As the movie ended, a bustling crowd poured out of the cinema.
The orange glow of the streetlights swayed gently in the summer night breeze.
Zhao Zhigang, still bearing the lingering emotions from the movie, turned his head and suggested gently:
"Comrade Li Jing, it's still early. The park ahead is lit up at night, and the scenery is quite nice. Would you like to... take another walk?"
Li Jing stopped and stood in the shadow of the streetlight, her head slightly lowered, her fingers curling slightly.
She was silent for a few seconds, then raised her head and looked at Zhao Zhigang with clear and honest eyes.
In the few hours she had spent with him, she really didn't feel anything for him.
Although Zhao Zhigang was a very good person, she had absolutely no intention of developing a further relationship with him.
Even though Zhao Zhigang didn't insist on an answer from her, she knew she couldn't continue being ambiguous, as it would both delay others and deceive herself.
After thinking for a moment, she stopped and called out to the person in front of her with a serious expression, "Comrade Zhao Zhigang."
Her voice was soft, but strangely firm: "Thank you so much for inviting me to the movies today, and thank you for your kindness and consideration."
But… I think we should call it a day. When I get back, I'll talk to my mom and have her explain to the matchmaker that it was my fault.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Zhigang's smile froze slightly, and a clear look of disappointment flashed in his eyes.
But he quickly adjusted his expression, maintaining his composure, and asked with a smile, "Can you tell me why? I think... you're a very nice lesbian, and I... I sincerely hope to continue developing our relationship."
His tone was sincere, with a hint of expectation.
Li Jing shook her head, her eyes filled with apology, but without the slightest hesitation, "You are a very good person, with a stable job, and you are also very good at dealing with people. You are excellent in every way. It's my own problem."
“But…” Zhao Zhigang raised his hand and scratched his head, “It really can’t continue. Don’t worry, even if we can only be friends in the future, I’m willing. Comrade Li Jing, I want you to give me a chance. Don’t people have to get to know each other first? If it doesn’t work out at first, who knows if we’ll change our minds after we get to know each other?”
Li Jing understood what he meant. She paused, but made up her mind and spoke softer, "Comrade Zhao, I'm really sorry. I can't lie to you, and I can't lie to myself. I lack that urge to spend my life together and start a family with you. If we force things like this, it won't be fair to you. I really don't want to hold you back, and I'm very sure that continuing to see you will only waste your time. I'm really sorry."
She spoke very frankly and sincerely.
Zhao Zhigang looked at her and saw an undeniable determination in her clear eyes.
He was silent for a moment, the disappointment on his face gradually turning into a helpless acceptance, and then he gave a bitter smile, "I understand. The word 'impulse'... is very true."
He sighed, then straightened his back, displaying the proper composure. "Very well, Comrade Li Jing, thank you for being so frank."
He extended his hand, his smile becoming much more relaxed, "Then I wish you... to find someone who can 'inspire' you in the future, and to have a happy and fulfilling life."
Li Jing looked at his outstretched hand and breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt a sense of respect.
She reached out and gently shook his hand, saying, "I also wish you find your other half soon, and happiness and good health."
He let go, and it seemed the matter was over.
Li Jing smiled and took two steps back, preparing to turn around. "Then I'll go back first. You should go home early too."
"Wait." Before she could turn around, Zhao Zhigang called out to her, his expression serious. "Even if we don't become a couple, we've still met today. It's getting late, and it wouldn't be right to let you go home alone. Let me walk you to the alley entrance, at least let me fulfill my courtesy today and see you home safely."
Looking at the unwavering determination in his eyes, Li Jing knew that this was his principle and upbringing, and that refusing again would only seem pretentious.
She nodded and said softly, "Then... I'll have to trouble you."
The two walked side by side on the street, which had become much quieter, maintaining a just-right distance.
This time, the subtle probing and awkwardness of the arrival were gone, and the atmosphere became peaceful instead.
They occasionally exchanged a few unimportant words, about the movie that night, or about the upcoming start of school.
...
Meanwhile, Lin Qiangguo's phone call was like a spark thrown into an oil drum, instantly igniting all of Guan Hongqi's suppressed rationality.
He threw down the broken pen, grabbed his car keys, and rushed out of the office without even saying a word to his secretary.
The car was practically flying along the road, and he had only one thought in his mind: to find her and clear up the misunderstanding between them!
Rushing to the movie theater, ignoring the questioning look from the ticket inspector at the door, he pushed open the door of the nearest screening room and barged in, like a trapped beast that had lost its way.
As the light and shadow shifted on the screen, the audience was disturbed by the sudden intrusion of a dark figure and the light streaming in through the open door, eliciting a chorus of discontented boos.
He disregarded everything else, anxiously scanning the blurry faces in his seat by the light from the screen, calling out, "Li Jing! Li Jing!"
Everyone present looked puzzled, having no idea what had happened.
A moment later, the waiter rushed over and tried to pull him away, "Comrade! Comrade! Please leave! You're disturbing everyone's movie viewing!"
Guan Hongqi seemed not to hear, shoved the waiter's hand away, his eyes bloodshot, and rushed into the second screening room, the third...
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