After Ye Zhi sent me a message, I became restless. I wished time could pass faster. I even wondered what Ye Zhi would be dressed like today and what color suitcase she would be carrying.

Compared to this inexplicable feeling of anticipation, I was also conflicted about something: given today's traffic congestion, I definitely had to ride my motorcycle to pick up Ye Zhi, but Yang Sisi had already said something, which made me very troubled, even though it was a very small matter.

I started making assumptions. If Ye Zhi's suitcase was too big, then this racing car-shaped "little ninja" would definitely be inconvenient to load. So what I needed was a scooter.

Thinking about it this way, I suddenly understood, so I ran to knock on Brother Ping's door...

Just then, Brother Ping opened the door and came out of the house carrying a suitcase.

I asked with a puzzled look, "Aren't you planning to spend the Chinese New Year in Dali this year?"

"Let's take a trip to Thailand."

"Is something going on with you?"

Bottle Bro retorted, "Does that mean you can't travel alone?"

I smiled without saying a word...

Brother Ping changed the subject and asked me again, "Did you want to see me about something?"

"Lend me your scooter for a moment, I need to pick someone up from the airport."

As he pulled out his keys, Ping said to me, "You're the one who's really got something going on... picking someone up on a motorcycle, are you looking for romance?!" After a slight pause, he added, "Wait a minute... don't you have a motorcycle yourself?"

"I have luggage, but my car can't carry luggage, no."

Brother Ping handed me the car keys, then patted me on the shoulder and said, "Young man, keep up the good work, it's time to find a girlfriend."

"Why does what you're saying sound so awkward... What do you mean by 'work hard'?"

"Being a good partner and working hard are the same thing."

"When you, an experienced driver, start driving, I really can't sit still!"

Brother Ping gave me a meaningful look, and I took the keys from his hand. Just as Brother Ping was about to leave, I remembered something and quickly called him back.

Bottle complained, "Can't you just say everything in one go?"

I joked, "You've gone out to play, so you don't need the house for a while. Give me the key... I'll stay here for a few days."

Ping Ge took out a bunch of keys from his pocket, and was about to hand them to me, but then suddenly took them back and said, "What, are you planning to let someone else sleep in that room?"

"You really know me inside and out." After saying that, I tried to snatch the key from Brother Ping's hand.

While pushing me away, Brother Ping said, "I can't give you this key... Don't be a coward. It's nice for two people to share a room. You can admire the flowers and look at the moon when you have nothing to do... When I was your age, I liked to invite girls to my place to chat and eat sunflower seeds... The room doesn't need to be big, but the bed must be big. Maybe if the girl gets hooked on the conversation, she won't want to leave!"

"It's not appropriate...it's really not appropriate, it's not that close."

"Child, a youth without a bit of romance is a wasted youth!"

"That's vulgar, not romantic... Come on, give me the key."

"No way... I don't have time to waste with you, my ride is waiting outside."

As soon as Brother Ping finished speaking, he took off running...

I yelled at the top of my lungs, "Brother, you can't joke like that! ...It's Chinese New Year, every inn is fully booked. Where are you going to stay if she comes?"

"Don't play the gentleman with me... When I get back, you've got to treat me to a nice meal. Not everyone's willing to give you such a great opportunity..."

"When you come back... I'll fucking have a baby with some girl and you can have it as your godson, okay?"

"If you dare to do it, I dare to take the blame... By the way, do you want me to send you some Thai herbal oil? It's absolutely amazing!"

"Isn't that stuff for treating sprains and bruises?"

Ping Ge just carried his suitcase and ran further and further away. He didn't reply to me, and I mentally labeled him as a bystander, a complete old scoundrel who loved watching the drama unfold.

Honestly, even though this old scoundrel said so many vulgar things to me, my heart remains steadfast. I believe that when you truly care about someone, you won't rush to possess them; you'll only carefully cherish every moment you spend together, and the future...

I just don't know if I'll still think that way when night falls.

...

After Ping left, I pushed the scooter out of his storage room, then checked the time. It was just past one o'clock, and going to the airport now seemed a bit early... But then I thought: going early isn't so bad, after all, the roads are so congested, we definitely need to allow some time to deal with unexpected situations.

I ate a simple bowl of noodles for lunch, then settled the two groups of guests who had just arrived. After that, I set off on my motorcycle from the shopping street, heading towards the airport...

The weather was perfect today. Even Xiaguan, known for its strong winds, was calm thanks to the sunshine. Erhai Lake was like a clear blue mirror, reflecting my surroundings on the lakeside road. The advantages of a motorcycle made me feel refreshed. I weaved through the cars stuck in traffic, my agility making everyone envious...

At this moment, I felt as if I had returned to my childhood, like a gust of wind, leaving my mark on the crowded yet beautiful coastal road.

...

The journey went very smoothly, so when I arrived at the airport it was only 2:30. Ye Zhi's flight was not scheduled to land until 4:00. With the addition of baggage collection and other trivial matters, I wouldn't be able to see Ye Zhi until at least 4:30. These two extra hours felt like an eternity.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!