The strange taste suddenly returned, and the shy and charming love letters came frequently to send to the beautiful woman.
The strange taste suddenly returned, and the shy and charming love letters came frequently to send to the beautiful woman.
Since this was his last chance to relax before returning to work, Qian Jianjun drank a lot tonight and was filled with emotion. He even changed seats to sit next to Xue Jiuyue, as if he had a lot to say. "I'll be busy tomorrow and won't be here every day. If there's anything I can help with, please don't be shy. You can call me at any time for anything. If I don't answer, you can call Lao Zhou the same way. I've repeatedly emphasized to him that your matter always comes first and must be dealt with as soon as possible."
Qian Jianjun regretted not replying to Xue Jiuyue's message last time for a long time, and he repeatedly explained to Xue Jiuyue. But his words still touched Xue Jiuyue deeply. There are many people in her phone book now, but there are only a few people she can really call without thinking, except for her parents.
However, Qian Jianjun's concern did not stop there. Alcohol had confused his usually meticulous logic, causing him to continue mumbling.
"Whenever I have time, I'll go back to the cafe. I really don't want to leave this paradise. Also, can I write to you? You don't need to reply."
"Our basketball team's activities must continue. I've already told Lao Zhou about it, and he's in charge of the arrangements. I'll be there if I can! If I can't come, don't leave any of you behind, especially you. More exercise is good for your body and mind, especially contact sports. After these few days, are you not as afraid as before?"
"I always want to give you a gift, but you won't let me. Actually, it's not about anything else, I just want to express my inner feelings. It's just like when you gave Lao Zhou a gift. If I don't give him one, I'll feel like there's something wrong with my heart. Do you feel the same way?"
"This month has been the most relaxing and happiest time I've had in all these years. I'm grateful for the time, grateful for you! I'm grateful for the wine, let's get drunk!"
…
Qian Jianjun chattered on and on, and Xue Jiuyue didn't interrupt much, just smiling, watching, drunkenly, and nodding occasionally. Although she knew Qian Jianjun's inner "intentions", the concern revealed in her words was genuine.
Ke Yike couldn't hear what they were talking about, but he envied the relaxed demeanor of the two.
"Ying'er?"
"uh-huh."
"Why aren't I as casual with Sister Yue as Brother Jun when talking to her? Logically, Sister Yue and I have known each other longer."
"Because Sister Yue is your boss and your benefactor, that's why you care! You're still pretty good. Look, when Qiu Nian saw Yi Yi, he was like a mouse seeing a cat!"
Ke Yike glanced at the "mouse" who was timidly looking at the "cat" next to him, and whispered to Zhou Ying, "Doesn't that mean Qiu Nian is hopeless?"
"That's not necessarily true. Yiyi is not stupid, how could she not understand? I just don't know why Qiu Nian was so nervous that he completely lost his composure in front of Yiyi."
"Maybe Yiyi is a little aloof sometimes."
"Being too nervous will mask your strengths and magnify your weaknesses. This is especially disadvantageous at the beginning of your acquaintance. You and Qiu Nian are good brothers, so when you have time, try to persuade him to just be himself! When it's time to express your feelings boldly, do so. If you don't have confidence, who would think you're trustworthy?"
Isn’t Zhou Ying’s advice to Qiu Nian also applicable to Ke Yike?
"Ying'er?"
"uh-huh!"
"Come on, let's go!"
…
Qian Jianjun did indeed get busy with work in the following days, no longer soaking up the "moments" of time like before. But like Mr. Qiu, he tried to clock in every day. Sometimes he'd just pass by, hurriedly entering the shop to say hello and a few words to Xue Jiuyue, grab a cup of coffee, and then leave. Sometimes he'd arrive late, and Xue Jiuyue had already gone home, so he'd chat with Ke Yike or Qiu Nian.
It is true that his contact with Xue Jiuyue is less than before, but Qian Jianjun's presence in "Inch by Inch of Time" has not diminished.
Starting from Monday, every morning when the shop opens, a courier will deliver a bouquet of flowers and a beautiful card. Each card will have a cheesy love message written on it, such as:
"Don't try to persuade me to turn back. If I can't even knock down the south wall, how can I get into your heart?"
"I couldn't sleep last night, so I kept repeating your name in my mind. When I said it for the 28,800th time, I realized it was daybreak."
"Last night I punished my eyes by not allowing them to rest all night! Because they didn't see you all day yesterday!"
…
What is most surprising is that these cheesy love words are obviously handwritten with a fountain pen, and the vigorous running script has a powerful and majestic aura.
Xue Jiuyue simply smiled at all of this. Initially, the flowers and cards were placed only on the "special table" reserved for the young couple. Later, as they appeared every day, they gradually spread to other tables.
Peaceful days pass day by day, from one package a day to two now. There are the same leaves and flowers, but also new photos and love messages. Every day, the same people are by my side or online, but every moment, different scenery or memories appear in my heart or before my eyes... The days are as plain as water, slightly sweet, slightly sour, with a little smile, a little thought...
A week's workday passed quickly. Slightly different from before, this week Xue Jiuyue would often walk behind the bar in the coffee shop during the day to chat quietly with Ke Yike and others, and then check her phone.
The only difference was that on Friday, Xue Jiuyue called Ke Yike and the others early in the morning and gave them some instructions.
It turned out that today was Mrs. Qiu's birthday. Qiu Nian told Xue Jiuyue that for some reason, Mr. Qiu had set a family rule: no guests, no cake, and no candles for birthdays. He, as a son, didn't even know his father's birthday. Every birthday for him or Mrs. Qiu was just a small family gathering. However, since last year, Mrs. Qiu's birthday has been celebrated "inch by inch", and Xue Jiuyue and the others were still in the dark. This year, Xue Jiuyue set the tone: a low-key celebration, while expressing the thoughts of the younger generation.
When Mr. and Mrs. Qiu came to "Inch by Inch of Time" before dinner, many details were different from before.
Upon entering, Zhou Ying led them to a table by the window. Thanks to Qian Jianjun's efforts, the table had been decorated with lilies and roses, fragrant and beautiful. A closer look revealed a crane, folded from a napkin, standing beside the bouquet, complementing the flowers beautifully. The crane's symbol of longevity stemmed from Zhou Ying's skillful handiwork.
The couple understood Xue Jiuyue and the others' intentions and didn't say much. Instead, they looked at each of them with gratitude and nodded.
For dinner, Mr. Qiu ordered steak, salad, and bread. But when the food arrived, they were pleasantly surprised to discover that the steak was a combination of two meats, a creation of Ke Yike's. The flavor was excellent and suited Mr. Qiu's romantic taste, earning him praise.
The main course, bread, which appeared next, was a work of art. It depicted a photo of Mr. and Mrs. Qiu in varying shades of burnt color, stunning the couple so much that they came over to express their gratitude.
Fortunately, Qiu Nian arrived and explained the reason, allowing the couple to continue their time alone. However, the birthday gift Qiu Nian left behind still made them excited.
The inner-painted bottle sent by Qiu Nian, the silk scarf sent by Lin Yiyi, and the nourishing products sent by Xue Jiuyue are all full of heartfelt gifts...
Xue Jiuyue was also quite excited by the excitement and happiness of the old couple Qiu. She was still excited before going to bed, so she set an alarm for the first time.
It turns out that using an alarm clock is like buying insurance. When you really need it, there are many clauses that prevent you from being in danger, such as turning off the alarm without hearing it or waking up. And more often, it just adds a layer of security and peace of mind, but it doesn't actually work, such as waking up before the scheduled time or, like Xue Jiuyue, not getting much sleep at all.
About ten minutes after the time I had agreed to set the alarm, the phone rang.
"Good morning!" It was Liu Che's gentle voice.
"Good morning!"
"What? Didn't you sleep well?"
"You can hear that too?"
"Well, it's not the dry and hoarse voice of just waking up, but it does have a hint of fatigue. How about catching up on some sleep and we can meet again another day?"
"No, I haven't had a good sleep for more than a day or two! I can't make up for it even if I want to! It's better to be a little tired and make up for it all at once tonight."
"Okay then, see you later!"
"Yeah, see you later! No need to pick me up, I'll take a taxi, so take your time packing!"
"No, I'll pick you up!"
"Be good! This way we'll have more time!"
"oh!"
Xue Jiuyue did not refuse anymore. She had already packed everything and was ready to go. Everything was under control!
Driving out of the slightly dim basement, the oncoming morning sun was a bit dazzling. I averted my eyes to the shadows beside me, the visual impact was as sudden as the sudden brakes.
It’s Liu Che.
He was wearing a black sports outfit, carrying a mountaineering bag that was taller than him, and holding a packing bag in his hand.
"Let's stop by the roadside and have some breakfast!" Liu Che spoke gently as soon as he sat on the passenger seat, interrupting Xue Jiuyue's words.
"You?...Hmm!"
When the car stopped, Liu Che handed over a takeaway bag containing a latte and a croissant with a fried egg already in it. It must have been freshly bought, as the bread was still warm, and the coffee was at Xue Jiuyue's favorite temperature, about 85°C.
"Don't you want to eat something? Let's have half each?"
"I've eaten, you can just eat! I'll drink coffee with you! Let's have a drink, I wish you a happy day!" As Liu Che spoke, he took out a cup of coffee and raised it.
"cheers!"
Familiar flavors, familiar surroundings, familiar people—all combined together, it felt like a whole new experience. With a deep breath, the fatigue from a sleepless night was healed by the excitement and rich aroma of coffee.
"Xiao Ming? What flavor of coffee do you like?"
"Black coffee."
"So bitter? Why?"
"It quenches my thirst! And I'm used to it."
Xue Jiuyue originally thought that Liu Che would say something philosophical again, but was surprised by his sudden bluntness.
"Is it that simple?"
"So what else? I'm not as particular about coffee as I am about tea. Adding sugar and milk makes it feel too cloying, not as authentic as black coffee."
"You really don't want to eat something? I'll give you half?"
"I really have eaten. You should eat quickly! We still have to hurry up after eating!" Liu Che's warm smile bloomed in the morning light, golden and so handsome - yes, there is no so much reason, he is just handsome!
As if afraid of being discovered, Xue Jiuyue hurriedly lowered her head to taste her breakfast. After taking a light bite, she couldn't help but turn her head to take another peek.
But when her taste buds reflected the taste of bread, she no longer cared about Liu Che in front of her.
Is it the most delicious?
Not necessarily!
Is it the most suitable?
Not necessarily!
Is it the most familiar?
It feels like...
Like a long-awaited hug, it seeps from the tip of my tongue to my heart. It's clearly there, yet I can't see it clearly, like a mirage, separated by the dust of reincarnation. It's clearly familiar, but I can't recall it, like a dream, only remembering the feeling and taste.
Is it the smell of "Little Leaf" waking you up in the morning?
I'd rather believe it's true.
But it's not certain.
But is there any other explanation besides this?
As if not.
A closer look reveals a unique spice. A subtle, cool bitterness brings a refreshing aftertaste. Chewing it more slowly, the sweetness is accompanied by a hint of saltiness, which grows stronger and stronger. Before I knew it, I was already crying.
"What's wrong? Is it not tasty? Or..." Liu Che's concern always comes in time.
"No, no, they're so delicious! Where did you buy them? I'll buy a few more for lunch!"
"Bread, coffee? Or fried eggs?"
"Not together?"
Liu Che was a little curious, but he described it truthfully. "I bought the bread and coffee at the coffee shop around the corner. They only had bread and coffee, though. As I was coming out, I heard a mobile breakfast cart selling egg-filled pancakes, so I asked the vendor to fry me an egg without the pancake."
"Thank you so much for taking so much trouble! And they are really delicious. I will buy a few more later and you can try them too!" Not sure how many subtle abnormalities Liu Che had heard, Xue Jiuyue gave a perfect explanation.
"OK!"
When Xue Jiuyue drove to the corner, the familiar coffee shop was still there, but the mobile breakfast cart that Liu Che mentioned was nowhere to be seen.
Liu Che heard Xue Jiuyue looking around and asked, "What are you looking for?"
"I didn't see the mobile breakfast cart you mentioned! I often eat the bread from this cafe, so the difference must be the fried egg."
"Oh, the breakfast cart is on the sidewalk on the left side of the cafe. There should be a flower bed next to it with roses in bloom."
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