Chapter 16
That warm greeting across the internet on Thursday morning was like a ray of sunshine falling onto a calm lake, which continued to emit gentle ripples in the following hours.
For most of the rest of the day, and the entire Friday, they returned to the tacit understanding of not disturbing each other.
Each of us is busy in our own lane, dealing with a never-ending workload. But in our hearts, we all feel at ease. Knowing there's someone out there in another corner of town, living a similar, regular life, makes the busy and tedious workdays seem less unbearable.
On Friday afternoon, near the end of the workday, Lin Qi's phone screen lit up.
It is a Shenyan.
【Chen Yan: It’s finally Friday.】
This very common sigh shared by all office workers made Lin Qi laugh.
Before she could reply, his next message followed with an obvious, teasing smile.
[Chen Yan: Do you have any special plans for this weekend?]
[Chen Yan: Or are you planning your “next” invitation?]
He actually still remembered it.
Lin Qi looked at the message he sent, and her heart felt warm and soft. He remembered her casual promise of "I'll treat you next time", and in such a relaxed and considerate way, he gave her the perfect way out.
She smiled and cooperated very well, taking his joke.
[Lin Qi: My mistake caused the customer to rush the food.]
Then she told him the plan she had prepared long ago.
Lin Qi: I was just about to tell you that there's a Richard Clayderman piano concert at the Grand Theater this weekend. Are you interested in going?
Lin Qi: I was fascinated by his piano music when I was in middle school. I never expected him to tour China.
This is a very personal invitation.
She did not choose a more fashionable drama or a more elegant symphony. Instead, she chose a name that no longer belonged to this era and was full of nostalgia.
She had invited him to more than just a concert.
It is her Girls’ Generation.
Chen Yan looked at the invitation she sent, especially the sentence "I was a big fan of him when I was in junior high school", and was a little surprised at first. Then, a very gentle and understanding smile appeared on his face.
Richard Clayderman—this name is different from the Bach he often listened to, or the Pink Floyd he was obsessed with in college. It is more popular, softer, and carries the enlightenment memory of romanticism shared by a generation.
He knew very well that she invited him to share her past, which he found more precious than any carefully selected date designed to appear "tasteful."
[Chen Yan: Richard Clayderman...it's indeed a name that's both distant and familiar.]
[Chen Yan: It is my honor to be able to participate in your "Middle School Nostalgia Project."]
He happily accepted the invitation and accurately pointed out the true meaning behind this concert.
Then, as usual, he naturally got down to the specific implementation level and considerately shared the burden with her.
[Chen Yan: Is the time set? Is it Saturday or Sunday night? Do you need me to take care of the tickets?]
Seeing the message he sent, Lin Qi's smile deepened. He was always like this, able to understand all her unspoken thoughts in an instant.
Lin Qi: Sunday evening at 6 p.m. Okay, that's a deal. I'll book the tickets now.
She promptly set a time and insisted on completing this "treat" herself.
Chen Yan smiled at her capable yet insistent appearance. He didn't take her entire hospitality for granted, but based on her initiative, he found a very decent way for him to participate in the effort.
[Chen Yan: Since you're the one who invited me to the show, I'll arrange dinner. Is that fair?]
[Chen Yan: The show starts at six o'clock. We can have a quick bite nearby.]
This is a very mature and mutually respectful relationship model. It is not a one-sided give and take, but a mutual, give-and-take relationship.
[Chen Yan: Just book the ticket and send me the information.]
【Chen Yan: Have a nice weekend.】
Lin Qi: Okay. I love the flavor you chose. I'll leave it to you.
Seeing her reply that was full of complete trust and a hint of coquettishness, Chen Yan could almost imagine what she looked like as she typed, with a smile on her lips and bright eyes.
For him, this trust is an affirmation that is more effective than any praise.
He didn't say any more polite words, but followed her wishes and took on this "task" in a half-joking and half-serious tone.
【Chen Yan: Got it.】
[Chen Yan: This trust makes me feel a great responsibility.]
After sending this message, he didn't send any more messages.
All the appointments have been finalized, and all that remains is to get through this weekend and welcome Sunday.
The conversation ended, and the sky outside the window was completely shrouded in darkness. Lin Qi packed up her things, walked out of the office, and joined the surging crowd heading home. Her steps were more brisk than on any other Friday.
Because this upcoming weekend has a clear and warm coordinate.
A sweet promise about the "Middle School Nostalgia Project".
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