tang Zhixu, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart. She had never thought that one day seeing his face would make her so excited that she wanted to cry.