Getting married

At six in the morning, just as dawn was breaking, Tan Huaiyu stood in the kitchen, wearing an apron, intently frying eggs. The oil sizzled in the pan, and the egg mixture quickly solidified into a golden-yellow circle. He skillfully flipped it over, fried it for a few more seconds, and then put it into a lunchbox.

In the small pot beside him, the porridge was already cooked, the rice grains soft and fragrant. He ladled out a bowl, covered it, and put it in an insulated bag. He also stir-fried some greens and made scrambled eggs with tomatoes, packing them all away.

After doing all that, he breathed a sigh of relief and checked the time—6:40. He still had time to take a shower and change his clothes.

He took off his apron and went into the bathroom. The hot water washed away the fatigue of the night. He looked at himself in the mirror—there were obvious dark circles under his eyes, but his eyes were bright, with a hint of anticipation and excitement.

Seeing Qi Shuo every day is the happiest thing for him.

Yesterday, Qi Shuo said, "We'll talk about it the day after tomorrow." Although he didn't explicitly agree, he didn't refuse either. This means that... he can occasionally go to Sister Jin's house and pretend to be part of their family.

After making breakfast, Tan Huaiyu took a shower, quickly dried herself, changed into a simple white T-shirt and jeans, grabbed her insulated bag, and went out.

The streets were quiet in the early morning, with only the occasional street cleaner and joggers. Tan Huaiyu hailed a taxi and gave them the factory's address. As the car drove out of the city, the scenery outside the window gradually became more open and deserted.

The factory was in the suburbs, the environment wasn't great, but it was quiet. Tan Huaiyu got out of the car at the factory gate and squatted down in the corner—his usual spot. He checked the time; it was exactly seven o'clock. Qi Shuo should be coming out soon.

He held the insulated bag, waiting patiently. The morning breeze was a bit chilly, but he didn't feel cold. On the contrary, a warm feeling welled up inside him, making him feel cozy all over.

At 7:10, the factory gates opened. Qi Shuo walked out, wearing a dark blue work uniform, looking somewhat tired, but his brows relaxed slightly when he saw Tan Huaiyu.

"Good morning," Qi Shuo said, his voice calm, but with a gentleness he himself didn't even realize.

"Good morning." Tan Huaiyu stood up, brushed off non-existent dust from his jeans, and handed him the insulated bag. "Today we're having fried eggs and porridge, along with vegetables and scrambled eggs with tomatoes."

Qi Shuo took the insulated bag and nodded: "Okay."

The two walked side by side toward the cafeteria. On the way, Tan Huaiyu chattered on and on—about the progress of the law firm's renovation, the movie she watched last night, the news this morning… Qi Shuo responded half-heartedly, his voice calm, but at least he didn't refuse.

The cafeteria wasn't crowded, and the two found a corner seat. Tan Huaiyu opened the insulated bag, took out the lunchbox, and pushed it in front of Qi Shuo: "Try this; I cooked this porridge for a long time."

Qi Shuo picked up the spoon, scooped up a spoonful of porridge and put it in his mouth—the rice grains were soft and melted in his mouth, with a faint sweetness, it was indeed delicious.

"How is it?" Tan Huaiyu looked at him expectantly.

"Hmm." Qi Shuo nodded. "Not bad."

Tan Huaiyu smiled, her eyes curving into crescents: "That's good."

"Qi Shuo," Tan Huaiyu suddenly spoke, her voice soft, "Are you free this afternoon?"

"What's wrong?" Qi Shuo asked.

"I want to..." Tan Huaiyu hesitated for a moment, "I want to buy some books, can you come with me?"

Qi Shuo was silent for a moment, then finally nodded: "Mm."

Tan Huaiyu's eyes lit up instantly, as if filled with starlight: "Okay! Then... I'll wait for you at the factory gate at five o'clock this afternoon?"

"Mm," Qi Shuo responded.

The two continued eating in silence. The cafeteria was quiet, save for the occasional clinking of cutlery and the faint sounds of voices in the distance. Sunlight streamed through the windows, falling on them and creating a warm and tranquil scene.

Such days are ordinary yet beautiful.

Qi Shuo thought, perhaps... this is fine too.

Five o'clock in the afternoon, at the factory gate.

Qi Shuo walked out of the workshop and rubbed his slightly sore neck. A whole day's work had left his shoulders and arms stiff. He stretched and walked towards the factory gate—Tan Huaiyu was there again, this time standing by the flower bed, carrying a small bag.

"Qi Shuo!" Tan Huaiyu's eyes lit up when she saw him, and she quickly walked over. "You're off work?"

"Okay." Qi Shuo nodded. "Let's go."

The two walked side by side to the bus stop. On the way, Tan Huaiyu chattered on and on—about the progress of the law firm's renovation, the cases she handled today, what she wanted to eat for dinner… Qi Shuo responded casually, his voice calm, occasionally initiating conversations.

The bus arrived quickly, and the two boarded, finding window seats. Tan Huaiyu sat inside, while Qi Shuo sat outside. The bus slowly started moving, and the scenery outside the window rushed past.

Tan Huaiyu stole a glance at Qi Shuo—his profile was exceptionally clear in the sunlight, his features distinct, his eyes calm and deep. This Qi Shuo made his heart race, yet also inexplicably reassured him.

"What are you looking at?" Qi Shuo suddenly asked, his voice calm.

Tan Huaiyu was taken aback, then blushed: "N-nothing."

Qi Shuo didn't ask any further questions, but simply turned to look out the window. Sunlight shone on his profile, outlining a gentle silhouette.

Looking at him like this, Tan Huaiyu felt a surge of satisfaction. He lowered his head, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up.

These days are wonderful.

Inside the bookstore, the two of them were each selecting books.

Qi Shuo stood in the reference book section, flipping through a mechanical repair manual. Tan Huaiyu, on the other hand, was in the literature section, picking out several law-related books. They were both busy with their own things, occasionally glancing up at each other before lowering their heads back to their books.

Just then, a familiar voice suddenly rang out: "Qi Shuo?"

Qi Shuo looked up and saw a woman in a beige sweater dress standing next to the bookshelf—it was Ning Wan.

She has matured a lot since five years ago. Her long hair is tied up, her makeup is exquisite, and she has lost her baby fat and immaturity. Her eyes show a hint of fatigue and loneliness.

Qi Shuo was taken aback; he hadn't expected to see Ning Wan here.

Since that evening a few years ago, they have had no contact whatsoever, and one could even say that he had almost forgotten their past.

Although they didn't have much of a past to speak of.

"Ning Wan." Qi Shuo nodded and said calmly, "Long time no see."

"Long time no see." Ning Wan smiled, her gaze falling on Tan Huaiyu, who was picking out books not far away. She paused for a moment, then asked, "Who is he...?"

"I..." Qi Shuo suddenly found himself in a dilemma.

Friend? Younger brother? Or...?

"friend."

Finally, he spoke slowly.

On the other side, a "puppy" who had already chosen a book and was standing at the corner eavesdropping was taken aback.

He's not my brother, he's my friend.

Qi Shuo treated him as a friend.

The initial unease caused by Ning Wan's sudden appearance vanished instantly, leaving only satisfaction and joy.

Ning Wan was silent for a moment, then finally smiled and said, "It's fine." She looked around. "I just happened to be passing by and saw you, so I came over to say hello."

"Mm," Qi Shuo responded.

"How have you been lately?" Ning Wan asked softly.

"Not bad," Qi Shuo said. "How about you?"

"It's alright." Ning Wan smiled, though the smile seemed a little forced. "It's just... I've been a bit busy with work."

Qi Shuo nodded without saying anything.

He knew Ning Wan's marriage wasn't happy—Xiao Jue had mentioned before that Ning Wan's husband was a playboy who continued to have affairs after marriage. But he didn't want to ask further; after all… that was Ning Wan's private matter.

"Are you married?" Ning Wan asked, looking quietly at Qi Shuo.

Qi Shuo was taken aback, then shook his head: "No."

"Never thought about dating or anything?"

"No time."

Ning Wan smiled helplessly, sighed, and joked, "I really don't understand what kind of person you would like, but you'd better hurry up, Qi Shuo. If you're almost forty, then no young man will want you."

Qi Shuo listened in silence.

He hadn't really thought about starting a family. Ever since Ning Wan's incident that year, he had devoted almost all his energy and time to working, earning money, and supporting his family, leaving him with neither the opportunity nor the inclination to spare any energy for such matters.

But when Ning Wan suddenly brought it up, Qi Shuo even became curious.

What kind of person does he like?

Or, what kind of person would he like?

"Your... sister? Is she alright?" Ning Wan changed the subject and continued to ask.

"It's alright, much better than before."

"That's good." Ning Wan smiled. "By the way, it's been so long since we last met. Would you like to go out for dinner together later? You can bring your friend."

Qi Shuo hesitated for a moment, then finally shook his head: "No, I'm busy with work, and besides... he's shy."

Qi Shuo spoke without changing his expression, his gaze falling on the shadow on the floor at the corner.

Tan Huaiyu, who was hiding in the back, was taken aback: I'm shy? Okay, if he says I'm shy, then I'm shy.

"Oh..." Ning Wan was a little disappointed, but quickly smiled again, "Alright then. I'll be going now, you guys take your time."

"Okay, goodbye."

After Ning Wan left, Tan Huaiyu walked over, holding a few books, and casually asked, "Qi Shuo, what was that just now...?"

"A friend from before," Qi Shuo replied briefly.

"Oh." Tan Huaiyu nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

Another friend? How do you have so many friends? Is the whole world your friend?

Tan Huaiyu turned around, thinking angrily, "Well, that's it. My mood, which had just improved, is gone again." Tan Huaiyu's cheeks puffed up with anger.

Qi Shuo, standing behind Tan Huaiyu, whose back view clearly showed his displeasure, subtly curved the corners of his mouth.

The two continued browsing the bookstore, neither mentioning Ning Wan again. But Qi Shuo felt inexplicably irritated.

"Qi Shuo." Tan Huaiyu suddenly spoke, her voice very soft, "Are you... alright?"

"Okay." Qi Shuo nodded. "Let's go, pay the bill."

Tan Huaiyu didn't press further, simply following obediently. After paying, the two left the bookstore. The setting sun cast long shadows. Tan Huaiyu secretly glanced at Qi Shuo—his expression remained calm, but his eyes seemed unfocused, as if he were lost in thought.

"Qi Shuo," Tan Huaiyu said softly, "Shall we...go eat?"

"Okay." Qi Shuo nodded. "Let's go."

The two walked side by side to a nearby restaurant, neither speaking a word. But each harbored their own thoughts.